A book that aims to show both sides of the logging industry and the conflict that ensues from it is out now.
Aaron Williams is an author and also a third-generation British Columbia logger who returned to the forests of Haida Gwaii to witness a way of life in what he calls a "grip of change."
During his father’s generation, people started looking at the industry differently, and Williams knew his future was somewhere else. But he said his father continued in the trade, his work taking him into the forests of Haida Gwaii.
Williams wanted to tell his family's story but also understand the other side of things. His journey took him into a season at Collison Point, where the loggers are increasingly unwelcome visitors to the ancient forests.
“There's sort of three braids. It's about my family's history as well as the history of logging in BC. And then, sort of the third, final, most prevalent, the conflict between First Nations groups and settlers over logging rights.”
He hopes by reading his book people will better understand all the sides of arguments when it comes to logging.
“There aren't any villains,” he said. “The Haida aren't the bad guys for wanting to take back control of the island and have control of the resource, and the loggers aren't the bad guys for just being loggers and doing their jobs.”
Williams grew up in B.C. but life has taken him to the east coast. He is coming back to the northwest to celebrate the launch of his book.
The Last Logging Show: A Forestry Family at the End of an Era, is now available in book stores and online.
Williams will be at the Smithers Public Library on July 11 for a reading, Q&A and book signing.
