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Mark

@maplesystemsroad.bsky.social
3.3K followers 9K following 197 posts

Genealogy nerd, archaeology enthusiast, adoptee, and proud union member from unceded sḵwx̱wú7mesh, sel̓íl̓witulh, and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm territories (he/they)

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Reposted by Mark
Merriam-Webster @merriam-webster.com · 05/10/2026
The SPEAKER implies. The LISTENER infers. The DUDE abides.
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Dr Carolyn La Rocco 🏺🍃 @carrielarocco.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
Early for #MosaicMonday, but a progress update on my edible Theodora mosaic (made out of fondant on wafer paper)! Think it is almost done ☺️
Photo of sheet of water paper with lots of differently colored pieces of fondant that I colored and cut tesserae out of, and made a mosaic of the empress Theodora with a gold background; I attached the tesserae with edible ‘food glue’
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Mark @maplesystemsroad.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Advance voting for the Vancouver municipal election opens today! Get out there and vote. I'll be voting for candidates from COPE, OneCity, and Green. #vanpoli #bcpoli
graffiti on a wall saying "Ken Sim is being evicted. Cope."
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UBCIC @ubcic.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
"It is a reminder that denialism will not be tolerated and signals the collective importance of standing up for what is right and upholding the rights and safety of victims of institutionalized violence." GCSP www.ubcic.bc.ca/court_reaffi...
ubcic.bc.ca
Court Reaffirms Importance of Confronting Residential School Denialism ahead of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Working towards the recognition, implementation and exercise of our inherent Indigenous Title, Rights and Treaty Rights
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APTN News @aptnnews.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
September 30 is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. Today is a time to raise awareness of the ongoing impacts of residential schools and remember the children who never came home. How are you honouring the day?
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BC Federation of Labour @bcfed.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
We are outraged by the act of white supremacist intimidation and hate that Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc experienced on the weekend. And we're saddened to know how hurtful this must have been for their community's members—especially for Survivors and their families. Our hearts go out to them.
We are outraged by the act of white supremacist intimidation and hate that @tkemlups_te_secwepemc experienced on the weekend. And we're saddened to know how hurtful this must have been for their community's members - especially for Survivors and their families. Our hearts go out to them.BCFED President Sussanne Skidmore has written to both Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir and Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, expressing our outrage and sorrow over this incident, and offering our full solidarity and support.We recommit to fighting the disinformation and hate that is being sown against Indigenous people-from residential school denialism to fear-mongering over treaties and land claims. And we're determined to continue our shared journey toward Reconciliation.
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Emily Lowan (she/her) @emilylowan.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
I am disgusted by the appearance of white nationalists on the Tkʼemlúps te Secwépemc reserve. This is happening just days before the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation. I stand with Indigenous communities & all marginalized communities in the fight for a future free from racist intimidation.
cfjctoday.com
Apparent white nationalist gathering spotted on Tkʼemlúps reserve Sunday
TK'EMLUPS - A post on social media appears to show a group of masked individuals gathered on the Tkemlps te Se...
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British Columbia Genealogical Society @bcgs.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
On October 1, the Art Canada Institute and the Royal BC Museum celebrate the launch of "Hannah Maynard: Life & Work" by Elizabeth Anne Cavaliere. Hannah Maynard was one of Canada’s earliest professional women photographers and important in Victoria’s cultural history. rbcm.ca/event/hannah....
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Rachel Gilmore @rachelgilmore.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
👀 cupe.ca/news/cupe-wi...
"The national executive board of Canada's largest union, CUPE, has passed a unanimous resolution vowing to defy the Liberal government's Bill C-39 limiting the constitutional right to strike if it is passed unamended through Parliament."
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Justin McElroy 🇨🇦 @jmcelroy.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
your periodic reminder
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Ryan North @ryannorth.ca · 23/09/2026
Pompeii is a UNESCO world heritage site not because it was remarkable in its prime, but because it survived to our era untouched: one moment, preserved for all time. But future generations won't know what OUR world was like unless we do the same. This is why we MUST bury Toronto with a volcano
Picture of the streets of Pompeii, from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pompei_-_panoramio_(26).jpg. Taken by Tanya Dedyukhina, used under CC
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IndigiNews @indiginews.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Indigenous people travelled from across the Salish Sea to spend time with the woolly dog pelt at MOA before it became open to be viewed by the public. “It’s historical that the woolly dog arrived back home.” Story by Santana Dreaver, co-published with The Narwhal indiginews.com/features/sal...
indiginews.com
After more than a century, this Salish woolly dog pelt has returned to 'B.C.'
The Coast and Interior Salish companions were carefully bred for thousands of years, then they went extinct — the only known pelt is at MOA until next August
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Alejandra Caraballo @esqueer.net · 14/09/2026
Cis people do not understand how much trans people's rights have regressed in just 5 years. 5 years ago, there were none of these restrictions. 19 states banned legal recognition 21 states have bathroom bans 8 states ban gender marker changes on DLs 25 ban gender affirming care for trans youth
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Naomi Klein @naomiaklein.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
"People are really mad and however mad you are, it’s not enough. Because there is something so profound about no longer believing in the future, about seeing no value in our shared home, in the natural world. They’re traitors to creation.” www.theguardian.com/books/2026/s...
theguardian.com
Naomi Klein: ‘Extreme wealth has a deranging effect. It turns you into a supremacist’
She’s tackled neoliberalism and the digital world, now the writer and activist is taking on tech billionaires. She explains how the super-rich are capitalising on climate and financial chaos in pursui...
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Alex Bozikovic @alexbozikovic.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Some drivers whine like toddlers at any hint of inconvenience, and media treats their whining with respect. Having to drive a couple of blocks out of one’s way is not hard. This does not constitute imprisonment.
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UBCIC @ubcic.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
"The Government of Canada bears the sole responsibility for addressing the historic and current rights violations perpetuated by the status provisions in the Indian Act and must do so immediately" www.ubcic.bc.ca/ol_pass_bill...
ubcic.bc.ca
OPEN LETTER: Pass Bill S-2 as Amended, without Distractions or Delays
Working towards the recognition, implementation and exercise of our inherent Indigenous Title, Rights and Treaty Rights
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Leah ProudLakota (she/her) @leahgazan.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Today, I wrote to the Indigenous Liberal Caucus calling on them to stand with residential school survivors, families, and communities to end residential school denialism by tabling my Private Members Bill (C-254) (1/2)
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Yuen Pau Woo @ypwoo.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
For too long, Canada has issued warnings to Israel without meaningful consequences. Today’s commitment to ban trade in goods from illegal Israeli settlements is a welcome change. The government must now follow through, and be prepared to take further actions where needed.
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David Dayen @ddayen.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
In NYC, Mayor Mamdani has launched the Office of Worker Power, designed to connect workers who want to unionize with education and resources. Former US Labor Sec Julie Su is overseeing the effort & the executive director comes from the UAW. "When workers can organize, everything changes," said Su.
prospect.org
Mamdani Opens Office of Worker Power - The American Prospect
The new city agency intends to connect workers who want to unionize with resources and organizing contacts, and use worker stories of exploitation to inform policy.
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Marisa Kabas @marisakabas.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
pay living wages for all workers. tax the shit out of billionaires. happy labor day.
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Patrick Monahan @pattymo.com · 06/09/2026
Homer protecting his sugar
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LabourStart Canada @labourstartcane.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Tomorrow's news today. Actually, this is yesterday's news tomorrow, but when your newspaper only comes out twice a week, sometimes you have days-old news. Anyway, Uber drivers in the BC Interior unionize.
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The Verge @theverge.com · 02/09/2026
As a new Harry Potter trailer makes the rounds, it bears repeating that there’s no way to watch this show without supporting J.K. Rowling’s bigotry and the structural violence she’s inflicting on the trans community.
theverge.com
There is no ethical consumption of HBO’s Harry Potter series
You can’t without supporting Rowling’s transphobic bigotry.
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Mark @maplesystemsroad.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
I saw Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma tonight and it was phenomenal. Very fun to watch it in a crowded theater too
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Raffi_RC @raffic.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
🌟 well, now I’ve done it—made New Yorker magazine.. a whale of a cartoon! 🐳 a wonderful part of the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of my Singable Songs album. 🎉
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Erik Loomis @erikloomis.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
This Day in Labor History: August 30, 1996. Workers at the Lusty Lady theater in San Francisco became the first sex workers in American history to form a federally recognized union when they joined Service Employees International Union Local 790. Let's talk about sex work unionism!
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Mark @maplesystemsroad.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Cool to see the lunar eclipse in Vancouver tonight
the lunar eclipse between two (cedar?) trees, right before it was covered by clouds in East Van tonight
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Mark @maplesystemsroad.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
A loss for all the people of Spain. I hope that these ancient artifacts are recovered before they can be melted down.
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Eric Brandom @ebrandom.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
IWW poster, 1917. www.jstor.org/stable/commu...
Bright red print. THIEF! across the top in negative, then an image of children working a cotton mill machine, while a wealthy man stands to the right. written below: "The worst thief is he who steals the playtime of children. - WD Haywood" Join the IWW and help put the thieves to work.
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Mary Grace @emgeekay.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
I am fed up with our tax dollars fighting Indigenous peoples in court so that their rights to shelter and potable water can be continued to be denied. If the federal government wants nation building projects, start here. www.cbc.ca/news/indigen...
cbc.ca
Canada won't disclose cost of fighting First Nations in court on water, housing | CBC News
The federal government refuses to disclose how much money Canada has spent fighting First Nations in court over their right to safe drinking water and housing on reserve, which analysts call undue sec...
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Avi Lewis @avilewis.ca · 25/08/2026
This trade war should jolt us out of our reliance on volatile fossil fuels and accelerate our transition to clean, secure and reliable energy.
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Kendra "Gloom is My Beat" Pierre-Louis @kendrawrites.com · 24/08/2026
I got called a luddite on Friday and I was like yeah ok fine because the luddites were right.
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United Steelworkers @uswmetallos.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
We are responding to the breaking news of the trade deal collapse. USW National Director Marty Warren: “Canada was right to hold the line rather than accept a deal that did not adequately protect Canadian workers, jobs and communities.” Read more in our USW media release.
usw.ca
Steelworkers back Canada holding the line on trade, call for a stronger response to protect Canadian jobs and industry - USW Canada
TORONTO – United Steelworkers union (USW) National Director Marty Warren issued the following statement on the suspension of Canada-U.S. trade negotiations and the imposition of new 50% U.S. tariffs o...
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Kim Kelly @kimkelly.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
met a very curious baby Arctic fox the other day
A baby Arctic fox with grey-black fur sits in front of an old wooden pallet A baby Arctic fox with grey-black fur stands on a piece of wood; in the background are buildings and a snow-topped mountain A baby Arctic fox with grey-black fur sits on the tundra
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Mark @maplesystemsroad.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
here's the shadow of a crow flying by my window in east vancouver this morning
wooden cabinets with shadows on them on a sunny day. in the centre there's a shadow of a crow in flight with a spread wings
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Mary Gillis @marygillis.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Canadians are willing to let Carney do anything right now. He could be using that blank cheque to turn Canada into a future proof, independent green energy powerhouse. Instead he's trying to make it the fucking 1980s again. I cannot believe how backwards and incompetent this man turned out to be.
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Max Dubler 🏳️‍🌈 @maxdubler.com · 17/08/2026
Every time!
Scooby Doo mask meme: I am concerned that speed and red light cameras will erode privacy and civil liberties.

I want to drive dangerously with impunity.
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Canadian Labour @canadianlabour.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
The strongest labour movement is one that never stops learning. Join union activists from across Canada to deepen your leadership, sharpen your skills, and learn alongside others working to build worker power. Applications close September 14. #canlab labourcollege.ca
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Mark @maplesystemsroad.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Wow, very similar to my lived experience. I was diagnosed last year. Chris Packham on his autism: ‘We’re not overdiagnosing it’ share.google/NTuI3WHdJ4v1...
Screenshot from an article in The Times by Chris Packham. It reads: "I grew up thinking that I was broken. I couldn't understand why I was isolated, excluded and bullied, or why I behaved in certain ways. Not knowing [I was autistic] caused me an enormous amount of mental health issues. When I was diagnosed in my early forties, I was recovering from quite a serious mental health episode. Now I have an understanding and a means of managing the condition.

People say that the diagnosis has given me more confidence. In the past, I would fail to protect myself because I'd feel that I ought to conform. So I used to drink too much. People would say, let's go to a party. And I'd think, oh God. So I'd go to the party and the only way of getting through it was to get completely wasted. Whereas now I don't want to be wasted and therefore I just don't go to parties."
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Mary Fernando M.D. 🇨🇦 @maryfernando.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
The world feels so hopeless but my kitchen overlooks my wildflower garden, full of bees and butterflies and, now some of the flowers have gone to seed, bringing in stunning birds. I can’t make the world better (dammit!) but for wildlife in my small patch of the 🌎 life is better. #Rewilding
A beautiful yellow bird looking for seeds from dying flowers to eat and if this isn’t hope, what is?  Wildflowers as the sun rises while my morning coffee brews.
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Sara Nelson @flyingwithsara.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
Hell to the YES! My hometown women’s college basketball team leading the union charge! Go Beavs! Go working class power. All work has dignity and deserves a union contract. portlandtribune.com/2026/08/13/o...
portlandtribune.com
Oregon Labor Federation backs OSU women's basketball - The Portland Tribune
Oregon Labor Federation ‘proud’ of Oregon State women’s basketball’s push for union representation Oregon State women’s basketball’s monumental push for unionization is making friends in the right pla...
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DT Cochrane @dtcochrane.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Hell yeah! We don’t need to trample on Indigenous rights to sell land, water, and air to ghouls like Kevin O’Leary. We can build a different kind of economy.
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Rachel Gilmore @rachelgilmore.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
If you’ve ever wanted a T-shirt repping a racist Canadian group pushing for mass deportations, your purchase is just a few clicks away — all thanks to Shopify. When I reached out to them, they said "we don’t remove merchants over objections to their worldview.” Wow. My latest for @thetyee.ca:
thetyee.ca
Shopify Powers a Racist Group’s Online Store. It’s Not the First Time | The Tyee
The $250 billion Canadian company has repeatedly found itself in controversy over its support of ‘free speech.’
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Shannon Waters @sobittersosweet.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
My mind still boggles at the fact that heat is considered an essential service in rental housing here in B.C. but cooling is not A growing number of municipalities are taking action but - as everyone I spoke to pointed out - the issue is really the purview of the province and/or the feds #bcpoli
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Mel Woods @melwoods.me · 10/08/2026
New from me today in @xtramagazine.com , about the WNBA transphobia mess. "While some have met the moment with thoughtful shows of solidarity ... it’s frankly insulting to athletes and fans of all genders—trans and cis—that airtime continues to be devoted to this. xtramagazine.com/culture/wnba...
xtramagazine.com
Transphobia is rotting women’s sports media | Xtra Magazine
Sports media is perpetuating a problem that doesn’t actually exist
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Katharine Hayhoe @katharinehayhoe.com · 09/08/2026
Yes, Cdns are paying attention. How can we not, under smoke-filled skies? But worry isn’t enough. If we don’t know what to do, more disasters just leave us feeling even more helpless. To catalyse action, we need to know: 1. what’s happening, 2. why it’s happening, AND 3. what we can do about it.
cbc.ca
Canadians' climate change concerns rebound amid wildfire season | CBC News
The percentage of Canadians who see addressing climate change as a top priority spiked this summer after years of it taking a back seat to other issues, recent polling has found.
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Tarnjit Parmar @tarnjitparmar.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
From the Penticton Sikh gurdwara … hundreds of meals prepared by volunteers and sent to people who have been evacuated by the fire. Delivered to parking lots where people were camped out and other spaces evacuees have gathered.
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Mark @maplesystemsroad.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
I got the new edition of Plants of the Pacific Coast in the mail today! Really looking forward to going through it and taking it out into the woods with me. Thanks CanScience Books 📖
the book Plants of the Pacific Coast. the cover shows ferns at the base of a thick tree trunk. once I read this, maybe I'll know what the ferns and tree are! my guess for the tree is a western red cedar
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In These Times @inthesetimes.com · 07/08/2026
Donavan McKinney organized health care workers before running for office. Now he has defeated an incumbent in Michigan’s 13th District. Jake Triola argues unions leave wins on the table by funding politicians instead of building their own candidates.
inthesetimes.com
Voters Trust Union Candidates More—So Unions Should Run Them
A new report shows that candidates with backgrounds in labor unions can win the support of working people. The Democratic Party should take note.
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