Columbia Valley Pioneer, August 6, 2020

August 6, 2020 Vol. 17/Issue 32

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 1 August 6, 2020

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August 6, 2020 Highlights of the @LiveColumbiaValley Instagram account, brought to you by the Columbia Valley Community Economic Development Office, a service of the RDEK.

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Hot days mean that the waterways are busy well into the evening. Here some kayakers encounter a paddle boarder, as she heads up Lake Windermere.

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Taking physical distancing to the next level - actually to about 8,000 feet, over the Columbia Valley in a glider.

If you’re hiking a local peak, you may get a silent show for free. Better still, get in the glider with the Invermere Soaring Centre!

Carol and Richard know the importance of locally grown food, as they tend to their plot at the Invermere Community Garden, at Mountain Nelson Athletic Park.

Columbia Valley gardens have been facing intense heat this week, so many of the gardening activities begin as the sun goes down.

Thanks to Groundswell Network and Community Greenhouse, Columbia Valley Food and Farm and so many others for providing direction, resources and food during the pandemic.

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The Annual Charity Golf Tournament hosted by the Lake Windermere Lions Club was played July 6, 2020 at the Copper Point Golf Course. A total of 193 golfers turned out to support the event on what turned out to be a beautiful summer day. This year, with COVID-19 affecting many people in our community, a total of $9,500 was donated to the Columbia Valley Food Bank.

Pictured for the presentation of the monies raised (left to right) are Brian Schaal, general manager and executive professional, Copper Point Golf Course, Raylene Oram, president, Lake Windermere District Lions Club, Harold Hazelaar, golf committee chair, Lake Windermere District Lions Club, Nesta Becker, president Columbia Valley Food Bank and Scott McClain, head professional, Copper Point Golf Course.

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

VALLEY NEWS Survivor compensated for Sixties Scoop

By Breanne Massey Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

it was very mentally challenging for her. My Dad worked very hard in an oil company and we were raised quite well.”

When the Government of Alberta opened adopMeraw always suspected that she didn’t quite belong tion records for adults in 2014, Patricia Meraw applied with her adoptive family, but wasn’t told about the adopfor her birth records and learned her biological parent’s tion process until the age of 13. surname.

“We were out in the garden one day and my Mom Meraw, also known as Trish, was nearly 40 years asked, ‘Do you know what adoption is?’ so I said, ‘yes’ and old when she found out that her maternal grandmother she said, ‘well, you’re adopted’,” Meraw said with a look was Cree and her paternal grandfather was Iroquois. of devastation. “I was quite hurt to know. I loved my Dad Her reality is one of the devastating consequences so much so to know he was not my blood hurt a lot. For of at least 34,767 claims from Indigenous children who my Mom, I understood why she acted the way she did. I were apprehended by child welfare services for coloniwasn’t hers.” sation between 1951 and 1991 without the permission At the age of 16, Meraw ran away from home and of their families or their bands. went to live with relatives of her then boyfriend. At 18, “For the Sixties Scoop, with me, I’m not one of the couple got married and had two children that were those typical stories where I was taken from the reraised with the support of their paternal grandparents. serve,” Meraw explained, while taking a sip of a choc“My first marriage was very violent. My husband was olate milkshake at Huckleberries Family Restaurant very violent,” she said, noting that maternal instincts to in Athalmere last week. “My Mom was married to a build up relationships with her sons took work. “Being (non-Indigenous man) and she developed blood clots raised off the reserve gave me a step up in life. I didn’t in her legs so she couldn’t walk. She was hospitalized Patricia Meraw and her partner, Michael Archie, ever become highly educated but it gave me a different while she was pregnant and the social worker told her, ‘no celebrate First Nation culture and now act as advocates for perspective on life.” problem, we’ll put her in foster care until you’re better.’” Indigenous rights with their peers.

As an adult, Meraw moved forward and has had two Four months later, Meraw’s mother was medically positive relationships with better outcomes. She is currently Submitted photo cleared to leave the hospital and began looking for her a foster parent in the Columbia Valley with her common newborn daughter in Edmonton, Alta. when she was informed that her daughter had law partner, Michael Archie. been legally adopted.

She is thankful for the compensation from the Sixties Scoop Settlement, but re“My parents looked up the social worker’s home address in the phone book and mains hopeful that support for mental health will be available to survivors soon. went there that night,” Meraw explained. “They asked her, ‘where’s my baby girl?’ and “My kids saw me go through a lot of my bad days. Where’s their healing,” she the social worker began crying and apologizing, explaining that’s what they had been asked. “It’s not just about compensation or support. It’s about giving us a hand up in told to do and she didn’t know where I went.” life. I shouldn’t feel ashamed of who I am and where I come from… for us, there’s a After the devastating news and lack of information about their daughter, Meraw’s piece of the puzzle that’s always missing in you.” biological parents relocated to a family farm on a franchised reservation. Two of three However, losing the culture and the language of her traditional ancestors had a of Meraw’s biological brother’s perished during a game of hide and seek when they hid devastating impact. and suffocated to death in a latched refrigerator.

“Dealing with depression is a huge fight for me every day,” said Meraw, adding that “It became an alcoholic and a violent relationship,” Meraw noted, stating their it took three years to successfully apply for and receive a status card in light of amended birth mother was hospitalized to cope with the trauma of losing three children. “So, second generation requirements about coming from a franchised reservation. they broke up.”

In her mid-30s, Meraw called an operator in Saskatchewan to collect phone numIn reality, Meraw spent 10 months living in foster care before an adoption took bers for residents who shared her birth parent’s surname. place with an Irish Catholic family residing in Drayton Valley, Alta. with seven of their After two unsuccessful phone calls with a promise that a stranger would call her own biological children. back, Meraw was disillusioned and assumed that she would never know the truth about Meraw’s adoptive mother was a registered nurse who noticed the back of her head her birth family. was flat from laying down in a crib too often and found a section of hair shaved off her “She called me back in 10 minutes and said, ‘oh my God, oh my God, you’re my scalp with some scarring that occurred due to unknown causes.

Sister. Oh my God.” She was malnourished and had a stomach that stuck out from hunger as a side Meraw’s biological sister provided their birth mother’s contact information by effect. phone.

“And I had a problem with swallowing food that I was eating,” she explained. “I “The phone rang for a long time,” said Meraw. “When my Mom answered the was a very slow eater and I had a constant fear of choking. At times, it was hard being phone, she started crying and saying she was so sorry for losing me. in such a big family. It was hard on my Mom to handle that many kids and I would say Continued on page 8...

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August 6, 2020

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Last week was a tragic and busy one for the Columbia Valley RCMP, with their files including a missing man at Kootenay River and a motorcycle fatality.

RCMP press releases on these incidents are here and on page 5. The RCMP Report will be back as usual next week.

RCMP and local search and rescue crews completed another day searching the Kootenay River after a man was swept away while attempting to rescue his dog.

On July 30, 2020 shortly before 3:30 p.m. (MT), Columbia Valley RCMP received information that a man had been suddenly swept down river after he entered the water in an effort to rescue his dog.

The man was recreating with his family near the Canal Flats area when the tragic incident unfolded.

The victim was reportedly walking around a sand bar in the river, when his dog became caught up in the river’s current when it attempted to swim over to him, states Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey, spokesperson for the BC RCMP Southeast District.

The victim tried to reach his dog, when he suddenly lost his footing, fell into the water and failed to resurface. The family’s dog survived and managed to swim back to shore.

RCMP immediately called upon area search and rescue (SAR) crews for support and launched a search

of the water.

An aerial search was conducted and the river banks were searched by both SAR technicians and a RCMP Police Dog Services team.

RCMP divers, with the Underwater Recovery Team (URT), and search and rescue personnel returned to the scene Friday morning to resume their search which proved challenging due to river conditions.

All possible efforts to safely locate and rescue the 43-year-old Edmonton man have been exhausted.

The difficult decision to suspend the search has been made in consultation with search and rescue experts, swift water rescue technicians and RCMP divers.

Officials will continue to monitor the river level and conduct periodic shoreline searches and aerial searches as conditions permit.

I’m extremely grateful to all the agencies and local residents who supported our search efforts, including Columbia Valley SAR, Kimberly SAR, the Cranbrook SAR search dog, the Canal Flats Fire Department, BC Emergency Health Services, Coldstream Helicopters and our very own RCMP Victim Services, says Sgt. Darren Kakuno, Detachment Commander of the Columbia Valley RCMP. Our search to date has involved twenty swift water SAR technicians, three jet boats, a police dog team, a SAR dog team, an unmanned aerial vehicle, underwater rovers and cameras, a helicopter and the RCMP’s dive team.

Local residents continued to drop off food and water for searchers, which was greatly appreciated.

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August 6, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5 DISTRICT OF INVERMERE 914 – 8th Avenue, PO Box 339 Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Tel: (250) 342-9281 • Fax: (250) 342-2934

CORPORATE REPORTING PRESENTATION Pursuant to Section 98 of the Community Charter, the annual report for the District of Invermere will be presented during the August 11th, 2020 Regular Meeting of Council. The meeting will take place at 7 p.m. in the Columbia Valley Centre located at 646 – 4th Street.

Photo by Brett Patzke, Unsplash

Motorcyclist killed in collision north of Canal Flats Submitted by BC RCMP Traffic Services On July 28, 2020 at approximately 4:55 p.m. (MST) Columbia Valley RCMP, East Kootenay Traffic Services and Emergency Services responded to a fatal collision on Highway 93/95 about eight kilometres north of Canal Flats, B.C..

Upon arrival it was determined that a group of three motorcyclists was going southbound when the lead motorcyclist lost control, crossed the centre line and collided head-on with a northbound pickup truck.

The operator of the lead motorcycle, a 45 year old man from the East Kootenays, died at the scene. The operator and passenger of the third motorcycle were struck

by debris, causing minor injuries and a trip to hospital.

The driver and passenger of the pickup truck also sustained minor injuries and a trip to hospital as a precaution.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation

by East Kootenay Traffic Services (EKTS) in Cranbrook.

The highway was closed for a time as police investigated and made the road safe for travel. There is no evidence to suggest this collision is criminal in nature and the weather and road conditions were reported to be good at the time.

Anyone with information regarding this collision is asked to contact EKTS in Cranbrook at 250-420-4244.

EKTS would like to thank the off-duty Collision Analyst.

Council invites comment from the public and will allow submissions and questions from the public at this meeting.

The annual municipal report will be available for public inspection starting on July 28th, 2020 during regular business hours.

Kindry Luyendyk Interim Chief Administrative Officer

you're invited TO THE

COLUMBIA VALLEY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12th, 2020 7PM

Charges laid after woman’s dog dragged by her stolen vehicle

In respecting COVID safety precautions, we are limiting in-person attendance and inviting everyone to join us virtually. Registration link available on our website: www.valleyfoundation.ca info@valleyfoundation.ca | 250-342-2845

Submitted by Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey, BC RCMP Southeast District

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What started as a routine outing for a Windermere woman turned frightening, when she witnessed her dog being dragged behind her freshly stolen vehicle as it fled the downtown area late Monday afternoon.

On Monday, July 27, 2020 shortly after 5:30 p.m., the Columbia Valley RCMP was advised that a Toyota Rav4 was stolen while parked on Sinclair Avenue in Windermere B.C.. The owner told police she had left her vehicle running with her dog inside, while she went into a local store. When she returned to her vehicle it was gone.

A short time later the woman saw her Rav4 drive past and could only watch as the auto theft suspect tried to push her dog out of the moving SUV, states Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey, spokesman for the BC RCMP Southeast District. In doing so, the dog’s leash became caught in the door resulting in the dog being dragged for a distance of approximately one block.

Officers immediately responded and began conducting patrols for the stolen vehicle. A description of the male suspect was obtained from video surveillance and within an hour, front line officers located the suspect walking on Subdivision Road in Windermere. The stolen vehicle was located a short distance away. The male was arrested and remanded into custody.

Twenty-four-year-old Rylan Kinsey of Airdrie Alberta has now been charged with theft of a motor vehicle, causing injury to an animal and three counts of failing to comply with release conditions.

Indy, the woman’s Husky Hound Shepherd cross, sustained abrasions and lacerations as a result of being dragged. His owner believes that he either eventually slipped out of his collar or it broke away during the ordeal. Indy’s wounds required stitches, but he is expected to fully recover.

If you witnessed this incident and have not yet spoken to police you are urged to call the Columbia Valley RCMP at 250-342-9292.

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6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

August 6, 2020

PERSPECTIVE Travelling risky roads

Historical Lens

By Dauna Ditson dauna@columbiavalleypioner.com In very sad news, a 45-year-old motorcyclist from the East Kootenays is dead following a devastating incident near Canal Flats on Tuesday, July 28.

This type of road tragedy is all too common, especially in the interior.

According to the BC Coroners Service, last year 41 motorcyclists died on the road. The Interior Health Region, with its winding mountainous terrain, had the highest death toll as 35 per cent of the fatalities happened here.

Motorcyclists on their bikes are so vulnerable that on a recent trip to Nelson I saw that crews had posted signs warning motorcyclists about loose gravel and asking them to be careful.

Who among us hasn’t grieved the loss of a loved one on a speedy bike? I have, and I wondered if my friend would have said his joy on the road was worth the price he paid.

Another dear friend, since passed, was terminally ill and wanted nothing more than to spend his last days zipping down the highway. Biking was a highlight for him, and his life was richer because of it.

When there are fatal accidents that could have been prevented, it raises questions about which activities we really need to be doing and which ones we should stop so we stay alive. It also raises questions about what freedom is worth and how much we’re prepared to pay for it.

How much value is there in feeling the wind and the speed? How much cost is there in giving it up?

And when we give up one thing, how much follows by extension?

If we give up motorcycles, do we also give up biking on roadways? What about ATVs, which cost nine people their lives in the interior in 2018, the last year data is available? What about swimming in pools and lakes? What about whitewater rafting? What about climbing mountains, camping in bear territory and snowboarding?

The trouble with adventure is that it comes with risks and sometimes even with waivers where we literally sign our lives away. And the trouble with life is that we don’t get to keep it.

When is the cost worth more than the risk, and when is joy paramount?

If you’re biking, hiking or otherwise adventuring, please be cautious, take the recommended precautions and do your very best to stay safe.

Please take care out there.

Sinclair Creek Around 1920, a group gathered by Sinclair Creek. Photo A 1232 courtesy of the Windermere and District Historical Society

My body, my choice

Cartoon by Ingrid Rice. (Follow iricecartoonist on Instagram)

Correction

In last week’s editorial The woodcarver, the wizard and the Home of a Thousand Faces, the Pioneer erred in reporting the date of Rolf Heer’s death. The legend of Radium passed away on Tuesday, July 21. We regret the error.

The Columbia Valley

CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2013

Pioneer

is independently owned and operated, published weekly by Robert W. Doull, President and Publisher, Misko Publishing Limited Partnership.

Box 868, #8, 1008 - 8th Ave., Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0

Phone: 250-341-6299 | Toll Free (866) 496-8047 info@columbiavalleypioneer.com | www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

Amanda Nason Associate Publisher/ Sales Manager Ext. 102

Dauna Ditson Editor Ext. 106

Steve Hubrecht Magazine Editor/ Reporter Ext. 105

Breanne Massey Lerissa McLaughlin Local Journalism Sales Initiative Reporter Representative Ext. 107 Ext. 103

Emily Rawbon Graphic Design Ext. 104

Amanda Murray Office Administrator/ Sales Ext. 101

The Columbia Valley Pioneer is available free of charge at 13 essential businesses in the Upper Columbia Valley, limited to one copy per reader.

This publication has been made possible, in part, by the Government of Canada and the support of our advertisers and is published every Thursday. The Columbia Valley Pioneer may be distributed only by its authorized contractors and employees. No person may, without the prior written consent of The Pioneer or its Publisher, take more than one copy of each issue of The Pioneer. The content is protected by copyright. Reproduction by any means is prohibited except with the permission of the Publisher.

August 6, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7

A labyrinth restored Submitted by Barbara Thrasher barb@work-liferesources.com

NO MASKS

Wilmer Waterworks District PO Box #747, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0

Notice of 2020 Annual General Meeting

Some caring folks showed up to rebuild the Wilmer Labyrinth on a Sunday morning in July.

Coffee, a labyrinth map, a few hours of work and it is once more ready for you to walk and experience peace.

If the vandals had simply walked it, whatever the anger, pain or suffering that drove them to damage it might have been released.

“Serenity” is what the Labyrinth delight stones on the embankment once Submitted photo spelled out, before they chose to throw them away.

When you go to walk it now, you will see the repair crew started a new word – “Whole”. The “W” is there and we are hoping you will continue to place stones to complete the other letters.

Perhaps you will be inclined to build your own word nearby. If so, it will bring strength and community to others who come after you.

ONE MASK

The annual general meeting of the

Wilmer Waterworks Improvement District is scheduled for Tuesday, August 11th, 2020 at 7 p.m. at the Wilmer Community Hall (Conrad Kain Park).

All Wilmer residents are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Please note that due to COVID-19 protocols you must RSVP by email at wilmerwaterworks@gmail.com or phone Karen Reisle at 250-342-3501 if you plan to attend.

The Trustees Wilmer Waterworks Improvement District

TWO MASKS

✔ Danke!

Information about labyrinths A labyrinth is not a maze. It has only one path to the centre and back out, which is called unicursal (one line). It has no blind alleys or dead ends as mazes have. The path twists and turns back on itself many times before reaching the centre. Once at the centre, there is only one way back out.

In this way, the labyrinth symbolizes a journey to a predetermined destination, or the journey through life from birth to spiritual awakening to death.

History of labyrinth walking Labyrinth images are found in many cultures. The term is of ancient Greek origin and the labyrinth in the palace of Knossos in Crete figures in Greek mythology.

It is found in many cultures and religions including Christian, Hindu and Hopi, among many others.

Walking a labyrinth in this way can be surprisingly calming and clarifying for your thoughts. Even if you don’t have a spiritual side, the slow, intentional walking in a quiet place on a set path allows for a level of focus that can be difficult to find in a busy life. It aids mindfulness and becoming fully present into the moment.

The path takes the walker seemingly close to the destination at the centre, then sends you off on many more zig-zags away before you once again appear to be nearing the centre. This can bring to mind expectations about goals and how unexpected tangents can appear in life.

If there are others walking the labyrinth, you’ll at times approach them on your path and then be sent farther away. This can bring to mind how people enter and leave your life.

For more information on this, visit https://www.verywellfit.com/walking-the-labyrinth-3435825 Many Paths, Many Visions podcast Exploring the burgeoning interest in labyrinths, The Labyrinth Society presents Many Paths, Many Visions, a live podcast show highlighting guests from around the world who use labyrinths in their work, art, and personal lives. Go to the MPMV webpage to see the upcoming podcast schedule.

A query If you have any knowledge of the Wilmer Labyrinth’s history, please share.

We want to hear from you Email your letters to info@columbiavalleypioneer.com or visit our website at www. columbiavalleypioneer.com. Mail your letters to Box 868, Invermere, V0A 1K0, or drop them in at #8 1008-8th Avenue. Letters to the editor should be sent only to The Pioneer, and not to other publications. We do not publish open letters or third-party

letters. Letters for publication should be no longer than 400 words, and must include the writer’s address and phone numbers.

No attachments, please. Letters may be shortened for space requirements. We reserve the right to edit for space, clarity, civility and accuracy. Opinions expressed are those of the writer, not The Pioneer.

Resource, Development & Advocacy

KEEP IN TOUCH! Parent Chat will be offered via Zoom Tuesday’s from 7:30-8:30 pm and Thursday’s from 2-3 pm. Topics can include activity ideas, child care information, parenting tips, developmental milestones, mental health support, potty training and anything in between. Please email Melanie at mferster@familydynamix.ca or call 250-341-8678 for the Zoom link.

SUMMER PLAYDATE AT THE PARK! (under 6 years old with parent participation)

• Healthy Snacks • Story time • Songs • Free Play • Arts & Crafts 9:30 – 11:30 am Tuesdays starting July 21 – Invermere Potholes Park Wednesdays starting July 22 – Edgewater Community Hall Park Thursdays starting July 23 – Canal Flats Civic Centre Park

Free! Weather permitting.

Please bring picnic blankets to ensure social distancing, hats, appropriate clothes, sunscreen, and water bottles.

Questions? Call or text Melanie at 250-341-8678 or email mferster@familydynamix.ca

8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

August 6, 2020

Advocacy for Secwepemc language

By Breanne Massey Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

“I always say, ‘don’t worry about eastern, western, northern or southern dialects,’” he explained. “Just learn the language.”

In the past, some children learned Secwepemc Canim Indian Band former chief Michael Archie from listening to their family members speak it and has been advocating for all nations to learn about the experiencing the language in relation to their natural Shuswap culture and language in the Columbia Valsurroundings with anecdotal stories that pass down ley. the historical values of the culture to each generation Archie, who is currently serving the Shuswap that’s involved with it, but today, the traditional lanIndian Band in Invermere as the language and culguages aren’t spoken at home as much. tural advisor in Invermere, is fluent in the traditional Archie indicated that sometimes First Nations Secwepemc language. languages are taught to children as part of the school’s While Archie learned the language from his curriculum at preschool or at elementary and secgrandmother as a child, then later formalized his ondary school. However, language learning becomes proficiency in Secwepemc during an undergraduate complex at a generational level when the students are degree at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, exposed to the language and culture at school instead B.C., he believes the language is more easily accessiof at home when their parents may not know the lanble for Second Language Learners than some might guage at all. believe.

“Sometimes the children’s parents don’t speak the “A lot of it is online through the First People’s language,” explained Archie. “People are so busy trylanguage app,” said Archie. “To a certain extent, it ing to make a living that they forget to learn the lancan help.” guage or they have to take time off work to learn the However, there are some challenges in using the language.” application to learn Secwepemc because the technolMichael Archie But Archie believes that listening and learning to ogy being featured on it is still being developed and the language can help steer young First Nations children toward a positive life. the traditional First Nations language is still evolving.

He concluded that learning songs and cultural ceremonies are of high importance He added that there are three levels of Secwepemc to consider ranging from “old Shuswap” to “medium” and the “modern day language” as well as differing dialects from and indicates that sometimes the most important lesson in life is to “let go, and let things happen the way they were meant to.” each region.

Pruden plans to step down

By Breanne Massey Local Journalism Initiative Reporter After serving Métis women for two terms as the provincial women’s chair for the Métis Nation of B.C. (MNBC), Victoria Pruden announced her decision to step down from the Minister for Métis Women B.C. role to pursue national change for Michif women instead of campaigning during this fall’s provincial election.

Pruden, who has been serving as the MNBC chair for women since September of 2016, plans to step down after the Sept. 10 MNBC 2020 election and has no plans to run as an incumbent this year.

Pruden indicated the women’s chair role at MNBC was not the right fit to practice her hands-on expertise in social welfare and her advocacy for women at the provincial level.

She believes one of her Métis peers would be up to the task.

“Survivor” continued from page 3...

She said she had been praying this would happen.”

At that time, Meraw knew nothing about her origins. The duo agreed to stay in contact and within a week of talking by phone, her biological mother came to visit her in B.C. from Sask. with pictures of her siblings.

“It was a little shocking to see her,” she explained.

“She was going through a bad bout of MS.” A few months later, Meraw visited her adoptive family in Sorrento, B.C. and told them about searching for and finding her biological family. She was disappointed when her adoptive parents and siblings fell silent at the news.

“I think they were in shock,” Meraw said. “They have never spoken about it again.”

While finding her biological parents was a monumental discovery, Meraw kept her distance and was

“I think there’s a lot of women out there who could do a really great job of this role,” said Pruden about her decision to vacate the MNBC women’s chair appointment. “I really, really hope we get some positive change in the future.”

While Pruden plans to resign herself from a provincial post, there won’t be a gap in her advocacy for women as she plans to devote her time going forward to making national change through organizations such as Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak / Women of the Métis Nation.

In addition, Pruden plans to dedicate her time going forward to creating and enhancing trauma treatment options for Métis women, as well as raising awareness about the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women epidemic in Canada.

However, she remains supportive of candidates who wish to run for the MNBC women’s chair position in the future.

“I feel that Métis women should be supported,” said Pruden, “and in this election, I want to support really skilled women to succeed.”

willing to listen to family stories.

“I tried staying in contact with my birth Mom but it was difficult,” she said. “She missed all those years and was dealing with an illness, so we became more like acquaintances.”

Meraw’s children met their maternal grandmother in Sask. once as children.

“To take back what the government did, it was very traumatizing, especially to my parents,” she said.

“How do you do that to a family?”

Meraw recently applied to the national Sixties Scoop Settlement and her claim has been accepted.

However, she was disheartened to see that many other settlements were rejected in light of the sexual and physical abuse that many Indigenous children faced.

“I was one of the lucky ones,” she concluded. “I did not fall into the drugs and alcohol like so many others have, but I deal with my mental illness and see how flawed the system is. They’re still taking the kids.”

Victoria Pruden

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August 6, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 9

Interim payments issued to survivors

By Breanne Massey Local Journalism Initiative Reporter First Nation communities in the East Kootenay region, along with Sixties Scoop survivors from across the nation, have recently begun to receive interim payments for claims made through Collectiva’s Class Action Sixties Scoop Settlement.

On June 1, the Federal Court of Canada approved an order for Collectiva, serving as the administrator of the Sixties Scoop Class Action, to issue $21,000 interim payments for survivors taken from their biological families in the 1960s without consent from the child’s families or their family’s bands.

“Sixties Scoop survivors have waited far too long to be recognized and for the harm done to them to be acknowledged,” said Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations in a recent press release.

“Interim payments, which have now begun, ensures survivors will start receiving compensation under the settlement agreement as soon as possible. Compensation alone cannot heal the past and much work remains to address the harm done by the Sixties Scoop. We will continue to work with Indigenous partners so that we can foster the healing needed by survivors, families and communities.”

However, Bennett’s office declined to provide any further comments outside of their press release about the Sixties Scoop in B.C. when asked about the ongoing payments to survivors.

First Nation and Inuit children were apprehended and placed with non-Indigenous Klein Lawyers Vancouver-based lawyer Doug Lennox has been working with Sixties Scoop survivors for nine of the 11 years that the parents between 1951 and 1991. The Sixties class action lawsuit has been in progress. He’s committed to helping survivors receive compensation for the national settlement after Scoop Class Action argues that individuals interim payments are issued and submissions are reviewed by the legal teams supporting the class action.

Submitted photo who were taken during the Sixties Scoop sufKlein Lawyers worked with legal representation from form a legacy that can be used to raise awareness about fered significant harm in losing their tradithree other firms to help bring about change for survivors Canadian history. tional culture and languages resulting in the loss of many from one of the darkest chapters in Canada’s history.

According to Collectiva’s website, there will be up to survivors’ cultural identities as adults.

Lennox grew interested in working on the Sixties $50 million approved for a Sixties Scoop Healing FounThe compensation of the Sixties Scoop Settlement Scoop Settlement after learning about the residential dation. has recently been delayed due to the side effects of the school survivors class action.

“One of the things that is coming out of the setCOVID-19 crisis.

“The residential school class actions were very fatlement is the Sixties Scoop Foundation and there was According to Collectiva, there were a total of 34,767 requests for individual payment applications filed by mous and a very important part of our legal history, and money set aside from reconciliation projects that will our attempt to right a terrible wrong,” he explained. “As I form a legacy for this case,” he explained. “It’s not just June 25, 2020.

Thirty-six per cent of those applications were deemed came to know clients who had called our firm about the about individuals getting compensation, which is very eligible and approximately four per cent of claims were scoop, I came to understand that it was another chap- important, but there will be a lasting record of this, and rejected, but the deadline to file an appeal is currently ter in our history and that many of the wrongs that had the foundation can help bring about the social change been done to Indigenous people through the residential suspended. and culture that we all need.”

That means there have been approximately 12,551 school system hadn’t stopped, but had continued in other While the COVID-19 pandemic has created some individuals deemed eligible for payments as part of a na- ways, so working on scoop has been a way for me to try barriers for legal teams to meet with survivors and to coltional settlement between the Government of Canada to repair some of that history and I hope to help in the lect outstanding documents, Lennox and his peers are reconciliation process.” and plaintiffs representing Sixties Scoop survivors. committed to reviewing 34,767 applications to deterHe remains optimistic that Canadians will be able to There is an additional order for interim payments bemine eligibility in the national settlement. ing reviewed by the Ontario Superior Court who is also learn about their history through the Sixties Scoop SetAfter all claims have been reviewed and interim tlement. presiding over the Sixties Scoop Settlement. cheques have been distributed, a settlement of up to “These cases are obviously important for Indigenous While submissions for the settlement are still pending for some, Klein Lawyers Vancouver-based lawyer people, but I think they’re important for the rest of Can- $750 million for individual payments can be reached but Doug Lennox has been working with survivors for six ada to understand the history of our country,” said Len- it’s difficult for legal teams to predict how much longer nox. “When you have class actions like this, and a settle- the process will continue. years that the class action lawsuit has been in progress.

“We’re doing our best and we’re working to get peo“My firm got involved in 2011, so nine years ago and ment like this, there is an education role to understand I’ve been actively working on the cases for six years,” said what happened in the past and how we need to move ple paid as quickly as possible,” said Lennox, noting that compensation from the settlement is a small step that Lennox. “Our firm was one of four firms that advanced forward to avoid those types of mistakes in the future.”

Lennox noted the Sixties Scoop Foundation is in takes place in promoting healing from the Sixties Scoop. the class actions and brought them to settlement. My role To learn more about the Sixties Scoop Foundation, at the moment is to try to help clients with the settlement the process of recording the events that occurred during the apprehension of Indigenous children in the 1960s to please visit: https://60sscoopfoundation.com/ and to try to make the settlement work for them.”

Have something to say? Letters to the editor can be e-mailed to dauna@columbiavalleypioneer.com

10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

August 6, 2020

POP-UP STORY TIME! Ser

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August 6th & 7th Canal Flats Lions Park at 11 am.

August 13th & 14th Edgewater Community Park at 11 a.m.

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Working toward environmental solutions Submitted by Wildsight Invermere COVID-19, climate crisis, economic recession.

Sometimes it seems like there is too much bad news and it can all be so overwhelming. Wildsight Invermere, a group whose mandate is to protect water, wildlife and wild places in Canada’s Columbia and Rocky Mountain regions, wants to impart some hope and suggest meaningful solutions. This column is the first in a series meant to engage, inform and motivate you. Keep reading and let us know what you think!

Wetlands, forest and grasslands – what do these three things have in common? These ecosystems are important for carbon storage, and Canada, B.C. in particular, has lots of them!

Ecosystems that store carbon are part of the “carbon cycle”. The “carbon cycle” refers to the movement of carbon through the atmosphere, land and living organisms.

This cycle is a fundamental part of life. Forest, grasslands and wetlands are a part of the carbon cycle, helping to maintain the earth’s carbon balance. These ecosystems can be a carbon source, releasing more carbon than they absorb, or a carbon sink, absorbing more carbon than they release. Whether they store or release carbon depends on decay, growth, disturbance and renewal.

For example, afforestation (the creation of new forests where none existed) would result in net carbon capture, a carbon sink. Carbon would be absorbed from the atmosphere through photosynthesis, and then become deposited in the trunks, roots, branches and leaves of the tree. Carbon would also be deposited in dead leaves and wood and in the soil. Wetland disturbance, forest fires, trees killed by insects, tree death and decay due to drought, etc. would result in carbon being released, a car-

bon source.

Knowing that these ecosystems can be giant vaults holding a lot of carbon, makes us realize their management is important. In addition to their carbon management, these ecosystems provide other benefits as well.

Wetlands can help prevent flooding in extreme rain events. Forests purify air, stabilize soil and filter water for municipal drinking water. Grasslands are home to pollinators important to agriculture. All of these healthy, intact ecosystems provide homes for a diversity of creatures and recreational opportunities for us humans. How we manage these resources determines if they are carbon sources or carbon sinks.

How can you help?

• Speak up for preservation of these ecosystems on public land.

• Minimize disturbance of forests, grasslands and wetlands on private land.

• Participate in FireSmart initiatives to reduce wildfire risk (contact your municipality or the Regional District of East Kootenay – some rebates may be available).

• Contribute to organizations that work to protect and preserve wild spaces such as Wildsight Invermere, Nature Trust, and Nature Conservancy Canada • Get outside and enjoy the physical/mental/emotional health benefits.

This week’s challenge: send a photo of your favorite ecosystem to invermere@wildsight.ca by August 30.

(Kids, please include your favorite stuffy in the picture).

All submissions will be included in a draw to win various prizes throughout the summer.

Hirea Student

School Works Program applications available August 13. ourtrust.org/schoolworks

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Beauty shot of the Columbia Valley wetlands.

Photo by Pat Morrow

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Featuring Kate Hale, Alice Hale, Amanda Maglis-Long, Paulina Takarski & Neal Weisenburg P y n e lo g s g a l l e ry H o u r s a r e 11 -4, W e d n e s day t H r o u g H s at u r day · W W W.CO LU M B I AVA L L E YA R T S.CO M

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August 6, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 11

Your Escape to Columbia Lake: Relaxation, Recreation, Rejuvenation shopping, outdoor markets, and restaurants. This colourful, vibrant, and friendly Columbia Valley community beckons.

Submitted by Tracy Connery Life on the lake unparalleled. Clear, crisp water; endless lake and mountain vistas; and a ton of sunshine – the ultimate in Rocky Mountain R ’n R. Amid pandemic, the Columbia Valley has served as a safe, blissful refuge from these unprecedented times — to residents and non-residents, alike.

Nestled beneath the jagged peaks of the Rockies and the Purcells we sought safe harbour in the storm of uncertainty.

We needed escape – and we found it.

Escape. /əˈskāp/ noun: escape; plural noun: escapes an act of breaking free from confinement…

The confinement of the stresses, anxieties, and pressures that seem to have compounded over these many months. The confinement of simply our everyday modern existence.

Columbia Lake, with its kilometres of pristine and uncrowded waters and vast rocky mountain views, offers you a welcome reprieve from confinement – a blissful escape.

Only minutes south of Invermere, the striking azure waters of Columbia Valley’s warmest lake offer unparalleled mountain leisure and paradise:

If an escape on Columbia Lake speaks to you – a place where reflective solitude coexists harmoniously with a spirit of community and oneness with nature – new lakeside community, Springwater Hill offers an experience of respite like no other.

BE HERE ON COLUMBIA LAKE

your choice of water sports, breathtaking scenery, and peaceful R ’n R – the perfect escape from the confines of real life, no matter the time of year.

With waters crystal clear and peaceful, Columbia Lake is ideal for swimmers, boaters, paddlers – kayak, paddle board, canoe – windsurfers, kite boarders, and other watercraft. Walk, hike, or bike her rugged shores in the shadows of nearby Osprey, Bald Eagles, and the Great Blue Heron to discover a new sense of place. A renewed sense of self.

Rest and rejuvenate freely – whatever that means to you! In the water, on the shore, on the deck of your new Mountain Modern home, revelling in the inspiring and expansive lake and mountain vistas.

All manner of recreation abounds. Golf, hot springs, skiing, skating – get outdoors! Enjoy the best in

It’s easy to get here: drive south from Windermere, past Fairmont Hot Springs. Turn left off the highway at Coy’s Par 3 Golf Course and arrive at Springwater Hill.

Before you, the world opens up; the view takes your breath away!

An exclusive neighbourhood hidden along the scenic shores of Columbia Lake, Springwater Hill offers a fresh take on escape with a variety of stunning, unobstructed lake view lots.

The private lake access provides opportunities to explore every aspect of life at the lake. Your homebuilding adventure adds to the excitement of owning a piece of paradise.

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12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

August 6, 2020

Promoting literacy and helping local families Submitted by Sandy Kalesnikoff, Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy The Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL) would like to thank Rona for the generous $1,000 donation to our family and youth programs. As a non-profit organization, donations like this allow us to expand our program offerings in the community. Tony and Elli Bukovnik hope this donation can be of assistance and it is our way of giving back to a program that has been such a big part of their life this year.

Every year, Rona holds a Contractor Appreciation Day and a Customer Appreciation Day. They will normally serve bratwurst or smokies on a bun and have entertainment. They also have many vendors with new products, demos and great specials. Special offers are throughout the store on those two days. This year, due to COVID-19 they are unfortunately not able to hold the traditional customer appreciation day. So this year, they will have in-store specials for a whole week, as well as a surprise door crasher that will be revealed the day of. They will also be having lots of draws. In conjunction with this event, they like to make a donation to a local charity. This year, CBAL is pleased to be the recipient.

Tony and Elli Bukovnik see what an impact literacy at a young age can have in our children, in their success and their impact, influence and contribution to our local community over the long term. However, not only is CBAL providing the focus on literacy but on many other things that benefit our local families. It is not only a great social and learning experience for the children, but it is a great support system for parents.

Additionally, they love that it benefits all families regardless of where they live or their financial system.

CBAL is a non-profit organization that develops, promotes, and delivers free literacy programs and services for people of all ages in the Columbia Basin. CBAL offers a range of programs such as: programs for adults and seniors who want to improve their literacy, math, and technology skills, settlement services for newcomers to Canada, English language classes, family literacy programs for children from birth to age six, as well as many other programs.

To learn more about CBAL, please contact Sandy Kalesnikoff, community literacy coordinator at 250-409-4251 or email skalesnikoff@cbal.org

Rona donated $1,000 to the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL).

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August 6, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13

HERE TO SERVE YOU BUSINESS OF THE WEEK

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14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

August 6, 2020

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Have an opinion? Email your letter to the editor to dauna@columbiavalleypioneer.com

August 6, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

Pandemic drinking and your brain Submitted by Stephanie Borgland Now that we are five months into the COVID-19 pandemic, you may have had plenty of opportunity to unwind your ‘work-from-home’ day with a “Quarantini.”

You are not alone. A recent article in The Lancet suggested that alcohol use during this pandemic may be a major public health concern. Indeed, a recent Nanos poll commissioned by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) showed that Canadians are drinking more alcohol during the COVID-19 pandemic-related quarantine. So, why are we drinking more? And what effect is alcohol having on your brain?

Stress is a prominent risk factor for initiating craving for a drink as well as maintaining alcohol misuse, defined as risky or excessive alcohol use, alcohol abuse, or dependence. The stress of the coronavirus pandemic, economic uncertainty, and social isolation is a triple threat for alcohol misuse.

How do these factors influence your brain to drive you to drink more?

First, let’s talk about how your brain controls your behaviour. The brain is made up of interconnected circuits of neurons that use electrical activity to send signals among different parts of the brain to ultimately guide your behaviour. Neurons release messengers called neurotransmitters at the connections (synapses) between neurons. These neurotransmitters can send their messages by interacting with receptors on the next neuron, much like a key interacts with your car’s ignition to start your car.

Alcohol affects the brain’s neurons in Neuron rendering Image submitted several ways. It alters their ability to send

messages by influencing the neuron’s electrical activity as well as the receptors that allow for messages to shape particular behaviours. For example, alcohol affects the neurotransmitter, GABA, whose role is to reduce electrical activity in neurons. This effect is amplified when alcohol binds to the GABA receptor, even further reducing the neuron’s activity, which can explain the sedating effect of alcohol.

Alcohol can also interact with the brain’s dopamine system. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that normally motivates us to seek natural rewards, like food and social connection. However, chronic alcohol use hijacks the dopamine system to drive craving for more drinking. Stress, uncertainty, and social isolation also impacts dopamine circuits. Ultimately, this is a perfect storm that influences your dopamine system to drive craving and increased pandemic drinking.

As drinking levels increase, people are starting to seek help. There are things you can do to keep your drinking levels in check.

• Engage your dopamine system in different ways. Regular exercise generates ‘feel good’ chemicals that mitigate the effects of social isolation.

• Have two or three days off from drinking.

• Don’t drink every time you eat or every time you watch a movie. Your brain will associate those things together and these cues become so entwined that when you turn a movie on, you’ll reach for a drink.

• Know how much you are drinking. The greater frequency and quantity of alcohol use can have a larger impact on your brain. People who are at home tend to pour more, so be aware of what you are consuming.

If you or someone you know needs help in relation to their alcohol or other drug use, contact the East Kootenay Addiction Services at 250-342-3868 or www.ekass.com for support.

Stephanie Borgland is a professor at the University of Calgary and a Canada Research Chair Tier 1 in the molecular physiology of addiction. She lives in the valley part-time.

HERE TO SERVE YOU CARPET CLEANING

SERVICES

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

Can this be recycled?

TILE AND GROUT CLEANING Business: 250-342-9692

RR#4 2117–13 Ave. Invermere, BC V0A 1K4

Cell: 250-342-1273 Fax: 250-342-9644

N E W S PA P E R

Check the BC RECYCLEPEDIA www.rcbc.ca RECYCLING COUNCIL OF B.C. MEMBER

CONCRETE P U R S U I T

• Environmentally responsible • Steamed aggregate beds for top quality year-round concrete supply • We stand behind our service, quality and products

1756 Hwy 93/95 Windermere B.C. Office: 250-342-6500 • Toll Free: 1-888-341-2221

Office Administrator/ Sales

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Your Local Professionals

O F

EXCELLENCE Skandia Concrete • Manufacturers & suppliers of quality concrete & gravel products • Experienced, professional operators and the right equipment to get your job done • Serving the valley for over 30 years

#8, 1008 - 8th Avenue PO Box 868, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Ph: 250-341-6299 ext: 101

Amanda Murray

ptarmiganrugclean@gmail.com

I N

SERVICES

COLUMBIA VALLEY REAL ESTATE

JanK limeK 250.342.1195 janklimek@shaw.ca JanKlimek.ca

Wende Brash Broker/Owner

RE/MAX Invermere Independently Owned and Operated 1022B - 7th Avenue, Box 459 Invermere B.C. V0A 1K0 E-mail: wendebrash@telus.net Fax: 250-342-9611

Office: 250-342-6505 • Cell: 250-342-1300

Just a reminder… The deadline for display advertising is 12 noon Friday.

16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

August 6, 2020

P IONEER C LASSIFIEDS

• Phone: 250-341-6299 • Fax: 1-855-377-1312 • Email: info@columbiavalleypioneer.com • Web: www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

ANNOUNCEMENT

CHEERS & JEERS

CHEERS & JEERS

LOST & FOUND

LOT/ACREAGE FOR SALE

MISC. FOR SALE

Alcoholics Anonymous. If alcohol is causing problems or conflict in your life, AA can help. All meetings are at 8 p.m.

Columbia United AA, Invermere: Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday at the BC Service Building, South End – 624 4th St., Invermere. Please call 250342-2424 for more information or to speak with someone from our fellowship.

Big Cheers to the ladies from the ranch that came by in the red side by side giving out cold drinks and ice cream to the people waiting in the line due to the accident near Canal Flats. We had just run out of water, so your thoughtfulness was very much appreciated.

A HUGE Jeers to the visiting boaters who accused local kids of being “Thieves and liars” when the kids attempted to rescue a drifting float platform off of Windermere beach and bring it safely to shore. Apparently, your moorage system was inadequate. There are still kids out there that try to help out and do the right thing. Hopefully your yelling, swearing and abuse won’t deter them next time they try to help someone out.

LOST: BC Health Care card somewhere in Invermere maybe around Lambert Insurance.

Please call 450-559-9025 if found.

ELKHORN COUNTRY ESTATES Phases 1 and 2 sold out.

Selling Phase 3 now, only 3 lots left. 2.5-acre parcels.

Starting at $209,000 + GST. No building time commitment.

Phone Elkhorn Ranch 250-342-1268. www.elkhornranches.com

SIGMA 000M-15S 12-FRET ACOUSTIC GUITAR Solid mahogany top with mahogany neck, back and sides, slotted headstock, Indian rosewood fingerboard, 25.4” scale length and Grover nickel side tuners. Great sound, asking $500. Comes with a gig bag. Call 250-341-6299 ext. 104.

Al-Anon. Are you concerned about or affected by someone else’s drinking? If so, please join us on a “ZOOM” meeting every Monday at 7 p.m. For more information or to speak with someone from our fellowship, please call 250-342-8255.

CHEERS & JEERS Huge Cheers to Brett Wilson and Brett Kissel for the awesome drive up lakefront concert! Let’s do it all over again!

Jeers goes out to whoever thinks it’s okay to come into my yard on Cordillera Ave. by the graveyard and take my flowers without asking. This is not okay!

To do so without me being home and without asking me. I had beautiful roses there for my mom and you came and stomped in the garden to take them. If you want flowers, ASK me when I am home. I do not appreciate my property being trespassed on without my knowledge and when I am at work. Please stay off my property in the future.

Cheers to the wonderful family from Calgary who found the paddle that I forgot at Lake Lillian. Then proceeded to track me by posting a note in the Pioneer. You are the best! And even remembered my dog’s name was Pippa!

Cheers to RONA for never being out of stock on irrigation repair parts and sprinkler heads.

A big CHEERS to our neighbor who purchased and installed extra buoys at Kinsmen Beach to stop the boats from coming into the shore near the swimming area.

Jeers to medial knee pain and sleep deprivation! Cheers to my doctor who got me upright and steady again in just 3 days! You rock, doc.

Cheers to the kids. You make our beaches and lake a better place with your thoughtfulness.

Jeers to the cyclists who went straight through the 3-way stop by 13th St. and 13th Ave. by the school and all the cyclists who choose to bike on the road, but not follow the rules of the road. If you’re on the road you are considered a vehicle and must abide by the same rules as cars, including signaling and stopping at stop signs and stop lights. You have to actually stop at the stop sign and wait your turn just like any other vehicle.

Furthermore, if you want to use the road don’t just lollygag in the middle, especially when you are on a public and frequented area of town, or Westside road.

Move to the side so people in vehicles going the listed speed can get past. There’s a bike path on Westside road. Please use it for everyone’s sake; that’s what it’s there for!

Jeers to the cyclists on the westside road who still use the main road instead of the very expensive and beautiful trail that has been built for them. That road is already difficult to drive and quite narrow, so please, for the safety of EVERYONE, use the trail that has been built for you.

Jeers to the boat at Windermere beach, falsely accusing kids of stealing and swearing at them while they were trying to do a good deed for you. Real classy!

Huge Cheers to Joesph Broncano who works at Columbia House for cutting and styling the male residents’ hair during COVID-19.

They were lining up for his personal Barber Shop.

Cheers to Dr. O’Sullivan and staff. You are a credit to this Valley. Outstanding service and customer relation.

A HUGE Cheers to Jerry Jefferson with JCL for coming to our rescue when our air conditioner wasn’t working. It was a simple fix but made the world of difference to us at the daycare.

If you want to sell your home, it should be here!

Call Gerry *not intended to solicit those already working with an agent.

BUYING OR SELLING CALL 250-341-1202

LOST: Wallet around Gerry Gelati’s on July 30th. Reward offered if found. Please call 1-403-660-1176.

COMMERCIAL SPACE 864 sq. ft. Shop space in the Industrial Park. Electrical included, $700/mo. 250-3423637, newmulti@telus.net.

STORAGE NEWHOUSESTORAGE Various sizes available.

Now with climatecontrolled units.

Call 250-342-3637.

CONDO FOR RENT Seasonal Rental. 1-bdrm Fully furnished Condo forrent in Akiskinook. Unit#30.

Rent includes WIFI/TV.. Your responsible for Utilities. Non smoking, No pets. $950/mo.

September 1st possession Until end of May. 1-403-829-9991.

Independently owned and operated

CONDO FOR SALE Condo for sale (WPt). 2-bdrm/ den, f/f, top floor, mtn/lake views, walk to beach, price reduced $254,900, 403-9689222.

VEHICLES FOR SALE 2007 Chev DuraMax Diesel Cargo Van. 230,000kms. 2 sets excellent tires. Great toy hauler. $10,200.

HOUSE FOR SALE

MOTOR HOME FOR SALE

Cabin For Sale

MOTOR HOME FOR SALE

$

257,000

Fairmont Hot Springs, B.C. Dutch Creek

34 SEABREEZZE Excellent condition.

116,000 orignal kms

$

10,499

LOT/ACREAGE FOR SALE

Ph: 780-224-2070 Imagine yourself living in this fabulous neighbourhood just south of Fairmont. Whatever your hobby, you are only minutes away from it here in Dutch Creek.

BUYING OR SELLING? I specialize in rural, recreational, farm and ranch properties.

Ph: 780-224-2070

BARRY BROWN-JOHN “Rocky Mountain Land Man”

Call or text

250-342-5245 b.brownjohn@gmail.com FIREWOOD

gerrytaft.ca Rockies West Realty

ACREAGE FOR SALE 4.7 acres. Has its own gravelled access road from Kootenay #3 road already constructed. Drilled well, views, privacy. $219,000 plus GST. Phone Elkhorn Ranch, 250-342-1268.

Moving: Kenmore Microwave $80, Toaster Oven, Westinghouse $35, Rival 20 Qt. Roaster Oven $40, 30” Samsung T.V. and Sound Bar $300, 24” Samsung T.V. $200, King Down Duvet $60, Queen Red Plaid Flannel Duvet cover new $30, Walnut office side chair $40, 2 Floor Fans $40. 250-342-7331.ext. 104, Monday-Friday.

Split Pine. We deliver. Call 250342-5481. 127 Westside Rd.

MISC. FOR SALE

SERVICES

ROUTER SYSTEM PORTER-CABLE ROUTER on a 3 drawer hand made stand with ½” and ¼’ inch shank holders along with an excellent Jessem table and fine adjustment depth gauge. A very fine router system. $700. Call: 250-341-3540 H; 250341-5635 C; Prapro@shaw.ca.

B.B.’s Home & Lawn Care Services Renovations, Handyman Repairs, Small moves, Dump runs, House Checks, House Cleaning, Yard Maintenance, Eavestroughs, Tree removal.

250-688-2897.

August 6, 2020

SERVICES LEE’S SMALL ENGINE REPAIR SHOP Specializing in chain saws, tillers, trimmers and lawn mower repairs and maintenance.

Industrial #2 Road across from NAPA Hours: Tuesday - Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

250-341-2551 Offering excellent service and fair pricing!

Heaven’s Best Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Environmentally friendly products. Dry in 1 hour! Our disinfectant is formulated to kill COVID-19. Call 250-688-0213 Pike Contracting Excavating and Skid Steer services.

Call Jason 250-342-5277.

HELP WANTED Invermere Petro-Can is currently accepting resumes for F/T and P/T employment. Apply in person to 185 Laurier Street, Invermere between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Hot Tub Tech/Property Care Specialist required. Email name and phone to kootenayoasis@ yahoo.ca for details.

Wanted 2 F/T Restaurant Cooks, Rocky River Grill, 8888 Arrow Road, Invermere, B.C. Permanent, F/T shifts, overtime, weekends, days and evenings, $16/hour for 40 hours per week. Overtime after 40 hours. Minimum several years’ experience and completion of Secondary School. DUTIES: Prepare and cook full course meals, prepare and cook individual dishes and foods, ensure quality of food portions, work with minimal supervision, prepare dishes for customers with food allergies or intolerances. Inspect Kitchens and Food service areas. Please forward resume to Justin Atterbury by fax 250-342-8889 or email justatterbury@hotmail. com.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17

HELP WANTED

SERVICES

Wanted Deli Workers, Cashiers and Night Time Supervisors.

Above average wage packages.

Both full and part time positions available. High season bonus packages from May through September for all staff. Pleasant and customer service-oriented individuals please. Call 250342-5402 or email resume to kgtltd2020@gmail.com.

POWER PAVING -No job too smallFree Estimates Call (250) 421-1482

We have positions in infant/toddler, preschool, and school age programs. An ECE or ECE assistant certificate is preferred however we can assist with training for the right candidate.

Our a newly renovated heritage site has a mature yard, character building with lots of light. The facility has an on-site gym, animals, garden, and is close to near- by parks.

Please send your resume to Charlotte at dragonflydiscoverycentre@gmail.com

HELP WANTED

WE ARE HIRING! LIVE ( AN D WO R K ) WI T H PASS I O N !

Full-time, year-round position Sunchaser Vacation Villas is currently seeking a:

Everything with Passion is one of our core values and we believe it makes us the ideal place to start or grow your career…or maybe just a great place to spend your summer.

If you are passionate about living a lifestyle rich in outdoor experiences and working with a company that offers perks such as complimentary skiing, golf and mineral hot pools, and competitive compensation and benefits, check us out at www.fairmonthotsprings.com We are currently hiring for the following positions:

MAINTENANCE LABOURER The successful candidate should have a wide variety of basic electrical, plumbing, appliance repair, general building maintenance experience related to the care and upkeep of guest condos, resort buildings, recreation centre and mechanical rooms. This position requires standing, sitting, walking, lifting, reaching, learning, problem solving, and interacting with others throughout the workday.

The applicant must:

Room Attendant Retail Sales Attendant Please visit our website for more details and available positions

Print and Digital Editor The Columbia Valley Pioneer is looking for a full-time Print and Digital Editor for our news operation based in Invermere. We operate a daily news site - columbiavalleypioneer.com, and a weekly community newspaper serving ten communities in the Upper Columbia Valley. We also publish various speciality magazines produced on an annual basis.

The successful candidate must work well in a team setting, but is selfmotivated. At present we have a staff of three in the newsroom plus various contributors. The magazines are typically produced by freelance contractors, but the magazine work has been significantly curtailed by the COVID-19 situation.

Qualifications • Journalism education: degree, diploma or certificate; or equivalent work experience.

• Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle.

• Ability to organize work and give direction to others in order to meet deadlines.

• Ability to work collaboratively with the other members of the management team.

• Experience in InDesign, Photoshop, and posting to social media is a must.

Interested candidates should forward their resume to: rdoull@aberdeenpublishing.com

N E W S PA P E R

Please recycle this newspaper

We are seeking individuals who are great at working with children at our newly licensed daycare facility downtown Invermere.

The company offers competitive benefit and pension plans. The position is based in our office at 1008, 8th Ave Invermere, B.C. Applications must be received by the close of business on August 14.

Got an entertainment, sports or news tip? Give us a call! 250-341-6299

• • • • •

be able to work weekends and statutory holidays; hold a valid BC Driver’s Licence; have a driving record in Good Standing; be able to lift up to 50 lbs.; be proactive, flexible, and able to meet deadlines and work under pressure.

• have the ability to follow direction and standards set by the Resort.

We offer competitive wages and a great working atmosphere, apply now! Please send your resume with a cover letter to: Email: jobs@sunchaservillas.ca Fax: Attention: Employment at 1-250-345-6166

SENIOR MARKETING CONSULTANT Award-winning media company Kamloops This Week has an immediate opening for a senior multimedia marketing consultant for our suite of print and digital products. The successful candidate will be a self-starter, highly organized and able to work in a fast-paced environment. The candidate will lead KTW to great success in this dynamic position and have a strong drive for networking. The candidate will also work creatively with a diverse team to provide the appropriate marketing opportunities and solutions for our clients.

Marketing and/or advertising background is an asset, but not required.

YOU HAVE: • Strong understanding of goal-oriented sales • Passion for digital marketing • Passion to be creative • Strong, genuine customer service skills • Building strategic marketing campaigns • Brand awareness • Ability to adapt to different types of clients • Passion to drive business and create long-term relationships WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU: • Competitive compensation based on previous experience • Company benefits • Professional print and digital training Interested applicants should send or email resume to: Ray Jolicoeur, Sales Manager Kamloops This Week 1365-B Dalhousie Drive Kamloops B.C. V2C 5P6 Kamloops This Week is part of ray@kamloopsthisweek.com the Aberdeen Publishing Group

18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

August 6, 2020

Boat party raises over $130,000 for COVID-19 fund

By Dauna Ditson dauna@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Motorboats, sailboats, kayaks and paddle boards spaced out across Lake Windermere stretched to the glittering horizon as Brett Kissel performed a lively free concert from philanthropist W. Brett Wilson’s lawn on Sunday evening.

“We were especially proud of the fact that, partly because the RCMP were here, the boats kept their distance,” Wilson said.

The biggest boat party ever on Lake Windermere — and possibly the biggest boat party in the country — was more than an attempt to raise people’s spirits months into the ongoing pandemic, he said. It was at its core a strategic celebration to unite Alberta visitors with valley residents following months of tensions between the two groups.

“I was able to get support from a few other Calgarians to fund all the costs of Kissel,” Wilson said, adding the show was essentially “a gift from Calgary to the valley.”

He was surprised and impressed with how many boaters attended the event, which was performed live and broadcast over the airwaves at the same time so the spaced-out boaters could listen from a distance. “(People) came, they celebrated and they participated so it was one of the best things I could imagine that we could do for bridging the valley with the locals and the seasonals and the people who are here just to be part of the community,” he said. “We all get tired of some of the noise when people are taking pokes at each other about short-term residents versus long-term and all that stuff. We’re all here to celebrate the valley, and we all love the valley.”

Invermere’s mayor, Al Miller, gave a big thumbs up on the dock and said he’s “putting out the welcome mat” to invite visitors back to the valley after asking them to

stay home earlier in the pandemic. “People have been really searching for something to celebrate. People are generally starving for something like this,” he said.

The event was more than a celebration and a unifier; it was also a fundraiser for the Columbia Valley Community Foundation’s (CVCF) COVID-19 response fund. By the concert’s end where both famous Bretts jumped off the dock together, they had raised over $130,000 for the CVCF. Caitlin Hall-Sharp, CVCF’s new executive director, told the crowd the funding is crucial for the community as many non-profits are expecting a second surge in needs as government funding dries up and as the pandemic continues. Chatting with the Pioneer at the end of the night, she said food security, sanitization and mental health are a few key issues that will need continued funding as the pandemic stretches on.

“I’m going to be the first to acknowledge that I went through depression and severe anxiety in mid-March to early April. I struggled. I spent time with a professional. I looked at medication and options and supplements,” Wilson said. “There’s no shame in having a mental health issue. The only shame is on those who judge the people who have a challenge, and there’s been more than a few people here tonight talking about mental health challenges.”

Some of the funds raised through the concert will go toward supporting mental health in the valley, he said, adding: “One of my core causes in the work that I do has been mental health issues.”

Kissel told the crowd he had been excited for the new decade and for the international tour he was about to embark on when the pandemic cancelled his big plans.

No matter how bleak things look, “better days are ahead. We know that for a fact,” he said. It’s a sentiment echoed in one of his popular anthems that promises: “Tough times don’t last. Tough people do.”

Both Bretts will be back in the valley soon for a sold-out private golf tournament fundraiser for the local food bank.

And another boat party will likely pop up.

“I’m going to do this again. That’s almost a given,” Wilson said. “This was extraordinary.”

To donate to the fund, visit: https://valleyfoundation.ca/community-response-fund/ Photos by Dauna Ditson

Sport camps to help youth become better overall athletes

By Dauna Ditson dauna@columbiavalleypioneer.com Chris Bruton grew up playing hockey and went on to play professionally but said he would have been better served by a fitness regime that focused on athletics in general rather than so narrowly on hockey.

Bruton played in the Western Hockey League for the Spokane Chiefs and spent four years playing in the American Hockey League for various NHL teams that included the St. Louis Blues, New York Islanders and Detroit Red Wings.

“In my professional hockey background, so much of my training was focused on hockey alone and not only was that, I think, a little bit mechanically-detrimental to my body over time, but it was also just the wearing out of the enjoyment of working out,” he said. “Hockey can be a way of life in Canada but it can also be quite taxing on the mind.”

He isn’t the only one who lost some of the joy the sport had once brought.

“I knew a lot of friends that became burnt out and they became probably less excited, enthusiastic about the game and didn’t really reach their potential because too much emphasis was put on that one sport,” he said.

Now he wants to help young athletes progress in their sports while also keeping their enthusiasm high.

“It’s important to take the pressure off all these kids and for them to enjoy these really, really important years for their development,” he said.

Bruton was one of the original founders of the Columbia Valley Hockey School, and has now started a personal training initiative called Grit Performance with Dan Tatton of Radium.

“If you want to be the best at your sport you need to be a great athlete,” he said. “All Coaches ready to train. Photo submitted of the training we do is to become a great

athlete, whether it’s a dancer, a nordic skier, a mountain biker. We want to really train these kids, to challenge them to understand their body, their mobility, their neurological muscularity actions and really just start to develop them as complete athletes... Our approach is really to support young athletes to find their way into whatever sport they love but to really have a diversity of options.”

In addition to having more enthusiasm, playing a variety of sports helps individuals perform better in their favourite sports, he said.

“If you’re an all-around better athlete and you can move and work and use your body in every way and shape and form and every type of different sport, you will be the best at your sport. I mean Wayne Gretsky was playing lacrosse every summer,” he said.

Bruton will be offering a five-day camp ($400; August 17 to 21) and a one-day camp ($100; August 27) for 13-18 year olds in the valley outdoors at the Mount Nelson Athletic Field. There are limits on how many youth will be able to participate and each athlete will have their own separate spaces and equipment.

“We do all the workouts together so it will have an inclusive group feel, but we make sure to have COVID practices... so that we’re doing things property and safely,” he said. “Amidst COVID we still feel it’s very important for kids to get outside and stay active, to feel like they have a community and they have friends, athletes and coaches that are here to support them.”

Students will work on agility, power and endurance, while learning about “the science behind why we’re doing things and what we’re doing,” nutrition and more, he said.

“We really train a lot differently on mobility and the range of motion and body movements to make all-around great athletes,” he said. “I think a lot of what’s missing in sport is... you kind of jump into things. You don’t really understand the mechanics.”

Camp participants will be able to stay connected after the training sessions through an online program with videos, workouts, guest speakers and more.

“I love working with kids,” he said. “I miss teaching these kids, helping them grow, seeing them develop and then hopefully making them better athletes and better people at the end of the day.”

Those who aren’t able to attend are welcome to arrange a group and request a private session.

For more information or to register a participant, visit https://www.gritperformancetraining.com

August 6, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19

FAITH A refreshing perspective

By Pastor Murray Wittke Valley Christian Assembly For years I’ve resisted my wife’s requests to join her on the Simpson River Trail in Kootenay National Park. She goes there summer and winter and after each outing raves about its strange beauty.

I wasn’t convinced.

Anyone who’s driven through the park knows that area has endured massive forest fires. Why would I want to stroll through the charred remains of a once wondrous forest, staring at chunks of charcoal and piles of ash? Last week I gave in and agreed to go.

After parking we crossed the footbridge and walked out into a ghastly graveyard of trees. Acres of once young trees close to my height stood black, stiff and silent.

Thoroughly burned mature timber lay decaying in all directions. Like weathered gravestones a few broken tree trunks stood together on either side of the trail bearing witness to all that was lost. This was surely a place of

death.

Then looking up the trail my heart almost stopped.

A large black shape crouched in the bushes just ahead of me. Did I mention I’m nervous of meeting bears unexpectedly? I stopped and shouted. The black shape didn’t move. I froze. My wife showed up and pointed out that it was simply an old burned stump. Embarrassed, I paused to regroup.

That’s when a quiet voice deep inside spoke. “Stop dwelling on the past. What’s done is done. Just keep walking. And stop looking ahead and seeing only danger.

Open your eyes. I’m making everything new. Here and now amid the death, devastation and loss I’m creating a new and beautiful future.”

Looking around I now saw the fireweed, Indian paintbrush, arnica, goldenrod, buttercup, alfalfa, bluebell, bunchberry, ox-eye daisy, larkspur and wood lily lining the path, growing among the stumps and fallen logs and spreading out toward the horizon. Everywhere bees, butterflies and dragonflies busied themselves and in the few remaining treetops birds fed their noisy youngsters. This place was teeming with life! I calmed down and we spent an enjoyable afternoon wandering among wildflowers, skipping stones and wading barefoot in the river. It’s amazing how refreshing a change of perspective can be.

Lake Windermere pulse check for August 4 Submitted by Lake Windermere Ambassadors Average Water Temperature: 22.1°C Average Water Depth: 4.6m Average Turbidity: 1.4 NTU Average D.O.: 8.3 mg/L Average pH: 7.9

Wednesday morning this summer, please contact Clare at (250) 341-6898 or intern@lakeambassadors. ca Thank you to the Columbia Valley Pioneer, District of Invermere, Regional District of East Kootenay, Columbia Basin Trust, Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund, LUSH Charity Pot, and the Columbia Valley Community Foundation for their support of our lake monitoring program!

DISTRICT OF INVERMERE 914 – 8th Avenue, PO Box 339 Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Tel: 250-342-9281 • Fax: 250-342-2934

NOTICE OF COUNCIL MEETINGS Citizen Scientists of the Week: Kate, Luke, Jodi and Gavin Photo submitted

The next Regular Meeting of Council is scheduled for Tuesday, August 11th at 7:00 p.m.

Online Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

Visit https://lwac.online.church 326 10th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-9535 • www.lwac.ca

WINDERMERE VALLEY SHARED MINISTRY ANGLICAN-UNITED Please email office@wvsm.ca to request a link to our online service which starts at 10:30am Sundays.

Recorded services can be accessed by typing WVSM Invermere Anglican United Church.

250-342-6644 • www.wvsm.ca

VALLEY CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY Sunday 10 a.m. Worship service Pastor Murray Wittke 4814 Highway Drive, Windermere 250-342-9511 • www.valleychristianonline.com

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH St. Anthony’s, Canal Flats., Canadian Martyrs’ – Invermere, St. Joseph’s – Radium.

Father Jojo Augustine • 712 -12th Ave., Invermere 250-342-6167

ST. PETER’S MISSION OF INVERMERE Due to COVID-19, we have restructured our physical Sunday worship services to be online at our YouTube channel “Hungry for Life.” For updates, inspirational resources, and prayer requests, please go to our website: www.eklutheran.ca Pastor Doug Lutz, 250-464-0100 mtzionlc@hotmail.com

RADIUM CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Sunday 10 a.m. Worship service Pastor Wayne and Linda Frater • 250-342-6633 No. 4, 7553 Main St. Radium • 250-347-9937

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS Worship Service, Sunday, 10 a.m.

Relief Society, 11:15 a.m.

President Rick Daniels • Columbia Valley Branch 5014 Fairway, Fairmont Hot Springs 250-421-3756

The Pioneer can

take you r do llar With 4,400 copies far in circulation each week, th er your message is resonating

!

This past week’s warm weather has definitely had an impact on our lake with water temperatures averaging 22.1°C! The south station’s water temperature has now broken 20°C which typically is our station with the coolest waters. On the other hand, water depth is continuing to lower with the average depth now being below five metres.

We had lots of fun taking out some younger citizen scientists Kate and Luke with their mom Jodi.

Thanks to Gavin who generously offered to take us out in his boat this morning again, it was greatly appreciated!

To join the Ambassadors creek sampling on a

Regular Meetings of Council will be held at the Columbia Valley Centre, 646 – 4th Street until further notice. The general public is welcome to attend.

LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH

Agenda’s can be accessed on the website at

www.invermere.net

with residents and visitors alike.

Council wishes everyone to be safe and healthy.

For further information please contact Kindry Luyendyk, Interim Chief Administrative Officer at 250 342-9218 ext#1228.

Phone: (250) 341-6299 Fax: 1-855-377-0312 info@columbiavalleypioneer.com N E W S PA P E R

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

August 6, 2020

YOUR EARS MAY BE SCREAMING FOR ATTENTION Jammin’ in the garage or groovin’ in the club is super fun. A constant ringing in your ears? Not so much.

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