For the last several years I have researched the transformative impacts of First Peoples expressions of significance of place on white supporters. My research loosely falls under many categories including action‐research and participant‐observation. What it enabled me to do was to live amongst a different community and immerse myself in learning about their lived experiences and struggles—as expressed through their actions. The notion of sense of place is something I was first exposed to by a friend over 10 years ago who was studying in a Social Ecology program, and something I have come to reflect on many times. Having recently moved back to Canada, where I undertook some of this research a couple years ago though in a different province, sense of place has occupied my thoughts a number of times.

Prior to traveling/living overseas, most of my life was lived in 2 locations: one with a forest at the end of the street I lived in, the other (I lived in many places) adjacent to the ocean and a forested escarpment. I developed a sense of place at both locations, though increasingly came to appreciate both oceans and mountains—and being able to surf all year round. A winter in the coast mountains of BC further developed my affinity for mountains. On traveling to Canada for a what was planned to be a short research stint, I lived adjacent to the Niagara escarpment and Lake Ontario. Many who heard of where I was living provided derogatory comments about the area, though it took some time for me to determine why. I immersed myself in the history of the area and its environment developing a deep sense of place. I extended my stay twice, ending up staying there for close to 2 years. I found it difficult to leave, and still ponder returning—despite it being far removed from the ocean back (and surfable winters) in Australia. It was something I also struggled with on returning to Australia—as most people who have traveled for extending periods will be able to relate to when returning ‘home’.

For a coming book chapter, I have again delved into my research on the history of this region in Ontario and find myself ‘missing’ the area. I have a few good friends there whom I do miss and would like to be able to see often. My level of attachment to this place is something I do not think I expected, nor how it has lingered. I was a little surprised by my recent emergence of these feelings, the intensity of this sense of place. What I am drawing from this is that if I immerse myself in learning about where in Canada I am now—more than the superficial constructions of work‐consumer life, I will develop a similar sense of place. It is something I will most certainly reflect on more for some time. My reflections on attachments to ‘home’ in Australia are often mixed with a desire to return and an awareness of reasons why I left. These do not exist for my Ontario sojourn. Perhaps this is why I feel attached as such, lacking any substantive negative experiences.

I reflect on this as very positive. I am lucky to have had such experiences. I do hope to have many more…