Rochelle Baker
Journalist | Quadra Island |
English
About Rochelle Baker
Rochelle Baker is the Quadra and Cortes Islands reporter for Canada's National Observer, thanks to a grant from the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada. Rochelle has worked as a newspaper reporter and photographer in BC's Lower Mainland for over 10 years.
B.C. premier warns forestry sector, but no mention of old-growth
Meanwhile, increasing numbers of people, frustrated by the rate at which the province is protecting old-growth, are heading to the Fairy Creek blockades near Port Renfrew in the B.C. premier’s Vancouver Island riding.
‘They were not there’: First Nations feel betrayed after fish farm court decision
Homalco Chief Darren Blaney says wild salmon and First Nations will suffer after fish farm companies won a court challenge against a ban on restocking their sites in the Discovery Islands.
Salmon farms win court victory — but the battle’s not over yet
A Federal Court judge has ruled in favour of Mowi Canada West and Saltstream, which challenged Fisheries Minister Bernadette Jordan’s policy decision to ban the restocking of pen sites in the Discovery Islands ahead of the June 2022 fish farm phaseout.
Teal-Jones wins court ban on Fairy Creek old-growth blockades
Fairy Creek activists say Thursday's court decision to remove blockaders protecting old-growth trees from logging in cut blocks on southern Vancouver Island will only act as a “flashpoint” for growing public support.
B.C. imposes ‘circuit breaker’ as COVID variants, cases surge
On Monday, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry revoked indoor dining, group fitness classes, and limited worship services, which had been granted just last week, until April 19.
B.C.’s Indigenous tourism operators betting on local markets
Indigenous tourism in B.C., and across Canada, was on a solid upward trajectory before the pandemic decimated the industry last year. And 2020 was expected to be a banner year.
Fish farms and conservationists tussle over transfers in court
An environmental coalition is in court to try and prevent salmon farm companies from securing a ruling to allow the transfer of 1.2 million fish to sites in the Discovery Islands this summer, despite a federal ban around restocking the farms.
A nation dispersed: The Tlowitsis lay foundations to rebuild community
Displaced from their traditional territories and scattered across Vancouver Island and beyond for more than 50 years, the Tlowitsis First Nation is on the cusp of breaking ground on a home for its people.
Wave of protests aim to protect B.C.’s ancient old-growth
Almost 30 communities are planning demonstrations, actions or activities Friday as part of this year’s Forest March BC, and more will likely come on board as the hours go by, says organizer Taryn Skalbania.
Remote island communities embrace COVID-19 vaccination rollout
Quadra and Cortes islands are among the 30 smaller, remote communities included in Island Health’s whole community approach to vaccinations.