"Guardian" by Delphina Nova
Artist Statement
“Takaya first captured my attention when I saw a news clip of him when he was first spotted on Discovery Island while I was in Victoria. In 2018, I watched the documentary Takaya: Lone Wolf with my parents in Ontario. I spoke of how this was the wolf that had captured my attention. Reflecting on why Takaya was on his own, far from his pack, I envisioned what it must have been like for him to howl for the first time, with his mother next to him and his pack nearby. In 2019, I moved back to Vancouver Island. On January 25, 2020, after a week of snowfall in Victoria, I walked to Fisherman's Wharf to bring back salmon for dinner. Fate turned a corner when I saw Takaya moving briskly down the sidewalk. It was like a dream. He was so beautiful! I was there when he was tranquilized and saw him being carried out for relocation. His death affected me deeply - if only he had a chance to make his own pack. Takaya's beauty and gentle presence will always remain with me.”
Artist Bio
Delphina is a member of the Anishnaabe/Metis nations and was born in Sudbury, Ontario. She now makes her home in Victoria, BC. Her children's book, Turtle's Dream, and her art and storytelling can be viewed on her Instagram account.
Artist Statement
“Takaya first captured my attention when I saw a news clip of him when he was first spotted on Discovery Island while I was in Victoria. In 2018, I watched the documentary Takaya: Lone Wolf with my parents in Ontario. I spoke of how this was the wolf that had captured my attention. Reflecting on why Takaya was on his own, far from his pack, I envisioned what it must have been like for him to howl for the first time, with his mother next to him and his pack nearby. In 2019, I moved back to Vancouver Island. On January 25, 2020, after a week of snowfall in Victoria, I walked to Fisherman's Wharf to bring back salmon for dinner. Fate turned a corner when I saw Takaya moving briskly down the sidewalk. It was like a dream. He was so beautiful! I was there when he was tranquilized and saw him being carried out for relocation. His death affected me deeply - if only he had a chance to make his own pack. Takaya's beauty and gentle presence will always remain with me.”
Artist Bio
Delphina is a member of the Anishnaabe/Metis nations and was born in Sudbury, Ontario. She now makes her home in Victoria, BC. Her children's book, Turtle's Dream, and her art and storytelling can be viewed on her Instagram account.
Artist Statement
“Takaya first captured my attention when I saw a news clip of him when he was first spotted on Discovery Island while I was in Victoria. In 2018, I watched the documentary Takaya: Lone Wolf with my parents in Ontario. I spoke of how this was the wolf that had captured my attention. Reflecting on why Takaya was on his own, far from his pack, I envisioned what it must have been like for him to howl for the first time, with his mother next to him and his pack nearby. In 2019, I moved back to Vancouver Island. On January 25, 2020, after a week of snowfall in Victoria, I walked to Fisherman's Wharf to bring back salmon for dinner. Fate turned a corner when I saw Takaya moving briskly down the sidewalk. It was like a dream. He was so beautiful! I was there when he was tranquilized and saw him being carried out for relocation. His death affected me deeply - if only he had a chance to make his own pack. Takaya's beauty and gentle presence will always remain with me.”
Artist Bio
Delphina is a member of the Anishnaabe/Metis nations and was born in Sudbury, Ontario. She now makes her home in Victoria, BC. Her children's book, Turtle's Dream, and her art and storytelling can be viewed on her Instagram account.