Special day achieved
E RANC
’S MANAGER
SUMMERCLEAVENT E JULY 12 STARTING ils
Canadian veterans of ‘forgotten’ war to be honoured on July 27 Page A3
r deta
see inside fo
GOLDSTREAM
NEWS GAZETTE
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Offer Expires July 14, 2013
GG15 www.vicnews.com
‘Two-spirited’ man inspires understanding
Langford to ticket drinkers in parks
First Nations LGBT youth gain resource in West Shore
Enforcement help added for summer
L
aurie McDonald is looking to help pave the way for aboriginal youth in the LGBT community. As an aboriginal social work instructor at Caring for First Nations Children’s Society who identifies as two-spirited – a First Nations term encmpassing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered – McDonald is sensitive to the needs of such individuals. “Sometimes the word ‘gay’ can associated with derogatory words,” he said. Charla Huber “Spiritism isn’t about sexuality, but a role. Every tribe had a Reporting word for it. In 1996 tribes from the U.S, Mexico, South America and Canada came together to reclaim the use of ‘twospirited.’” Being two-spirited was a natural role of honour, said McDonald, a member of the Enoch Cree First Nation. “It’s a role we were given as a gift and with all gifts you get, there are trials and tribulations.” McDonald, 64, came out to his family when he was a young boy. “Growing up, my family supported me,” he said. It wasn’t until he was sent to the Ermineskin Residential School in Hobbema, Alta. at 12 that his two-spirited nature was looked down upon. “At residential school you had to go underground,” he said. McDonald knew of other two-spirited students who ran away, while others committed suicide.
PLEASE SEE:
Workshop builds two-spirit support, Page A6
Charla Huber News staff
Charla Huber/News staff
Lovely in lavender The flowers are blooming at Happy Valley Lavender and Herb Farm, where owner Lynda Dowling, above, is celebrating 25 years growing the versatile crop. The acreage is open to visitors on weekends, but if you want to see the flowers, you’ll need to get there before harvest day July 21. See story, page A10.
There is no blind eye to public drinking in Langford. “The parks bylaw has never allowed the consumption of liquor,” said Lorne Fletcher, Langford’s manager of community safety and municipal bylaw enforcement. “Under the Liquor Licensing Act, you can’t consume it in public, period.” Previously, he says, people who were found drinking alcohol in a park may have been told to pour it out. This summer, those caught imbibing in a public park will have to dump it and be handed a $100 fine. “There is a right time and a right place and our parks are not the right place,” Fletcher said. The enforcement stems from residents’ concerns. “We don’t want any glass or alcohol on our beaches,” said Mayor Stew Young. “We want to make our parks as safe as possible. Our parks are family friendly.” Two additional bylaw officers are patrolling Langford this summer, with a range of duties that includes monitoring parks. charla@goldstreamgazette.com
It’s like winning an Oscar 12 years straight. Being voted best collision repair in Vancouver 12 years in a row is an honour – and proof that our quality, service and exclusive Air Miles® reward miles at all 28 of our BC shops have made an impression. We thank our customers for so many encores. And expect our 2013 performances to be even better.
®™ Trademark of AIR MILES International Trading B.V. Used under licence by LoyaltyOne, Inc. and Craftsman Collision Ltd.
@craftsmanshops