A letter in last week’s Grapevine reminded me that I have been meaning to give some feedback for the writer, Quinn Ireland.  Seeing what I knew to be a youth writing in the local paper was a breath of fresh air.  It reminded me of when I learned to write a character sketch in school.  It reminded me of a time when I wrote for pleasure, without feeling that I had to earn a paycheque from it, or an award, or a spot on the bestseller list.

I’m sure I’m not the only one who is sick and tired of adults and their never-ending opinions, not just the letters, editorials, columns, and feuds in the local papers, but in all media.  We’re all so opinionated and sooo intelligent and so hypocritical and so damned boring.  Maybe the bright young voices of Denman Island should start their own paper.  It could feature writing, drawings, photos of other artistic creations and inventions, links to musical compositions, etc.  I would much rather learn about what the future world changers are thinking, feeling, and making than have to hear the tired, regurgitated arguments of “adults” ad nauseam.  It’s pretty obvious that we’re not going to change each others’ minds, anyway, at least not that way.

So thank you Quinn, for reminding me to do what is enjoyable.  For years now I’ve been sporadically working on a children’s book and a sci-fi TV series. It’s sporadic because I get stuck in perfectionism and self-doubt, but you’ve inspired me to keep going because when I do it, I love it, so I’ll just do it for the love of it, with no expectations in mind.  And though there very well might be a bestseller in you, (or me) I figure that as long as you’re doing what you love, you’ve already succeeded because you’ve carved out a little bit of happiness in this life.  So cheers to you for sharing your voice.  Thank you!

Carie McGregor

Having read the Grapevine’s “Letters to the Editor” of February 5th, 2026

I was left confused with several questions:

1. The  exchange between Keith Porteous and Dr. Stephen Malthouse does not look like actual Letters to the Editor but more like part of a private conversation?
2. If you can confirm that what you have published is actually part of a private exchange, has this been done with Dr. Malthouse’s permission?
3. For the sake of objectivity and for the unbiased readers’ wish to form his/her own independent thoughts and opinion, I believe it will be helpful, if not essential to release Dr. Malthouse’s original , uncensored Letter to the Editor that has been denied publication.
4. Without proper context, the above mentioned exchange does not make much sense.

      Sincerely, Christiane Brown

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Publisher/Editor’s Note:

In support of the clarity Christiane requested, we replied directly to her. As stated in our preamble to Malthouse’s revised letter, we had asked for a revision to his submissions because they violated TIG’s editorial policies. We took his response as his revision.

At no time has Stephen Malthouse requested confidentiality in his correspondence with TIG. Some of his views about indigenous reconciliation efforts are touched on in his revised response to us, but are less explicit than the original. 

We will not be publishing his original submission because it violates the TIG’s editorial policies. Anyone can be published in TIG, but we insist they do so within the paper’s guidelines. Everyone who submits content that doesn’t meet the standard of TIG’s EP is offered the opportunity to revise it.

Mike Van Santvoord, Publisher and Editor

I applaud The Islands Grapevine for its positive  contribution to our community.

 Our teenage writer’s work is a blessing, a joy and a toast to the future.

 Mike always supports Free Speech and the exchange of ideas, wholeheartedly.

 Our beloved newspaper will continue to change and evolve.

 New writers appear.

 Old ones return.

 In the near future, we may face new challenges.

We will need to stand together as a community.

 Heal divides and Help each other through the changes that may be coming.

         (Peri) Perri Gorrara