OBITUARY: Ricky Lee Davis, 1959-2021
LoCO Staff / Tuesday, March 2, 2021 @ 6:56 a.m. / Obits
Ricky Lee Davis was born in Hoopa on July 7, 1959 and went home to be with the Lord and many loved ones on February 25, 2021. Rick was a proud member of the Hoopa Valley Tribe and a very loved son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend but most important to him was his duty to his kids as their dad. Rick had a big heart and really loved kids, keeping a close relationship with many over the years but his greatest happiness came from his own children including daughters Rayme Lee and Celestine as well as his son Jona Davis. They were most important to him and he took great joy in raising them and being their dad.
In high school Rick started working in local grocery stores before attending both Shasta College and Chico State University. Eventually he went to work on the local rivers as a fisheries worker before spending more than a dozen years at Hoopa Health/Kimaw Medical Center as an Accountant. Uncle Rick also owned a successful vending machine business at one time. Around the year 2000, he left Kimaw to become a counselor before moving South to Lake County and later Oroville, where he worked for various Tribal Organizations as both an accountant and property manager. It was during this time that Rick met and eventually married Renee (Galicia) Davis, the mother of his children.
Like countless generations before him, Rick was a hunter and fisherman who harvested many salmon and sturgeon in the Trinity River. When he was a young man he got involved in the Indian Basketball Circuit where he managed his own teams and was known to be a good player. He also took home trophies as a dirt bike racer in his younger days and could often be seen anywhere between Weitchpec and Willow Creek on his 10-speed bicycle. Rick was also a longtime fan of the San Francisco 49ers, Giants, Golden State Warriors and San Jose Sharks often traveling to watch them with loved ones. Rick had a taste for nice cars including his 280 Z and BMW and was also known for his sense of humor and ability to give lasting nicknames to people he cared about.
The family would like to thank our cousins Cindy Sylvia and Amber Baker, Rick’s sister-in-law Elizabeth “Tissy” Davis and Rick’s Sister Robyn Reed who went above and beyond to help Grandma Ethel provide excellent care for Ricky during the later stages of his life while he battled dementia.
Rick is preceeded in death by his Father, Reginald Davis Sr., brothers Reginald “ Babe” Davis Jr., Ronny Dean Davis Sr., and Rayme Davis, sister Rori Davis, his Maternal Grandparents Gilbert Marshall Sr., and Elizabeth Montgomery, Paternal Grandparents Libby and Herman Sherman Sr. and Valin Davis, Uncles Arnold “Jimbo” Davis Sr., Gillie Marshall, and Corky Blacksmith, Aunts Pat Sherman, Mary Davis, and Phyllis Davis, nephew Arlen Williams, and niece Shana Davis.
Rick is survived by his daughters Raymy Lee and Celestine Davis, Son Jona Davis, Mother Ethel Davis, Sisters Robyn (Ron) Reed and Raylyn Davis, Uncle Herman Sherman Jr., Aunt Eloise Marshall, 18 nieces and nephews, 23 great-nieces and great-nephews, and two great-great nephews.
Pallbearers will be JJ, Jason, Ron Sr., Ron Jr., Charlie, and Ryan Reed, Joe and Junior Davis, Talon Davis, Joseph Lewis, Aaron Williams, Mike Peters, and Curtice Kane.
Honorary Pallbearers will be: Herman Sherman Jr., Duane Sherman Sr. and Jr., Tashonie Rice, Troy Fletcher Jr., Tyler Hunt, David Williams, Asa Donahue Sr., Arnold Davis Jr., David McQuillen, Dale Risling, Kevin Britton, Michael “Bubbies” Te’odecki, Damon, Aaron, and Cole Cross, Arty Jones, Charles Way, Keoki Burbank, Chase and Finnegan Gatlin, Hank Alameda Jr., Johnny Gutierrez, Jordan Allen, and Dana and Davy Davis.
A graveside service will take place at the Hoopa Tribal Cemetery on Tuesday March 2, 2021 at 12 p.m. with Weldon Hailey officiating.
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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Ricky Lee Davis’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.
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OBITUARY: Thomas D. McMahon, 1925-2021
LoCO Staff / Tuesday, March 2, 2021 @ 6:56 a.m. / Obits
With Assm. Jim Wood. Tim was honored as veteran of the year in Wood’s district in 2017.
This
February 14, 2021, Thomas D. McMahon, Esq. left this world in loving
family embrace. He died at home in his cherished community of Shelter
Cove, where he resided for 35
years.
Born in New York June 19, 1925, to a multi-generational family of NYPD officers. In 1942, as a 16-year-old Xavier High School student, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps. He was posted to the 8nd Air Force 369th Squadron 306th Heavy Bombardment Group and started flying missions from Thurleigh, England, as an aircrew tailgunner on B-17 aircraft. Returning home from WWII service a decorated combat veteran, he joined the FDNY working Rescue One. He married and started a family in New York while furthering his education. He graduated from New York Law School and obtained several teaching credentials.
Having been introduced to California during the war, the athletic swimmer and former lifeguard moved the family, now grown to six children, west to Southern California in the early 60s. He planned to teach and was determined to learn what surfing was all about.
He taught elementary students to Marine Corps enlistees and chartered a surf club, before moving north in the late 70s, when he found Shelter Cove. He never wanted to be far from the ocean and thought it the perfect place. It was rugged but he was ready and drawn to the isolation of the coast. He enjoyed grabbing waves and swapping surf lore with surfers at the ramp who were at first a few but now are many.
Settling in at Shelter Cove he added three more children to his family and found much solace by getting back in touch with his Catholic faith through the sisters at the Redwoods Monastery, whom he considered family. Often he could be seen, face to wind, motoring his trike out to the monastery or to town, which he did for the last time in September.
Joining VFW Post 6354 was a gift to his spirit as a result of the support he received and was able to give back to fellow veterans. It really made an impact on him. Throughout his time in SoHum he embraced many people from all walks of life and always said he had an “affinity for the underdog.”
He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Kathryn McMahon, and their children, Benson D. McMahon (Aleks) of Shelter Cove and Molly K. McMahon (Matt) of Benbow; a son, James M. McMahon (Carrie) of Briceland; his children from his first marriage, Thomas P. McMahon (Barb) of Eureka, Stephen F. McMahon (Carol) of Kingman, Ariz., Joseph X. McMahon (Tracey) of Carlsbad. Calif., Cecilia A. Sawyer (Terry) of Carlsbad, and Annette M. Downey (Mike) of Fortuna; his twin sister Andrea M. McCabe of Mesa, Ariz.; and 21 grandchildren – locally, Jennifer McMahon (Jason) of Eureka, Ian McMahon (Angela) of Ferndale, Nathan Downey (Dallass) of Eureka, Nicholas Downey (Evelyn) of Fortuna, Rebekah Mull (Cameron) of Fortuna, Johanna Downey of Fortuna, Wesley Downey (Shanelle) of Fort Bragg, NC, Seth Downey of Fortuna, Patrick and Thomas McMahon of Rio Dell, 36 great-grandchildren and eight nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, James J. McMahon and Adelaide J. McMahon; a brother James H. McMahon; former wife Winifred N. McMahon and a daughter Yvonne A. McMahon.
To any that wish to honor his memory please support the preservation of the John Haynes Memorial Veterans Hall; VFW Post 6354, Box 133, Garberville , 95542, with letters or donations, or Redwoods Monastery, www.redwoodsabbey.org. A memorial service will be held on Memorial Day 2021 at Mal Coombs park in Shelter Cove commencing at 1 pm.
For more on Tom, see this link.
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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Thomas McMahon’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.
OBITUARY: Barbara Leigh Lake, 1930-2021
LoCO Staff / Tuesday, March 2, 2021 @ 6:56 a.m. / Obits

Barbara Leigh Lake, a longtime Eureka resident, passed away on January 6, 2021 at the age of 90. Barbara was a member of the Brett family, descendants of County Clare, Ireland. She was predeceased by her parents, E. Constance (Brett) and Walter James Price, her brother Kenton Price, her baby sister, Beverly, her companion kitty, Lucy, and a motley crew of stray cats over time. Barbara was kind and gentle and never met a feathered or furry friend she didn’t like.
Barbara was a volunteer and “Official Petter” at the original Riverwalk Veterinary Clinic in Eureka, where she would often visit and was fascinated by the medical procedures. She helped to calm frightened animals, for which she had a unique gift.
Barbara had a sign at the front door of her house that read “All Strays Welcome.” Stray cats were always offered food, and often ended up sleeping on her bed! She cherished Tula, Williams, Freddie, Montesquieu, Jasmine, Puff, Lucy and Patches. Barbara also fed the birds and had a favorite crow, Ivan, who would visit her daily for a handful of seeds.
Barbara loved nature – flowers, plants, animals and pets. She lived the first 8 years of her life surrounded by nature living in a remote log cabin in the Trinity Mountains, along with her parents and brother. Spending her formative years in the wilderness gave her a lifelong affinity for nature. She could name every flower she saw and would take her children “window shopping” at nurseries when they were young, explaining the different plants and planning for the garden she hoped to grow someday.
Barbara also had an artistic flair and when she was young won first place in a city-wide art contest. She was also a talented writer. She took an English class at College of the Redwoods and her instructor, Professor Lindley, was so impressed with an essay she wrote on growing up in the Trinity Mountains that he asked her permission to include it in an anthology he was publishing.
Barbara was intensely proud of her Irish heritage. Her ancestors fled County Clare, Ireland during the famine and settled in Trinity County, establishing a large peach orchard and boarding house in Willow Creek. In fact, 15th St. in Eureka was once named Brett St., and the name is still visible pressed into the concrete at the corner of “D” and 15th Streets, in honor of Barbara’s great-grandfather, a respected local businessman. “Brett’s Peaches” were known throughout Humboldt and Trinity Counties for their flavor and quality. Barbara was interred at Greenwood Cemetery in Arcata on February 22, 2021, where she joined her mother, grandparents, great-grandparents and other relatives.
But most of all, Barbara was proud of her children. She clearly considered them her greatest accomplishment. Barbara had the Irish gift of gab, and she never missed an opportunity to tell others about her children. Her eyes lit up when she spoke of them. She cherished their successes and was pained by their sorrows. Barbara raised her children to be good citizens and to contribute to their communities. Molly is an alumna of UCLA, and served as Director, Office of the Governor of California, Los Angeles Office. Don is an alumnus of Humboldt State, and was a vintner in the Napa Valley. He won numerous awards including Best of Show for his varietals at the California State Fair. Laura is an alumna of U.C. Berkeley and is a law professor at Georgetown Law Center in Washington D.C.
Barbara had many friends and acquaintances. She had a sweet, rather naïve and trusting personality that drew people to her. Despite considerable hardships in life – especially losing her own mother at age 13 – she never grew bitter or cynical. She continued to take delight in small things: new spring flowers, a nest of baby birds, a hummingbird or dragon fly, and the many stray cats that wandered into her life and heart.
Barbara had an impact on all of us – her wit, her compassion, her sense of justice, her love of nature and animals – those things have become a part of those who knew her and thus they will have a part of Barbara with them forever. She was deeply loved and will be sorely missed.
Family members may be reached at barbaralake707@gmail.com.
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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Barbara Lake’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.
OBITUARY: Donald Vance Bailey, 1938-2021
LoCO Staff / Tuesday, March 2, 2021 @ 6:56 a.m. / Obits

Donald Vance Bailey was born in Oakland on January 15, 1938 to Irtle and Mabel Bailey. He passed away in Fortuna, California after a brief illness on February 4th, 2021. Don departed surrounded by his girls, all of whom he loved dearly.
The Bailey family travelled from Iowa to California during and after the Great Depression, eventually settling in Humboldt and Trinity Counties with their three young boys. Bailey Canyon in Ruth Lake, so named for their family, was one of Don’s favorite places to be and a memory he made sure to share with all his family. Camping, fishing, and a love for the great outdoors were staples of Don’s personality and a driving force for his never ceasing sense of adventure.
Don grew up primarily in Eureka, attending Eureka City Schools. During high school, Don worked for the Harry Masali Food Mart in Eureka as an apprentice and eventual journeyman Meat Cutter. He was also employed during this time as a surveyor for the City of Eureka. He was set to be a member of the Eureka High School graduating class of 1956 however, always the one to never sit still, convinced his parents to allow him to join the United States Navy in January 1955.
Don proudly served his country and was honourably discharged from active duty on January 14, 1959. He continued to serve in a reserve capacity, officially completing his service to the United States on January 30, 1963.
Returning to Eureka, Don worked for Mission Linen and was often found on the racetracks of Redwood Acres with the Six Rivers Racing Association. Don championed the “Street Stock” division, winning several trophies and titles during his many years as a racer. Sponsored by local staples Vista Del Mar and Myrtlewood Lounge, Don equated those years racing to be some of his happiest. Don left the track in 1973 on a high note, taking home the championship in his division for the season.
After Mission Linen Don worked as a foreman for Simpson Paper until its close in 1992. From there he moved to Meeker, Colorado with his wife Barbara and began working as an electrician for a local power plant. Don loved the challenge of Colorado winters and the lush summers full of camping, fishing, and great times with family. Don could be found most summer nights sitting on the porch, enjoying the beautiful views of the mountain ranges and holding his signature red Solo cup. The local chipmunk population was especially grateful for his company, as he had trained all his grandchildren to hand-feed them corn. Little moments such as these were the most important to him.
The next adventure took Don to Klamath Falls, Oregon where he again worked as an electrician. Being this close to home though brought back his desire to return to Humboldt County, which he did in the early 2000’s. Setting up home in Redway, Don enjoyed teaching his grandchildren how to garden vegetables and feed the ever growing (thanks to him) resident turkeys. After a few years in Southern Humboldt Don decided to return to “town,” moving back to his beloved Eureka. Adventure called again a few short years later, with Don returning to Ruth to reside for the last time. He had wonderful times camping and hunting with friends and his son Shawn.
With
the demands of the winter season becoming too much, Don decided for
the final time to return to Eureka. The great adventure had finally
come to an end.
His
final years spent with family were some of his best. In the last few
days Don went on special drives with his granddaughter Brittaney,
taking historical tours around Eureka and talking about “what was”.
He
will be missed.
He
is preceded in death by his parents, his eldest brother Lloyd Bailey,
and his beloved step-son Shawn Fitzpatrick. He is survived by his
brother Walter (Nadine) Bailey, niece and nephew Elizabeth and Justin
Bailey, as well as great-nephew Donald Bailey. Sister-in-law Phylis
Bailey, niece Pam Berington, and nephews Mike and Matt Bailey.
Cherished step-daughters Samantha Stidston (Jim) and Robbin Samuelson
(Ryan). Grandchildren Shawn Fitzpatrick, Rachelle Killian (Dennis),
Brittaney Lewis, Katherine Stidston, Alexandria Lewis, and Riot
Samuelson. He also leaves behind several great-grandsons and
daughters.
Don is also survived by the two women whom he chose to share his life with — his first wife, Garnet Bailey, and his second, Barbara Bailey.
Don had an abundance of friends and acquaintances he acquired through his many years living in the greater Eureka area, as well as through his memberships with such organizations as The Moose Lodge (#636) and The Elks Lodge (#652). He will be missed by all.
The family would like to express their deepest appreciation to Brandy and Sarah of the DANCO Group for their friendship and dedication to Don, not only before he passed away, but to the family after. To Felicia and the amazing staff of the PCU at Saint Joseph Hospital for their wonderful care. We would also like to thank City Ambulance of Eureka, Hospice of Humboldt, and Nation’s Finest of Eureka, who provided invaluable resources and support to Don and many other veterans.
Services will be held privately at a later date. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to a veteran-in-need via Nation’s Finest.
Online:
https://donate.givedirect.org/
By
Mail: 2455 Bennett Valley Rd. C105
Santa
Rosa, CA 95404
By
Phone: 1-833-GOT-YOR6
I love you very much. Thank you for being my Papa.
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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Don Bailey’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.
OBITUARY: Carmen Baraka, 1948-2021
LoCO Staff / Tuesday, March 2, 2021 @ 6:56 a.m. / Obits
Carmen
Baraka, Spirit Warrior, was born March 21, 1948 in San Francisco, and
walked on the evening of February 22, 2021 in her treehouse home in
the redwoods of Arcata.
Throughout her life, Carmen wore many hats (literally and metaphorically). She was deeply spiritual, beginning a lifelong journey at age seven through teachings from her Columbian Shaman and Apache Medicine Woman grandmothers, and her beloved father Chief Running Horse. Throughout her life she led many sacred ceremonies through chanting and drumming, to bring understanding, healing, and togetherness between people. She was a rebel and a fighter, always willing to stand up for the betterment of others, especially for the empowerment of women and girls, and for indigenous people’s rights, their land and water, and their cultural dignity. She was fantastically playful, always dancing, or singing, or joking, or laughing, or riding her wooden rocking horse into the sunset. With her dimpled smile and contagious laughter, she was the life of the party, bringing joy with her and creating unforgettable moments wherever she went. She also appreciated solitude. Whether on a trek across New Zealand, watching countless sunrises in the warmth of Hawaii, or going on daily walks in the redwoods, she journeyed for the personal growth it brought her. She was a generous, unselfish, and beyond-loving mother and Nani to her son and granddaughter. She was a kickass drummer, and a naturally talented pianist and musician. She was a unique artist, always drawing her pen-and-ink creations on napkins and receipts, and channeling her spirit into beautiful and colorful paintings. She was a beloved wife to her partner of 35 years, a wonderful friend to many, and a one-in-a-billion kind of person whose light touched any that knew her.
Those she held close in her circle will always carry the warmth and wonder that she brought to their lives, and inspire in them the same audacity, sense of adventure, and gratefulness she exhibited in her own life. Her last days were spent at the roots of the grandmother tree in her forest, preparing for her transformation as she was being called home to continue her work on the other side. Before she passed, Carmen gathered with her wife Denise, and her babies, her son Shawn and granddaughter Kayla, to hold each other and sing “You’ve Got a Friend” by Carole King, to remind them that when she is needed, all they have to do is call out her name and she will come running. Carmen knew that we as energy beings don’t really die, we just change form – and wherever she is now, there is no power in the universe great enough to keep her from holding her loved ones close.
Carmen is survived by her wife Denise Wreden, her son Shawn Patrick, her granddaughter Kayla Cunningham, her faithful cat who never left her side Tiger Lily Lightfoot, and her niece Denise Ruano and her children Jordan, Julian, and Sophia. She will be missed by those closest to her, those who knew her well, those that met her once, and those that only knew of her, but her legacy and spirit will shine on when we each dance, and paint, and drum, and laugh, and love, every day – because we are all related. We love you Spirit Warrior, Nani, Mummy, Auntie, Toni, Carmen.
If you wish to honor Carmen’s memory, she would be touched if you would donate to the “San Carlos Apache Tribe Vice Chairman’s Innovative Youth Program” at P.O. Box 0, San Carlos, AZ 85550.
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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Carmen Baraka’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.
Local Engineer to Star in National Geographic Ocean Exploration Series Produced By James Cameron
John Ross Ferrara / Monday, March 1, 2021 @ 5:30 p.m. / Nature , News , Ocean , People of Humboldt

Eric Stackpole poses with the OceanXplorer. | Photos provided by Stackpole.
His fixation with gadgetry and exploration started at an early age. In middle school, when he wasn’t playing in the woods or along the Trinidad coastline, he was tinkering with ham radios as a member of the Humboldt Amateur Radio Club. By the time he was a senior at McKinleyville High, he was competing in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s underwater robotics competition.
“That experience really helped shape the rest of my life,” Humboldt native Eric Stackpole said. “Not only because it taught me about underwater technology, but also because it helped me realize how powerful finding one’s passion can be.”
Now 36 years old, Stackpole’s tinkering has developed into an impressive career that includes a master’s in mechanical engineering with an emphasis in mechatronics, a four-year stint at NASA developing a deorbiting device for the O/OREOS satellite and an expedition to Antarctica where he piloted a remote-operated submarine that helped scientists study under-ice ecology in the Ross Sea.
Stackpole wearing the local garb during his expedition to Antarctica.
“As long as I can remember, I’ve been interested in exploring mysterious places,” he said.
In addition to these achievements, Stackpole also co-founded the underwater robot company OpenROV (now Sofar Ocean Technologies). It was this company that first caught the attention of famed Hollywood director and undersea adventurer James Cameron, who recently handpicked Stackpole to star in and develop gadgetry for his new National Geographic series “OceanXplorers.”
“Maria Wilhelm, who works closely with James Cameron, had learned about the underwater robot company I co-founded during a voyage with National Geographic that my co-founder was also on,” Stackpole said. “Maria was very interested in the work we were doing to make ocean exploration more accessible and she introduced us to James Cameron, who shares the same interests and is also an ocean technology developer.”
One month into taping the series, Stackpole is currently traveling the Atlantic Ocean aboard National Geographic’s scientific research and exploration vessel OceanXplorer on its maiden voyage.
“‘OceanXplorers’ will tell the stories of adventurous explorers, scientists and filmmakers with never-before-used technology as they embark on their mission, tackling challenges that arise from seeking to solve some of the ocean’s greatest outstanding mysteries,” National Geographic announced last month.

Stackpole is one of four crew members that will be heavily featured on the six-part series and will serve as the vessel’s resident engineer.
“I have a background in engineering with particular experience in developing underwater exploration tools in environments with limited resources,” he said. “My role on the show will be to create many of the gadgets and technologies we use during our missions. One producer described the role to me as being sort of like ‘Q’ from James Bond, but for ocean exploration.”

During the expedition, the team will explore the waters in the West Indies, the Dominican Republic, the Azores island chain off the coast of Portugal and the Arctic.
“While my job description is to create the tools to make our expeditions successful, my hope is that I’ll be able to excite people about the process of exploration and developing technology to make exploration possible,” he said. “Most of all, I hope to inspire a sense of wonder for the unknown.”
Despite all of his achievements, Stackpole said that he’s struggled with learning for most of his life and credits his success to his supportive family and some inspirational Humboldt County teachers.
“I’ve actually struggled throughout most of my academic career, but the things one can do with engineering are so fascinating to me that I was able to stick to it,” he said. “When I was a kid at Trinidad Elementary School, I was having trouble with a lot of the material and didn’t think I had much potential compared to other students, but a few good teachers noticed my interests in gadgets and technology and really fueled that fire.”
His formative years spent exploring the Humboldt coastline didn’t hurt either.
“Growing up in Humboldt certainly gave me a special feeling of connection and agency with nature and particularly the ocean,” he said. “I spent a lot of my childhood creating my own adventures rather than relying on store-bought entertainment. I think that the strong background in natural sciences that people in Humboldt tend to have, gave me opportunities to gain perspective on how I can play a part in affecting our planet.”
The series isn’t slated to premiere this year, but when it does, OceanX Media and BBC Studios’s Natural History Unit said the show will be featured in 43 languages across 172 countries on the National Geographic channel.

(VIDEO) Redwood Coast Montessori Students Tackle Climate Change, Women’s Empowerment at Model United Nations Summit
Jacquelyn Opalach / Monday, March 1, 2021 @ 4:17 p.m. / Education
Redwood Coast Montessori student Jayla Kan, representing Algeria, discusses women in politics.
Rejoice! Young local folks are thinking up a storm of solutions over at Redwood Coast Montessori in Manila, where eight eighth-graders virtually participated in Montessori Model United Nations last month. Equipped with months of research, these Humboldt-grown delegates hashed out some of the world’s most pressing issues Montessori-style with other students from around the globe.
Unlike traditional Model UN, Montessori Model UN doesn’t end with an awards ceremony. With that competitive factor removed, students are more genuinely invested in peaceful compromise, the conference’s organizers say.
RCM delegates prep for the summit. Photo: Redwood Coast Montessori.
The Redwood Coast Montessori students’ teachers, Sheree Shapiro and Michelle Dobrowolski, are very proud. “They have, sometimes, an understanding of culture and dynamics even in ways that maybe their parents or grandparents don’t — sensitivities and awarenesses. So their solutions have been really inspiring to hear,” Shapiro told the Outpost.
What are some of these solutions?! It was up to student Ella Brown, who represented Algeria, to suggest how to advance women’s representation in politics. Support NGOs (non-profit, non-governmental organizations) that train women for political positions, Brown concluded, and help women from rural areas who can’t access or afford an education get one by funding technology or transportation access.
Working on climate change was Brown’s classmate Helen Little, who, also representing Algeria, pitched funding more educational media about climate change.
Redwood Coast Montessori student Lila W, representing Algeria, discusses a climate change proposal.
In the committee on women in economics, Sierra Irwin, representing Mozambique, proposed implementing a Declaration of Human Standards that would classify healthcare, education, safe workplace standards and access to a livable wage as human rights. “If you’re not empowering half the world, it’s like the world is running on half capacity,” Irwin told the outpost. Investing in ensuring access to these goals and working toward equitable representation is “proactive,” because “it will save money in the long run if we do it now,” she said.
Elsewhere in the conference, students in the disaster risk reduction and climate change committees helped develop a system where countries of similar climate and topography “share data for green energy development and proactive risk avoidance through disaster-resilient architecture and planning,” Shapiro shared.
“Our students understand that money and power make the world go round,” Shapiro said. “You’re not necessarily going to create systemic change unless you help people understand that it serves the economy and it serves the government to make these decisions.”
The solutions are “mind-blowing to me, just to see that kind of global thinking,” Dobrowolski beamed. “It’s exciting for me to know that they are going to be our future adults making decisions.”
Though reflective of actual current relations, attending virtually was weird, students said. Any other year, they would’ve gone to the conference in New York City, and would have visited Washington, DC as well. But it wasn’t bad. One student found it easier to speak up and feel confident online, and all said the collaboration with other delegates worked and was fun overall. (Plus, Shapiro and Dobrowolski said they’re all going to take a trip after the pandemic, anyways!)
Hooray for young people taking on big topics.
Redwood Coast Montessori student Sierra Irwin, representing Mozambique, makes that country’s pitch for supporting women in the economy.