Well this has been the most uplifting piece that I have read of yours.
Your concoction of words had the uplifting strength of those salmon tails that ascend ever upwards. Such a beautiful ray of light in this murky world. Thank you. 👍 🇮🇱 🙏
Great story Terry. I am from the Okanagan and had not heard about this. I took my children when they were young to see the Adams River run and that was fabulous. I applaud the Okanagan Indian bands for their leadership along with the relevant government people to have helped in this.
I agree with you on the overuse of the word “narrative” in modern journalism. Originally, "narrative" simply meant a story or sequence of events. Now, it’s commonly used to suggest a deliberate and often hidden agenda behind events or reporting, implying that certain “narratives” are crafted to manipulate public opinion rather than presenting facts.
I think this leads readers to assume there’s always a hidden motive or agenda, breeding skepticism and eroding trust in journalism. While it’s essential to consider biases, overusing "narrative" can make people distrustful of information, even when presented objectively, making it difficult for readers to discern factual reporting from opinion-based storytelling.
I have a few more words that are overused and abused in modern journalism.
"Unprecedented" originally described events or actions that were genuinely unique, never experienced before. In recent journalism, it has become shorthand for dramatic events or developments, often with little regard for historical context. This usually indicates that the writer has a total lack of historical knowledge.
"Community" traditionally referred to a group of people with shared values, interests, or a geographical location. In journalism, it’s increasingly used to refer to loosely connected individuals who may have only a superficial commonality, like skin colour, or sexual orientation. Overuse of "community" can make it seem like more people are connected by deeper bonds than they actually are, creating a false sense of unity.
“Nuance”. I was listening to a CBC radio interview the other day, and heard the word “nuance” six times in 3 minutes. Journalists often use "nuance" to suggest that an issue has complexities that don't actually exist, or to avoid taking a clear stance. For instance, instead of addressing straightforward facts, they might say an issue is "nuanced," implying that deeper, subtle factors need to be considered—even when they don’t. The term "nuance" can also be used to shield questionable actions or opinions from critique. A journalist might describe a controversial statement or action as "nuanced" to imply there are hidden meanings or motives that might justify it.
Some journalists may use "nuance" to give their arguments an air of sophistication, even when discussing everyday or widely understood topics. This can come across as pretentious and make it harder for readers to recognize when a topic is indeed complex or genuinely nuanced.
By describing a story or issue as having "nuance," journalists sometimes signal that clear-cut conclusions are inappropriate, even when clarity might be achievable. This misuse of "nuance" can create unnecessary ambiguity, making it seem that understanding requires a special insight that the reader does not possess.
Brilliant observations there, James. I've noticed all these., and perhaps especially "community." In just one of the ways it comes up is Canada's "Chinese community." It's taken ages to get that term banished from regular usage in the news media but you'll still find it. There's no such thing as Canada's "Chinese community," despite what the Beijing-aligned Mandarin bloc would have us believe.
One of the reasons I subscribed to this terrific Substack is because, years ago, I read an early work of Terry’s entitled “The Last Great Sea”. That book establishes him as one of the greatest environmental writers. I look forward to Terry’s political columns but I relish his environmental observations. The only way I can express my gratitude, I suppose, is to up-grade my subscription which I’m going to do right now.
On it goes with Trudeau. His tantrum over India is misdirection to protect China. 'Look over there, not here.'
Absolutely delighted to read about the record salmon run. Refreshing that occasionally humans can repair the nature they damaged. More often, we make things worse.
Thanks for all this Terry. Great news on the Okanagan salmon. But also for the Father Cristino interview — after your intro, I made a point of listening for the term “narrative”. Didn’t hear it, I’m relieved to report. What I did hear quite often was a plea for “truth” as a vital ingredient to achieving “reconciliation”. So thank you finally for contributing elsewhere to exposing that truth, notwithstanding the charges of denialism.
Thank you for your very educational column. Every positive and effective step people can take for animal preservation in these greedy and destructive times is its own miracle. I hope the organizations and persons involved in this one will continue their excellent work. I, too, am celebrating from my roost on the landlocked prairie.
We just came back from Bella Coola and a raft trip down the Artnako River. The Chinook run this year is the biggest in years - the guides said they could not attribute it to anything in particular. Loved that part of BC and your story Terry.
Well this has been the most uplifting piece that I have read of yours.
Your concoction of words had the uplifting strength of those salmon tails that ascend ever upwards. Such a beautiful ray of light in this murky world. Thank you. 👍 🇮🇱 🙏
Thanks, Terry. That was enlightening and “happy making”. Appreciated your NP article this week as well.
Great story Terry. I am from the Okanagan and had not heard about this. I took my children when they were young to see the Adams River run and that was fabulous. I applaud the Okanagan Indian bands for their leadership along with the relevant government people to have helped in this.
I agree with you on the overuse of the word “narrative” in modern journalism. Originally, "narrative" simply meant a story or sequence of events. Now, it’s commonly used to suggest a deliberate and often hidden agenda behind events or reporting, implying that certain “narratives” are crafted to manipulate public opinion rather than presenting facts.
I think this leads readers to assume there’s always a hidden motive or agenda, breeding skepticism and eroding trust in journalism. While it’s essential to consider biases, overusing "narrative" can make people distrustful of information, even when presented objectively, making it difficult for readers to discern factual reporting from opinion-based storytelling.
I have a few more words that are overused and abused in modern journalism.
"Unprecedented" originally described events or actions that were genuinely unique, never experienced before. In recent journalism, it has become shorthand for dramatic events or developments, often with little regard for historical context. This usually indicates that the writer has a total lack of historical knowledge.
"Community" traditionally referred to a group of people with shared values, interests, or a geographical location. In journalism, it’s increasingly used to refer to loosely connected individuals who may have only a superficial commonality, like skin colour, or sexual orientation. Overuse of "community" can make it seem like more people are connected by deeper bonds than they actually are, creating a false sense of unity.
“Nuance”. I was listening to a CBC radio interview the other day, and heard the word “nuance” six times in 3 minutes. Journalists often use "nuance" to suggest that an issue has complexities that don't actually exist, or to avoid taking a clear stance. For instance, instead of addressing straightforward facts, they might say an issue is "nuanced," implying that deeper, subtle factors need to be considered—even when they don’t. The term "nuance" can also be used to shield questionable actions or opinions from critique. A journalist might describe a controversial statement or action as "nuanced" to imply there are hidden meanings or motives that might justify it.
Some journalists may use "nuance" to give their arguments an air of sophistication, even when discussing everyday or widely understood topics. This can come across as pretentious and make it harder for readers to recognize when a topic is indeed complex or genuinely nuanced.
By describing a story or issue as having "nuance," journalists sometimes signal that clear-cut conclusions are inappropriate, even when clarity might be achievable. This misuse of "nuance" can create unnecessary ambiguity, making it seem that understanding requires a special insight that the reader does not possess.
Brilliant observations there, James. I've noticed all these., and perhaps especially "community." In just one of the ways it comes up is Canada's "Chinese community." It's taken ages to get that term banished from regular usage in the news media but you'll still find it. There's no such thing as Canada's "Chinese community," despite what the Beijing-aligned Mandarin bloc would have us believe.
Thanks James! That was bang-on.
One of the reasons I subscribed to this terrific Substack is because, years ago, I read an early work of Terry’s entitled “The Last Great Sea”. That book establishes him as one of the greatest environmental writers. I look forward to Terry’s political columns but I relish his environmental observations. The only way I can express my gratitude, I suppose, is to up-grade my subscription which I’m going to do right now.
Canada needs more people like Terry and you Michael. John
That is great news. I am so glad to hear about this!
Lovely piece. Thank you.
What a great outcome. Sending this to my daughter in Williams lake, whose field is environmental protection, also to my cousin, who lives in Kelowna.
Such a marvelously upbeat and positive essay leads me to ask this question ‘Where is Terry Glavin and what have you done with him?’
Seriously though, bring a prairie boy I hadn’t given much thought to salmon’s journey. Thanks for opening a new vista for me
Awesome. I wish more time and effort were spent on doing and covering this sort of environmental effort/triumph.
On it goes with Trudeau. His tantrum over India is misdirection to protect China. 'Look over there, not here.'
Absolutely delighted to read about the record salmon run. Refreshing that occasionally humans can repair the nature they damaged. More often, we make things worse.
Thanks for all this Terry. Great news on the Okanagan salmon. But also for the Father Cristino interview — after your intro, I made a point of listening for the term “narrative”. Didn’t hear it, I’m relieved to report. What I did hear quite often was a plea for “truth” as a vital ingredient to achieving “reconciliation”. So thank you finally for contributing elsewhere to exposing that truth, notwithstanding the charges of denialism.
Thanks for this Terry. So very refreshing to read some good news on the environmental front for once.
Thank you for your very educational column. Every positive and effective step people can take for animal preservation in these greedy and destructive times is its own miracle. I hope the organizations and persons involved in this one will continue their excellent work. I, too, am celebrating from my roost on the landlocked prairie.
Great good news story.
We just came back from Bella Coola and a raft trip down the Artnako River. The Chinook run this year is the biggest in years - the guides said they could not attribute it to anything in particular. Loved that part of BC and your story Terry.