In 2022-23, CIER invited members of Indigenous Nations involved in the national Species at Risk Act Consultation, Cooperation, and Accommodation (SARA-CCA) project to apply for a free graphic recording training program, with Drawing Change to deliver the training. 

One of the graduates was Carla Duffey, a member of the Mamalilikulla First Nation on Vancouver Island. Carla has combined her experience with the graphic recording program with her artistic background to establish a successful career. 

“My life has completely changed since doing the graphic recording course with CIER and Drawing Change,” says Carla. “I was able to go back and explore my love of drawing, which is something I hadn’t done in decades. I have sat and heard so many amazing stories in some of the circles I get to be included in because of graphic recording.”

In addition to supporting CIER workshops, Carla has been working with organizations such as BC Friendship Centers (BCAAFC), North Island College, and the IAMC (Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee). 

Carla brings an Indigenous perspective to the graphic recordings and has been able to work for her own community, which has been very important to her. “I have had the opportunity to travel around BC and Alberta to places I have never been or thought of going, and have had the opportunity to work locally where I live, which I never thought would happen,” says Carla. “I also get to share and introduce many people to the world of graphic recording just by telling them what I do now.”

The team at CIER is excited that Carla will continue to support CIER workshops as she continues to grow and expand her network. The featured image was created during a virtual workshop in June 2025, a session designed for Indigenous Nations in Ontario and Quebec.

“Here is one of the graphics I did this year for CIER,” says Carla about the featured image. “I enjoyed this one because it had a challenge of being more visual because French was going to be included. I added in French words, as well as the English, and I liked that challenge.”

Another graphic recording training session is set to begin in October 2025, and participants for this virtual session enrolled from all over Canada. Enrolment for the current session is currently closed and finalized.

“I could have never imagined what changes were in store for me when I chose to apply to CIER and be included in the graphic recording course,” says Carla. “I am forever thankful to the people who have made this happen.” 

To contact Carla Duffey regarding her work, email [email protected] or search Lime Soda Photography on Facebook.