Authors present history of Tofino and Clayoquot Sound

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Saturday, November 14th, 2015
8:00 PM to 9:30 PM

Join authors Margaret Horsfield and Ian Kennedy for a fascinating talk about the history of Tofino and Clayoquot Sound. They will be reading from their book, "Tofino and Clayoquot Sound: A History" (Harbour Publishing, $36.95), which was shortlisted for a BC Book Prize earlier this year. "Tofino and Clayoquot Sound" delves into all facets of the region's history, bringing to life the chronicle that started with the dramatic upheavals of geological formation and continues to the present day.

The book gives an in-depth account of the history of the Hesquiaht, Ahousaht and Tla-o-qui-aht, as well as other nations that inhabited the area in earlier times. It documents the arrival of the Spanish, British and American traders on the coast and their avid greed for sea otter pelts. It follows the development of the huge northern fur seal industry and its profound impact on the coast. It tracks the establishment of reserve lands and residential schools. The coming of WWII is discussed, as is the installation of a large Air Force base near Tofino, which changed the town and area dramatically. From here, the story spirals into the post-road period. With gravel and asphalt came tourism, newcomers, the counter culture of the 1960s, the establishment of Pacific Rim National Park and, of course, surfing. The book also addresses logging—which became the main industry in the area—and also goes into detail about the "War in the Woods"—the world famous conflict and largest mass arrest in Canadian history.

Margaret Horsfield is the author of several books including "Voices from the Sound" (Salal Books, 2008) and "Cougar Annie's Garden" (Salal Books, 1999), which won the Roderick Haig-Brown Regional Prize. She has also worked in radio and print journalism. Ian Kennedy is the author of several books about BC history including "Sunny Sandy Savary" (Kennell Publishing, 1992). For many years, he has also served as one of Canada's few rugby journalists and has written for numerous magazines around the world. This event is free and everyone is welcome.

The reading is sponsored by Mermaid Tales Bookshop, and books will be available for purchase at the event. For more information, call (250) 725-2125.