Part 1: The Legacy

The Secrets of the Six Mountains Series is about the future of the rare Coastal Douglas-fir and Western Hemlock forests of North Cowichan, including Mt. Tzouhalem, Prevost, Stoney Hill, Maple, Richards and Sicker. These endangered forests are unique in Canada, owned not by a private forest company or the provincial government, but by the community; and yet in 2018 few citizens knew this.

That same year, Icel Dobell released ’The Legacy,’ a video that alerted citizens to the advance of clearcutting by the Municipality of North Cowichan. The Legacy went viral locally and a grassroots organization, Where Do We Stand, emerged. Some 1,500 people signed a petition seeking a pause in logging pending public consultation and education from diverse forest experts. Hundreds of citizens showed up at Council meetings to protest the logging of the Six Mountains.

In February 2019, Council listened, declared a pause in logging, and ordered a public consultation on the highest and best use of the forests.

Part 2: The Animal Forest Campaign

“A lovely fable, well read, and wonderful language.” —Wade Davis, author and advocate.

“Lyrical, beautiful, gentle but with a strong message. A modern day Wind In The Willows.”  —Kathy Code, Eco forestry advocate.

“Brilliant,” —Richard Hughes, Cowichan Conversations

“A beautiful and evocative video that deserves international attention for its important message that all humanity can relate to.” —Frances Litman, Creatively United For The Planet

Three years after North Cowichan paused logging of the Six Mountains, after repeated delays, the public consultation has resumed — and will end within a few short months.

Dobell is seizing this critical moment to release her second short video, a story aimed at people who want to play their part to protect our children’s future.

Produced by Arrowsmith Media. Support from Duncan Garage, Cafe and Bakery and Glow Juicery. Hummingbird and squirrel masks by Nancy Wesley Designs. Owl by Jasmine Rose.

Dedicated to Ray Travers who devoted his life to the forests.

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