…Skaana Host
Mark Leiren-Young
“Mark Leiren-Young, who has a background in pretty much everything — journalism, television, comedy, theatre and film- is without a doubt one of the most talented, multi-disciplinary voices in Canada.” – Vanessa Farquharson, National Post.
Mark is the author of The Killer Whale Who Changed the World – the story of the first orca displayed in captivity was the winner of the 2017 Science Writers and Communicators (SWCC) Book Award). He has three new books for young readers Orcas Everywhere: The Mystery and History of Killer Whales for ages 9 and up, the picture book Orcas of the Salish Sea and the board book (for babies) Big Whales, Small World. He directed the award-winning documentary, The Hundred-Year-Old Whale.
Mark is the author of The Killer Whale Who Changed the World – the story of the first orca displayed in captivity was the winner of the 2017 Science Writers and Communicators (SWCC) Book Award). He has three new books for young readers Orcas Everywhere: The Mystery and History of Killer Whales for ages 9 and up, the picture book Orcas of the Salish Sea and the board book (for babies) Big Whales, Small World. He directed the award-winning documentary, The Hundred-Year-Old Whale.
…Skaana Producer
Rayne Ellycrys Benu
Rayne Ellycrys Benu is an award-winning filmmaker of the short documentary The Hundred-Year-Old Whale and producer of the Skaana Podcast. A multidisciplinary artist and student of human nature, she has had a lifelong passion for our living earth that began when she was six and wanted to backpack from Ontario to BC to join Greenpeace
…Web Wizard
Katie Brown
Katie Brown is a multimedia artist who has a passion for film, art, everything true crime and nature. You can often find them taking long walks on the beach or humming obnoxiously in their garden. Katie is always on the look out for wildlife (big or small) to adore and take pictures of.
…Volunteers
Samantha Rae Harriss
Sam is an undergraduate student at the University of Victoria studying political science and geography. In her free time she enjoys hiking, camping, photography, and spending time being active in the outdoors. Photography, media, and design are particular areas of interest for her and she loves contributing what she can to Skaana and Pacific Lighthouse Reiki endeavours.
Annika Olson
Annika Olson is from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. She’s currently taking a BFA at the University of Victoria in Writing with a minor in Digital Media. Her passions include writing non-fiction and poetry, videography, photography, spontaneous dancing, and travel. Her future goals include performing a TED talk, producing a documentary, and publishing a book. She publicly shares her creativity on online platforms such as Youtube, WordPress, and instagram.