"Send us a text about this episode!" Why You Should Listen to This Episode: Roy Henry Vickers spent his 80th birthday thinking about the schoolhouse he was born in, and this year he's released a fifty-year retrospective built from more than 400 works of his art. Meanwhile, Kyle Gilson has spent nine fire seasons leading a BC Wildfire Service crew right here on Vancouver Island, and he takes us inside the first hour after the call comes in. Two Vancouver Islanders, two very different callings, and a lot to learn from both. This Episode Features: (22:28) Roy Henry Vickers is celebrating two milestones this year: his 80th birthday and the release of his new retrospective, The Best of Roy Henry Vickers: 80 Selected Works, co-created with longtime collaborator Lucky Budd. Drawing on more than 50 years and 400 works, the book traces the arc of one of Canada's most recognized Indigenous artists, from his early years working in traditional Tsimshian, Haida and Heiltsuk forms to the contemporary, colour-rich style that became his signature. Roy talks about being born in the back room of the schoolhouse where his mother taught. Roy has been honoured with the Order of Canada, the Order of BC, a Grammy nomination and, this year, an honorary doctorate. Roy Henry Vickers Gallery. (06:00) Kyle Gilson has spent nine years on the front lines of wildfire response with BC Wildfire Service, all of them here on mid-Vancouver Island. As an initial attack crew leader based out of the Errington Fire Base, Kyle leads a four-person crew whose job is to reach a new fire fast and stop it in its tracks. He walks us through the first hour after a call comes in, why island fires burn differently than those in the BC Interior, and what it was like fighting the 2023 Cameron Lake fire and last year's Wesley Ridge fire, the largest wildfire response in Vancouver Island's history. Kyle explains why FireSmart preparation makes such a difference for crews arriving at a structure, and why - despite the long hours - the camaraderie makes it one of the most enjoyable jobs he can imagine. He's been deployed as far as the Yukon and Ontario, fighting fire in every corner of the province. BC Wildfire Service The PULSE Community Podcast is a weekly Vancouver Island podcast hosted by Peter McCully and Dave Graham, featuring conversations with musicians, authors, actors, athletes, business leaders and community builders from Vancouver Island, British Columbia and beyond. The PULSE Community Podcast is part of The PULSE Podcast Community. Check out the Vancouver Island Podcast Directory: The Vancouver Island Podcast Directory is a free public resource curated by The PULSE Community, helping listeners discover podcasts produced on Vancouver Island and the surrounding coastal islands. Episode Quotes: “Maybe you should try and express yourself as who you are today, not as who you would be if you were here before colonialism happened.” - Roy Henry Vickers “The most underestimated part, I would say, is how enjoyable the job can be... the camaraderie is huge.” - Kyle Gilson LISTEN: We have had the chance to talk to many authors from across Vancouver Island and beyond - explore more stories and interviews on our Vancouver Island Authors page. Text us about this episode Voice message The PULSE and be part of the podcast! You'll find all episodes of The PULSE Podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart, TikTok, YouTube, and ThePulseCommunity.ca Click here to learn how to Support the show Episode Sponsors: Beachfest, Thrifty Foods Parksville, Fireside Books & Ian Lindsay & Associates Check out Skookum Kid's Stories on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart and YouTube. Sign up for our weekly newsletter of new podcast releases and contests! “Like, Share & Listen!” #RoyHenryVickers #KyleGilson #BCWildfire #IndigenousArt #Tofino #VancouverIsland #Wildfire #ThePULSEPodcast #VancouverIslandPodcast #ParksvilleNews #VancouverIslandNews Support the show
