You know... when I read my last posting a few days ago.. I was feeling pretty lame... I thought my signing of the littlest hobo as I left Inuvik was just juvenile and dumb.

But after leaving Dawson City yesterday I feel quite differently. You see as I was driving away last night and Forbes was asking questions on camera.. I was crying. Crying because of fact that I was feeling like I was leaving home once again.. crying because I was leaving so much love behind, and crying because of so much that's been going on in my head lately.. things that I have to face down the road, and crying because... life is beautiful. Although I have left Dawson, I have a home there... I actually have two homes. These are homes that will always be open for me to stay in.. these are homes where my heart is... and most importantly these are homes that are filled with people I love.

The rest of The Littlest Hobo theme song goes as follows..

"Maybe tomorrow I'll want to settle down, until tomorrow, the whole world is my home."

This is what gets me.. this feeling that the whole world is my home.. this feeling that if we all put our minds to it, we could open up the world and create a beautiful and open place, where everyone has a home, where everyone is welcome and where all our needs our met. It's about community I guess, and the willingness to open ones doors, not only the doors to our physical homes, but the doors to our spirits, the doors to our hearts and the doors to the solutions that lay in waiting. A better world is possible.

I have some other blogs that are waiting in draft form.. blogs about the dempster, blogs about bugs, blogs about solitude and blogs about tv interviews.. but right now... this blog is the only one that matters to me.. and it's unedited and pretty raw.. but I don't care... it captures the fact that I'm in love with world.. and that I'm torn between feeling both happy and sad... Happy that that whole world IS my home.. and sad that, for now, I have to keep moving on.

peace,
d

Location: Just South of Eagle Plains, Yukon Territory
Date: June 24, 2006
Time: 10:23am
Temp: 18°C
State: Content

It's sunny and nice today, except for a few bugs. They weren't bad this morning and I had a chance to stand outside with my shirt off and stretch in the warm morning sun. But all this soon changed, to the point that I am now hiding out in the van while large swarms of mosquitos hover outside like black liquid waiting to fill any available space.

When I was up North in Inuvik I had some interesting conversations about mosquitos and the impact they have on the world. I was talking with my friend Mike who was relaying a story told to him by a Inuvialuit hunter about the caribou last year. He was saying how last year was a great year for the caribou.. the meat was full and tender and the herd was strong... why?.. It was because of the mosquitos. You see, last summer was a bad summer with lots of cold spells which killed off many of the bugs. With less bugs the caribou were able to relax, eat and be merry without having to run and swat all the time... this resulted in a more tender and full meat for the hunter to harvest.

I find that so facinating.. how the mosquito population can have such a major impact on the caribou and therefore on the local subsistance hunter. It speaks to this concept of everything being interconnected and nothing existing in isolation.

All this talk about caribou also got me thinking about humans and our impact on the natural world. When we really stop and take stock of our place in nature, we may come to the conclusion that we're really quite small and insignificant in the grand scheme of things, But, this does not mean that we aren't leaving a very large footprint behind. And, if something as small as a mosquito can alter an entire population of caribou, what is the impact of a city, a gas pipeline, a drilling platform in the Mackenzie Delta, or 200,000 RV'ers up to visit the WILD Yukon... I'd hazard a guess that the impact is huge.

Tangent: Another caribou fun fact: Scientists believe that due to global warming, the temperature of the land where the caribou roam has become inconsistent, causing the snow to melt during the day and then freeze at night, creating layers of ice. These layers of ice have made it more difficult for the caribou to access the lichen they live off during the winter. Often they will cut open their legs, severely injuring themselves as they dig throught the deep snow.

The balance becomes $money$ versus a fragile ecosystem.. in the end it seems to me that the almighty dollar and the arguement for an economy always wins out. But... in the END.. as in the End Game of Life, which may or may not be rapidly approaching, it's us who lose out. In a few more decades, we'll probably find ourselves truly cash rich and planet poor. And, when many are going hungry and faced with the true realization that we can't eat money, we may finally question how much sense all this economic growth made in the first place. I'm not slamming economic growth, money is neither good or evil, but I am questioning the value of economic growth at the cost of everything else. Where is the tipping point?

I personally feels it's time to use our creativity, resources and technology to 'take care' of our environment, instead of continuing our preoccupation with our pocketbooks. ('take care' because maybe it's not so much about taking care.. but instead about getting out of the way)

peace,
d

Location: Inuvik, NWT
N68°21.722’ W133°42.829’
Date: June 22, 2006
Time: 1:31pm
Temp: 10°C Light Drizzle
State: Excited to be heading out on the road again. Sad to say goodbye to Inuvik.

We've been in and around Inuvik since April 22nd. Two months. In that time we've had some great adventures and met some amazing people. The people of Inuvik have been so kind to us, so giving, and so supportive of our path.

This place feels like home.

In a very short period of time we have found a wonderful, warm and giving community. We have been a part of this community's growth and development and now we find ourselves drifting on. I feel like the Littlest Hobo... remember that show...

(singing) "There's a voice that keeps on calling me, Down the road, that's where I'll always be. Every stop I make, I make a new friend, Can't stay for long, just turn around and I'm gone again."

Anyway, I'd like to thank everyone in Inuvik who has opened their arms to us. I am so grateful to have met all of you, and you have taught me so much about Inuvik and what it means to have a strong sense of community. Also in the time I have spent here, you have helped me learn about myself. I am very grateful. I will see you all soon.

peace & much love,
d

PS. Please drop us an email and we can stay in touch (sfdwindpath@gmail.com). And forward this blog to our wider Inuvik circle... we don't have everyone's contact info.

When I started out on this road, I was given a simple piece of advice from an elder who knows me very well. Her advice: stay away from alcohol and women: alcohol because of its ability to facilitate chaos and violent behavior, and women because of their ability to knock me off balance, and my journey not being a search for love or sex.

I ignored this first piece of advice this past week in Inuvik, in the midst of the petroleum show (A time when oil tycoons from all over the world fly into Inuvik to gather, discuss and make deals regarding the future of the Mackenzie Gas Project) We had a “few” drinks with some close friends and some people from out of town. One of these people from out of town was Allison, a twenty-something Native woman from Yellowknife.

Everyone was having a great time until Forbes began discussing my project with Allison, “It’s about nature and traditional knowledge”. -- Sensing the imminent collapse of rational thought, and the start of a drunken argument, I thought of interjecting to clarify the project and our intentions, but instead, decided to let it roll. I’ve had the privilege of being in similar situations and have always learned from the experiences -- Upon hearing Forbes’ statement, Allison stood up, moved away sitting on the arm of the couch, pointed her finger and questioned, “Who are YOU to make a film about traditional knowledge?” We were all slightly intoxicated and the alcohol was definitely affecting everyone’s emotions.

Forbes tried to clarify that our project is not about documenting aboriginal people, their traditions, or about speaking with authority on anything related to any of this, but Allison wasn’t hearing anything and had already concluded we were stereotypical stupid white men.

This hurts me.

The discussion went on and Allison began speaking with our friend Donna who is Inuvialuit and Vuntut Gwichin. Donna, who we've spoken to about the project, explained to Allison that the film isn’t an academic piece studying the North, but instead is a film about all humanity, the world, and our future. Allison didn't hear any of it, explaining that we were just like every other white man who comes up and makes projects that stereotype aboriginals.

This is NOT what my film process is about.

Finally, I after listening for awhile, I jumped in, “Allison, firstly my project is not about aboriginal people - I’m interested in all of humanity, and secondly, my process is not to take anything that has not been given. I am only able to include people if they open their doors to me. People have a choice to open their doors, and I’m grateful towards everyone who has. I am blessed with great guides and collaborators. Without even speaking to me, you have judged me and closed your doors, And this is ok, this is your right. Everyone has a choice, but you don’t know me, you don’t know the road I have walked to get here, and you haven’t even taken the time to hear what my project is really about.” To this Allison replied, “And, I don’t care. You’re all the same.”

This hurts me.

I do understand Allison and her anger. I understand that it comes from a long history of stupid white men. And I understand that it comes from a history that continues to be perpetuated today by more stupid white men. What hurts is how I can simply be lumped into this category without any attempt at understanding who I am as a person. This is what so many people from so many different backgrounds experience on a daily basis, as they are judged based on the color of their skin as it relates to history. I can only hope, that together, one day we will eliminate these superficial stereotypes and move forward towards a greater understanding of how we are all interconnected.

During our stay in Inuvik, we have had the privilege of meeting extraordinary people who have taken the time to listen to us and open their doors wide, but it is equally important to experience people who don’t want to listen. People, who, upon looking at you, decide, they just don’t care. Furthermore, for us to insist they listen or care can be a dangerous thing. It is not our place to change anyone’s opinions and sometimes people have to walk their own road in their own time. This isn’t easy, as it hurts to be seen as the very thing you’re working to fight against, and it hurts to be misunderstood. Especially by people with whom you would like to have the opportunity to learn from and with whom you would like to share your experiences.

Throughout my journey across Canada and into the North I have spent many hours thinking about how to film (all subjects) in a respectful manner with integrity and without the illusion that I know anything. Forbes has been a part of this process and this is something that is very important to us.

Everything is in balance, since for every person who challenges us there are individuals who offer us their support. I have had the great fortune, while in Inuvik, of spending a small amount of time with Inuvialuit and Vuntut Gwichin filmmaker Dennis Allen. When I first met Dennis I told him I’d like to interview him because, he’s interesting, because he has a strong voice, because he’s a filmmaker, because…” to which he replied, “Because you’re here. Being here is reason enough.” I like this statement because it speaks to the fact that my project is about my journey, my perspective and a personal search. An interview can be intuitive and about place and the moment and doesn't require so much logical reasoning. I can film things because I'm here, and because it feels right. Later in the week as I wasa going through a period of doubt relating to my voice, I asked Dennis the same question that Allison has now echoed, “Who am I to be making this film and capturing this footage?” Dennis’ reply, “Who are you not to? -- People will always talk and challenge you, but don't worry about them and make your work.” I feel this is good advice: to let go of people’s perceptions and let them judge me based on my work.

Through our brief conversations and by spending time in his presence, Dennis has been a good teacher and guide. In such a short period of time, he has deeply affected my journey. I hope to have the opportunity to work and/or collaborate with Dennis down the road.

I would like to end this blog saying that I am very thankful for people like Dennis Allen, who encourage and support my filmmaking process. And I am also thankful for people like Allison, who insist on letting me know my place and reminding me not to take anything for granted.

To be on this path is a great privilege.

peace,
d

Location: Inuvik, NWT
N68°21.722’ W133°42.829’
Date: June 14, 2006
Time: 4:49pm
Temp: 24°C (Summer is here.. and the mosquitos are preparing to attack!)
State: Tired. I pulled an all nighter last night in order to finish up a video presentation for a client here in Inuvik. We've been delayed by an opportunity to make some quick good $$$.

I wrote this blog a week ago today.. haven't had the time to post. 14hr days - busy busy!
d
____
We've been thinking for a while about heading to the World Urban Forum in Vancouver, June 19 to 23. It was either this Forum or heading down the center of the continent following up on contacts we've made throughout the NWT, Yukon and Northern British Columbia. Last Friday I made the decision not to rush down to Vancouver, but instead, to stay rural and take my time talking to key people.

Although, I would've loved to attend the conference to discuss building sustainable livable cities, I've opted to find silence out on the road and possibly connect with the same conference speakers and participants back in their own communities, in their own time.

After just making the decision, a construction company offered us a contract to work as film crew for hire until June 13th. Hired Guns. If we had we decided to go to Vancouver, we would've needed to turn this job down. But, in staying true to ny goals, it seems I've closed one door so that another could open. Life works in mysterious ways.

I'm happy to have money flowing into Windpath. This job will cover many of the expenses we've had up until this point. And the footage we're shooting for the company is looking pretty spectacular :-)

And, I love construction!

peace,
d

PS. Here’s some info from my friend Leigh in BC on environmentally friendly cleaners. Seventh Generation - http://www.seventhgeneration.com/ This site is also a terrific resource for information on why we should shift our habits away from toxic pollutants. These are the types of products we should be supporting. There ARE alternatives to environmentally harmful cleaners.

PSS. Schedule Update. We will leave Inuvik to head South on the 20th. The Dempster Hwy will be beautiful this time of year. The ferry is now open.

Last night we were invited to our friends Sean and Robin’s place to watch the film Being Caribou. This film was created by Karsten Heuer & Leanne Allison, a Canadian couple who followed the porcupine caribou migration on foot. I recommend you rent the film as it documents a thoughtful journey and captures some spectacular scenes from life among the herd.

In some ways the film parallels my own journey, although I’m not following caribou, but instead, am a pilgrim searching for wisdom and/or insight into human nature in a technological world. The main parallel is the exploration of human nature. What is it to be human, and in my project, where does our nature end, and our technology begin? Or are they one in the same?

For example, is the Mackenzie Gas Project a part of nature? Is it part of the natural process to continue the expansion of an unsustainable fossil fuel dependent system, exhausting the planet’s resources? Is this continued expansion necessary for our short term survival and comfort as we transition towards greener more sustainable forms of energy? Or, are we simply built to self-destruct, unaware of the energy dead end up ahead, as we continue to take mother earth for everything she's worth?

Considering every major civilization throughout history has collapsed, I begin to think, as seen everywhere in the wilderness, that the rise and fall is just part of the process; simply the ebb and flow of the universe at work. If this is the case, it could be part of the cycle for us to exhaust all resources, eventually forcing ourselves back into balance with nature? Perhaps it's our fate to be thrust painfully backwards, towards a life of simplicity? When I look around at our world, I fear this may be the case.

It seems the interest in slowing down and reducing our ecological footprint is still limited to small pockets of our population, not yet a mainstream idea, except for lip service. The question becomes, how and when does a paradigm shift to a sustainable future begin?

I would argue that, in general, the majority of citizens in modern industrialized nations are fully committed and dependent upon the current model of unsustainable consumption. We’re locked tight into the comfort zone, trapped in what Howard Kunstler has aptly named the “consensus trance”. The consensus trance being: If we all agree everything is ok, then everything is ok. The problem becomes, that in this consensus trance, we’ve ceased the critical analysis of our methodology, and have mistakenly begun to passively accept everything sold to us as progressive. In many cases we’ve opted for speed and convenience versus things that truly make sense. We buy into things without considering the full equation of where they came from and where they will end up. It’s become increasingly difficult, in the sea of product placements, to take the time to find the things that truly make sense. It usually involves a little research versus buying that new MAGIC mop ON SALE NOW! You know the one I’m talking about, the one with the convenient disposable head that’s easy to throw out and replace for just $4.99… you know, the ones filling up landfills everywhere alongside all those other magical products. You know, the ones we’ve all bought into with the hope of making cleaning fast, easy, and so much more enjoyable.

Question: What was wrong with the old style mop and bucket of water with vinegar? You know, the mop used for countless generations without fail. You know, the mop featuring a biodegradable wooden handle with biodegradable rope tangle. You know the one, the one that we’ve all left far behind for the “progressive” alternative.

Often, I can’t help feel we’re all stuck in a loop, emotionally sucked into a bad TV show, unaware we have the power to change the channel. Unaware that the steps towards true progress are simply a matter of making conscious choices. But again, maybe this is all part of the process. Maybe our lack of consciousness is the result of an overabundance of everything needed to survive. Maybe, with everything needed close within reach, we've relaxed our survival instincts. And maybe, this relaxation and passive comfort is somehow working to ensure that we, and the societies we build, are always held in check.

If necessity is the mother of invention… what does it mean to live in a world with so much that is unnecessary?

peace,
d

In the spirit of slow food and the joy of baking I've attached another recipe!

Peace,d

Amanda Cliff's Mashed Banana Cranberry Joy Cake!

1/3 cup oil (sunflower is best) or marg

1 cup white sugar

2 eggs

1 cup of mashed banana (about 2)

1/3 cup water

1 cup frozen cranberries

½ cup of pecans

1 ½ cup flour

½ cup wheat germ (optional)

½ tsp of salt

½ tsp cinnamon

½ tsp cloves

1 tsp baking soda

¼ tsp baking powder

Mix together oil, sugar, mashed banana, and water. Mix well, until a little frothy. Add cranberries and pecans.

Mix together all the dry ingredients quickly and then put into the wet ingredients. Mix dry into wet until JUST combined. Do not mix any more than absolutely necessary – this keeps the muffins nice and soft!

Put into a greased baking pan, cake pan, muffin pan, whatever. Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes.