Interview today on CBC Radio:
Canada has a lot of environmental crusaders these days and some stand out more than others. Since he was a young boy, Simon Jackson, (now 22), has made a lasting impression on thousands of people in this country and around the world. He developed a passion for bears when he saw his first wild bear at the age of seven. After raising money to save a single animal, he decided that anyone could make a difference to endangered bears. Since then he has focused on saving the rare Kermode bear - sometimes called the "Spirit Bear" - which is only found in a remote corner of BC.
The Kermode bear is a genetically-distinct albino, dependent for its existence on maintenance of its threatened ecosystem. Ocean Light Adventures II, are the originators of Spirit Bear tours into the Great Bear Rainforest and for 15 years have been taking people aboard their 71-foot sailboat to see these bears. Their web site conveys something of the spectacular beauty of this animal and its setting. The movie? Well, believe it or not, (according to the interview with Jackson) some of the makers of recent popular animations, like The Lion King and Shrek are preparing to team up and make a movie intended to raise awareness and support for the Kermode. The BC government has said it is committed to protecting this bear's habitat. Meanwhile, there is much action that can be taken to make sure this bear, and the other animals and plants that live with it in The Great Bear Rainforest have a secure home.
- Spirit Bear Youth Coalition - founded by Simon Jackson
I think the intentions of the movie are good but I think the movie will bring to much publicity to the white bear and it's habitat. I think proper guidelines should be developed with first nations before the releasing of this movie. I have worked with this first hand and already there are too many people navigating princess royal island in search for this white bear.
Posted by: Douglas Neasloss | Friday, November 26, 2004 at 08:46 PM
Douglas,
Thanks for your comments, a welcome perspective. The possibility of offshore oil-drilling and the increasing attention brought to this area by the Winter Olympics can only add to the publicity. Have you made any progress in liaising with the makers of this movie?
Posted by: JN | Saturday, November 27, 2004 at 10:18 PM
An update - JN
Enviros and Industry Ring Alarm over Great Bear Project
They fear government delay risks B.C.’s reputation and a $100 million investment in a complex Central Coast preservation initiative.
By Charles Campbell
Published: April 28, 2005
http://thetyee.ca/News/2005/04/28/EnvirosRingAlarmOverGreatBearProject/
Posted by: JN | Tuesday, May 03, 2005 at 04:18 PM
Via Greenpeace: Take action
Tell the Premier of BC to protect the Great Bear Rainforest The Great Bear Rainforest is the largest coastal intact temperate rainforest left on the planet - and it remains unprotected. Over the last decade, blockades and marketplaces actions have brought world attention to this region. Now a solution agreed to by industry, environmental groups, communities and workers exists. Now is the time for the government of British Columbia to protect one third of the region from logging and create a new approach to forest management. To send a free fax right now to the Premier of BC, click here>> http://tdw.thindataworks.com/a/l.x?token=pkfdgbajhlbjmmgldpdbgnigkejahllkmdakimgngknnonhohfmafgkoopgoob&link=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eactionworks%2Eca%2Fclientfiles%2Fgreenpeace%2Factioncentres%2Fgreat%5Fbear%5Falert%2Ftakeaction%2Ejsp&l=1
Posted by: JN | Friday, June 24, 2005 at 11:33 PM
I have talked to Premier Campbell about "My Vision" for protecting the Spirit Bear and all the other plants & wildlife on Princess Royal Island. I did not just talk to him but came up with a solution to a problem of the potential harm created by TOO MUCH media attention. Please see this webpage for a great solution www.judiwildartist.com/myvision.html
Posted by: Judi Wild | Tuesday, November 22, 2005 at 10:30 AM
I think that what you are doing is great and that a movie woud help these bears out alot. I think that the countrie should start thinking more about our wonder ful nature than money. i think that if the movie was funny yet touching and interesting it would help people think more about not only the spirit bear but also other endangered animals that need to be saved. i love animals and i would do anything to help but what you are doing takes alot of courage and respect because these bears are a living ,breathing part of our world and the deserve respect.
Posted by: katie | Monday, September 25, 2006 at 06:53 PM
I am reading touching spirit bear with my sixth grade class and so far it's awesome. Ben Mikelson is a great author
Posted by: | Wednesday, November 05, 2008 at 08:11 AM
i think this movie is verygood :)
cause it shows alot of detail into the transition into manhood.
Posted by: JOE | Tuesday, November 11, 2008 at 04:20 PM
anyone now where i can buy the book?? i need answer asap
Posted by: carrie | Monday, December 12, 2011 at 04:20 PM