Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
28 Oct 2025
Reply rate
96.3 %
Usually responds within 6 days
Feedback
6
Email verified
Badges (3)
Details
Description
Hi! My name is Carmen. We (my partner David, our 2 cats and 1 dog) live on a small urban property in the heart of Victoria, BC. I'm an Indigenous language teacher (Anishinaabemowin) and an educator at the University of Victoria, and David owns a fiction editing business and is an author. Mino, or dog is a sweet little black and white basenji who loves cuddles and hiking. Our cats are also very cuddly characters!
Our home is an urban oasis. It's a peaceful and private spot in the middle of a busy neighborhood. There is lots to do around town (music, theatre, art, hiking and outdoors, etc.). We're on major bus routes.
We love to share our lives and meals with new people and are always happy to show visitors around.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Interests
Sustainability
Self development
Politics / Social justice
Pets
LGBTQ
Events & social
Culture
Charity work
Writing
Plant care
Photography
Performing arts
Music
Languages
Gardening
Drawing & painting
DIY & crafts
Cooking & food
Books
Art & design
Animals
Sailing / Boating
Outdoor activities
Mountain
Nature
Beach
Hiking
Dancing
Cycling
Camping
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We can provide meals, potlucks (which set host regularly), community connections, conversation, hiking, canoeing, camping trips, and perhaps even some experiences with Anishinaabemowin learning!
We have both taught English in Canada and abroad and also love to support language learning goals!
We believe in reciprocity and mutual learning, whether that’s over a shared meal, while working side by side, or exploring language and culture together.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
We’re looking for help with two things:
Clearing out invasive species in our backyard
Light, collaborative renovation projects
A little bit of social media support for David - on days when it's too cold/wet outside to do outdoor work, for example.
We’re not hiring tradespeople through Workaway, just hoping to share the workload with travelers who are interested in learning and working alongside us. We’ll be doing the work too and hiring professionals when needed.
This is a great fit if you enjoy hands-on tasks, working with others, and contributing to creative home projects. No experience required—just curiosity and a willingness to get your hands dirty.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
French: IntermediateThis host offers a language exchange
I am a language teacher. I teach and learn Anishinaabemowin, my language, which is Indigenous to the Great Lakes area of Canada. I'm extremely interested in language acquisition.
Accommodation
We have two private guest spaces, each with a kitchenette and small bathroom. These aren’t rentals. We use them for guests and friends, and would love to host travelers there also.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We don't have the best ergonomic set up for working but we will do our best to accommodate.
Space for parking camper vans
We do have a relatively flat driveway, though it is narrow. You'd be welcome to access bathroom and yard as well.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
Roke
Roke loves people!
Ishk
Boisterous and sweet. Very cuddly and welcoming.
Mino Malone
Mino loves new friends!
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (3)
We had many lovely and meaningful conversations with them.
They are truly kind and open-minded people.
The work was enjoyable and not too hard.
We also got to go on walks together with them and their dog — it was really nice.
The stay was very pleasant, and we felt completely at ease.
Thank you so much,… read more
We spent late summer evenings eating together in the garden and trading stories. They gave us great local tips, from the best ice cream and breweries to scenic drives and neighborhoods worth exploring. We also really… read more
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
We had many lovely and meaningful conversations with them.
They are truly kind and open-minded people.
The work was enjoyable and not too hard.
We also got to go on walks together with them and their dog — it was really nice.
The stay was very pleasant, and we felt completely at ease.
Thank you so much,… read more
We spent late summer evenings eating together in the garden and trading stories. They gave us great local tips, from the best ice cream and breweries to scenic drives and neighborhoods worth exploring. We also really… read more
