To our Summer Intern – Adryan Jones – Wela’lin!

Another summer has gone by and we wish to offer a big thank-you to our summer intern, Adryan Jones. Adryan joined the BLBRA at the end of May through support from the Clean Foundation and Trans Canada Trails. Adryan brought experience with EFWC, UINR and Pitu’paq as well as a wealth of knowledge from his degree in Media Arts from Emily Carr University of Art and Design in Vancouver, BC majoring in 3D animation.

Adryan helped out on all aspects of the BLBRA, supporting the ECCC project by attending meetings and helping with the MSc. research with Dalhousie University. The biosphere’s Community Engagement and Learning (CEAL) and Trails committees also benefitted from his diverse skills. You were sure to be engaged by Adryan at events including the Bras d’Or Watches and during Explore the Bras d’Or. You likely experienced Adryan’s creative work in posters, name tags, photos and social media posts issued throughout his time with us. Adryan is currently working on animating some of the most popular animals that we have encountered at the Bras d’Or Watch events, allowing us to get an up-close view of these impressive creatures. Once we are permitted back into the trails systems, consider taking a trip out to the explore the Nicholson Trail and see his signage upgrade – QR links and in-depth information hosted on the BLBRA website. The information presented describes more fully the tree species found along the trail including life history, ecology and Mi’kmaq uses. Adryan also assisted with community engagement through water sampling and helping out in the biosphere’s numerous CEAL committee’s school demonstrations.

With his internship just completed in mid-August, Adryan hopes to secure a job in the animation industry in film, games, or other media. He’s hoping to continue working in Cape Breton and that someday he’ll be able to bring the stories of our communities to the big screen. Best of luck Adryan!