Sail into a new read with Calm Harbour, Turbulent Seas from Ucluelet author Shirley Martin who will be signing copies of her new book at Volume One Bookstore in Duncan on August 23. "I am very excited about coming to Duncan to promote my new book," said Martin. "Volume One is a lovely bookstore, and I am looking forward to being there to chat with people about west coast history, and about writing Calm Harbour, Turbulent Seas. Martin has lived in Ucluelet since 1951 as it was where she was born and raised and has strong west coast roots and connections to it. Aside from the four years she spent attending the University of Victoria and another three years upon graduation in our capital. Ucluelet has always been her home. "I love," said Martin. "It was a great decision to return home, and to raise our children in Ucluelet, to spend our working years here, and now, to enjoy our retirement years here on the west coast." Martin was inspired to write her new book after first noticing a gap on bookshelves when it came to west coast history books. "Before mine, there has been no comprehensive history of Ucluelet written, and I saw the need to preserve and share the fascinating history of Ucluelet and area, " said Martin. "The name Calm Harbour, Turbulent Seas has a literal meaning, as our harbour is protected, but just offshore mariners frequently experience turbulent and dangerous seas – we live along the area known as the Graveyard of the Pacific, which has seen many a shipwreck. Also, the name of Ucluelet comes from the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ people, and means “people of the safe harbour.” Martin says the book also comes with a metaphorical meaning, as throughout Ucluelet’s history there have been turbulent times, including the catastrophic effects of colonialism on the local First Nations, wartime and internment of Ucluelet Japanese Canadian citizens, disruption of resource industries such logging and fishing, and the changes wrought with the transition to tourism. Her new book which was published by Harbour Publishing and released on July 22 of this year is already on the BC Bestsellers list. "I was thrilled that Harbour Publishing agreed to publish my book, and I am so excited about it making the BC Bestsellers list," said Martin."That feels like the icing on the cake." Martin's new book covers aspects of early First Nations history as Ucluelet sits on the Traditional territory of the nuučaan̓uł people. It tells of the arrival of fur traders, whalers and missionaries and the resultant cataclysmic changes and how Ucluelet went from once a resource-based industry then shifting into tourism, which brought yet another period of adjustment. "There is naturally a strong marine component, with tales of shipwrecks, lifeboats, and the building of Amphitrite lighthouse," said Martin. "Transportation was key, first by ship, late planes, and finally, the long-awaited road." For more information visit harbourpublishing.com [https://harbourpublishing.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorbNiBlsNznj4Zi39LbCBiVrQvgX_6OJRARaPNgilhhOhsEilR4], or if your are in Duncan this Saturday hit the road to Volume One Books where Martin will be signing copies from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. "I hope readers of my book gain an insight into the rich and vibrant history of this area, and that decisions about the future of Ucluelet are informed with consideration of the past," said Martin.
More
Less
