In 1972, Ellen Schwartz moved from the US to Canada, seeking to build a commune in Galena Bay. The 1970s was an era in which many people “went back to the land” as a protest against consumerism and environmental destruction. Having come from the suburbs of New York, Schwartz and her fellow hippies learned to survive in the wilderness through trial and error, learning by doing, and support from their neighbours. Part memoir, part BC history, readers will learn about resilience, the land, sustainability, and the evolution of Galena Bay. This book illuminates the challenges of self-sufficient living, expanding readers’ understanding of life “off the grid.” From an emotional perspective, Schwartz describes how personal growth was intimately related to living off the land. The book includes seven short essays called “Making a Living.” These are condensed summaries of the author’s time in the wilderness.

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Source: Books BC - BC Books for Schools

Ellen Schwartz's profile page