IN OUR WORDS

I always look forward to our “fall issue” because it gives us a chance to really shine the spotlight on Canada’s men and women in uniform. On the pages to follow, you’ll come across several Remembrance-themed stories, including “Letter Home” submitted by Sgt. Caitlin Yacucha, who shared her experiences in Afghanistan with young students upon her return to Canada (page 40). Equally compelling is “Cree Code Talkers” by Shirley Anderson, who describes her uncle’s role in developing a secret code based on the Cree language that helped thwart enemy attempts to intercept vital WWII communications (page 52).

We’re also taking the opportunity to celebrate the beauty and resulting joy that autumn in Canada brings our way. Our cover photo by Rick Bywater of Midland, Ont., sets the stage nicely, and the tribute to the glory of fall penned by his wife Lorna in My Hometown brings the message home (page 28).

And what better time to highlight worthy efforts being made to preserve nature? “Conserving Canada’s Wild Species” by Rob Rainer looks at the scope of the challenge and offers a ray of hope (page 24).

Finally, with fires still burning in British Columbia as this issue goes to press, we thought if fitting to showcase some of the wonders and history of Canada’s western-most province. “Chilcotin: Canada’s Last Frontier” by Cindy Phillips and Gordon Baron, who are among those battling wildfires, explores the region between the Fraser River and the Coast Mountains (page 8), while the Our Travels story by Douglas Noblet on page 20 takes you along on a month-long road trip through incredible scenery.

Happy autumn, everyone!