Radha Agarwal

My Most Read Work

CTVNews •

Group banished from Haida Gwaii, B.C., after man’s killing

Tensions have risen on Haida Gwaii following the death of Luke Pearson.

Tyson Young was charged with second-degree murder on April 25 after he allegedly ran down Pearson with a vehicle on April 22. Staff Sergeant Kris Clark of the RCMP confirmed Young remains in the custody of BC Corrections until the matter concludes or he is granted bail in the Supreme Court.

The incident, which took place in the Haida Gwaii village of Skidegate, has led to a series of protests and incidents of solidarit...
Today in BC •

Venturing into Khutzeymateen: Canada's only grizzly bear sanctuary

Hidden deep in northwest B.C.’s coast lies the lush inlet of the Khutzeymateen, bustling with grizzly bears and other rich fauna. 

Created in 1994 as the first specially protected area for grizzly bears and their habitat in Canada, it is widely regarded as the densest natural grizzly bear habitat in North America. The sanctuary is located about 45 kilometres northeast of Prince Rupert and only is accessible by boat or plane. 

The Gits’iis tribe of the Lax Kw’alaams Band has been the stewar...
Haida Gwaii Observer •

Group banished from Haida Gwaii in wake of man's death by vehicle

Tensions have risen on Haida Gwaii following the death of Luke Pearson.

Tyson Young was charged with second-degree murder on April 25 after he allegedly ran down Pearson with a vehicle on April 22. Staff Sergeant Kris Clark of the RCMP confirmed Young remains in the custody of BC Corrections until the matter concludes or he is granted bail in the Supreme Court.

The incident, which took place in the Haida Gwaii village of Skidegate, has led to a series of protests and incidents of solidarit...
Today in BC •

Landscapes for Palestine: B.C. artist connects her work to protest

By: Radha Agarwal
It’s a cold January day when Rawan Hassan unlocks the back door of her studio in Vancouver, and begins to climb a dark, narrow staircase. It ends at a multi-studio floor which has a maze-like hallway with several doors.
She steps into one of them and reveals a dull box-shaped space, juxtaposed by the colorful landscape paintings, clothwork and charcoal embossed sheets that hang off the walls.
Hassan is a multi-faceted Palestinian artist, who is using her craft as a form of...
The Georgia Straight •

For people with autism, ICBC’s testing system is inequitable

By Radha Agarwal and Harvin BhathalCaitlyn Peterson has taken the ICBC driving knowledge test eight times over the past four years, and has failed every time.Peterson has autism, which means she requires enhanced and equitable support in order to operate and excel in stimulating situations. According to the 29-year-old, what ICBC currently offers autistic people hoping to get licensed is inadequate.“The lights are so bright, people’s cell phones are going off, lights are flashing,” she says of t...
New Canadian Media •

A sense of foreboding on eve of Diwali - New Canadian Media

“Staying in my home country feels safer than anywhere else in the world right now. Especially after India cancelled the visas for Canadians, and then the Israel-Hamas war,” says Shrishti Gupta, an Indian student who was to move to Vancouver this fall, but chose to stay back at least for this semester.
Speaking to NCM from Delhi, she is worried about high inflation, a looming recession and what she sees as a tough job market in Canada. Recent political developments between India and Canada have o...
CBC •

Citing barriers to access, Black Montrealers create their own mental health services | CBC News

Samanta Nyinawumuntu was going through tough times while attending theatre school. Feeling they needed help, they sought therapy. But, while sitting in a room with a white therapist, they quickly realized the environment wasn't a safe space for them. "It was like the person I spoke with did not understand or had zero training. I left feeling worse, and I thought 'no, this is not for me,'" Nyinawum...
Today in BC •

Northwest B.C. businesses on brink of collapse as immigration rules devastate foreign worker supply

"In our town, foreign workers are not a convenience, they are a necessity," John Farrell said in a presentation to city council.

Dire situation

Farrell leads Community Futures, a non-profit development corporation that helps entrepreneurs on the North Coast and Haida Gwaii with their journeys in business. He is also a business owner.

He and several other prominent business owners, including representatives from the Crest Hotel, Highliner Hotel, and Opa Sushi, presented at the regular c...
Today in BC •

Death of Deathcare: injecting new life into B.C.'s funeral services crisis

In 2021, two trailblazers, George Westwood and Matthew Pierce, introduced a groundbreaking solution in deathcare services for the remote archipelago of Haida Gwaii, located west of Prince Rupert. Most residents used to have to spend a significant amount of money (about $10,000) for essential funeral services to and from the island, enduring a long journey to Terrace (approximately 10 hours), and dealing with a sporadic ferry service.

"Since Haida Gwaii has always had a small population, it ha...
Today in BC •

Death of deathcare: multiple obstacles blocking funeral services in remote B.C.

Ferguson Funeral Home was the sole funeral services operator in Prince Rupert. It closed in 2021 after its licensed embalmer and funeral director, Jim Ferguson, passed away following 45 years of service to the community.

Since then Prince Rupert residents have relied on services from Terrace, 150 kilometres away, leaving families sometimes waiting overnight for up to16 hours for help after the passing of a loved one.

"It's been a number of years now, and still, nothing new has come up, whi...
Today in BC •

Death of deathcare: bodies left where they die for hours in B.C. town

"Val, our system is broken."

This is what Valerie Paolinelli remembers her doctor saying to her after her husband died at their residence in Prince Rupert in March 2024.

Affected by restrictive regulations, the absence of a local funeral provider, and the usual staff shortages in the North, grieving families in Prince Rupert, such as Paolinelli’s, find doors closing on them during their times of sorrow.

"My poor husband lay on the floor for 16 hours. After 16 hours, his stomach was bloa...
Vancouver Sun •

Haida Gwaii buoy collects data for marine renewable energy research

Article contentThe Haida Nation has collaborated with the University of Victoria’s Pacific regional institute for marine energy discovery to collect information on the abundant renewable energy resources available around Haida Gwaii. These include marine resources such as wave, tidal, and offshore wind power, which could reduce the island’s heavy reliance on diesel-generated electricity.Article contentHaida Gwaii comprises more than 200 small and large islands, 100 kilometres west of the north c...
The Georgia Straight •

Inaugural Ignite Music Festival is rebuilding Vancouver music’s middle class

Lindsay Sparrow wanted to shake up the Vancouver entertainment business. So she created her own music festival.Sparrow is making waves in the city’s live music scene with the first-ever Ignite Music Festival on June 30 at the Plaza of Nations. The one-day festival will feature artists including Rick Ross, Waka Flocka Flame, Sickick, Vancouver-based Amiccella, and Surrey-raised Merkules.And unlike so many other big-ticket music events in the city, this one is trying to keep costs down, with ticke...

My Latest Work

I’ve publishing around 300 stories republished in over 100 newspapers across Canada through the Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) wire network. While not all of my work is uploaded here, I'm happy to share additional samples tailored to your interests. If you're looking for a particular topic and don’t see it listed, feel free to reach out and I’d be glad to send over my CV and relevant links.

Today in BC •

Trigon finalizes $750M investment in North Coast LPG facility

Trigon Pacific Terminals’ board passed its final investment decision today (June 11) on a $750 million liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) export facility in Prince Rupert despite a current exclusivity deal between the Prince Rupert Port Authority and an Altagas/Royal Vopak partnership.

The facility will be able to export up to 2.5 million tonnes of primarily Alberta-produced propane and butane annually, positioning it as a major LPG export hub in Canada. Pending all required legal and regulatory a...
Haida Gwaii Observer •

Nearly $100K award fuels salmon stewardship projects in Haida Gwaii

The Pacific Salmon Foundation (PSF) has awarded $97,500 to Indigenous, community-led efforts to protect and restore salmon in Haida Gwaii.

The non-profit environmental foundation distributed its record-breaking $1.8 million Community Salmon Program this year, supporting grassroots restoration, stewardship, and education projects across B.C. and the Yukon.

On June 10, PSF granted $50,000 to the Haida Fisheries Program on Moresby Island and $47,500 to the Tlell Watershed Society.

“The sta...
Terrace Standard •

Historic Japanese triplexes restored at B.C.’s oldest surviving cannery

Japanese triplexes built in the 1960s at the last intact cannery on B.C.’s north coast have now been restored, preserving a vital piece of the region’s multicultural fishing heritage.

Built in 1889, the North Pacific Cannery in Port Edward played a key role in driving economic development on British Columbia’s coast through salmon canning. It remained in active operation until 1980.

Now the North Pacific Cannery National Historic Site and Museum, the site consists of a cluster of wooden bu...
Today in BC •

B.C. and First Nations launch massive land-use planning project in northwest B.C.

Five First Nations in northwest B.C. have partnered with the Province to identify areas across 16 million hectares for both biodiversity conservation and natural resource development to boost Canada’s economy.

“Partnerships like this will deliver the critical minerals the world needs while better protecting the air, land and waters that First Nations have stewarded since time immemorial,” said Jagrup Brar, minister of Mining and Critical Minerals, in a June 3 news release.

In the release,...
CTVNews •

Group banished from Haida Gwaii, B.C., after man’s killing

Tensions have risen on Haida Gwaii following the death of Luke Pearson.

Tyson Young was charged with second-degree murder on April 25 after he allegedly ran down Pearson with a vehicle on April 22. Staff Sergeant Kris Clark of the RCMP confirmed Young remains in the custody of BC Corrections until the matter concludes or he is granted bail in the Supreme Court.

The incident, which took place in the Haida Gwaii village of Skidegate, has led to a series of protests and incidents of solidarit...
The Northern View •

Northern local government conference highlights climate action, housing, and reconciliation

The second day of the North Central Local Government Association (NCLGA) conference spotlighted the Nisga’a Nation’s pioneering efforts in climate adaptation, sustainable housing, and reconciliation through projects in partnership with the Community Energy Association (CEA).

The May 14 plenary session featured a presentation by Gaëtane Carignan, who works in climate leadership and energy retrofits at CEA (a non-profit society), and Kaitlyn Robinson, climate coordinator with the Nisga’a Lisims...
The Northern View •

All Nations on North Coast unite to honour Red Dress Day

Hundreds of community members packed the Civic Centre in Prince Rupert on May 5 to honour the Red Dress Day and the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQIA+ people.

The red dress, inspired by the work of Métis artist Jaime Black, has become a powerful national symbol of the loss experienced by the families of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and gender-diverse people. Red Dress Day serves as both a day of mourning honouring those t...
The Northern View •

City council: Soaring costs force City to reassess $130M water infrastructure project

Prince Rupert’s three-year major water upgrade project is progressing amid significant cost overruns, prompting a strategic reassessment by the City.

The project’s initial estimate was $130 million, but now it faces a budget increase of approximately 30 per cent due to ongoing market volatility and rising construction costs.

So far, the City has spent approximately 20 per cent of the allocated budget, but only 15 per cent of the total work has been completed.

“With construction costs co...
The Northern View •

Entertainment review: Lester Centre bursts with comedy and whimsy at "Shrek the Musical"

Crowds roared with laughter as the cast of “Shrek the Musical” hit the stage in Prince Rupert.

The community production, directed by Heather MacRae, wowed audiences April 10 to 12 at the Lester Centre of the Arts. It was made possible through the tireless efforts of approximately 75 volunteers, including actors, crew members, musicians, and the technical and production teams, who dedicated countless hours over the past three months to deliver the show.

The story followed an ogre, an unlike...
The Northern View •

Northern B.C. man honoured with King Charles III medal for championing worker's safety

Mike Calli of Prince Rupert has been awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal to mark the culmination of his 47-year journey through service on Canada’s coast, marine education, and advocacy work.

Calli’s journey is marked by resilience, transformation, and an unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of others. 

In 1977, while working on tugboats for a company called RivTow in the Lower Mainland near New Westminster, a tragic accident changed his life forever. A tow line’s s...
Today in BC •

Northwest B.C. businesses on brink of collapse as immigration rules devastate foreign worker supply

"In our town, foreign workers are not a convenience, they are a necessity," John Farrell said in a presentation to city council.

Dire situation

Farrell leads Community Futures, a non-profit development corporation that helps entrepreneurs on the North Coast and Haida Gwaii with their journeys in business. He is also a business owner.

He and several other prominent business owners, including representatives from the Crest Hotel, Highliner Hotel, and Opa Sushi, presented at the regular c...
The Northern View •

Prince Rupert probes ‘Buy Canadian’ procurement policy amid US-Canada trade war

The port city of Prince Rupert, a major economic hub in northwestern B.C., is gearing up to tackle head-on the heavy tariffs imposed by the United States.

City council passed a motion at its regular meeting on March 24, directing staff to review current procurement practices and identify opportunities to enhance Canadian and local purchasing. Staff were tasked with reporting back to council at a future meeting with a proposed outline of changes, including the cost-benefit implications and the...
The Northern View •

Haida carver reveals inspiration behind Alaska's largest 360-degree totem

With every chisel strike, Haida carver TJ Young brought history to life with the 360-degree totem pole standing at the Sealaska Heritage Square — a towering testament to culture, storytelling, and resilience in the heart of downtown Juneau.

Named the Sealaska Cultural Values Totem Pole, this fully carved piece honours the rich traditions of southeast Alaska’s three tribes — Lingít, Haida, and Tsimshian. It is an impressive 22 feet tall and four feet wide; its scale and intricate details make...
The Northern View •

Northwest B.C. ERs begin to emerge from crisis as physician shortage eases

Patients in Northwest B.C. are experiencing a refreshing shift as emergency room (ER) doors remain open in local hospitals.

Although by February 2025, Northern Health (NH) hospitals are still facing a 20.17 per cent vacancy gap in their baseline healthcare positions, the staffing situation has shown incremental improvement.

The ERs in Prince Rupert, Masset, and Kitimat experienced a high rate of interruptions in the first half of 2024, but showed a significant drop in closures from August...
The Northern View •

Large fishing boat overturns and leaks near Bella Bella; fishermen rescued

A 58-foot fishing vessel, the Western Gambler, has run aground near Napier Point, about three kilometres south of Bella Bella.

Early in the morning on Feb. 19, the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) received a report that a craft was taking on water and tilting to one side. The Bella Bella lifeboat station crew responded quickly to help with the situation.

"The CCGS Cape Farewell and our Bella Bella Fast Rescue Craft arrived on-scene and rescued the four fishermen onboard," said the Canadian Coast...
The Northern View •

Northern BC terminal partners with South Korean authority to advance ammonia fuel project

Prince Rupert-based Trigon Pacific Terminals has signed an agreement with the Ulsan Free Economic Zone Authority (UFEZ) to work together to export hydrogen-based ammonia from Canada to South Korea.

Both parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Feb. 12 in Seoul. It outlines that Trigon will support the development of receiving terminals in Ulsan, South Korea, as a key component of the supply chain for Asian markets. Additionally, Trigon will assist in opening potential markets for...
The Northern View •

Ecology centre's all-female team inspires Rupertites with the richness of local ecosystems

On Feb. 11, the North Coast Ecology Centre celebrated the 10th Annual International Day for Women and Girls in Science with its all-female staff.

The society is working to create a permanent education centre in Prince Rupert that highlights the region’s ecological abundance. 

“In doing this, we hope to inspire a love for our beautiful corner of the world by sharing its wonders and providing education for conserving the local environment and its species based out of Prince Rupert,” said Mad...
The Northern View •

PHOTOS: Gitxaala Nation officially opens 65th Annual All Native Basketball Tournament in Prince Rupert

The Gitxaala Nation delighted a packed hall at the Jim Ciccone Civic Centre to celebrate the opening of the 65th edition of the All Native Basketball Tournament. The final showdowns for all five divisions are set to take place on Feb. 15.Dialogue and debate are integral to a free society and we welcome and encourage you to share your views on the issues of the day. We ask that you be respectful of others and their points of view, refrain from personal attacks and stay on topic. To learn about ou...
The Northern View •

Prince Rupert library amplifies Black Canadian voices in honour of Black History Month

To mark Black History Month, the Prince Rupert Library has curated a new display celebrating Black Canadians and their impact on the country.

The collection includes books by or about Black Canadians, including historical works, contemporary fiction, and nonfiction for all ages.

Mercedes Taylor, the director of the library, explained the purpose of the display is to provide people with an opportunity to learn more about the diverse voices and critical perspectives that have shaped Canada....
The Northern View •

Distraught passengers return home after 11-hour wait for Vancouver flight

Dozens of excited passengers arrived at Prince Rupert’s Digby Island on Feb. 3, eager to board their flight to Vancouver, but after an exhausting 11-hour ordeal, they found themselves heading back to their homes with their hopes of reaching their destination dashed in the darkness of the night.

Air Canada Express’s afternoon Jazz flight from a nearby island is the only air route that hopeful residents of Prince Rupert and surrounding areas can rely on to stay connected to the rest of the worl...
The Northern View •

Prince Rupert experiencing colder, drier winter than normal

This winter, Prince Rupert is having a colder and more arid season than usual, and this trend might last until mid-February.

"In January, we definitely got much drier. January 1 to January 31 we only had 70 per cent of normal precipitation," said Derek Lee, a meteorologist at Environment and Climate Change Canada.

While the rainy city typically receives 276.3 millimetres of rain in January, this year, it got just 193.6 millimetres.

Lee notes that winter is usually the wettest season for...
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