Set in the Broughton Archipelago — a maze of isolated islands off the coast of British Columbia — Becoming Wild: Living the Primitive Life on a West Coast Island is a story of survival in the pristine wilderness.
Sometimes predator and sometimes prey, 29-year-old Nikki van Schyndel puts her survival training to the test, fending off the harsh weather, hungry wildlife, threat of starvation and the endless perils of this rugged Raincoast – for 19 months!
Told in a voice that is both familiar and vulnerable, Becoming Wild explores our innate longings to connect with nature and revert to a pure, Eden-like state.
Nikki van Schyndel will be sharing stories of her experience on Thursday, May 1, at the Campbell River Library, at 6:30 p.m.
An engaging speaker, van Schyndel will share stories of her experience, how she relied on her knowledge of BC’s coastal flora and fauna, and the ancient techniques of hunting and gathering to survive, making clothes from cedar bark and taking great joy in gobbling a fish tail whole. van Schyndel also complements her talk with a slideshow presentation and examples of some of the things she made, from cedar bark clothing to fish hooks.
Here is what Jon Young (Wilderness Awareness School; Kamana.org) says “Becoming Wild is a must read for anyone concerned about the future of people and the natural world...Nikki’s heartfelt and transparent self-discovery, reconciliation and renegotiation with self, others and the offerings of our world is a model all can benefit from.
Chris Czajkowski, author of Cabin at Singing River (Raincoast Books) says “These lessons have enriched their lives in a way that few would understand: this well-written book goes a long way towards enriching ours.”