The Core

Islander Tales is an oral history project dedicated to the community of Orcas Island. In a world that often feels confusing and overwhelming, we have become experts at documenting our conflicts and our harm. But human history has always been saved by a much older tradition: strong communities. We are social beings meant to live together, and it is our stories—our oral traditions—that have allowed us to evolve and survive. I moved to this island just a few months ago and found myself in awe of its beauty and the roles every one of you plays. As a shy person, my interactions are often fleeting, but I don't want them to stay that way. Islander Tales isn't about me; I am simply a medium here to record and preserve the "shining source of knowledge" that is our community in 2026. Sources: Oral traditions and expressions including language as a vehicle of the intangible cultural heritage https://ich.unesco.org/en/oral-traditions-and-expressions-00053 Oral Traditions https://indigenousfoundations.arts.ubc.ca/oral_traditions/