The Fisherman’s Trail began with a vision rooted in love, remembrance, and community.

Through the Youth Climate Corps and Oceans Legacy, Amber Alfred and Ashley Tapp came together with the intention of creating a small memorial for Helen Anne Beans.

The trail features recycled fishing floats collected from local beaches by Oceans Legacy and provided to the Youth Climate Corps. These floats were painted and shared with families who wished to memorialize a loved one who was a fisherman. Many floats were hand-painted by family members, and due to the number of fishermen in our community, Youth Climate Corps members also painted floats to help ensure families across Alert Bay were represented.

At the trail opening, community members Chris Cook Sr. and Phillip Alfred named at least 30 additional fishermen to be honoured. Because of this, more floats will be created and added over time, allowing the trail to continue growing.

The bench at the lookout point was donated by Oceans Legacy and constructed entirely from salvaged marine debris. The welcome sign was created by Youth Climate Corps through the hiring of talented local artist Trevor Isaac, whose work greets trail users as they enter.

Youth Climate Corps members Mark Isaac and William Whonnock led the hands-on work — clearing the trail, hanging floats, painting the bridge, and carrying and pouring concrete for the bench. This project would not have been possible without their dedication and hard work.

We hope the community will enjoy this trail for many years to come — a place to sit, reflect, and remember loved ones. We know Helen would be honoured to have this trail dedicated to her. She was one of the youngest captains and the first female captain in British Columbia to earn her Master’s ticket.

We also extend our thanks to everyone who attended the opening and blessing of the trail on September 14. Seeing our community gathered in support was truly uplifting.

Michelle Webster

British Columbia — Softball

Michelle has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to her own growth as a coach while also serving as a mentor and leader to others on the same path. Her influence reaches from grassroots programs to the international stage.

She is currently an Assistant Coach with Team Canada’s U15 squad and a Pool Coach for the U18 team, attending World Qualifiers in Mexico and the 2025 World Championships in Italy. Michelle has also coached with Team BC at the Canada Summer Games and the North American Indigenous Games, earning multiple medals along the way.

Her leadership and contributions have been nationally recognized, including being named Softball BC Coach of the Year and receiving the City of Kelowna Sport Hero Award.

Michelle’s achievements reflect not only her dedication to sport, but her commitment to uplifting Indigenous excellence and youth leadership.

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