PADDLE PAINTING Lydia Brown focuses on painting her paddle at the Bowfest Field on Tuesday afternoon. More than 50 people took part in Paddles Across Canada workshops on the island this year, which focused on deepening cultural understanding with Squamish Nation. / Alex Kurial photo
ALEX
KURIAL Editor
Community members and municipal staff have been participating in the Paddles Across Canada program over the past several months.
The municipality (BIM) partnered with the International Sustainability Education Foundation (ISEF) and the Squamish Ocean Canoe Family to carry out the project. The program is a way for municipalities and other organizations to bolster cultural connections with local Indigenous communities. In this instance Bowen Island collaborated with Squamish Nation, the traditional ancestors of the island of Nexwlélexwm.
During the course of several months participants have attended workshops which include traditional blessings, storytelling, knowledge and meal sharing, and crafting a paddle from start to finish. This includes hand carving, sanding, painting, and in Bowen’s case, making sure the paddles are designed to cut through the thick kelp which can be found in the waters of the Salish Sea.
The Hearth Gallery offers a warm welcome to painter Pepe Hidalgo. Hidalgo is a Spanish artist, now living and working in British Columbia. Having done shows across the globe for decades Hidalgo now sticks a little closer to home and focuses on showcasing his work throughout Canada
As he travels to his debut exhibit on Nexwlélexwm, Bowen Island with his newest show ‘When the Image Substitutes the Word’, (June 24 to July 14). As he exhibits paintings full of imagination and whimsy featuring bold colours and textures, bringing movement and life into everything he paints, from bowls of fruit to refreshing new takes on traditional portraits.
Hidalgo takes these subjects and breathes new life into them creating works that make the viewer question what, if anything in the painting is “real” Hidalgo sees his work as a form of communication between the painting and the viewer, and he takes this philosophy a step further in his newest exhibition as he explores a four part narrative focused on the unnameable and the human experience.
With the opening of his exhibit Hidalgo invites the viewers to explore and personally engage with his works, encouraging reflection and an opportunity for the viewer to lose themselves in the worlds he has created.
Come join us and Pepe Hidalgo for the artist pARTy at the Hearth Gallery on Saturday, June 28 from 6 to 8 pm, to meet the artist, have a glass of wine and witness art that speaks when words fall short.
Pepe Hidalgo Art Show runs until July 14, with an Artist pARTy on Saturday, June 28 from 6 to 8 pm.
The Fairweather Eagle children continue to grow, aided by a host of nutritious meals brought back to the nest by Mom. / Haig Farris photo
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Letter: ‘Needed: A Freshwater Protection Strategy for Bowen Island’
BOWEN ISLAND CONSERVANCY
In early June, Dr. Peter Ross of the Raincoast Conservation Foundation presented Bowen Island Municipal Council with the results of a comprehensive analysis of pollutants in the Grafton Lake water supply.
The findings revealed traces of human waste, highlighting the need for improved watershed management and better public education on responsible residential and recreational best practices. This is an island-wide issue: surface waters and groundwaters everywhere across the island are vulnerable to contamination by human activities.
Given the critical importance of Bowen’s freshwater resources for both people and the natural environment, the Bowen Island Conservancy supports the development of a freshwater protection strategy. Such a strategy should include specific goals and objectives articulated in the current review of the island’s Official Community Plan (OCP).
The Conservancy recently submitted its environmental priorities to the OCP committee (the full report is available on our website). A key priority is creating a freshwater protection strategy for the island. This includes protection of groundwater recharge areas along with ‘green infrastructure’ like healthy forests and wetlands that enhance both the island’s quantity and quality of freshwater.
Such a freshwater strategy complements another Conservancy priority protection of Bowen’s biodiversity because so many plants, animals, and birds depend on its lakes, ponds, wetlands and streams.
Bowen’s climate future of hotter summer temperatures and more intense summer droughts will reduce water supplies for people and nature. As we manage these challenges, we need to look beyond conventional engineering solutions of water treatment plants and bigger dams.
We need to embrace the natural engineering already at play on our lands: forests and wetlands slow runoff, so
rain and stream flow can sink into the earth to rebuild our groundwater reservoirs, while wetlands act as natural filtration plants that capture pollutants.
Maintaining and enhancing this ‘green infrastructure’ doesn’t require big capital expenditures; instead we need effective science-based planning to protect these natural assets, and rehabilitation where required.
For example, the Islands Trust has recently mapped groundwater recharge potential of the island, identifying specific areas where surface water can most effectively sink into the earth to recharge our groundwater system. Protecting this recharge system should be a top priority when designing land developments.
The formulation of a new OCP for Bowen Island offers us a unique opportunity to chart a better way forward. Let’s embrace this opportunity to protect precious water resources for the wellbeing of people and nature!
In Loving Memory of
arbara Weismille
eismiller Bar
With heavyhearts, we sharethe passingofour belovedwife,mother and grandmother, BarbaraWeismiller, wholeftuspeacefully on Sunday,June 22 at theage of 96.
Born in asmall villageinOntario in 1929, Barbaramade Bowen Island herhomein1981. Over thepast44years,she became deeply wovenintothe fabric of island life. Shetouched thelives of many as herwarmheart andopendooronAdams Road welcomed neighbours andfriends alike. Sheattendedthe United Church,was a member of theBowen Island Legion, andwas adedicated volunteer atthe KnickKnack Nook.Barbara waspassionateabout herpets,her flower gardens, localwildlife, andher varied arts and crafts Familygatheringswereverydeartoher heart.
Shewill always be rememberedfor hercolourful nature,sense of humour andinfectiouslaugh,grace and quiet strength, kindness andgenerosity, livelyspiritand tenacity forlife eembarks on anew peaceful journey, we missher very much.
ACelebration of Life will be held in the coming weeks As she yfor life. ewill
Scott Robarts took pictures of this magnificient Canadian Tiger Swallowtail butterfly among the Catmint plants of Seymour Bay.
Two Bowen Island natives won Athlete of the Year at Rockridge for Grade 9 at Monday’s award ceremony. Norah Wickett won Athlete of the Year for Grade 9 girls & Liam Turnbull won Athlete of the Year for Grade 9 boys. Norah played volleyball, basketball, swam on the aquatics team & went to the Provincial Championships for track and field Liam played soccer, basketball & rugby. / Jordan Wickett submission
Bowen Island Gymnastics wrapped up their 2024/25 season at the Whistler Invitational! Our gymnasts had outstanding results with some Award winning performances - Sailor Cooke: Gold All Around; Keira Trey- Headley: Outstanding Beam Award; Georgie Cooper: Outstanding Bars Award; Livea Stevenson: Outstanding Bars Award. Around the corner are Bowen Island Gymnastics Summer Camps which run July 21 to August 22 for ages 4 to teen & parent and tot weekly classes Visit our website at bowengymnastics.com for more info. / Lisa Brougham submission
Cellular: 604-250-2630
Telephone: 604-947-2243 •PRIVATECHARTERS AVAILABLE
As thisyear’sbatch of Grade 12 students preparetogooff into the world, some of them mayremember their earliest graduation from Preschool at the BowenChildren’s Centre backin2012. BCCcongratulates all of thisyear’sGrads on their achievements, and wishes them well fortheir futureplans ahead!
5:45 am 6:50 am 8:05 am 9:20 am -exceptWednesdays 10:35am 11:55am 1:10 pm 2:35 pm 3:55 pm 5:20 pm 6:35 pm 7:50 pm 8:55 pm -exceptSaturdays
Carmina Bowena congratulates musical Grad Letter foraFriend
JENNIFER HATFIELD
Carmina Bowena
Congratulationstoguest conductor, composer and Bowen high school graduate Louw Verey!
“Joy” is the word most often used by Louw when talking about his love of coral music. The Choir of Carmina Bowena (one of Bowen’smany wonderful choirs) is so fortunatetohave this talented youngman inspiring us with his passion.
Recently, Ichatted with Louw about his journey as anemerging composer, conductor and vocalist. He shared that fromthe age of13 he wantedto make music. He started outasa DJ and moved graduallyinto taking singing moreseriously.
When Iasked how he made the decision todedicate his career to music,hesaid“it wasnot really adecision, it just became my dream, what Ireally wanted todo. It was the thingIwanted to put my heart into.”
It is so heartening to hear him sharethat histime with Carmina Bowena was formative and important. In May of this yearLouw conducted the choir as we sang hisbeautiful
arrangementofAve Maria. When Iasked himtoreflectonhis timewith the choir,he said“What Iloveabout workingwith Nicole Zyczynski(Director)and the choir is the excitement andheart that is there, the repertoire is really hard! Ihave learned agreat lesson, that is to havefaith in the choir,to connect and know everything willbeOK.”
Louw isoff to theUniversityofManitoba to pursuea music education degree. When I askedhim for advice for his classmateswho are graduating with him this yearhesaid, “Findthe thing that gives you joy, it willbe hard work. Justkeep singing!”
NoticeofOpen WaterSwimEvent
Tunstall Bay July 12th, 9:30am -11:30am
TO THE BOWEN ISLAND BOATING COMMUNITY:
SwimBowen’sannual Cancer Carefundraising event willhost 75 open-water swimmers along with acrewofwater safety marshalsinkayaks, paddleboards and zodiacs on Saturday,July12th between 9:30 and11:30. We have alocation change this year and the event will be held on the beach below the TunstallBay Clubhouse.Our first priorityisensuring asafeswim.
A course clearofboats ensures this. We would be ever so grateful if boaters could avoid the area north of the Tunstall Bay Dock during event time. Additionally, if you can relocate any boats moored in the area for that 2-hour window,we’d be doublyappreciative, as that will helpusprovide aclear line-of-sight between course-markerbuoys for swimmersand safety marshals. If you have questions or concerns, please email us: swimbowensociety@gmail.com.
With OceansofGratitude!
TheSwimBowen Team
LAURASBRAGIA Letter Writer /Friend
Juanita Cyrenne, aformerBowenIslander whospentmuch of herchildhoodonthe island, passed away suddenlyonMay 18 at theage of47.
Growing up on Bowen, Juanita was a childhood friend whowas an integral part of my life. Weshared many wonderfuland happy times experiencing lifeonthe island. I’d like to share apoem that reflectshow muchIappreciatedhavingher in my life
Chasing theSun
From ayoung age
We weretogether Laughing and singing Through ever changingweather
She wasalwaysthere to talk
When Ineeded to listen She accepted me completely Without asingle condition
Childhood memories of Summer days
Collectingsea shells And swimming at thebeach Ourspirits soared high
Andour fun times Were alwayswithinreach
Growing up together
We made many memories
Light shone
From the windowsofher soul
Iwas touched
By herexquisiteand abundant role
In my life and in my heart
Iwill always remember
The special quality
Shehad of making me feel happy
To be in herpresence
Iwas touchedbyher soul’s essence
Shewillbedearly missed
Loved and foreverremembered
For herlovely soul
Charm, wit and free spirit
Words don’t come close
To how muchI miss
Seeing hershining face
Achildhood friend
Icould neverreplace
Isend my heartfelt condolences to allof Juanita’s familyand friends and everyone who is grieving herloss.
Round Bowen Views
The Round Bowen Race took place on June 14, perhaps best known for its magnificent starting line where more than 100 sailboats perform an intricate dance as they jockey for position and a hot start - all while being careful to avoid drifting too far and being dis-
qualified. This year featured much more favourable wind conditions compared to 2024, meaning all competitors arrived back on shore in ample for the post-race festivities at the USSC Marina. You can find more photos from the race along with results on our website soon!
Pleaseemail your listingto Alex by Tuesday 5p.m.for that week's edition.
editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com
Alex Kurial & Keith Davidson photos
Paddles Across Canada nears decade of relationship building
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Tess Taylor, emergency program coordinator with BIM, discovered the Paddles project while searching for a way to use provincial funding meant to incorporate Indigenous Cultural Safety Training into a municipality’s Emergency Program. When Taylor saw North Shore Emergency Management taking part in the program, she decided to bring the experience to Bowen. Workshops began earlier this year, and on Tuesday people were putting the finishing touches on their paddles during a lunch and working session at the Bowfest Field
“It’s been a highly satisfying and enriching experience,” says Taylor.
In total 52 people took part in the Bowen portion of the project. Participants included members of BIM council and staff, Bowen Island Fire Department, the Emergency Operations Centre and Emergency Support Services, Neighbourhood Emergency Response Program, and Emergency Planning and Response Members from Squamish Nation.
Jonathon Reynolds is the executive director of ISEF, which will celebrate the 10th year of the Paddles program operating across Canada in 2026. Reynolds estimates around 12 to 15,000 paddles have been crafted during that time, including a major push with North Shore municipalities over
the past two years. Other groups taking part regionally include firefighters, police, administration staff, and libraries.
“Anybody who interacts with people, because this has been mostly a form of truth and reconciliation where there’s been a lot of sharing,” explains Reynolds on which groups are good candidates for the program. “A big part of it is learning how to see each other as us, as opposed to us in them… Breaking down barriers is really important.”
“There’s the concept of all paddling in the same canoe. If you paddle in a large canoe you have to paddle together You have to work together until we’re all going the same direction,” he adds
Reynolds says it was clear the Bowen participants were eager to tackle the project.
“It’s been amazing. After the first one (workshop) we thought it can’t get any better, and then the next group came in and it was just as good if not better. And it just kept growing.”
“I think part of it is because Bowen is its own unique little place… A lot of people knew each other already so that really helped. And there seems to be an openness here to new ideas and other people’s thoughts... There’s a real enthusiasm on Bowen for learning and for looking at things from a different perspective,” says Reynolds.
Courtney Copoc & Ianna Lewis set to work shaping paddles at the Bowfest Field on Tuesday (top). Erik Miller of Miller’s Meatcraft cooked lunch for program participants (above). Municipal members taking part in the activityincluded(L-R)TinaNielsen, Carla Skuce & Coun. Tim Wake. Paddle crafters added personal touches to their work, such as incorporating family members into their paddle designs or painting their favourite plant or animal. / Alex Kurial photos
FASTPITCH
Monday night’sshowdownat theballfield drewastrongcrowd to watchthe Cruisers takeonthe Brewers.The fans were rewarded with abackand forthshowcaseofpitching anddefensewhichcame rightdowntothe final swing.
It wasthe Brewerson theboard firstin theopeninginningasIishan Cruz capitalized on some niftybasestealingtocome home on aRandyPoulin sacfly.‘Milty’ Michael pitched 3scorelessinningstoopen the game butthe Cruisersfinallygot to him in the 4thwhen aJamie Weismiller triple broughthome Erik Hunter-James- Jamie wassoonafter broughthomebyJacob Sims
Theteams scored onebyone over the middle innings,tradingleads and tiesuntil it was4-4 headingtothe final frame.
Thegame wasonthe linewith James Strang on themound for Brewerstryingto shut Weismillerdown. ButJamierocketed adouble into theoutfield to scoreRobbie Watson and ClaytonHunter-James, those 2runs turningout to be the difference.
TheBrewers hadthe winningrun at the plateinthe bottom half butJamie,now on the mound, managedtoforce agroundout from BradRypien to secure thewin for the Cruisers andmovethem into 2nd place.
-AlexKurial, Scorekeeper
Standings forgamesthruMonday, June 23. RF/RA-RunsFor /Runs Against
Jamie Weismiller(#9) had the game winning2-RBI knockinthe 7th inningto send hisCruisers above the.500 mark. Overall he went 3/4 with 3RBI, 2runs, and just ahome runshortofthe cycle.Jamie also closed the game outonthe mound with2scoreless final innings and 2strikeouts.Joe Lalonde (#5) had a hot battoo -hewas aperfect 4/4 at the plate. Joe also scored arun and was amenace on thebasepathsnotching 3stolen bases.
throw asummer party!
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Friday, June 27
Canada Day BBQ at the Building Centre
The Bowen Building Centre is hosting a Canada Day barbecue from 11 am to 1 pm Everyone welcome!
Friday, June 27
Bowen Film Society Movie
Step back in time and experience the golden age of cinema with an evening of classic film, music, and timeless charm. “A Night at the Movies: 1952” recreates the magic of a vintage movie night, just as audiences would have enjoyed it in Hollywood’s golden era. Doors open 5:30, movies at 6:30 pm. At the Bowen Theatre. Tickets $7, available online, at the Community Centre or at the door
Saturday, June 28
Parliamo Insieme at the Library
Drop in and join us to practice your Italian, and get to know other Italian speakers on Bowen Island! For Italian speakers with the ability to converse at at least a beginner conversational Italian level. (Please note this is not an instructional class). All ages of adults and youth/teens welcome! Runs 11 am to Noon.
Saturday, June 28
Carmina Bowena Concert
Carmina Bowena and Sola Musica, Bowen Island’s vocal and instrumental consorts, are celebrating the arrival of summer with an eclectic and unique program of songs written from 1260 to as recently as 2025. At Tir-na-nOg Theatre from 7:30 to 9 pm Tickets available at Cates Pharmacy or at www.carminabowena.ca
Sunday, June 29
Great Canadian Smoke Out
Come enjoy barbecue from Miller’s Meatcraft on the Pub patio during Sundays this summer Special events June 29, August 3 & 31. From Noon until all BBQ is sold out!
Sunday, June 29
Percussion Ensemble Performance at Tir-na-nOg
Feel the pulse of beautiful wooden music on exotic rosewood marimbas, as the dynamic 240 Northern Percussion Ensemble bring to life captivating arrangements, transcriptions, and electrifying contemporary works plus, fun audience participation for kids! Adults $20, Teens $5, Kids free Visit 240northern.com, show starts at 2 pm
Tuesday, July 1
Canada Day Reimagined with Bowen Rec
Celebrate Canada Day in a new way! Join us at Bowen Island Community School for an all-ages community event that focuses on reconciliation, celebration, and community. It’s a day to connect, reflect on our cultural and colonial heritage, and explore what being Canadian means today. Fun, games, sports, reflection, art, live music! 11 am to 2 pm
Wednesday, July 2
Lego Launch Party at the Library
Join us for our 2nd annual Summer Reading Club Lego Launch Party! Build a masterpiece to display at our library Lego art show Drop in between 1 to 3 pm All ages No registration required See all Summer Reading Club events at bipl.ca/SRCevents
Wednesday, July 2 & Thursday, July 3
SKY Swimming
Seniors Keeping Young pool swimming at Tunstall Bay. Meet at TBCA Clubhouse Both Noon to 2 pm, full details and RSVP by writing info@skyonbowenisland.ca
Thursday, July 3
Improv with Calder Stewart (Various Ages)
Bring your imagination to this creative improv workshop led by local actor Calder Stewart. Ages 5-8 from 1 to 2 pm in the Library Annex Ages 8-12 follow from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm. Please register at: bipl.ca/SRCevents
Friday, July 4
Bowen Eye Clinic
ClearLight Eyecare at Health Centre from 9 am to 5 pm. Full details at clearlighteyes.ca
Saturday, July 5
Men’s Shed Gathering
Bowen Island Men’s Shed gathering at Island Pacific School, 671 Carter Road between 10:30 am and Noon. All ages of men welcome. Complimentary coffee/tea and great company! Get to know other guys and see what the Men’s Shed has been up to! Please bring a reusable cup.
Tuesday, July 15
Sunset Summer Jazz Concert
Join the Tunstall Trio Plus Two for our 5th annual summer concert on the lawns of the TBCA w/ Buff Allen (Drums), Cindy Fairbank (Keyboard), Julian Selody (Alto Sax), Mike Allen (Bass Sax) and Russ Botten (Bass). Members & Non-Members welcome. Brink a chair or blanket Refreshments by donation. Tickets can be purchased at Tunstallbay.ca
SATURDAYS
Bowen Island Farmers Market
The Bowen Island Farmers Market season is underway! Come to Bowen Island Community School from 10 am to 12:30 pm to check out all of the vendors and special events.
