P.E.I. resident part of epic journey on icebreaker
The Canada C3 stopped in Charlottetown recently for Canada Day festivities.
The C3 expedition was a Canada 150 signature project involving a 150-day sailing expedition by the icebreaker from Toronto to Victoria, and throughout the Northwest Passage and on to the East Coast, travelling 23,000 kilometres. Canada C3 participants included newcomers to the country, Indigenous elders, Canadian scientists, youth ambassadors, visual artists, musicians and more. Erin Gillespie of Kensington was one of the passengers on board for the third leg of the voyage, travelling from Baie-Comeau, Que., to Charlottetown.
In her application to be chosen for the expedition, it was noted that Gillespie is an avid gardener who grows a substantial garden to fuel her family. A motorcycle adventurer, a competitive roller derby player and an animal lover, “this green-haired whale worshipper” is a self-employed hairstylist who runs a small eco-salon in Charlottetown. She was described as having “a deep respect for Earth and its oceans and environment.” While the icebreaker was docked in Charlottetown, she and the other participants attended several activities in the area, including a beach seine at Basin Head Marine Protected Area and Souris Wildlife Centre, a visit to the Fisheries Museum, a tour of Charlottetown with the Fathers of Confederation, a re-imagining and roundtable discussion on Confederation at the Confederation Centre for Arts and the Canada Day festivities.
The C3 expedition explored diversity, inclusion, reconciliation, youth engagement and the environment.
Once a participant boarded the Canada C3 vessel, they became the eyes and ears of the country. Using art, music, research and storytelling participants worked to build knowledge and human connections.
After leaving P.E.I. the Canada C3 continued its journey which ends Oct. 28.