David Hancock
David Hancock has spent most of his life studying west coast and arctic wildlife. He has published scientific and popular books and papers on whales, seals, seabirds, grouse and his specialty, the northern raptors. Prior to starting Hancock House Publishers he was a pilot and wildlife film producer — again specializing in the native cultures and wildlife of the coast and north. He recently completed a book on eagles, The Bald Eagle of Alaska, BC and Washington and another book on the northwest coast Indians, Tlingit: Their Art and Culture. As well, he has a book on the Alaska-Yukon wildflowers nearing press. Currently he is undertaking studies of the bald eagles along the northwest coast and working on a sandhill crane breeding project. See www.hancockwildlife.org
Eddie Gardner (T’it’elem Spath), born March 3, 1946 in Hope, BC is a member of the Skwah First Nation. He graduated from the University of Prince Edward Island in 1972 with a Bachelor of Arts in the Social Sciences. Eddie worked for a variety of federal, provincial, First Nations and private sector employers in designing, coordinating, directing and delivering a broad range of programs and services from an Aboriginal world view.
Aurash understands that the shape of our planet is within the hands of the species with the most impact: humans. He is critical on the lifestyle of our species and how our industrial and household practices can alter the future of this world. Achieving a BSc. in Biology from The University of British Columbia, Aurash is a proponent of sustainability on all levels and he believes that the individual decisions each human takes, collectively has significant consequences on our species-level carbon footprint. Aurash believes that educating the public on environmentally-oriented issues is essential in order to become a “greener” species. By writing for the Footprint Press, Aurash aims to educate people on how commercial industrial practices (like salmon farming) can harm the environment and that by gaining this knowledge, each individual will consider taking more sustainable actions.
Chrissy believes in the combination of creativity and nature as both elements have this wonderful way of transforming into something sensational and fantastic. Plants and animals alike, have been her inspiration and motivation to draw and paint as every given opportunity is a chance for her to submerge herself into better understanding their form, behaviour, and significance. Each drawing presents the possibility to go beyond what she sees and knows, but to become personally connected through empathy.
Megan Sjogren is a local artist in the Lower Mainland. She is current pursuing her bachelor of Fine Arts degree at the University of the Fraser Valley. Along with her passion for Arts, she has a strong passion for animals and our environment.
Dr. Ken Macquisten is a practicing companion animal veterinarian in Abbotsford. He is also a wildlife veterinarian, former Zoo Director, a founder of the Grouse Mountain Refuge for Endangered Wildlife and the Kicking Horse Grizzly Bear Refuge, lead veterinarian for the Northern Spotted Owl breeding project, and is a Recovery Team Member of the highly endangered Oregon Spotted Frog.
Mike is recently married and has lived in Mission for the last four years. He is a proud parent of two adult children. He has worked as a social worker for the last 25 years and for the last 9 years in the role as a collaborative practices facilitator with the Ministry for Children and Family Development. He is also a BCGEU Shop Steward in Local 604. He is community minded and has a track record of being community involved. He is Chair of the Board for the Wilderness Committee, a member of the Blue Mountain Kanaka Creek Conservation Group and has also been active in the Pitt Polder Preservation Society based in Maple Ridge. He has acted as a strong advocate for protection of our Agricultural Land Reserve. He has been very active in the Green Party both federally and provincially and is an active member of CAUSS.
Sylvia Pincott has had a lifetime interest in caring for the natural world.  In 1994 she initiated Backyard Habitat, a community environmental initiative of the City for Abbotsford to encourage  “backyard†stewardship, and an appreciation for and understanding of “backyard biodiversityâ€, wildlife habitat requirements, and the essential interconnections between native plant and animal species. Backyard Habitat became a pilot program for the province-wide Naturescape British Columbia, Caring for Wildlife Habitat at Home, for which she is Naturalist Advisor and member of the Advisory Committee overseeing the program.
Bruce Klassen and his wife Eileen have been residents of Silverdale, Mission since 1988. An avid photographer, specializing in nature and macro images, Bruce draws his creative inspiration from the beautiful and abundant threatened biodiversity that is found in the 5 acre woodland in which he stewards. Bruce has been CAUSS’ photographer since its inception 10 years ago. He was also the photographer for the Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Festival. His photos of community events have been featured in the Mission Record and Times newspapers.