SERVING UP PRIDE Board members of the Bowen Island Pride Society cooked a tasty meal for a full house at a recent Friday Night Dinner at the Legion. It’s one of the many ways the organization is staying active throughout the year on Bowen, with plenty of firsts to celebrate in 2025 and even more on the way in 2026. You can read all about it on Page 9! Be sure to glance over to the right as well for more info on another tasty Legion Dinner coming your way next week. / Submitted photo
Thinkingabout making amove this year?
Whether buying or selling, putour localexpertise to work foryou
CATHY BAYLY
Bowen Island Museum & Archives
What happens when you mix old recipe books, longtime Bowen families, and a room full of neighbours?
You stir the pot, which just happens to be the national Heritage Week theme for 2026.
On Friday, February 20, the Bowen Island Museum & Archives and the Bowen Island Heritage Preservation Association invite the community to gather for a Heritage Theme Dinner at the Bowen Island Legion. It will be an evening where Bowen’s past is served one dish at a time.
Recipes with a Backstory
The menu for the night comes straight out of the archives.
A new postpartum support group on Bowen is seeking to help mothers and young families with the many changes that come with having a child.
The Postpartum Peer Support group will be held over the course of six weeks at Bowen Children’s Centre. Sessions will focus on postpartum, a
wide-ranging period of months after childbirth during which a mother goes through many emotional and physical changes It will be facilitated by Lynsey Dobbie, a registered clinical counsellor specializing in perinatal mental health, and Ashley Jardine, a birth doula who works on-island. Parents and their children up to 18 months are welcome to attend the free weekly meetings.
“I think that most people don’t know what it is, or if they do know
what it is they don’t want to talk about it,” says Dobbie on issues which can take place during postpartum such as depression. “There’s still a big stigma around mothers having mental health challenges after they’ve had a baby.”
“If you think of what you see in the movies and social media, a lot of it’s that the mother only experiences really positive and nurturing and joyful emotions.”
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What those living with pain and their Carers need to know
COLLEEN O’NEIL Contributor
Islanders are invited to an educational talk on Friday, Feb. 27 at the Library from 11 am to 1 pm addressing the link between chronic pain, social isolation, and the increased risks of abuse, neglect, and self-neglect.
Health professionals have noted that people who live with chronic pain whether from arthritis, neuropathy, past injuries, or other conditions often begin to withdraw from everyday activities. What starts as skipping an event because of discomfort can gradually turn into staying home most of the time.
Unfortunately, that isolation places people, especially seniors, at increased risk for depression, cognitive decline, and poorer physical health overall. Major public health bodies now warn that social isolation and loneliness in older adults are linked to higher risks of heart disease, dementia, stroke, anxiety, and depression underscoring why staying connected matters.
Chronic pain doesn’t just affect the body, it affects confidence, mobility,
and the desire to stay engaged. Many people start to feel like they’re a burden, or worry they’ll slow others down, so they pull back socially. That withdrawal can easily put people at risk.
Social isolation can make a person less visible to friends, neighbours, and services conditions in which problems can escalate unnoticed. Experts in elder justice and public health echo this: “Social isolation and loneliness are wellestablished predictors of maltreatment,” says the National Center on Elder Abuse
Self-neglect—a form of mistreatment often involving missed medications, poor nutrition, unsafe living conditions, or skipped medical care is “most likely when older adults live alone and isolate themselves,” according to the Merck Manual.
In short, when pain leads people to withdraw, the risk environment changes: there are fewer “eyes on” a person’s wellbeing, fewer touchpoints to spot red flags, and more opportunities for exploitation or neglect to go undetected. Legal and medical references such as the American Bar and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention caution that this combination is exactly where harm can
take root.
New longitudinal research from the Lancet also shows that loneliness and social isolation tend to climb around the time chronic pain begins, intensifying after onset.
The event is free and open to everyone of all ages. This is a community issue and understanding the signs of isolation early gives us all the chance to step in with compassion.
Speakers include Shirvin Lee, Registered Clinical Counsellor, works with Pain BC; and Sandy Logan, Bowen Physiotherapist. Whether you’re an older adult managing daily pain, a caregiver, or a neighbour who wants to help, this session promises practical steps and trusted resources. Light refreshments will be provided.
If you suspect abuse or neglect and it’s an emergency, please call 911.
Other resources include Seniors First BC – Seniors Abuse & Information Line (SAIL): 1-866-437-1940 (Mon–Fri, 8 am to 8 pm). Confidential support, information, and referrals, find out more online atseniorsfirstbc.ca
Also see the Office of the Seniors Advocate (BC): Information & referral line: 1-877-952-3181, and online at seniorsadvocatebc.ca
Legion dinner honours Bowen heritage
DINNER ON FEBRUARY 20
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Tucked into the Bowen Island Museum & Archives are well-worn community cookbooks and handwritten recipes contributed by generations of island families. For this special evening, recipes have been selected from longtime Bowen names, including the Wallwork, Helenius, and Buchanan families.
These are not polished or precious dishes. They are practical and familiar, and they hint at the social life that happened around kitchen tables long before screens and scrolling. Think meatloaf, scalloped potatoes, apple crisp, and yes, there may be jello.
Each dish will be accompanied by a short story or photograph that offers context about the family, the cookbook, or the era it comes from. Vegetarian alternatives will also be available.
Why Heritage Week?
Heritage Week is celebrated across Canada every February as a way to recognize the places, stories, traditions, and everyday objects that shape our communities. It is about more than historic buildings or notable events. It is about shared memory and how ordinary lives leave lasting traces.
This year’s theme, Stir the Pot, reminds us that heritage is not static. Recipes change, families adapt, and traditions evolve. Sometimes they are debated, sometimes revised, and often shared over food. Heritage lives best when it is shared, preferably around a table.
Tickets and Details
Seating is limited.
Tickets go on sale for Legion members on Thursday, February 19 from 5 to 7 pm at the Legion. Remaining tickets for anyone will be available at the door at 5:30 pm on Friday. Dinner will be served from 5:30 to 9 pm on Friday Cost is $15 for Legion members and $17 for non-members. This event is generously supported by the Bowen Island General Store and Miller’s Meatcraft
Date: Friday, February 20, 2026
Location: Bowen Island Legion
Hosts: Bowen Island Museum & Archives and Bowen Island Heritage Preservation Association
We look forward to welcoming you for an evening of food, stories, and community.
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Letter: Addressing Development Concerns
CAMERON ROLFE
Westside Village
In last week’s Undercurrent, Don Shafer wrote that he doesn’t believe Westside Village will deliver on its promise of ‘Homeownership Within Reach’. Well, Don Shafer, we disagree!
The letter pointed to three things; depreciation, financing and water supply.
Westside Village will offer well-priced modular homes for sale on rented home sites. By removing the cost of land ownership we are able to keep this housing affordable. We anticipate the combined cost of mortgage and lease to equal the approximate cost of a two-bedroom rental apartment on Bowen Island, but our customers will own their homes!
The letter also expressed concerns that the homes will depreciate overtime.
In BC there are more than 2,500 homes on leasehold properties According to the esteemed Rennie Marketing Systems (and many other knowledgeable professionals in the field) this type of tenure, though less expensive, tends to fluctuate with the rest of the housing market Consistently appreciating in long-term value.
Financing is supported by the Canadian government through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Regular mortgage financing is available at regular mort-
gage rates and terms. This CMHC program is specifically designed to aid in affordability by financing homes on rented land. It is neither difficult nor risky, as was asserted.
Regarding water supply, we have undertaken a program of groundwater monitoring with six professionally installed test wells which have electronic sensors in them continually gathering data. We had been doing this for nearly a year when Bob Turner and Rosemary Knight highlighted the importance of this sort of testing within this important recharge zone for the Grafton watershed.
We are working with qualified professionals with relevant local knowledge and specific data to appropriately locate services on the property.
It is, in fact, part of the rezoning process to prove water quality and quantity, and that drawing such quantity will have no negative effect on surrounding water systems.
Westside Village offers a different type of housing than is currently available on Bowen Island. This represents change. For some, change is hard.
We need lots of viewpoints and lots of new affordable housing ideas to get the housing crisis under control.
At Westside Village we’re doing everything we can to deliver the best affordable housing plan we can deliver.
-
Cameron Rolfe Westside Village
Judi Gedye Open House - February
JUDITH GEDYE Bowen Island Municipality Councillor
Two other municipal councilors and a dozen others attended - adventurous souls during some very heavy rain.
The first question was for clarification of the terms first, second and third reading of legislation. First reading is when a proposal is introduced. There is no debate by council, although there may have been debate in the community. Typically, there are directions to staff to notify neighbours near the property, publish a formal notice, and referrals to committees to discuss and report back. It may also be referred to Islands Trust to get feedback on compliance with Trust policy.
When all responses are received, staff provides a report for second reading and there’s debate on the principles or policies involved. If the matter involves an Official Community Plan amendment, there must be a public hearing before third reading. It comes back for third reading, often with amendments, and councilors explain why they are in favour or opposed. Ultimately a vote is taken.
If a matter is not contentious, there can be first, second and third readings at one time. The Seymour Bay proposal was recently referred to the Advisory and Parks committees, and people were impressed with the knowledge and reasoning of those committees.
The next question was about police coverage when our population reaches 5,000. In the interests of space I would refer readers to the more detailed discussion at the December 6, 2025 Open House when the RCMP attended.
Discussion on Grafton Lake followed: securing it as a source of drinking water and swimming. Control of the area is difficult. Fencing it could be a problem for wildlife, may not keep humans out, plus there’d be foreshore disturbance, difficult terrain, and considerable cost to install and maintain.
The lake is now advertised on uncontrollable social media sites, and many consider it a local swimming hole. More signage is possible but there’s general opposition to signs on Bowen, and questions about effectiveness. Part of the development proposal was to gift parkland to the municipality, and build walking trails around the lake. Recently a parking lot to get cars off the road and a pit toilet to remove that source of pollution were installed. There was some opposition to these “amenities” but majority votes allowed them.
There have been questions about nearby older septic systems, but no testing. Extensive tree cutting south of the main road and a visible oil spill on the road by the lake raised questions about monitoring water feeding into the lake.
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October 3, 1935 - November 13, 2025
Celebration of Life
AUDREY SHIRLEY
Monday, March 23, 2026 12:30 - 4:00 pm
Scandinavian Community Centre 6540 Thomas Street, Burnaby
Please join us in sharing stories and memories of Audrey’s amazing 90 years. A light refreshment will be served. Please RSVP - triciajacquet@gmail.com
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IslandsTrust expenses detailed
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Clean-up is amunicipalexpense. No-one knew whether there were environmental monitoring conditionsonthisproject Regarding clear-cutting,there’ve been problems throughout the province developingeffective tree cutting bylaws for private property.
Monitoring any permits might be the responsibility of the building inspector, and reporting oil spills to municipalpark staff was highly recommended so that spills would get cleaned up quickly. It‘sa long-running concern that while thereare covenantsonmany properties, enforcement isdifficult.
Recently, Councilapproved acontract (last year’s budget) for consultantstocreate amanagement plan for the area. More discussion in the community is expected in the next few months. Theadage that toooften people askforgiveness after rather than permission before, was repeated.
Ihad Islands Trust budget materials with me and welcomed questions. For background, when we incorporated as a municipality,the vote was contingent on our remaining in the Trust,primarilyfor its mandate to preserve and protect.There wereseveralissues, but we wanted independence on land use planning. Local Trust Committees have jurisdiction over land use planning on every island in the Trust except
for Bowen,withthe caveat that our landuseplanningdecisions must complywith Islands Trust policy
As afederation of all the islands, includingBowen, the Trust is primarilyanenvironmental protection agency.Years later, the Islands Trust Conservancywas created to accept donations andland withinthe Trust area. Bowen is the only municipality within the Trust and we haveafundingformula that removes all items related to planning, but leavesitems related to thelarger federation (eg. Trust Council, headoffice, and most committee expensesExecutive, Governance, Financial, and Trust Area services,not Regional Planning)and theConservancy.
The formulaisalittle difficult to explain. Assuming that 50% ofthe total Trust budget is for planningservices, we don’t pay for any ofthose costs, but we pay apercentage ofthe remaining 50%. Ourshareofthe remaining 50% is based onpopulation and thevalueofhomes onBowen.
Incomesources arelower than usual. In the past,there were surpluses (when budget allocations werenot spent) and those surplusesoffset federation expenses.There’s no surplusthis year.Other incomesources have dropped: grant incomehas gone from ~$600K to ~$200K and investment income isdown.
Theoperating grantfromthe Province
Places ofWorship WelcomeYou
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www.biuc.ca |1122 Miller Road 778-688-2061 OFFICE HOURS WEDNESDAY10-4ORBYAPPOINTMENT
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has been, for several years,at$180K. Iharp on the argument, which has notbeenpersuasive, that the $1.2 million budget for the Conservancy, which hassuccessfully accumulated assets for the Province, should receive more operatingfunds. Meanwhile expenses for the Federation and the Conservancy haveincreased.
The process for developing the Trustbudget is also interesting.Trustee SueEllen Fast and Iare only 2votes outof26onTrust Council, where recommendations from staff and the Financial Planning committee are debated. However,this year we bothmanaged to get onto the Financial Planning committee. Together,wehavebeenworking on aline-by-line examination of the budget,raising questionsaboutour municipal apportionment,and up until ourDecember Trust Councilmeeting, successfullyreducing the amount to be asked of council for the budget.
But, at the December meeting anew Operations Review wastabled which recommended additional expenses for the overall federation and the Conservancy, primarily for reconciliation work and improved communications. Trust Councilagreedtothe cutsproposed bythe Finance committee but also voted toincrease expenses for both communications and reconciliation work, withmore discussionsatthe MarchTrust Council meeting. Broadly, theincreases amount to ~$60 for the average household across the whole federation, but the contrast in percentage increases soundmuchworse (14% increase for otherislands, 32% for Bowen). There areongoing efforts to reduce the municipal allocation.
The operational reviewemphasized the success in the Trust Area in developing pro-
tocol agreementswithmany of the roughly 30 First Nationsgroupsliving in the Trust Area. These agreements establishwaysto work withinand recommendchangestothe existing legislative limitations.Weare creating precedents andstrengthening working relationshipsthatcan provide guidance for otherregions.
Currently, the Trusthas oneelder on staff. Aproposal is foranadditional staff personto support thatelder and help organize more meetings with more elders in more communities, which creates more opportunitiesfor effective collaborativework.
The otherproposal from the operational reviewistohirea professional to improve communications between the Trust and otheragencies, andmost importantly, constituents.Todate,communications to meet an increase in troubling letters to editors and social media posts has been the responsibilityofthe Executivecommittee.The proposal is for professional support for that work.Itwas suggested thatthe more people understood thework of theTrust, there would be more support.I hope so.
Ourdiscussion thenwent to aquestion about ongoing problems facing Bowen’s infrastructure. Staff areworking on an asset management plan to inventory and prioritizerepairs. We ended on an update of the Cove Bay WaterTreatment Plant. Thereisanannouncement to be released Monday (February 9) we hope will help with understanding although there remain problems and ongoing work. We were overtimesowedid not go intodepthon the water, but I’m confident it will come up again.
Next OpenHousewillbeSaturday, March 7at3pmatCollins Hall. Everyone welcome.
QUEEN OF CAPILANOFERRY
SCHEDULE UNTILMARCH 23 2026
DEPART BOWENISLAND
5:15 am except Sundays 6:15 am except 7:30 am except 8:45 am 10:00am 11:15am 12:35 pm 1:55 pm 3:15 pm 4:40 pm -exceptWednesdays 6:00 pm 7:15 pm 8:25 pm -exceptSaturdays 9:30 pm 10:30pm 11:30pm
DEPART HORSESHOEBAY 5:45 am except 6:50 am except 8:05 am 9:20 am -exceptWednesdays 10:35 am 11:55 am 1:10 pm 2:35 pm 3:55 pm 5:20 pm 6:35 pm 7:50 pm 8:55 pm -exceptSaturdays 10:00pm 11:00pm
Where’s the ferry rightnow?- live updatesatwww.bowenferry.ca Schedule changesonstatutoryholidays. Stay up to date at www.bcferries.com
New Hearth exhibit connects variety of threads
JAMI SCHEFFER
The Hearth Gallery
Students of Island Discovery Learning Community have been preparing for the upcoming show “The Threads That Connect Us” since September. They are excited to share fiber works made from materials foraged, saved, mended and recycled Showcased are weaving “journals”, beadwork, hoop weavings, mended garments and woven functional bags.
Students in Grade 6/7 were mentored by Krista Hennebury and other members of the Bowen Fiber Arts Guild. A Neighbourhood Small Grant from the Vancouver Foundation and the Bowen Foundation supported this community building initiative and provided the opportunity for students to learn important mending techniques.
Students were also mentored by sound engineer Curtis Wright who recorded their reflections of the making process and also their thoughts and insights regarding the positive impacts that mending, re-using and making can have personally and for the planet. These recordings can be
heard at The Hearth Gallery, alongside the artworks, accessible by QR code. Bring your phone and earbuds to hear what students in Kindergarten through Grade 12 have to share.
Kiera, a senior student at IDLC, said in their recording session “I think sewing has been lost a little in our culture.
I am really glad to see my friends and people I know picking it up. It is so important that we keep the culture of making our own works, and ‘slow fashion, and pieces that last longer and that are sentimental. We are trying to push away from big factory made ‘fast fashion’ . Making your own work can make it really feel like the clothes that you are wearing are yours and yours only and special to you.”
Students in Grade 8-12 have been making pajama pants from patterns. You might see some of them worn at the opening party, taking place on Saturday, February 21 from 2 to 4 pm.
Present in many of the pieces is a respect for natural materials and places. The “weaving journals” began with a walk in the landscape noticing the plant forms available in January.
Students started to pay closer attention to the dried seed head forms and ever-
green cucumber grass. These items were gathered and woven in combination with yarn scraps and hand dyed wool strips. Alongside the weaving, students recorded the weather, colors, names of plants, yarn textures and their feelings. These individual pieces are displayed together as a record of that art making event and the land upon which they were made.
When Kindergarten students were asked “How do you learn to weave?” they said “from watching, from doing... from our ancestors of course!” Be sure to listen to more from them and see their hoop weavings made from quality yarns and hand dyed colours.
This show is as much a teaching opportunity as it is an exhibit. The tools and looms will be on display to see and touch as well as opportunities for students to offer short demonstrations of loom weaving and loom beading to the public at various times.
“The Threads That Connect Us” is on at The Hearth from Wednesday, February 18, through to Monday, March 2 with an opening party on Saturday, February 21 from 2 to 4 pm. Drop by to see and hear what weaving and mending is all about.
Bowen school and butcher collaborate for community boost
ALEX KURIAL Editor
A local fundraiser is highlighting the importance of food, education and community.
Island Pacific School and Miller’s Meatcraft have teamed up for the ‘Farm to Future’ campaign, based around the purchase of food boxes from the local butcher Fifteen per cent of each sale goes towards the school’s recently established bursary fund which helps students with tuition each year.
“I want us to deepen our ties to the wider community,” says IPS head of school Brad Carter on the inspiration for the fundraiser. “We are an ‘independent’ school in a legal sense, but that need not describe our posture. Schools are natural social anchors.”
“They are where children learn, yes but they also offer leadership on emerging issues, from AI to social media, and they provide spaces that can serve the broader community,” says Carter.
“Our Field House is one exam-
ple. The Men’s Shed collaboration is another. I want our students to see themselves as builders of community, not just participants in it,” he adds.
A partnership with Miller’s Meatcraft was suggested to owner and founder Erik Miller, who was eager to take part. Since opening his storefront in Snug Cove near the end of 2024, Miller has placed a heavy emphasis on sourcing local cuts of meat and knowing where your food comes from.
“Look at the state of the world right now. Costs are rising, everything’s inflated including food,” says Miller. “So if we can work on our own localized food security and systems and work within a closed circuit of sorts, then that’s the only way that we’re going to be able to continue to put food on our plates that isn’t ultra processed.”
The six different types of food boxes contain different combinations of meat with all animals sourced from small farms in the province.
Beef comes from 63 Acres in southern BC, chicken from Bradner Farms in Abbotsford and Yarrow Meadow in the Fraser Valley, and pork from
Twin River Farms in Nanaimo. Sausages are all made in-house at the Bowen butcher.
“Getting local, not crossing borders, knowing the traceability of the animals, being able to call up a farmer if possible… The more direct you go the more money you’re putting in the farmer’s pocket. And farmers feed families,” says Miller.
In addition to strengthening ties with the community, Carter is happy to see another source of support for the school’s bursary program.
“Last year we made a deliberate push to grow our bursary support, and it has made a difference. We have welcomed families who might not otherwise have had access to the school.”
“The results show up in enrollment, certainly but just as importantly, in the depth and range of conversations within our community,” says Carter. “Our collaboration with Miller’s is part of that effort.”
Food boxes can be ordered until February 20, with pickups of the fresh meat scheduled for February 27 & 28. Orders and more info can be found at tinyurl.com/2wbjfve2
A Welcome Figure for Bowen Island
PART ONE LAYS OUT THE HISTORY BEHIND AN UPCOMING PROJECT
PAULINE LE BEL Contributor
This is an invitation to become part of something beautiful to honour the island’s past and guide us into our future. But first, a little history.
Several years ago, when I was researching my book, ‘Whale in the Door: A Community Unites to Protect BC’s Howe Sound’ , I was fortunate to begin meaningful relationships with leaders and Elders of the Squamish Nation. It soon became obvious I knew very little about the history of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
So I read the Indian Act, passed in 1876 to control (and continue to control) the lives of the original inhabitants and their land. I read books by Indigenous authors, attended Indigenous ceremonies and Squamish Nation powwows Then I read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report Summary all 384 heartbreaking pages. I had a responsibility to share what I had learned
So in 2017, “Knowing Our Place” was born. The name was a gift from my friend, Chris Corrigan. We were standing at the lagoon causeway watching the salmon return to Terminal Creek. I told Chris about my reconciliation dream and how I was looking for a title. Knowing Our Place, with its two meanings, was a good fit: knowing where we live, and knowing our place here as guests of the Squamish Nation on their traditional unceded territory.
Knowing Our Place was a way to educate ourselves about Canada’s true history with Indigenous Peoples, to create respectful relationships with First Nations, and to be in allyship with Squamish Nation. Over the next eight years, with the ongoing support of the Bowen Island Public Library and the Bowen Island Arts Council, I organized workshops and arts events with Indigenous teachers, as well as a monthly book club to read and learn from Indigenous authors.
One of the tangible reminders of these events was the weaving made by Islanders in 2022 with master Squamish Nation weaver, Cheximiya (English name, Alison Burns). Cheximiya taught the ancient Squamish twill weaving technique to more than 45 Islanders young and old Next time you’re in the Library, step into the Annex. This weaving of reconciliation is on permanent display.
The Sign Blessing Ceremony was to become the inspiration for this new project. In 2022, the Squamish Ocean Going Canoe Family came to the island to bless a new sign
with an old name Nexwlélexwm one of the Squamish names for the island. At the ceremony, Squamish Elder and Knowledge Keeper, Dennis Joseph, brought tears to my eyes with his words. “A healing journey has begun with this sign,” he said.
“We are building a mighty bridge, and we have a foundation to work from.” At the end of the ceremony, Elder Alroy “Bucky” Baker tapped me on the shoulder and said: “Nice work, Pauline. Now you need a welcome figure.”
What is a welcome figure, you might be asking? Tall figures with open arms carved by Coast Salish artists to offer greeting, connection and hospitality to all who arrive on their territory. Examples can be found in Ambleside, Squamish, Porteau Cove, Murdo Frazer Park in North Vancouver, and Simon Fraser University.
So here’s the plan: A community project to raise funds and support the installation of a Welcome Figure to be carved by a Squamish Nation carver. Chris Corrigan and I have spent several months looking for the perfect location and will share the results in a future article
We’ve been meeting with Mayor Andrew Leonard, councillors and municipal staff to finalize things. Now we are inviting Islanders to become part of this exciting project. Over the next few months, I will be writing a series of articles to let you know how you can help build another section of that “mighty bridge,” a visible, lasting symbol of respect, reconciliation and connection.
Part Two will examine ‘The Great Log Search’
Film Society celebrates Lorraine Hansberry
MICHAEL NANKIN Bowen Island Film Society
On Tuesday, February 17 the Bowen Island Film Society will screen ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ as part of their Vault series of vintage films that speak to the present moment.
The film is based on Lorraine Hansberry’s play of the same name which premiered in 1959, becoming the first play by an African American woman to be produced on Broadway. Hansberry, a 29-year-old author, became the youngest American playwright and only the fifth woman to receive the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for best play. She was also nominated for the Tony Award for best play, among the four Tony Awards that the play was nominated for in 1960.
Over the next two years, Raisin was translated into 35 languages and was being performed all over the world. A year later, Columbia made it into a film, with the Broadway cast almost entirely intact.
Hansberry was active in the burgeoning civil rights movement in America which, in 1959, had not yet achieved integrated schools or neighborhoods, affirmative action, voting rights for Black Americans, or any kind of equality of earning or status many of which were won in the following years and are currently threatened in the U.S.
Regarding tactics, Hansberry said Black people “must concern themselves with every single means of struggle: legal, illegal, passive, active, violent and non-violent... They must harass, debate, petition, give money to court struggles, sit-in, lie-down, strike, boycott, sing hymns, pray on steps – and shoot from their windows when the racists come cruising through their communities.”
The film stars Sidney Poitier, Ruby Dee, Lou Gossett, Jr, Ivan Dixon and Diana Sands and tells a story of a family trying to keep itself whole as they struggle for nobility in a society that does not value them. The title is from a Langston Hughes poem: “What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?”
The film screens at 6:30 pm at the Community Centre theatre. Tickets available through Bowen Recreation and at the door.
Welcome Figure in Squamish with Pauline Le Bel and Elder Randall Lewis in 2016. / Paul Fast photo
“We’rehereall year” says Pride Society Postpartumgroup meets Fridays
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BOWEN ISLAND PRIDE SOCIETY
As anew year takes hold, many of us arereflecting on what we’ve built together and whatkind of community we wanttocontinue nurturing.For Bowen IslandPride Society, it’sa reminder that Pride on Bowen Islandisnot limitedto asingle weekend in June. It is ayear-round presencerooted in inclusivity, connection, and care.
Over thepast year, we were proud to help create spaces where people of all ages and backgrounds could gather safely, joyfully,and authentically. Fromour first-everQueers & Cheersnight at the Legion which was apackedroomfull of laughter, warmth, and new connections,totwo sold-out Friday nightdinners that brought together friends old and new.These moments reflectedour beliefthatthatfeelingof belonginggrows when people feel welcome to showupand be themselves. The energy in those rooms reminded us how powerful simple, joyful expression can be.
Behind the scenes, 2025 was ayearof learning and growth. As ayoung society,webuilt organizationalsystems that work, opened abank account,and began accepting donations. Thesesteps maybelessvisible, butthey are essentialtoensuring the Bowen Island Pride Societyissustainable and resilient for future generations.
Visibility and advocacyremained central to ourwork. We strengthened oursocial mediapresencetocelebrate the diversity of our 2SLGBTQIA+ community, sharestories, and keep Pridevisible throughout the year. We launched aPride merchline that continues to be spotted around the island, and we showed up with joy and flair at communityevents like theBowfest Parade. At our Halloween booth in the Loop, seeing local teens lingerand hearing asimple “thank
you for showingup” wasapowerful reminderthat representationand safetymatter -especially for young peoplestill finding their voice.
Pride weekend itself wasa joyful culmination of this work. Over 500 attendees walked under sunny skies downthe Multi-UsePath for theSecond Annual Bowen Island Pride Parade and Picnic. The day wasfilled with asea of smiling faces young and old, quiet and loud, outand proud. The weekendfeatured new community partners and anew 19+
“Meet in Lane 69” after party at the Pub. Last fall,our collaboration with Bowen Recreation on aRocky Horror Picture Show screeningfurtherdemonstrated what’s possiblewhen community groupsworktogether to educate, advocate, and raisefunds for future programming
So far, 2026 is off to an awesome start with the first ever People’s Prom on Bowen hosted at the Legion. Tickets sold outinrecordtimeand we’resothrilled with how excited folksare to dance together and reimaginetheir prom!
Looking ahead, we areexcited to continue building a BowenIsland where 2SLGBTQIA+ people findbelonging, representation, and celebration year-round.Weaim tobe apillar of connection and inclusivity on theisland, hosting andcollaboratingoneventsthatradiatewarmth, safety, and fun, whileadvocating for positive, lastingchangerooted in care for one another and for theplace we call home.
As we begin planning for ournextPride Paradeon Saturday, June 6and even morepride weekend events, we remain deeply grateful tothe volunteers, partners, and neighbours who make this work possible. Together, we are showingthat even small communities can lead with heart, joy, andcourage
We wish everyone on Bowen Island /Nexwlélexwm a hopefuland connected February
“But it’s really common thatyou don’t feelthingslike that, that you feel anger, you feelfrustration, sadness, guilt, and you’re notallowed to talk about those thingsbecause it’s notwhat people around you want you to feel,” says Dobbie. Both Dobbie and Jardinewerehearing from parents on Bowenthatthere was acommunity need to helpout new parents. Statistics Canada estimatesaround one-quarter of peopleexperience postpartumdepression andanxiety in the firstyear ormoreafter achild isborn. The ideafor asupport groupreceived funding from the BowenIsland Community Foundation and the pair tookfacilitator training with the Pacific Post Partum Support Society. The sessions then found ahome with FamilyPlace, located at the BowenChildren’sCentre.
Dobbie explains thatinstead of lookinglikeacounselling session, the gatherings will focus on apeersupport model. “Rather thanitbeing groupcounselling, it’s mums getting togetherwithpeers who might be havingsimilar experiences to them, and thenoffering each othersupport and knowingthatthey’re notalone in this,” saysDobbie.
“Often whenthey’ve (mothers) just had ababy they’renot doinganything to care forthemselves.It’sall about caring for the baby. So it’s really achance formoms to think about howthey can be caringfor themselvesaswell,” sheexplains.
Sessionswillbegin on Friday, February 20 at FamilyPlace with weekly gatherings running9to10:45 am. Meetingsare freeand private. Pre-registration is required and available by emailing bowenpostpartum@gmail.com. Dobbie adds participants arewelcome to bring their babies along “It’s giving people aplace where theycan connect with other parents in away that’s confidential and safe,and somewhere to share what they’regoing through with other peoplewho mightbeinthe same boat,” saysDobbie
ERIC
Meet Eric, our adorable Maine Coon kittenwho stopped by thisweek for hiskitten vaccines—and completely stoleour hearts. This fluffyguy is full of energy and always on the move,especially when there’s agameoffetch involved(yes, fetch!). When Eric isn’t busy playing allday,heloves to wind down with nighttime snuggles,makinghim the perfectmix of playful and sweet.Hewas achamp for hisvisit and is off to agreat start on hishealthy kitten journey.We’reso happy to have met you, Eric!
Call or email to place your ad, Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm 236-889-6595 ahogan@glaciermedia.ca 236-889-6595 ahogan@lodestarmedia.ca
604-653-7851
Call or email to place your ad, Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm 604-362-0586 •604-653-7851 classifieds@van.net
604-653-7851 nmather@glaciermedia.ca
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Friday, February 13
Pro-D Day Camps with Bowen Rec
Fun activities this Friday the 13th! Kids ages 5-8 will take part in ‘Ferry Potter & the Sorcerer’s Stone’ where campers will embark on a series of Harry Potter inspired magical challenges. Ages 8-12 head to the city to skate at Robson Square and then visit the Vancouver Art Gallery. Both begin at Community Centre at 9 am, older kids return on the 3:55 pm ferry Full details and registration on Bowen Rec website.
Friday, February 13
Pro-D Day STEAM Club at the Library
Learn new skills, make something new! We’ll explore a new STEAM activity every session, with time to practice and explore science, arts & technology From 10:30 to 11:30 am, ages 6-10. Please register at: bipl.ca/steam
Saturday, February 14
Garden Fair and Community Swap with Bowen Rec
Come check out Seedy Saturday! Join local garden enthusiasts for a relaxed, community-driven day celebrating all things gardening. The Community Centre will be the host site for discussions, workshops, seed and tool swaps, kids activities, and more! From 10 am to 1 pm
Saturday, February 14
Village Song Circle
Shasta Martinuk will be on Bowen to lead us in singing fun, uplifting, easy to learn songs from 3 to 5 pm at Collins Hall. All voices and ages are welcome. By donation. For more info contact ginigrey123@gmail.com
Saturday, February 14
Laugh Out Live Variety Show at the Bowen Theatre
A night of improv, stand-up and sketch comedy crafted for a Bowen audience. Presented by comedy group Laugh Out Live Tickets available through Bowen Recreation website. Doors open at 7 pm with show starting at 7:30.
Tuesday, February 17
Movie Night at the Community Centre
‘A Raisin in the Sun’ tells the story of a Black family living in Chicago as they struggle with dreams, dignity and discrimination. Presented by the Bowen Island Film Society. Tickets $10, doors at 6 pm with the movie starting at 6:30. More info on Page 8.
Tuesday, February 17
Knick Knack Nook AGM
Annual General Meeting for KKN Re-Use-It Store Society. At the Library Annex starting 7 pm Come and help us celebrate the difference we are making in our community.
Wednesday, February 18 & Friday, February 20
SKY Walks
Seniors Keeping Young meets at Catholic Church on Miller Road Feb. 18 & Headwaters Park Feb. 20. 10:30 am
Friday, February 20
Stories-on-the-Go at Baby Connections
Library staff are guest speakers at Baby Connections! Drop in to Bowen Island Family Place for a short baby storytime and Q&A during Baby Connections. Chat with a librarian and learn some fun stories & songs with us! From 11 am to Noon. For expecting and new parents, as well as their babies 0-12 months.
Saturday, February 21
French Connections at the Library
Drop in and join us to practice your conversational
French, and get to know other French language learners on Bowen Island! Free, 10:30 to 11:30 am. bipl.ca/French
Saturday, February 21
Nature Club Beach Cleanup
Let’s make Seymour Bay Beach wild and clean again! Then enjoy a hot drink together Led by naturalist Charlotte Gruneau Email bowennatureclub@gmail.com to register. Runs from Noon to 3 pm.
Sunday, February 22
Book Donation Morning at the Library
Friends of the Library welcome your donations of clean, good condition used books. They’re especially seeking novels and kids books. From 10 am until bins full (Noon latest).
TUESDAYS
Bowen Celtic Music Group
All instruments and levels welcome – we start slow, call out the songs in advance, and can send out a digital songbook as a PDF if you’d prefer sheet music, chords, or guitar tabs. Takes place at Bowen Court on Seniors Road from 7 to 9 pm. Suggested donation of $5 per session.
WEDNESDAYS
Family Storytime at the Library
A free 30-minute drop-in program of stories, rhymes, and songs for children age 0-6 and their caregivers! From 10:30 to 11 am, families are welcome to stay after until 11:30 and socialize in the cozy Annex, read books, and hang out!
THURSDAYS
Thursday Art Group
Join the Thursday Art Group (TAG) at Collins Hall from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm to paint and create together. $30 per month or $10 drop-in. Info at shannonrondeau@shaw.ca
Set on asunny,mostly flat acreage this thoughtfully crafted modern home offers comfort, sustainability, and an exceptional connection to nature. Beyond the existing home thereismeaningful flexibility and long-term value with the potential for a2nd dwelling. Utilities arein place at the base of aroughed-in driveway leading to the build site.
