Flight of the Hummingbird: A Parable for the Environment is a very short, but powerful book by local BC artist and writer, Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas. This book came into work, and it’s one of my bosses favourites this year. We are often sending it to clients, friends, and sponsors of our projects because it has such a strong message: doing something, however small, is better than nothing at all. This story is not a new one, the hummingbird parable has been around for a while. Here is what the press release has to say:

The hummingbird parable, with origins in the Quechuan people of South America, has become a talisman for environmentalists and activists who are committed to making meaningful change in the world. In this inspiring story, the determined hummingbird does everything she can to put out a raging fire that threatens her forest home. The hummingbird—symbol of wisdom and courage—demonstrates that doing something is better than doing nothing at all.

The parable itself is quite short, and takes only a few minutes to read, but you have to pause and admire the artwork of Yahgulanaas, who draws in a Haida Manga style which embodies the Native American origins of the parable yet makes it relateable to a much wider audience.

This courageous little book features artwork by internationally renowned artist Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas. His distinct and lively Haida Manga style engages perfectly with this inspirational story that encourages every individual to act on behalf of the world’s limited and precious resources.

Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas challenges native stereotypes through illustrative story telling.  [He] takes traditional Haida stories and turns them into manga (Japanese-style comics).

The book includes two essays as well, that took me a while to read and absorb fully. In fact, I still feel like I haven’t full appreciated the words and wisdom of these essays and the individuals who wrote them.

The parable is embraced by two of the world’s most influential leaders: Wangari Maathai, the Nobel Peace Prize winner from Kenya who launched the Green Belt Movement, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who has spoken widely about his commitment to preserving the environment.

I realized that for most of my Whiskers on Wednesday posts, and my general Henry posts… I usually let the photos tell the story and I just commentate. I decided that I need to mix things up a bit, give you a photo, and tell you a story.

I’d like to tell you about my SnuggleBug, his many nicknames, and how he fits them. He is one of the most affectionate cats I have ever known. Not just a jump-in-your-lap pet me kind of cat, he doesn’t really do that. However, he loves to be carried around, talked to, and kissed. Since he was little, he’s loved being carried over my left shoulder. He can see up and out, he can chew on my pony tail, and he can give me kisses (mouth, nose, ears, eyes, etc.)

He loves sitting at the bar stools in the kitchen and watching you make food. I usually talk to him when I’m in the kitchen, but my mom doesn’t which causes Henry to meow incessently at her. He is quite vocal! I think he just likes talking to us. I often have a (rather one-sided) conversation with him and me meows back at me. It’s very cute.

His full name is Sir Henry McSquishington Fluffybutt Miller. I also call him Precious, LoveBug, “Hey Babe” when he walks into a room, SweetiePie, HunnyBunch, Pookie, LoveMonkey, Squishy, BabyCakes, and other equally gag-worthy names. It’s odd, my boyfriend and I don’t really do nicknames because they sound a bit fake, but with Henry it just feels natural. I guess it’s like a baby that never grows up and talks back! Haha!

Now to explain his full name, he is quite the little prince, so I had to put some sort of royal “title” in there. The McSquishington is to work in his nickname “Squishy” and a nod to our Scottish heritage. While I don’t ever really call Henry “Fluffy”, he has the fluffiest butt, and the fur is a slightly different texture than the rest of his fur; it’s almost thicker, and actually kind of sticks out. It’s hilarious! Oh and Miller is our last name. I wish I could work “ToeFur” somewhere into his name… it’s absolutely brilliant and I love it, but Henry hates when I play with it!

His regular spot at the kitchen island (away from the food unlike the other photos)