Letter to the Editor – Gloria Herbert

June 25, 2026

Hornby Appreciation

Hi Island Grapevine Folks,

Well you guys just keep producing your wonderful, newsy dispatch and sharing it so generously with us all and I just keep on silently enjoying the bounty…. NOT THIS TIME, I have to tell you how much I enjoyed your June 18th which I read this morning, it was smashing. Every article was of interest to me, even the ‘Lemonade Solution’ which I didn’t really understand but I appreciated the opportunity you gave for the issue to be presented. Mark Prior’s photos are always beautiful, the one on the 18th was particularly stunning, he is a treasure. I shall save a copy of Gabriel’s H/D Love story, it was so refreshing I shall pull it out to read when things are looking especially dark and unbef—king-lievable which unfortunately they often are.

I think your paper is a gift to us all and you guys are fantastic in my books,

In appreciation,

Gloria Herbert

True Spirituality Confronts The Abuses Of The Empire

June 25, 2026

True Spirituality Confronts The Abuses Of The Empire

CAITLIN JOHNSTONE

JUN 21, 2026

Reading by Tim Foley:

A spirituality that is uninterested in ending war, genocide, poverty and injustice is a dead spirituality. If you hold your time on the meditation cushion as something separate from the weeping mother clutching a small body in Lebanon, you’re wasting your time.

Sometimes I get asked why I only occasionally write about “spiritual” matters like awakening, egoic delusion, inner work etc, but from my point of view everything I write is about that stuff. To oppose the injustices and abuses of our world is to directly interface with the mechanisms of humanity’s struggle to become a conscious species.

The overwhelming majority of what people call “spirituality” in our society is really just glorified escapism. It’s about avoiding reality by focusing on good vibes, nice feelings, and comforting stories about the nature of the cosmos. Some of the most unpleasant individuals I’ve ever encountered considered themselves deeply spiritual people, because for them spirituality is about creating a Spiritual Person identity to feel good about yourself rather than engaging in uncomfortable confrontations with the repressed materials within you that are the source of your personal dysfunction.

And this happens to align nicely with the whole of mainstream culture under the western empire; our entire civilization is built upon psychological compartmentalization and avoidance of uncomfortable truths. If we paid too much attention to all the war, imperialist extraction, exploitation, injustice and abuse that western society is built upon, we’d never consent to the political status quo which holds those abominations in place.

Authentic spirituality moves in the exact opposite direction to all this. While false spirituality is about turning away and avoiding, true spirituality is about turning towards and facing. Turning and facing all the uncomfortable realities about yourself, your internal dynamics, your trauma, your maladaptive coping mechanisms, your belief systems, your interpersonal relationships, your community, your society, your nation, and your world.

Authentic spirituality doesn’t separate inner work from outer work, because with enough investigation you discover that “inner” and “outer” are imaginary distinctions created in the mind. For every abuse or dysfunction I have seen “out there” in the macro world I have found a micro version playing out in my own subconscious. For every delusion-based mechanism I have found within myself, I have seen a reflection of that same mechanism in the large-scale strife of the human species.

So if you keep doing the work, at some point you lose the ability to see spiritual liberation as separate from writing an essay about Gaza. Your ability to hold subtle self-enquiry apart from anti-war activism evaporates into the ether. You just move to bring what’s endarkened into the light, however that happens to play out in a given moment.

You won’t often see this modeled for you in spiritual teachers — even the very skillful and enlightened ones. Their focus is on keeping their teachings open to everybody, so they’ll avoid saying things that might turn away someone with awful politics in the hope that that person can start doing the work and wake up eventually.

And hey, fair enough. Westerners with shitty power-serving worldviews are the people whose delusions the world most urgently needs rescuing from. Whatever gets them removing the scales from their eyes is probably a helpful thing.

But the rest of us shouldn’t look to those teachers as role models in this regard. Don’t mistake an enlightened teacher’s avoidance of politics as a signal that enlightenment looks like avoiding politics. Internal clarity is by its nature a radically political development, because it naturally leads to a deep compassion for all the anguish in our world, and we live in a world whose anguish is largely caused by politics.

True spirituality is the never-ending process of getting real about what’s real. Letting the light of truth pervade every aspect of the human adventure, from our unexamined habits of perception and cognition, to our understanding of global power dynamics. And letting our actions flow from there.

________________

The best way to make sure you see everything I publish is to get on my free mailing list. My work is entirely reader-supported, so if you enjoyed this piece here are some options where you can toss some money into my tip jar if you want to. Click here for links for my social media, books, merch, and audio/video versions of each article. All my work is free to bootleg and use in any way, shape or form; republish it, translate it, use it on merchandise; whatever you want. All works co-authored with my husband Tim Foley.

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Feature image by Alison Newman — Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=186196663

Coming Around the Bend

June 25, 2026

[facebook.com/markprior.images]

Cocky Hen

June 25, 2026

#1740

June 25, 2026

National Indigenous Peoples Day 2026

June 18, 2026

National Indigenous Peoples Day | June 20 2026 | 2 pm

Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds

National Indigenous Peoples Day is a community-wide celebration of the contributions and unique cultures of First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities locally and from across Canada.

Produced by K’ómoks First Nation in partnership with local government and Indigenous serving organizations, this vibrant celebration features live music from acclaimed Indigenous artists, an eclectic food and craft market, Elder and Youth Zones, guided walks, cultural activities and workshops, knowledge sharing, community connections and more.

Live music at National Indigenous People’s Day 2026!

We are thrilled to announce some of the artists joining us for our celebrations on Saturday, June 20th, 2026!

AYSANABEE

Aysanabee is a multi-instrumentalist, producer and singer songwriter currently based in Toronto. He is Oji-Cree, Sucker Clan of the Sandy Lake First Nation, a remote fly-in community in the far reaches of Northwestern Ontario.

A four time JUNO winner, Aysanabee merges indie, soul, and electronic sounds with mournful saxophone and pulse-quickening fingerpicking, exploring themes of memory and storytelling. Solemn and soaring, Aysanabee’s striking sound is equal parts hypnotic and melodic which has been compared to Bon Iver, Matt Corby, Don Ross, Kim Churchill, Kings of Leon and Sam Smith.

His debut album Watin (2022) was named after his grandfather and shortlisted for the Polaris Prize. “Watin actually started out as a series of conversations between myself and my grandfather,” Aysanabee said. “We spent the first year of the pandemic talking about things we’ve never spoken about, his life on the trapline on Sandy Lake First Nation, falling in love, his life in residential school and then leaving everything behind… We never spoke of it until now. Even though we were over 1,000 kilometres apart, it was probably the closest we’ve ever been.”

In his album Edge of the Earth (June 2025), Aysanabee embarks on a transformative journey of will, sacrifice, and self-discovery, expanding his sonic horizons, and blending his signature finger style guitar with lush, cinematic soundscapes.

On March 23, 2024, Aysanabee made history as the first ever Indigenous Artist to win the JUNO Awards for Alternative Album of the Year and the coveted Songwriter of the year, for Here and Now, his sophomore album. This year he won JUNOs for both Alternative Album and Indigenous Artist of the Year for his 2025 album Edge of the Earth.

Aysanabee has performed over 400 shows on major stages and festivals and venues across Canada and globally including Ottawa Bluesfest, Osheaga, Montréal Jazzfest, Tönder Music Festival, AmericanaFest UK, Wake the Giant , The Great Escape, Reeperbahan and more. Aysanabee has shared the stage with notable acts including The National, Digging Roots, Our Lady Peace, DJ Shub, Julian Taylor, Jeremy Dutcher, Dan Mangan, Mavis Staples, July Talk, Half Moon Run, Tokyo Police Club, Aqua, and local emerging Indigenous artists.

Visit Aysanabee’s website to learn more

View the Official Music Videos for Aysanabee’s song Edge of the Earth

TSIMKA & MICHAEL RED

Tsimka & Michael Red is a collaboration of music from the land and from the heart (and knowing and listening). Rooted in ancestral Tla-o-qui-aht homelands, Tsimka works with Nuuchahnulth singing traditions along with contemporary inspirations as part of her musical expression. She writes and arranges songs in more formal ways, and also finds music through live improvisations following intuition and spirit. Tsimka uses intermittent vocal fx for their immersive qualities, and often invokes Tla-o-qui-aht language in her songs, integrating language revitalization into the experience. Tsimka’s music taps into Tla-o-qui-aht cultural teachings, imagery and love of her home. She expresses a human experience with observations and emotions that arise with desire, joy, care, resiliency, and kinship.

Michael Red is a Vancouver-based music producer, film composer, live performer and event organizer, known for helping shape underground electronic music culture in Western Canada (both as an event curator and DJ). Some of his other projects include Low Indigo (events, label, community), Oro Azul (with Ultima Esuna), LA FE (with NAP), Light Blues (sound wellness project), Souns (ambient alias), a former collaboration with throat singer Tanya Tagaq, and an extensive list of other projects and collaborations. He fills out the rest of the music, beats and atmospheres *all* created from blending & morphing & effecting natural sounds recorded primarily on Tsimka’s ƛaʔuukwiʔatḥ home territory. Sounds like Cixwatsac (Frank Island frogs), Swainson’s Thrush, and other birds, a little creek at Hiłwinʔis, ocean, rain, mist and ice.

Visit Tsimka’s website to learn more

View their full live performance from Active/Passive Festival (Galiano Island, 2023)

KUMUGWE CULTURAL SOCIETY

The Kumugwe Dancers help facilitate respect and understanding within the local community and communities abroad through sharing the songs and dances of the K’ómoks and Kwakwaka’wakw peoples. Taking their name from the traditional Bighouse that sits within the heart of the K’ómoks First Nation, members of the dance troupe have been practicing and performing together since 2001.

The Kumugwe Dancers feel that by encouraging young members of their community to learn the ancient songs and dances of their people, they will ensure the survival of the culture for generations to come.

LOV

LOV is a force of resilience, rhythm, and reinvention. Hailing from Treaty 6 Territory, LOV transforms personal trials into soulful affirmations of strength and independence. With a sound rooted in UK-inspired soul and guided by a deep sense of purpose, LOV’s music is both healing and unapologetically empowering.

Her journey took a pivotal turn when she decided to fully embrace her artistry – stepping into her truth and reshaping her narrative. What followed was a rebirth. As LOV, she channels raw emotion into songs that carry the weight of lived experience while remaining light enough to dance to. Whether she’s celebrating matriarchal strength or voicing quiet moments of reflection, her music resonates with sincerity and grace.

Her debut singles – Mama, Matriarch, Relate, Sister Era – have already earned her over one million+ streams across platforms and more than 7 million views on TikTok + Facebook, signaling a fast-growing fanbase drawn to her authenticity and style. Mama soared to #1 on the Indigenous Music Countdown, affirming her rising profile in the Indigenous music community.

With features on CBC & APTN and recognized as an Artist to Watch by Seeing Red Media , LOV continues to build momentum both musically and culturally. LOV is not just making music – she’s making a statement. And this is only the beginning.

Visit LOV’s website to learn more

View the Official Music Video for LOV’s song Matriarch

THE SPIRITUAL WARRIORS

The Spiritual Warriors create music inspired by the land and life in the coast mountains of the Lil’wat Nation, Mount Currie BC. With their unique blend of indigenous chants and contemporary roots, rock, reggae, The Spiritual Warriors are distinctly west coast. Internationally acclaimed, the band has been awarded 2 Native American Music Awards. The Spiritual Warriors perform most of their songs in U’cwalmicwts (the Lil’wat Language) and are passionate about preserving and promoting their language and culture. They use the language and chanting styles of the Lil’wat/St’at’imc people to fuse with reggae and rock to create uplifting contemporary Indigenous world music

Formerly known as Kalan Wi, The Spiritual Warriors are led by father and daughter, Leroy Joe (vocals, guitar) and Daisy Joe ( vocals). The band regularly collaborates with other First Nation artists and musicians to write and perform live. This truly unique band will take you on a cultural journey to the natural heartbeat of the Indigenous drum and the St’at’imc people.

Visit The Spiritual Warrior’s website to learn more

View the official video for The Spiritual Warriors

CVRD $3,000 Lemonade Solution?

June 18, 2026

CVRD $3,000 Lemonade Solution?

Hi Folks,

This week’s article is a follow up to the previous June 11^th article titled, “Fines, Fear, Failures & Future?”

CVRD’s FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) campaign continues with CVRD Rep. Daniel Arbour’s recent political comments and the pedalling of a CVRD $3000 Lemonade Solution.

Let’s address the well intentioned but misguided comments that have been made because of misinformation and being disconnected from resident reality.

The CVRD Graham Lake Lemonade Solution apparently will be sold at a cost to each resident of $3,000 per year.

The simple arithmetic doesn’t add up and here’s why:

$1,210.38 – 2026 BC Property Tax GRAHAM LAKE WATER tax line item

$1,060.00 – 2025 CVRD Water Toll

$2,000.00 – 2026 CVRD’s Projected Project Service Debt Cost

$4,270.38 – per year water bill without subdivision Fire Hydrant protection.

*Not including future increases.

Am I missing something?

The highest water costs across Canada are $1,200 per year and Graham Lake will be nearly four times that.

Why have residents been placed into this financial crisis with many wondering where is our subdivision’s champion and elected representative?

To date there has been no impact study related to the financial hardships on fixed income pensioners, renters and working people!

Does anyone care?

It’s been suggested to residents that the CVRD website contains all the answers regarding the upgrade, except for questions from taxpayers with extensive drinking water system, fire protection specialist, waterworks construction and common-sense experience.

Let’s investigate some key points in the development of any water treatment solution:

One of the most important is a proper Lake Study and Sanitary Survey. A proper Lake Study is a minimum of one year to research, capture and create baselines for all seasonal changes in the lake. At least one follow up study is required. The CVRD conclusion that after a couple months of tests during the summer is sufficient is only blowing smoke and an insult to the intelligence of residents when multiple of millions of dollars of debt are to be incurred. This was pointed out at the CVRD Electoral Areas Service Committee (EASC) meeting of May 8th 2023.

Fire Hydrants are an integral part of any subdivision water system:

The availability of ready, accessible Fire Hydrant Water is critical to the fire protection and safety of subdivision residents, homes, pumphouse waterworks and even Graham Lake itself. Daniel Arbour and CVRD Fire Chief Bruce Green’s political opinion disregards the subdivision’s existing Fire Hydrants which eliminates the only access to Graham Lake’s 63 million gallons of Fire Water. Morrison Marsh is not a reliable water source.

In 2026 is Fire Water not required for subdivision structure or interface fire protection? This is reminiscent of a mindset in failure that led to the Palisades/Santa Ynez Reservoir fire disaster in 2025. Again, the Superior Tanker Shuttle system is not designed for subdivisions as the Fire Underwriters Survey (FUS) literature indicates. Additionally, the Superior Tanker Shuttle system has NEVER been tested and proven in the subdivision. This Fire Hydrant Water issue continues to be about the safety of my family, my property and that of my neighbours and surrounding community.

Let’s now address financial tenability:

We are now at a junction where the inactivity and incompetence of the CVRD and a few GLID administrators over the past 8 years has led to subdivision residents facing a proposed unexplained inflationary upgrade with an outrageous yearly water cost. This water project lacks specifics and a clear simple statement of purpose. Is this about complying to Surface Water Treatment Objectives (SWTO) and Fire Hydrant requirements in a cost effective, market bearing manner? The SWTO does not require water meters. Have water meters been deleted from the service debt cost? $500,000 savings plus operational costs. Graham Lake is a FREE 63-million-gallon Fire Hydrant Water storage tank. Why has this been overlooked and excluded? Who authorised the removal of the Emergency By-Pass from the pumphouse? Let’s get back to satisfying what is required and utilizing existing assets and put an end to this fiasco.

Again, regarding FOMO tactics and the expiring “grant” money; FOMO usually results in a very poor impulse purchase. There will always be another sale. At the time, submitting the grant application was advised against for the very reason we find ourselves in presently, that of being ill prepared. Any delay “fines” assessed to the CVRD reflect failure of their handling, yet the CVRD expects us to pay their way out. To reiterate what one resident said, “Intelligent and responsible people don’t SPEND multiple millions to save a million”.

Your “yes” vote is like your signature on a blank cheque. Where did the quarter of a million dollars ($250,000) of GLID capital monies go? For certain it didn’t go towards providing every resident with a Firesmart sprinkler kit or water filter unit.

To vote NO or ABSTAIN suspends the madness.

Exactly which SWTO specifications need to be met? There are other cost-effective solutions and approaches. A good example and case study is Ship’s Point Improvement District’s successful upgrade resulting in value, water cost, compliance, Fire Hydrant protection and more.

Presently, your water cost will be $4,000+ per year without Fire Hydrant subdivision protection. Again, which politicians and agencies are looking out for the taxpaying constituents and properties?

The CVRD $3000 Lemonade Solution reveals a lack of transparency, accountability, due diligence and fiduciary duty. And does not provide a responsible path forward to a fully functional, reliable, financially tenable, compliant Drinking Water System and Fire Hydrant Water protection for the Graham Lake community.

Concerned Citizens of Baynes Sound – NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING – BYLAW NO. 904

June 18, 2026

Concerned Citizens of Baynes Sound – NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING – BYLAW NO. 904

The Comox Valley Regional District is holding public hearings on a bylaw that would change marine industrial water zoning to aquaculture zoning where the marine industrial zone does not have a valid provincial tenure (lease). This applies to the Union Bay site where the ship-breaking operation has been operating. If this bylaw is passed by the board it will add further barriers to accessing the site from the water.

This is an important development and we need your help.

Please download the file below, include your name and address at the bottom of the text and email it to planning@comoxvalleyrd.ca no later than 4:30PM on June 22nd.

https://allthingsunionbay.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/bylaw_904_support_letter.pdf

Shucking Oysters: Them’s Fightin’ Words

June 18, 2026

Shucking Oysters: Them’s Fightin’ Words

By Alex Allen

As I keep on saying, “The only exercise I get is shaking my head in disbelief,” especially when I gaze distractedly south of the border. Last weekend, the Ultimate Fighting Championship Freedom 250 was held on the desecrated grounds of the White House, aptly described by Mother Jones magazine as “a corruption-soaked night already teeming with vulgarity.” And yes, it can always get more vulgar and vile, it seems. Just wait and see. So, did you miss anything? The United States Marine Band played all Donald’s favourites, including “The Boys Are Back In Town” and “YMCA.”

After heavyweight Josh Hokit took care of fellow American Derrick Lewis in the fourth fight of the night, Hokit, known for “playing a heel,” went off script: “Hey, shout out to Trump for having the balls to put on some sh-t like this,” he said in his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan. Hokit then praised God, made a crude remark about the mother of Alex Pereira, the Brazilian heavyweight who lost his fight later in the evening, and belted out: “Lastly, Michele Obama is a man. Am I right, America?” Met with a healthy mix of boo’s and cheers, even Rogan seemed taken aback.

Kyle Green, a sports-politics sociologist shared with MJ: “People who know Hokit from his days as a college wrestler say he’s just playing a character in the UFC. But when he gets in front of the mic now, he wears an American flag bandana, and he says that he wants to kick Mexicans out of the country, or he’ll say that he wants to beat up transgender people. He’ll say the most offensive things, leaning into the MAGA fan base. Again, I don’t know if he believes it or not. But it doesn’t really matter, right? Because that’s the thing that sells.”

Hurling a vulgar insult against a black former first lady at a White House event was a choice – and Hokit made it. Former NFL star Robert Griffin III called Hokit a “disgrace.” “It takes a really small man to use his biggest moment to attack a woman by calling her a man,” Griffin added. Sportswriter Alex Kirshner declared the moment was the “most embarrassing moment for an American pro sports league in quite some time.” UFC president and CEO Dana White agreed as well. “I’m completely against saying nasty and false things about people’s families,” he said. But what had White been expecting? Hokit is famous for hurling “nasty and false” insults. Despite the controversy White said,“It was an amazing, experience, this was a one-of-one. It will never happen again.”

Attendees at Trump’s 250th anniversary / 80th birthday spectacle included, a surprisingly animated Melania, son Barron looking bloated and dishevelled, daughter Ivanka, fresh from her global pillaging; baby faced baby maker vice president JD Vance; charismatic Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg; and boxer Tyson Fury. The weekend featured many hallmarks of Donald’s American “patriotism,” including parachuters, military and first responder tributes and even a bald eagle flying over the “thousands of fans.”

And of course, no Trump event is without its advertising deal makers. Paramount Plus, Ram Trucks, Total Wireless and Monster Energy. Anheuser-Busch Budweiser and Bud Light. Jose Cuervo and New Amsterdam Vodka. Cybersecurity company SuperFile. Crypto.com, crypto wallet Exodus and futures market NinjaTrader were all prominently featured. There were gambling brands, Polymarket, Stake and Bet365. Even Starlink had its logo on the UFC mat. Fun fact: Paramount, owned by Trump bed mates billionaire father-son duo Larry and David Ellison, is paying the UFC $7.7 billion over seven years to stream its fights. Who knows what other deals lurk below the slimy surface?

More troubling World Liberty Financial, the far from crypto company founded by Donald Jr., Eric, and others made headlines after the UFC named it the official partner for the event. As the Irish Star reported, it’s just another reminder of just how much blatant corruption surrounds the man and his family. Trump boasted on Truth Social that the night was “PERFECT!” Take a look at the photogenic UFC crowned champions Justin Ray Gaethje and Ciryl Gane and crowd – they look no different than the goons who were involved in the January 6 “insurrection.”

UFC CEO White enthused: “Even for the people that thought this was going to be some big political statement or something, this wasn’t. This was Americans, all Americans celebrating the birthday. For people who tuned in for the first time, because it was at the White House, hopefully they liked the sport. They liked some of the guys’ stories.”

After paying for the $60 million tab, and despite “all the pomp and pageantry, the eye rolls and angst,” White maintained that the UFC is “one-and-done in DC,” which is surprising for a company once dubbed “human cockfighting.”

The Revolution Will Be Curated

June 18, 2026

The Revolution Will Be Curated by Cylon2036 We/Us

For generations, graffiti occupied a special place in our imagination in that it is illegal, inconvenient, and gloriously indifferent to permission. It was the visual equivalent of somebody, somewhere, rejecting the rules enough to paint over them. Then came the Denman Island community graffiti fence.

The community graffiti fence is a magnificent civic achievement. It allows residents to experience the thrill of rebellion without anyone disapproving. No longer must aspiring vandals risk arrest, trespassing charges, or the possibility of accidentally encountering actual danger.

Nothing says “radical dissent” like posting its etiquette on Facebook. From outlaw practice to civic amenity, this has become a carefully curated rebellion, where the greatest risk is a mild sunburn. A form of expression born from rejecting regulation and institutional approval has been repackaged for your convenience.

Citizens can now enjoy the aesthetics of transgression without any of the troubling transgression. The community gets colorful murals, local events get foot traffic, and participants get Facebook content featuring phrases such as “art heals” and “find your voice.” The only thing missing is the original point.

Authorities no longer need to suppress graffiti aggressively. They simply provide a designated area for it, complete with sponsorship opportunities and the possibility of public art grants. The message becomes clear. “Please feel free to challenge the system, exclusively on the wall we built for that purpose.”

And so the radical graffitist faces a difficult choice. Continue painting illegally and risk being condemned as antisocial, or use the approved wall and risk becoming part of the community’s cultural programming. The revolution, it turns out, has been allocated a section of fence. This is the official site of “New Radicalism.”

In this sense, the community graffiti fence may be the most successful anti-graffiti policy ever invented. It did not eradicate graffiti. It accomplished something far more ambitious by convincing a rebellion to sign a waiver. Bravo!