One year and two days since you passed onto the spirit world, dad.
Soooo much has happened in that time, though I know you know that. I can still feel you closer than ever, as I have throughout, and we all know that youāre watching over us... playing chess for us is how I like to think about it š So much has lined up just right since, and I canāt help but wonder if itās you up there pulling stringsā¦
Youāve probably smoked countless doobies with Willie Ne.. oh wait heās not dead yet⦠Well youāve definitely learned some moves from Bruce and Ali.. or shown them a couple š I bet youāve painted a picture or two with Bob, and I know for certain you and Hendrix have played a tune or 20 šøš¶
In any case, Iāve continued to do my best to make you proud each & everyday back here, paps.. In doing so, so many positiveās have come my way; and itās all because of you, mang. You taught me so, so much, but above all, you taught me how to be a good person, and how to truly connect with people.. just by being yourself. Those two things go further than anything Iāve found in life terms of ACTUALLY living it, so thank you, from the bottom of my heart, dad.
In the summer of 2024, I was fortunate enough that he was feeling good enough to go out and take some pictures of his action figures. Collecting and modifying them was a life long passion of his, so naturally itās been one of mine too (he went way harder though lmao). It was something that allowed him to get creative and to focus on something other than the daunts of life, which weāve all encountered at some point or another. Thatās why itās so important to keep up with your passions.. they nurture more than you thinkā¦
As soon as he was feeling up to it, him, @nathanmc77 and I took off on a journey to capture his vision. This is what we ended up with. Viewer discretion is advised š
Also, thank you to everyone whoās reached out and to everyone who thinks of him, now and ever.
Nothing but love š«” šš¤
One year of being married to this beautiful sun-ray of a human! š
Every day she makes me the happiest man in the world & I couldnāt be luckier to have her by my side.
Her saying yes was the best thing thatās ever happened to me.
I love you to the moon and beyond, @anikavmack š
Thank you for being you : )
To many more š„
š£š½āāļøāØ Teaser Alert ā Hidden Lake Leadership Canoe Trip 2024 āØš
In August 2024, youth connected at B. Dene Adventures and Hidden Lake for a one-of-a-kind land-based leadership experience ā blending canoe travel, cultural connection, and hands-on environmental research.
In partnership with NASA, Ducks Unlimited, Michigan Tech Research Institute, Ecology North, and the NWT RPA, youth participated in real-world monitoring activities designed by our research partners. From water quality testing and shoreline assessments to wetland monitoring and on-the-land data collection, participants contributed to meaningful northern research while strengthening their leadership, teamwork, and paddling skills.
Their work helped inform three published NASA stories highlighting the power of youth, land, and science coming together.
Huge shoutout to Brandon Mack for capturing the spirit of this journey. This teaser is just a glimpse into what happens when youth step into leadership ā on the land and in research spaces.
š¬ Full video coming soon.
#HiddenLakeLeadership #LandBasedLearning #YouthLeadership #OnTheLand #NorthernVoices CommunityScience
In honour of National Truth & Reconciliation Day, make sure you do something to honour those who are still here, and those who are watching over us.
This can be done in your own wayāwhether thatās by listening to an elderās story, saying a prayer, feeding the earth, partaking in traditional or cultural activities, watching your ancestors dance in the aurora, or even just by chowing down on some drymeat (with butter :P).
No matter what day it is, itās important to recognize the feat that Indigenous people have overcome just to be here today. Every single Indigenous person you know has either gone to residential school or has family who has. And the crazy part isāweāve endured for much longer than any residential school. Thereās a certain pain that comes with knowing that millions of us used to roam these lands, and that they did everything they could to wipe us outā¦
BUTāweāre still fkn here āš¾
Today is a day to be proud.
To acknowledge.
To stand strong.
And to stand together.
(Though we should strive to do so every day.)
My late grandma, Doris McPherson, fought tooth and nail for the justice of Indigenous people, and it just so happens that this special day is now celebrated on her special day :)
Happy heavenly birthday, Grandma.
Thank you for everything.
I love ya š§”
#truthandreconciliation #orangeshirtday #indigenouslivesmatter #everychildmatters #noprideingenocide #spectacularnwt
#natgeoyourshotbotw2026
#natgeoyourshot #theoriginaloriginal
Fun fact: Paddling 350km through whitewater rapids, being surrounded by the Mackenzie mountains, bathing in glacier water (getting drenched by waves), setting up and taking down camp everyday, enjoying @barrengroundcoffee in the dew filled mornings, all while being encompassed by immaculate vibes can boost your dopamine by at leeeast 10% š¤
But forreal, if youāre given chances to completely immerse yourself in pristine lands such as this- do it. This is a trip that Iāll forever cherish. Iām glad I got the chance to participate in this epic journey and better yet, Iām glad I got to document it. Fortunately I was able to bring my @sonyalpha A7IV, my @dji action cam/drone, so youāll be seeing some absolutely insane footage in the near future.
Thanks again to everyone that made this happen š«¶
@northernyouthleadership@goblackfeather@nwtrpa@ecologynorth
#spectacularnwt
#destinationcanada
#explorecanada
#natgeoadventure
#beautifuldestinations
#reels
#fyp
#virals
KEELE RIVER 2025
Hereās a lil something something from my phone album.
I can wholeheartedly say that this was a trip of a lifetime. The people I met. The views I saw. The lessons I learned. The hardship we conquered, as a team.. Truly an undeniable feat and demonstration of what it takes to tackle lifeās greatest challenges. I couldnāt have done it without you all, nor would I have wanted to.
Iād like to say a MASSIVE thank you to everyone who made happen. Youāre instilling confidence, courage, community, and passion in each and every one of us. 1000 mahsi choās.
@northernyouthleadership@goblackfeather@nwtrpa@ecologynorth
Iād like to wish my beautiful lil wildflower the happiest of birthdays š„³ā¤ļø
Life is infinitely better with you :) Somehow you make me feel like summer, even during the darkest of greys. Itās no wonder that the sun is shining so bright today. You deserve nothing but. š
P.S. weāre married now! surprise instagram!
Two months since you crossed over yet not a day goes by where I donāt think of you, paps. Itās hard to say that youāre gone when I often still feel your presence. I still feel your energy and power in ways that canāt be explained unless felt or experienced. I still hear your stories and guidance, and I will always be appreciative of the lasting impact that you continue to grace us withā even from the other side. Nothing but great you were, and continue to be. I love you, dad. Thank you for everything.
Also just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone thatās reached out over these past couple of months. Whether it was to send condolences for the passing of my dad, to send congratulations to Anika and I, or simply just to check in to see how Iāve been doing.
Itās been pretty epic to see how many people he affected in a positive light.
I love and appreciate all of you.
B