A Complex Coast by David Norwell

A work of art & an environmental love letter.

A Complex Coast by David Norwell is a beautiful hybrid of journal, sketchbook, encyclopedia, meditation, and reconciliatory education.

Norwell shares his experience kayaking the west coast of British Columbia. What started as one journey turned into several. He shares his experience, the lessons learned, as well as the emotional journey.

I adored the reflections on being alone and the intricate connections between nature and various forms of finding inner calm.

A Complex Coast is also packed full of knowledge about the land: plants, animals, weather, and humans. We are all connected.

Another really key aspect in this book is Indigenous recognition. Norwell shows his appreciation for and awareness of the peoples and communities who have cared for this land since before our idea of time. Every journal day is noted by colonial location and the traditional name. It begins with a territorial acknowledgment (which should be so much more common, especially in nature books) and he regularly reflects on his role in today’s community context.
Of course, this should be expected - but as a settler myself it’s really cool to see!

This book is incredible for personal reading or reflection, I would also highly recommend bringing this into any of your social studies, earth sciences, biology, or even literature learning spaces! ❤️ You could use a page of information for study, you could discuss a quote about nature and healing, or you could dive deep into discussions of reconciliation and land-based healing. 🌿