Columbia Valley Pioneer, September 29, 2022

As we approach the second inaugural Truth and Reconciliation Day we remember that every child matters not just one day but every day of the year. A little girl proudly dances and displays her beautiful culture in her bright orange regalia at the Salmon Festival earlier this month.

Serving the Upper Columbia Valley including Akisq’nuk and Shuswap First Nations, Spillimacheen, Brisco, Edgewater, Radium, Invermere, Windermere, Fairmont and Canal Flats

Photo by Chadd Cawson

VALLEY VIEWS

While Banff & Lake Louise Tourism likes to lay claim to golden larches, these special trees are found in high elevations throughout the Rockies as well as the Purcells. And if you pick the right trail and right lake (there are plenty of lesser known ones up and down the Columbia Valley), you won’t see any one else for the entire day.

Photos by Ryan Watmough

Photo by Ryan Watmough

VALLEY NEWS

Bears are back in town

Residents urged to secure garbage, pick fruit trees as COs forced to put down three black bears

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

In a sure sign that fall has officially arrived, bears are back roaming the streets of the Columbia Valley’s municipalities.

Each September valley residents mark the passing of seasons in several unmistak able annual signals: shorter days, colder nights, deciduous tree leaves blazing yellow, the autumnal equinox (which was last Thursday, Sept. 22, in case you missed it) and, unfortunately, black bears and even sometimes a grizzly or two rummaging through local garbage bins unwisely put out for curbside collection far too early.

All these markers of autumn are here now, including the bears, which have prompt ed residents to call the Pioneer (not to mention local conservation officers) with multiple tips and sighting during the past several weeks, and which have caused a lockdown at one local school.

location (such as a locked shed or indoors) until just prior to curbside pickup.

“We’ve talked to a number of residents who didn’t realize that the District of Invermere curbside collection garbage bins are not in fact bear proof. This seems to be one of our biggest issues.”

The bears have been prowling the streets of Inver mere, Radium Hot Springs, and Fair mont Hot Springs, getting into trash and unpicked fruit trees, with the end result that local conservation offi cers have so far been forced to euthanize three black bears over the course of September.

The first incident, and perhaps most dramatic one, occurred at Panorama Moun tain Resort on the evening of Saturday, Sept. 3, when a black bear quite literally invited itself into a home for a bite to eat, just as the vacationers renting the property as a shortterm rental (STR) were busy cooking dinner.

“The bear actually went through a window into the occupied house,” local senior conservation officer Greg Kruger told the Pioneer. “The people staying there were very surprised, to put it mildly. They were in the middle of making a meal and the bear came in and took over part of their dinner.”

Luckily nobody was harmed. Conservation officers didn’t find out about the breakand-enter (and-eat) bear until the morning of Sunday, Sept. 4, when they were called by Panorama security. At that point the bear was on the deck of another occupied home, and had already amassed a track record over several days of getting into garbage and of not showing fear of humans. Conservation officers put it down later on Sunday, Sept. 4.

A week later, on Saturday, Sept. 10, conservation officers euthanized another black bear, which had been wandering around the Wilder subdivision raiding improperly stored garbage cans for several days.

“It was very habituated, and was showing very little to no fear of people. It was walking through the subdivision in broad daylight. It unfortunately becomes matter of public safety, once a bear is that habituated, that’s why we had to put it down,” said Kruger. “We base the decision on whether or not to put it down on the individual ani mal and its behaviour. If it’s a public safety issue, unfortunately we don’t have a choice.”

The third bear incident was on Wednesday, Sept. 14, when a black bear was spotted up a tree near J.A. Laird Elementary School. The school was put in lockdown while conservation officers arrived at the scene. They tranquilized the bear and then relocated it to a spot deep in the valley’s backcountry.

But more than those three bears are out and about and bear sightings in town con tinued throughout the rest of September.

Kruger outlined that another black bear has been hanging out in the area of Wilder, J.A. Laird and other parts of southern Invermere, and it has been getting into garbage, that a second bear has been doing the same in Radium Hot Springs, and that a third has been drawn to unharvested fruit trees with ripe fruit in Fairmont Hot Springs. On Tuesday, Sept. 27, a black bear was seen running across the parking lot at Eileen Mad son Primary School, before disappearing into the houses and treed slope immediately to the west.

“We’ve given out wildlife protection orders to people for not securing attractants properly,” explained Kruger. “We’ve talked to a number of residents who didn’t realize that the District of Invermere curbside collection garbage bins are not in fact bear proof. This seems to be one of our biggest issues. We are asking the public to be diligent. If a food source is available, there is a good chance bears will get into it.”

Kruger noted there is always a spike in bear calls in September and October.

“This time of year, we always see them pushing down into the valley, as natural food sources such as berries are lost to them in the high country. They are trying to pack on the calories for winter” he said.

This year, with no WildSafe coordinator for the Columbia Valley, conservation officers and local bylaw officer are filling in the duties normally done by the Wild Safe coordinator around educating the public regarding keeping garbage in a secure

The district has put up sev eral Facebook posts throughout the month reminding the pub lic that its garbage bins are not bear proof and reminding resi dents and visitors that they need to keep their garbage inside un til the morning of pickup. The posted notes that putting out garbage early could constitute feeding wildlife, and as such breaks district bylaws.

“For September we’ve given two fines in Invermere under the Wildlife Act for attracting dangerous wildlife,” explained Kruger. “We will issues these fines when we know that the offender knows better.”

Each fine is $230.

In addition, conservation officers have issued two wildlife protection orders in In vermere to secure garbage or remove other bear attractants (such as fallen fruit on the ground below a fruit tree, or ripe fruit left in a tree unpicked). If conservation officers follow up and find the order has not been followed, offenders are subject to a $575 fine.

“Putting down a bear is the worst part of our job. We don’t like doing it, especially given that it can be avoided if people follow the rules. We do our best to work with the community to remove food sources. If there are no food sources, there are no bear problems,” said Kruger.

Anybody wanting to report a bear sighting or unsecured garbage offenders can do so by calling the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line at 1 877 952 7277.

Greg Kruger, local conservation officer

Photo courtesy Gettty Images

RCMP Report

Submitted by Sgt. Darren Kakuno Detachment Commander

Columbia Valley RCMP

This past week, September 19 through September 25, the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 67 calls for service. The fol lowing is a summary of some of the files our officers responded to.

• Monday, September 19 at about 3:15 p.m. emergency crews responded to a report of a motorcycle collision on Westside Road in Invermere. Two motorcyclists were riding together when one of them had to brake suddenly to avoid a deer. The second motorcyclist was unable to stop in time and collided with his friend. One rider was taken to the hospital with a leg injury after he dropped his bike on his leg.

• Tuesday, September 20 at about 7:30 p.m. Columbia Valley RCMP were advised of a suspicious white Dodge pickup pulling a Chevrolet pickup on a trailer. An officer located the truck and trailer on Athalmer Road in Invermere and conducted a traf fic stop. The officer discovered the VIN on the trailer did not match the license plate and the driver could not provide any doc umentation confirming ownership. The trailer was towed and the driver was issued a violation ticket for no insurance, failing to produce a driver’s license and wrong number plate. The investigation into the ownership of the trailer remains under investigation.

Local salmon run

Kokanee salmon were in abundance in a creek by beautiful falls west of Brisco, on September 25. The bright red fish were doing their best to swim up stream to the magnificent falls meters ahead.

Photos by Joanne McQuarrie

Area businesses to be celebrated at annual Chamber of Commerce awards ceremony

By Joanne McQuarrie editor@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Innovation and education are two of the elements the Columbia Val ley Chamber of Commerce uses in its day-to-day operation to support businesses in the area. This year, in line with the upcoming 23rd Annual Business Excellence Awards on Octo ber 20, the Chamber added another element to the mix.

The People’s Choice Award has been added to a long list of existing awards, and the Chamber is seeking votes from the general public for the business they think is outstanding, said Patrick Carrick, Chamber Mem bership/Events.

“It’s good to bring the power to the people, so people can have a say in what excels,” he said. It turns out folks in the area are receptive to the Chamber’s initiative.

“We’ve been flooded,” Carrick said. “We’ve received hundreds and hundreds of votes for the People’s Choice Award.”

Something else new at the event will be the awards to be presented to recipients. “This year, like every year, we invite a local artist to create the awards themselves,” Car rick said. “This year it will be a business new to the valley - Pottery Playground. We look forward to seeing the final product.”

The Chamber is not part of selecting the finalists or the recipients of the awards. Carrick said an “independent committee made up of a vast array of community leaders that stretches the entire valley” selects the recipients.

Anticipation of the event is building. “We’re quite pleased with ticket sales to this point,” Carrick said. “We expect them to ramp up when the finalists are announced. We’ve had a lot more activity from people nominating business to begin with.”

Carrick said the awards event showcases the importance of bringing the business community in the valley together, to celebrate the entire Columbia Valley. “Whether you’re a large business or a small business, everybody comes together as an equal,” he said. The creator of the awards changes each year and so does the location of the event. “We move the event around the valley,” Carrick said. This year’s event will be held at the Ullr Bar.

“We’re excited to collaborate with Ullr Bar; they’re excellent at planning commu nity events.”

Carrick noted, “We’re still making it a dress-for-success event, not so much a gala.”

In addition to the brand new People’s Choice Award there are ten others: Commu nity Builder Award: honours a business, organization or individual that demonstrates a commitment to building an inclusive and diverse community and has shown a tangible impact in our region; Sustainable Practices Award: honours a business or organization that demonstrates leadership in innovation and sustainable business practices and raises environmental awareness within our region; Outstanding Customer Service Award: honours a business or organization that is a leader in providing exceptional customer service and serves as an example of excellence to others; Employee(s) of the Year Award: honours an individual, team or department that demonstrates exceptional commit ment to the growth & betterment of their business, serves as a positive example and are viewed as a superstar to their employer; Outstanding Workplace of the Year: honours a business or organization that demonstrates a commitment to a healthy workplace culture and employee prosperity through professional development, advancement op portunities and employee recognition;

Youth Entrepreneur of the Year: honours an individual (25 years old or younger) who demonstrates initiative, exceptional entrepreneurial skills, significant community engagement and a passion for creating their own path in business; Businessperson of the Year: honours an individual who is the founder, owner, CEO, President or Senior Executive of a company(ies) who displays a significant commitment to the success of their business and serves as a leader or model for other businesspeople in our region; New Business of the Year: honours a new business or organization (opening after Jan uary 1, 2021) that has achieved outstanding business performance in a short period of time, demonstrates exceptional promise of continued growth and a commitment to the community; Non-Profit/Association of the Year: honours a non-profit organization or association that is providing outstanding contributions to our region through com munity improvement, inspiring & mobilizing others and effectively promoting their mission; Business of the Year: honours a business that demonstrates continual business excellence through positive business growth, displays a commitment to the community exemplifies superior customer service and embraces an outstanding commitment to quality. There are two categories within this award; one goes to a business with 1 -15 employees, a second award goes to a business with 15 or more employees.

Chris Insull, Columbia Valley Chamber of Com merce Operations/Administration, right, and Patrick Carrick, Chamber Membership/Events, showed off awards that have been presented to recipients in the past. They’re looking forward to this year’s Annual Business Excellence Awards on October 20. Photo submitted

Wayken Collec tor

Why EVERY Child Matters

Historical LensHistorical Lens PERSPECTIVE

A weekly column featuring some of the dozens of lo cal businesses, schools and organizations which have committed to taking the time to deepen their under standing of local Indigenous culture, history, knowl edge, issues and perspectives, and doing their best to take positive action to do better.

Submitted by J. Alfred Laird Elementary School

Addressing Systemic Racism in the Columbia Valley

The staff at J. Alfred Laird recognize that the journey toward truth and reconciliation begins with an individ ual examination of the ways in which our own colonial upbringing impacts our values, beliefs and perspectives.

We have done extensive work with Sheelah McLean from the University of Saskatchewan to examine racism and to challenge prevailing ideas around our Indigenous communities. We’ve also been working through a book called Decolonize First, which challenges us to exam ine our own biases and consider alternate approaches to teaching and learning.

As a result, students now acknowledge the land upon which we live and learn, each day, not just during spe cial events. We are also working toward a more holistic approach to the work we do, considering the physical, spiritual, academic and social-emotional needs of each child. Our goal is to recognize and celebrate the unique gifts and abilities of every child in our care.

Students are currently planning for our Orange Shirt Day assembly on September 29 at 1:10 pm. Each student is researching a former residential school in British Co lumbia, as well as residential school survivors. They will be creating a heart with the name of the school or survi vor on it and will be planting their heart in their garden as a symbol of reconciliation.

Edgewater. Circa 1920’s

Sawmill in Winter

File: C1778. Courtesy of Windermere District Historical Society.

Friends of Invermere Public Library presented huge cheque to library

The Friends of Invermere Public Library celebrated a successful year of fundraising by presenting a $22,000 cheque to the library. The funds will be used for library resources and programs . The Friends thank our community for supporting our fundraising events.

Pictured left to right: Rod Martin (Library Trustee) Mara King, Helen Kipp, Lynda Tutty, Anne Rogers (Library Director), Fay Stade, Belle McGowan, Donne Forsyth. Photo submitted

Amanda Nason Associate Publisher/ Sales Manager Ext.

Steve Hubrecht Magazine Editor/ Reporter Ext. 105

Chadd Cawson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Ext. 106

Emily Rawbon Graphic Design Ext. 104

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.

Christina Boucher Office Administrator Ext. 101

Joanne McQuarrie Editor Ext. 107

Students worked together to write and draw about why “every child matters,” using the Circle of Courage.

Albino chipmunk sighted in area

By Joanne McQuarrie editor@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Chipmunks are cute, striped rodents and it’s not uncommon to see them run ning along branches and the forest floor.

What is uncommon though, is what Michael Langenek’s grandchildren brought to his attention in the middle of the summer season.

Langenek lives along Kootenay Road #3, halfway between Windermere and Fairmont; his grandchildren live close by.

“They said, ‘There was a white chipmunk here’, and I think they actually asked me if it was a chipmunk because of the nature of its colour,” he said.

Langenek followed the young folks to a wood pile. “And it was there, running

between three brush piles. It was picking up seeds and eating them as it went.” It was the first time he’d seen such a creature, and he’s been on the property for 30 years.

Langenek took photos immedi ately. “I got quite close to it; I didn’t have to hunt for it at all. It was prob ably used to the children.”

Langenek caught sight of the unique rodent a couple of weeks later; his grandchildren saw it fre quently throughout the rest of the summer.

“None of us have seen it lately,” Langenek noted. He said chipmunks in general settle down this time of the year. “You see them less in Sep tember and October.”

Chipmunks are a common and cute sight but an albino chipmunk on Michael Langenek’s property took him by surprise. Photo submitted.

Being such a conspicuous colour may have worked against the chip munk too. “We have several small hawks in the area present from time to time,” Langenek said.

We want to hear from you

Email your letters to info@columbiaval leypioneer.com or visit our website at www. columbiavalleypioneer.com. Mail your let ters to Box 868, Invermere, V0A 1K0, or drop them in at #8 1008-8th Avenue. Let ters 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 re serve the right to edit for space, clarity, ci vility and accuracy. Opinions expressed are those of the writer, not The Pioneer.

The Invermere Health Care Auxiliar y Society and hard working Thrift Store Volunteers invite qualified applicants to apply to our

T W O FA L L 2022 D I S B U R S E M E N T S .

1) Community Funding for Health Related Projects

The IHCAS is pleased to invite non-profit organizations to apply for funding for projects that will enhance health care and healthy living in our community. Applicants are required to be qualified donees as required by CRA.

2) Post Secondar y Scholarship for Students in their second or more year of study in a health related field

The IHCAS is awarding Scholarships to students entering their second or subsequent year of a Health Related Program at a recognized post secondar y institution. Preference will be given to students who have attended David Thompson Secondar y School, who have not received this funding in the past, and have volunteered at the Invermere and District Hospital, Columbia House or other health related institutions

Applications for both the (1) Community Funding , and (2) Post Secondar y Scholarships are to be returned by mail only, postmarked no later than October 21, 2022 For an application and information please email Seona Helmer, seona.helmer@gmail.com

Aussie-Chicago blues legend returns to Radium

FREE BEREAVEMENT

SUPPORT GROUP

The Hospice Society of the Columbia Valley is offering a Free B ereavement Support Group starting Monday, October 3rd, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m.

Located at the Hospice Society office, #103-926-7 Avenue, Invermere, at Frater Landing square, next to the Jeweller y store or will be held online should a rise in COVID take place in the fall

The support group will follow a 10-week curriculum designed by Dr Alan Wolfelt, founder of the Center for Loss and Life Transition.

Please contact Daneve at 250-349-5515 for registration or call the Hospice Office at 778-526-5143. Limited space. Deadline for enrollment is September 30th.

If you or someone you know is having a difficult time with the loss of a loved one, please give the Hospice a call Symptoms of Grief include: Shock, numbness, denial, fear, panic, sadness and depression. If you are experiencing any of these, we can help

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Thanksgiving in Radium Hot Springs, at least for music lovers, is set to be par ticularly appetizing this year, because once the pumpkin pie is polished off, a hearty helping of Australian-tinged Chicago blues is on offer at the Horsethief Creek Pub and Eatery.

If Australian Chicago blues sounds like a unique Thanksgiving digestif, that’s be cause legendary bluesman Michael Charles is pretty unique too.

Charles was born in Australia and his affable accent was unmistakably ‘down un der’ when the Pioneer spoke with him on the phone. But once the music starts, the accent disappears and the tunes are pure Chicago blues, with ragged, growling vo cals and plenty of electrical distortion.

Charles made a name as musician in his home country for more than a decade, then turned an invitation to come to the U.S. from the famous Buddy Guy, into a 30-year-and-counting stay in Chicago, where he has absorbed the Windy City sound so thoroughly he was inducted into the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame several years back.

He had been a semi-regular visiting performer in the Columbia Valley, before the COVID-19 pandemic cancelled his spring 2020 shows in Radium (and indeed all his touring).

Submitted photos

Once restrictions lifted earlier this year, Charles was back on the road, and a pair of performances in Radium were among the first on his agenda. They were such a smash success that he’s swinging back through the valley this fall, with shows landing square on the Thanksgiving weekend: Sunday, Oct. 9 and Monday, Oct. 10.

Charles learned to play guitar quite young, at age four or five, inspired by his dad, who always had a guitar lying around the house. He also learned to play by listen ing to Elvis and the Beatles on the radio. When Charles discovered that the tunes of those famous musicians were based on the blues, he was curious and learned more about the genre and then was hooked.

He told the Pioneer he very much looks forward to his Radium shows because the audience at the Horsethief is always fantastic, and because the Columbia Valley is such a beautiful place to visit.

Charles is known to give concert goers a real bang for their buck, with his shows often running three hours without even so much as an intermission. The Thanksgiv ing concerts at the Horsethief start at at 7 p.m. Call the Horsethief Creek Pub and Eatery at (250) 347-6400 for more details.

In the meantime, visit Charles’ YouTube channel to get a taste of his tunes, particularly the delicate-yet-force ful acoustic and electric interplay on his latest single, Si lenced.

Melbourne-born Chicago Blues Hall of Fame inductee, Mi chael Charles, will be back at the Horsethief for two shows on Thanksgiving weekend. Submitted photo

OUT OF OFFICE…

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Friday, September 30th is the second-ever National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. The feedback we have received from our local Indigenous communities is that it is not their responsibility to tell us how to commemorate this day, but rather we find our own path to contribute to, and be part of, the nation’s reconciliation goals.

As residential school findings are ongoing, education, sharing knowledges, encouraging dialogue, and reflection is our ongoing effort. As such, we have decided to share some helpful resources for you, your businesses, and teams to consider participating in this week. We encourage you to take some time to witness stories of truth and be part of the ongoing solutions.

• Learn about the significance and origin of the Orange Shirt. Visit www.orangeshirtday.org to hear Phyllis Webstad’s story and consider donating to the Orange Shirt Society to support their dedication to the Every Child Matters movement.

• Seek resources to educate yourselves and teams. The www. indigenousbc.com website has many ways of getting involved. You can host a dedicated board meeting, attend a virtual workshop, or do team-building exercises. They suggest many ways to build your team’s cultural awareness, values, and ways of learning.

• Support Indigenous businesses and services. Visit www. bcmarketplace.ca/indigenousowned/ to find Indigenous-owned

businesses across the province. Locally, the Ktunaxa website also offers a directory of how to support Indigenous owned businesses, services, facilities, and recreation in the East Kootenay Region: https:// ktunaxaready.com/directory/

Take time this week to attend events, read, watch, listen, learn & share.

Kukstsemc (cooksjam) Thank you

Hu suki‡q́ukni (Hu Soo Kitsh Kook Knee) I’m glad/ Thank you

cvevents.ca

POWERED BY THE COLUMBIA VALLEY CHAMBER

ursday, September 29

● 8 p.m.: Top 10 Caesar Party Celebration at the Station Pub.

• 9- 11:30 a.m.: StrongStart/ CAP-C at Edgewater Elementary, free drop-in for children 0-5 and caregivers.

• 10-11:30 a.m.: Free Parent and Tot Connect for kids 0-6 at the Early Years Center; 926 7th Ave, Invermere.

• 10:15 a.m.-1 p.m.: Tech Time at the Invermere Library. Free tech assistance and support.

• 10:30 a.m.: Family Story Time at the Invermere Library

• 11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Invermere Pickleball: Mount Nelson Athletic Park.

• 2 p.m.: Senior’s Tea at the Invermere Public Library (Second and 4th Thursdays of each month)

• 2 p.m.: Tech Time at the Radium Library (free tech assistance and support drop-in)

• 3 p.m.: Free youth drop-in fun at the Youth Hub (until 10 p.m).

• 3:30-4:30 p.m.: STEAM days at the Invermere Library. Ages 4+

• 6:30 p.m.: Darts, cards and Cribbage at the Invermere Legion every Thursday.

• 6-8 p.m.: Steamboat Mountain Pickleball. At the Radium Rink.

• 6:45 p.m.: Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament at the Invermere Legion for members and guests. $30 buy in

• 7:30 p.m.: Trivia Night at the Whitehouse Pub in Windermere. $3/ per person, ages 19+.

• 9 p.m.: Karaoke at the Station Pub. Every second Thursday, 19+.

Friday, September 30

● National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

1 p.m.: Screening of Indian Horse Movie at the Columbia Valley Centre in Invermere

• 9-10:30 a.m.: Mom t and preschool group at the Columbia Valley Centre.

• 9:15 a.m.: StrongStart at Eileen Madson

• 11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Pickleball at Mount Nelson Athletic Park.

• 11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Co-ed Tennis. Drop in doubles at Kinsmen Beach.

• 12 & 5 p.m.: Edgewater Legion wing day! 12 p.m.: Takeout, 5 p.m. dine-in, call 250-3479725.

• 1 p.m.: Seniors’ duplicate bridge: Costs $2 at the Senior’s Hall.

• 4-8 p.m.: Pub grub at the Invermere Legion every Friday and Saturday.

• 5:30 p.m.: Magic the Gathering. Play in the tournament at 5:30. Age 10+, $20.

me!

• 6 p.m.: Rotary Community Bingo: Must be 19+ to play. Join us to raise money, give back, have fun, and support local. Visit us on Facebook to purchase your bingo card.

• 9 p.m. – midnight: Karaoke Night at the Windermere Whitehouse Pub. Must be 19+, come have fun!

Saturday, October 1

● 2.p.m.: RAD Society’s 4th Annual Ugly Pants Classic. Shotgun start at 2 p.m. at Copper Point Golf Course. Learn More at www.radsociety.ca. Call to register: 250-341-3392

● 10 a.m.-3p.m.: Oktoberfest Farmers and Artists Market at the Lakeview Parking Lot, Invermere.

● 6 p.m.: A Mystery Factory Event and Dinner at From Scratch. Dress in your best French evening dinner party attire and enjoy the entertainment with a haute cuisine dinner. Limited space, buy tickets in advance at www.fromscratchfood.com

● 6 p.m.: Ricky Diamonds Dinner, show then gamble. Dinner at Birchwood ($100/ person) for a 3-course meal fundraiser for Mountain of Hope.

● 7 p.m.: Mountain of Hope Fundraiser: Casino Night at Ullr Bar. $20 cover, tables open at 8 p.m.

• 10:30 a.m.: Family Free Play at the Invermere Library (drop-in).

• 11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Invermere Pickleball at Mount Nelson Athletic Park.

• 4-8 p.m.: Pub Grub at the Invermere Legion, Fridays and Saturdays.

Sunday, October 2

• 9 a.m.: Bottle drive - Rotary Fundraiser. The Rotary Club collects refundable bottles at the Invermere Transfer Station. Raised funds are used for the community.

• 1:30 p.m.: Seniors Cribbage: Costs $2 in the Senior’s Hall.

• 2-4p.m.: Steamboat Mountain Pickleball. Edgewater Franks Rink

• 7 p.m. Live Music at Horsethief Pub

Monday, October 3

● 6 p.m.: Canal Flats Candidate Forum at the Canal Flats Civic Centre. Submit your questions by September 29. Submission form can be found at: www.linktr.ee/cvchamber

• 9 a.m.: Bottle drive - Rotary Fundraiser. The Rotary Club collects refundable bottles at the Invermere Transfer Station. Raised funds are used for the community.

• 9:15 a.m.: StrongStart at Eileen Madson Primary.

• 10-11 a.m.: Seniors Yoga: Columbia Valley Community Centre ($2).

• 11 a.m: Invermere Pickleball Club: Mount Nelson Athletic Park.

• 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.: Co-ed Tennis. Drop in doubles at Kinsmen Beach.

• 1:30 p.m.: Seniors carpet bowling. Join us for $2 at the Senior’s Hall.

• 4 p.m.: LGBTQ+ & Allies Drop-In & Hangout: Youth Centre Hub.

• 6:30 p.m.: Poker Night at the Station Pub: Chip up for Charity. Every second Monday, bar is open with light snacks, 19+.

Tuesday, October 4

● Columbia Basin Food & Buyers Expo at the Columbia Valley Centre, more at www.basinfood.ca

● 6-7 p.m.: School Board of Trustees Candidate Forum at David Thompson Secondary Theatre. Please submit your questions by Friday, September 30 at www.linktr.ee/cvchamber.

• 9 a.m: Invermere Pickleball Club: Mount Nelson Athletic Park.

• 9 a.m.: StrongStart/ CAP-C at Edgewater Elementary (children 0-5 and caregivers).

• 10 a.m.: Parent & Tot connect: at the Early Years Centre.

• 3 p.m.: Free youth drop-in fun: at the Summit Youth Centre.

• 6-8 p.m.: Steamboat Mountain Pickleball. Edgewater Franks Rink.

• 6-8:30 p.m.: Second Winds Community Band Rehearsal: Tuesdays at the Invermere Catholic Hall. BYO Instrument, Contact Ian at 250-342-9733.

Wednesday, October 5

● 2-8 p.m.: Public Farmers Market at the Columbia Valley Centre (day 2 of the Food & Buyers Expo)

• 9 a.m.: StrongStart Drop-in for kids 0-6 & Caregivers in Canal Flats at Martin Morigeau.

• 10 a.m.: Parent and Tot Connect at the Early Years Centre.

• 10-11 a.m.: Seniors Yoga: Columbia Valley Community Centre ($2).

• 11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Co-ed Tennis. Drop in doubles at Kinsmen Beach.

• 11 a.m.: Invermere Pickleball Club. Mount Nelson Athletic Park.

• 12 p.m.: Seniors duplicate Bridge: $2 at the Senior’s Hall.

• 12-8 Wear Wednesdays. Come to Arrowhead Brewery wearing our swag for $1 o your pint.

• 3 p.m.: Free youth drop-in: at the Summit Youth Centre.

• 5 p.m.: Dinner at the Legion. Reserve your table by the Saturday Prior: 250-342-9517.

• 6:30-8:30 p.m.: Skills and Drills Pickleball at the curling rink.

• 7 p.m.: Trivia Night at the Station Pub. $5/ person, max 6/ team

Empowered Esteemed Eagles

THE WILD FILES

By Chadd Cawson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

September 30 marks the second annual Truth and Reconciliation Day. The eagle feather, seen on the bright orange Every Child Matters flag, recog nizes and honours all the children who were forced into residential schools.

There are two types of ea gles that can be seen fly ing over the unceded territories of the Secwépemc and Ktunaxa peoples and the land chosen as home by the Métis peoples in British Columbia: the golden eagle and the bald eagle.

One can distinguish the two quite easily simply by the appearance of their heads and tails. The golden eagle has a brown head and tail, while the bald eagle’s head and tail are bright white.

Fun fact: The word ‘bald’ has nothing to do with any of them losing feathers but is derived from an Old English word ‘piebald’, which means white patch and refers to their head, which is a bright white.

The bald eagle’s future is bright once again after a scare of extinction due to DDT poisoning in the mid-twentieth century.

Both females and males in this esteemed species are referred to as eagles, while their young are called fledglings or eaglets. Females are the bigger birds and can weigh up to 6.8 kilograms (kg) while the males come in a little smaller at 4 kg. When a group of eagles fly together, they are most known as a soar or a convocation of eagles. Less commonly, they are referred to as an aerie, which is also the name for an eagle’s nest.

Out of all birds of prey, eagles are known for building the largest nests in the world. Both bald and golden eagles’ wingspan is 1.8 to 2.3 metres. They can live anywhere from 20 to 30 years in the wild, although there are some on record who have lived up to 50 years in captivity. As these stunning creatures soar and dive through the air, they can reach speeds of 120 to 160 km per hour.

A lone eagle is a creature of beauty. Two in mating season are beautiful to watch. The male and female tempt fate with their foreplay and truly ‘fall’ into love as they lock talons and cartwheel in a freefall downward before releasing sometimes not far off the ground. They mate for life and while the gestation period can range from 34- 36 days an eagle will incubate her young for up to 40 days. A mother eagle will lay one to three eggs in her clutch. Having a mixed diet, the bald eagle seeks out fish and aquatic birds and small mammals such as rabbits to eat, but - when beggars can’t be choosers - they are known to eat any kind of food they can get their talons on.

Seen here is a bald eagle, whose name de rives from the Old English word ‘piebald’ which means ‘white patch’ and refers to their bright white heads. Getty Image

Eagle Grip: Studies from scientists at an environmental education non-profit in Colorado called HawkQuest, stated the gripping strength of a bald eagle’s talon is ten times stronger than that of a human hand and can lift 400 pounds per square inch. Small dogs have been known to be taken for a joyride before being eventually released. Eagles’ strength does not only lay in their grip but also having strong vision and parenting skills as the mother nurtures her young.

Regal Eagle: These empowering, majestic creatures have been a symbol of beauty, honour, dignity and grace. In Indigenous cultures the eagle is known as the bravest, strongest, and the holiest of all the birds, with the closest relationship to the creator as it soars to great heights. This master of the skies is known for its tenacity. If given an eagle feather in Indigenous cultures, it is received with great honour and worn with great pride.

The eagle’s feather on an Every Child Matters flag honours all those that attended residential school. Photo by Chadd Cawson

Mixed reactions in Canada to Pope’s visit

By Chadd Cawson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Pope Francis made his first trip to Canada on July 24 under the theme of ‘Walking Together’, when he aimed to address his heartfelt condolences at stops in and around Edmonton, Quebec City, and Iqaluit.

“I think his visit was a step in the right direction,” said Chief Barbara Cote of the Shuswap Band in Invermere. “We had the Prime Minister Stephen Harper apologize in 2008, and now the Pope. Although, we still haven’t seen recogni tion from the Monarchy, who also had a role to play in the genocide of our people across Canada and throughout the world. Apologies like this bring up the conversation of reconciliation, and I think that is important.”

According to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, current numbers show that over 4,100 children died, and/or were abused, neglected, and suffered from disease and malnourish ment during their times in residential schools. The 85-year-old Pope, who suf fers with knee pain and sciatica, started off his visit meeting with residential school survivors at the Ermineskin Indian Residential School in Alberta before attending an Indigenous church in downtown Edmonton. Chief Donald Sam of the Akisqnuk First Nation, who has been recognized as a prayer leader for Ktunaxa people for years, made the trek to Edmonton to attend and speak. His sister, Michele Sam, who participated in a sub-committee for the papal visit, indicated the significance of the minority. Chief Sam participated in this event alongside Elder, Alfred Joseph.

“My duties in leading prayers including funerals and memorials, includes praying the rosary in the Ktunaxa Language. The Ktunaxa language is a critically endangered language as it happens to be a language isolate, not related to any other language,” said Chief Sam. “It was an absolute honour to present the Ktunaxa people and our unique language. It was an opportunity to come together and bear witness, and perhaps also build on our own journey of healing and reconciliation.”

Chief Sam shares he is still very conscious of the disparity that First Nations people have experienced in Canada. While he felt honoured to represent the Ktunaxa people at the papal visit and while it was spiritually significant, he describes his own spirituality as something different.

“My connection to a spiritual place is perhaps more Ktunaxa spirituality- more Qatmuk. It is not recognized by Canada, including the supreme courts - where a ski resort developer was given more rights over Ktunaxa Spiritual Rights,” he said. “My belief in a higher power- in the holy trinity, or in the creator allows me to sing my songs- Catholic or Spirit, and to say my prayers- in a church building or in nature, at a waterfall. I wish for ʔakisqnuknik to be free to believe in a higher power, not be bound by the pain of the untold truths of the past, but driven by the spiritual wisdom of our ancestors. It is my hope that the Pope’s visit advances the truth finding of Canada. This is what will lead to reconciliation, not just on one day but over the coming years. It is my hope that the tragic history of genocide can be known as the horrific epoch that we have learned from, and we make amends and one day our hearts can lead as one.”

All hearts did not feel the same. Many were upset that the Pope’s tour missed British Columbia completely, where the 215 unmarked graves were uncovered in Ka mloops, which many believe inspired this long overdue action on the Pope’s part. His visit left mixed reactions for many, such as residential school survivors and Secwépemc (Shuswap) First Nation Elders, Basil and Laverna Stevens.

“For me, it was too little too late, said Basil. “He should have come out ten years ago when we first started talking about it. The Pope should have then realized he should go to Canada and smooth out some of these ruffled feathers. But like anything else, they wait until it comes to the very, very end, when push comes to shove and they get pushed into the corner, and then the thought comes that something should finally be done about it. We really didn’t think too much of the Pope’s visit. The real blow was for someone to give the Pope a headdress. Those are earned in a different way not by leading a bunch of people that were behind years of abuse.” Laverna added,, “Not to mention covering up what they did. It was kind of like a slap in the face.”

Chief Donald Sam, seen here speaking at this year’s Salmon Festival is also recognized as a prayer leader for Ktunaxa people. He spoke at the Pope’s visit in Edmonton this past July.

Photo by Chadd Cawson

Telus partners with Tallcree Tribal Government

By late 2024, residents will receive wireless connection for the very first time

By Chadd Cawson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The biggest takeaway from COVID is the importance of connection. There was a physical disconnection when many became isolated from their families and friends.

Meetings, business or personal, were held through online platforms. But imagine not having that option and outlet.

That was the case for our Albertan neighbours, Tallcree First Nation, who have never had an internet connection in their community.

That is all about to change with an announcement in late August that the Tallcree Tribal Government will be partnering with TELUS and the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to celebrate a commitment to bring wireless connectivity to their community.

“We are pleased to announce to the communities of North and South Tallcree this tremendous opportunity for our people,” said Chief Rupert Meneen, Tallcree Trib al Government, in the statement. “We have been awaiting this announcement since 2019. Chief and Council and our administration have worked in partnership with TELUS wireless services and the CRTC on this project for several years.

“This project opens greater opportunity for our members in these communities. It brings the world to our doorstep and allows our communities to broaden their net works. We are pleased to be working with TELUS in this partnership and are extremely grateful to Brian Bettis and his team at TELUS for working so very hard on this project and extremely grateful to the CRTC for recognizing the importance of these communi cation tools that help our communities to remain connected. This project will provide

the opportunities to our people that other communities have closer to larger centres and the Chief and Council encourage our communities to take full advantage of the services.”

This commitment was made after the CRTC approved funding for TELUS to build two new cellular sites in Tallcree First Nation through the CRTC Broadband Fund. The project is currently underway and is expected to be completed by late 2024. It will connect more than 300 households in Tallcree First Nation to Telus’ wireless service.

The service will improve the community’s livelihood immensely, giving small busi nesses a new resource to thrive and more importantly, allowing families to finally con nect with those that live elsewhere, no matter how far away. This will also open the door for young people to pursue online education if they want to stay closer to home, longer. The wireless service will provide a lifeline to call for help in the event of an emergency. It will also allow the community access to TELUS Health, improving access to health and wellness services and revolutionizing the flow of health information across the continuum of care.

Since 2000, TELUS has invested $220 billion nationally in network infrastructure, operations and spectrum, which includes more than $55 billion in technology and operations in Alberta. This partnership builds upon TELUS’ commitment to bring world-class connectivity to communities across the province while providing the tech nological backbone for economic recovery and strength, well into the future. TELUS honours their longstanding commitment to strengthening relationships with Indige nous Peoples including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities, acknowledging that the work they do spans many Traditional Territories and Treaty areas.

“TELUS is committed to ensuring everyone can thrive in our digital world, no matter where they live,” said Tony Geheran, TELUS executive vice president and chief operations officer (COO) in the press release. “We are proud to work alongside Tall cree First Nation and the CRTC to bring wireless connectivity to Tallcree First Nation members. This is part of our ongoing commitment to enable rural and Indigenous communities across the province, equipping residents and businesses with the speeds and coverage they need to connect to the people and information that matter the most.”

With many residents who live in smaller communities located on the unceded territories of the Secwépemc and Ktunaxa peoples and the land chosen as home by the Métis peoples within our Columbia Valley, some also may have felt isolated from loved ones during the pandemic as they too, went without wireless service.

We all long for connections and as a smaller community ourselves can certainly see the true blessings that will fall upon our neighbouring Tallcree First Nation as their community receives wireless services, opening a world of possibilities and connections. To learn more about TELUS’ commitment to Reconciliation visit telus.com/reconcil iation.

Truth and Reconciliation Day

Tomorrow Sept. 30 marks the second inaugural Truth and Reconciliation Day which the Canadian government made official last year after the 215 unmarked graves were uncovered in Kamloops. Since the first Truth and Reconciliation Day last year, there has been many effortts made across the country and throughout the community to hit home that not just on one day but throughout the year Every Child Matters.

On September 30, SD6 will observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. SD6 recognizes the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools. Although there is still so much work to continue to do, the District is very proud of the work that has begun and the concerted focus by our teachers and leaders in this area Today and everyday, every child matters.

Photos by Chadd Cawson

Photo by Tara Whittick

Two Worlds, Two Spirit

By Topher Burke

Taanshi, Hello, my name is Topher Burke. I’m a sixth-generation, Two Spirit Métis currently residing in the Columbia Valley and member of the Columbia Valley Métis Association.

On the third weekend of August this year I was gifted one of the most profound experiences; attendance at the first ever Métis Nation BC Two Worlds, Two Spirits: Gathering the Circle of 2SLGBTQQIA+ Métis in British Columbia in Richmond. It was a beautiful, emotional, and healing gathering of Two Spirit Métis people where we had been tasked by the MNBC to help our government understand how we would like to be represented and what our diverse needs are.

The event was co-hosted by community leaders, Pixie Wells and Louis De Jaeger. The project was led by Métis Nation Greater Victoria in collaboration with Fraser Val ley Métis Association, Les Femme Michif Otipemisiwak - Women of the Métis Nation and MNBC. Even our President Lissa Dawn Smith, who I had a lovely conversation with before even knowing who she was, made a brief appearance herself on her way back from a marathon of events with our Ontario cousins. The true stars of the gath ering were surely the Grandmothers, Charlotte Nolin and Barbara Bruce, from the Homeland, the Red River. Serendipitously I had just been reading about both of them and their experiences in a book on the plane there!

The gathering involved plenty of ceremony, experienced for the first time by many of us, feasting, gifting, crafting, tears of pain being released, tears of joy being shed and of course lots of smudging in between meetings, answering some very hard questions. For many of us it was, to quote Grandmother Barbara, a “Coming In” to our culture. To experience such a thing in such a safe and welcoming environment was truly poignant and spiritually awakening. Our ancestors were truly in tune with some very powerful medicine. Their way of living; respect, kindness, generosity, reciprocity and living in balance with the Great Mother, Earth, combined with their knowledge of plant med icine and ceremony should be taught to everyone. There are very good reasons they practiced these ways for thousands of years.

The Grandmothers also took the time to explain to us the history of the term “Two Spirit” and how it was adopted at an Indigenous conference they attended in 1990 as a term to better describe the diaspora of gender expression. Meaning someone who is gifted with the embodiment of both the female and male spirits, someone who sees the world from both places. It was explained to us how, on top of that gift, being Métis, we are gifted with being both Indigenous and European; we get to come from both sides, as well as walking in both the physical plane and the spiritual. These gifts are why we, the Two Spirit people, were traditionally held up in our communities with great esteem, being the medicine people, the healers, the negotiators and the foster parents. That was, of course before the Catholic Church gained influence.

Grandmother Charlotte gave a beautiful speech on the importance of community and how there is so much work still to be done to make people, especially young people,

feel welcome and free to be themselves. Far too many people still take their own lives. I personally have felt such pain, coming far too close to making it final. To hear such kind words was very touching and motivating to want to help others in their healing journey.

When we first arrived I was asked by the person checking me in what I expected to get out of the gathering; at the time I had no idea. By the time I left my heart was filled with gratitude and joy. I came away with so much more than I could have ever expected; the experience was momentous. Not only that, I came to realize what great strength we as Métis people, especially Métis women and Two Spirit People, carry in our veins. I only hope I was able to contribute as much as I received.

In the end, all the participants were gifted a rainbow sash designed by Two Spirit youth of the Lower Mainland, a gift I will cherish.

I look forward to the conclusions of the gathering being released by the MNGV & MNBC in the near future. I also look forward to the Two Spirit Sundance being held by the Grandmothers next year, in the Homeland.

Keeping the Ktunaxa language alive

By Chadd Cawson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Residential schools stripped Indigenous People’s of their culture, their identity, their language. Chief Donald Sam of Akisqnuk First Nation shared that the Ktunaxa language is a language isolate, which means there is no other language like it in the world. The impact of residen tial schools has made this language critically endangered.

Aiyana Twigg of Tobacco Plains Nation graduated from the from the four-year First Nations Languages and Anthropology program at University of British Columbia (UBC) this past May. There, she was awarded the 2022 Lieutenant Governor’s Medal for Inclusion, Democracy, and Reconciliation. When the pandemic began, Twigg started up the Instagram account, @KtunaxaPride, to bring together those who were feeling disconnected with one another.

“I had the privilege of growing up on reserve and learning from Elders and community members. I was able to learn our languages and our cultural practices,” said Twigg. “Our Ktunaxa language is critically endan gered; there’s only 20 fluent speakers left. It’s very critical that this work is done. I wanted to support my commu nity by gaining knowledge and skills to support them with that language revitalization. I wanted to make that knowledge available and accessible to them. I decided to use Instagram to cater more towards the youth in my community. It also became a place for non-Indigenous people to learn more about the Indigenous communities and for non-Ktunaxa people living on our territories to learn about us.”

The account @KtunaxaPride became an inspiration to many different First Nations, giving them a desire to delve deeper into their own histories with pride and dis

cover their own cultural knowledge.

“It now has encouraged all of these other groups of people to start learning their own culture, which was re ally heartwarming, and something that was unexpected for me,” said Twigg.

Twigg shared she is truly proud and moved by all the hard work that the Ktunaxa First Nation has done to be where they are today. To keep pushing, teaching, and practicing traditional practices and her language, is im portant to her, as she knows it is important to her com munity. When Twigg returns to school after her hiatus she will be doing research on the Ktunaxa writing system. She then plans to follow up with her Masters in linguis tics with a focus on language revitalization. She sees the 2022 Lieutenant Governor’s Medal she was bestowed on May 25 not only as a recognition all her hard work, but as a reflection of hard work the people within her com munity are doing to revitalize and reconcile.

“I believe that language revitalization plays a big part in the truth and reconciliation journey. Language is at the heart of who we are as Indigenous People’s. Language has always been a part of who we are,” said Twigg. “Language also played a big role in the Indian Residential School system. The priests, nuns, and government saw that our languages were a major part of our identity as Indigenous People’s. It was how we communicated, how we under stood the world, and how we practiced our way of life. They saw this and took it away. By revitalizing our lan guages, we are reclaiming who we are. We are reclaiming our culture, our identity, and our practices. We are doing exactly what they didn’t want us to do. By revitalizing our languages, we are finding the power in ourselves to be who we are again which many have lost for such a long time. We are finally finding our voice again.”

Topher Burke, who is Two Spirit Métis, shared his profound experiences while attending the first-ever Métis Nation BC Two Worlds, Two Spirits: Gathering the Circle of 2SLGBTQQIA+ Métis in Richmond, B.C. this past summer.

Photo by Chadd Cawson

Second annual Truth and Reconciliation

Day celebrated September 30

By Chadd Cawson

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Imagine being a child, both excited and nervous to start a new school or maybe hating the idea of it. Despite all the mixed emotions, you wore something on the first day that spoke to you, that represented you and where you come from. This was Phyllis Jack-Webstad’s story of the Secwépemc (Shuswap) First Nation. In the documentary Returning Home that played at the 2022 Invermere Film Festival this past March, Jack-Webstadt talked about the trauma she endured, being placed in St. Joseph’s Mis sion residential school at the delicate age of six. She showed up the first day wearing a dazzling sparkly bright orange shirt her grandmother gave to her. She loved it - it spoke to her. But it was stripped away. Imagine if that was your child, or one close to you.

What makes this story even sadder is it is not just Jack-Webstad’s story but that of all Indigenous children who were removed from their families and forced to attend residential schools. It was not just clothing that was stripped from these young innocent children, but their culture, their language, their identity.

Jack-Webstadt is the founder of the Orange Shirt Society and the Orange Shirt Day Movement. The Orange Shirt Society operates out of Williams Lake, a nine-hour car drive from the Shuswap Band office in Invermere. Jack-Webstadt brought the Orange Shirt Movement tour to provinces across Canada. She spoke about her experiences while attending St. Joseph’s Mission to students in both an elementary, and a high school setting. St. Joseph’s remained open until 1981.

pulled apart.”

Many Indigenous People’s and their families through Intergenerational trauma have been pulled apart through the impacts left by the residential school system.

“My mother didn’t talk about her time at the school, and I didn’t learn about the residential school horrors until I went to university and took a year of First Nation studies,” shared Chief Cote. “Later I got to sit with my mom when the government had her testify on the abuse she endured. There was a common experience payment that every student got, but there were also payments based on the abuse you faced. They would give you a little more, but you had to show the scars. When I think of the children who didn’t make it out, it’s hard to think of financial compensation as enough. The traumas are intergenerational and the generations following this century of abuses are still trying to heal.”

Orange is a powerful colour for many First Nations and represents sunshine, regen eration, health, truth telling, and power. The orange shirt is worn to represent how the students at residential schools were stripped of their rich Indigenous identities. Truth and Reconciliation needs to start with non-Indigenous people first, facing uncomfort able truths and finding ways to reconcile not just one day a year but all 365 of them.

“When you try to start in that world the first reaction is always; it doesn’t per tain to us,” said Laverna Stevens. “Sure it does, because it was the ancestors of many non-Indigenous people that did that to us, so they could live here on our land, and could pay rent, eat, and do whatever. I think more people need to read the books and educate themselves on truth and reconciliation and start seeing us as people, that’s what I think.”

Stevens, an Elder and residential school survivor, shared she would like to see more people read the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action and become more educated. Chief Cote echoes that more people need to be open and learn the facts, and with that, comes with a responsibility to supporting First Nations and demanding that Canada rights the wrongs of these injustices. There have been many injustices over the years, not only from within the residential schools, but also regarding the rights Indigenous People’s have with their lands and resources.

Jack-Webstadt started Orange Shirt Day to raise awareness and educate the masses about the horrors of what went on inside the walls of residential schools. It has been recognized every Sept. 30 since its inception in 2013. This date was chosen because it represents historically, the time of the year that Indigenous children were removed from their homes and taken to residential schools across the nation. The trauma and impact left from the residential school system is finally being recognized as nothing short of a cultural genocide. It took the heart wrenching findings of the 215 unmarked graves at the Kamloops Indian Residential School for non-Indigenous people to finally open their eyes and listen. The uncovering of these graves impacted many across the nation.

“It had a huge impact personally on me as my mom was a survivor of residential schools and the horrors that she endured from the residential school changed her life as a child, into a life without parents, and the only role model she had were the nuns who did not show any love,” said Chief Barbara Cote of the Shuswap Band. “It was also very hard on my community as it brought all the pain back as if it happened yesterday. I was very moved that so many people came and showed support when we had a ceremony, even though we were trying to keep it small due to COVID. I really believe Canadians were shocked when the 215 children were found and that the atrocities that happened to not one generation, but three generations, were kept hidden for so long.”

Unfortunately, it took this shocking tragedy for the Canadian government to rec ognize Orange Shirt Day as a national holiday, officially naming it Truth and Reconcil iation Day on Sept. 30, 2021.

“I feel Indigenous people have woken up too, and we need to get out from under that thumb. We need to get back in touch with our culture and our ways of life and stop sweeping them under the bed because we are told that’s not your way or maybe that’s long gone,” shares Secwépemc (Shuswap) Elder, Laverna Stevens. “It’s not long gone, that’s the way we survived, and that’s the way we are going to survive today. Once we find ourselves again and heal within ourselves, we reach out and we help the ones who are having trouble instead of just pushing them to the side. Then we can all go forward together again, the way we used to in bands, whereas now I think we are all

Phyllis Jack-Webstadt is the founder of Orange Shirt Society and the Orange Shirt Day Movement, which has been recognized since 2013. She has toured across the country to speak to students of all ages about her personal experience at St. Joseph’s Mission residential school.

Submitted Photo

History of Residential and Day Schools

By Chadd Cawson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

of this tragedy and the many to follow, for eyes to finally open and ears to hear a truth that Indigenous People’s have been telling for years; a truth that could no longer be ignored.

While the first church-run residential school on re cord opened in 1831 it was 50 years later that the fed eral government adopted an official policy of funding residential schools across Canada, following the lead of a similar school system in the U.S. It was under John A. MacDonald who served as Prime Minister from 1867 to 1873 and again from 1878 to 1891, that a partnership between government and various church organizations such as the Catholic Church began. He was a man who has had monuments named after him and graced the Ca nadian ten-dollar bill for years. Yet he was responsible for the development of the residential school system and approving the execution of Métis leader, Louis Riel.

spent five years working closely with residential and day school survivors of the Métis Nation.

“My mother never wanted to speak about her time in day school so that is a clear sign of how it impacted her,” said Fisher. “I have talked to many day school survivors and their experiences were vast - from not having any is sues, aside from a poor education - to the full (impact) of residential schools such as sexual abuse and several forms of mistreatment.”

Many of our Elders in the Columbia Valley of both the Ktunaxa First Nation and the Secwépemc (Shuswap) First Nation attended and endured abuse at St. Eugene’s residential school, located just north of Cranbrook. It opened in 1890 and didn’t finally close until 1970. The last federally-funded residential school was still open 25 years ago in Rankin Inlet and remained open until 1997.

Many people have heard about residential schools but are uneducated about them. And too many have known about the horrors and injustices that happened within the walls of them, but for too long their voices were never heard. First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children were tak en from their families, communities, and culture for over 150 years. During this period, over 150,000 children at tended what were then called Indian Residential Schools. Many never returned home to their families. Much of the country’s ignorance was their bliss until the 215 un marked graves of children who attended the Kamloops Indian Residential School (KIRS) were uncovered in late May of 2021. KIRS was in operation from 1890 until its doors were finally closed in 1970. It took the uncovering

In 1894 Prime Minister Mackenzie Bowman made an amendment to the Indian Act which was first passed in 1876, that made it compulsory for all First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children to attend a residential or a day school which, like the name of latter suggests, demanded Indigenous children to attend during the day, allowing them to return home to their families afterwards. That aside, it did not make them any more pleasant to attend. Debra Fisher, the Regional Director for Métis Nation British Columbia, shared with the Pioneer that her moth er went to day school and would not talk of her experi ences there. Fisher wears many hats: she’s the Minister of Education (K-12) and Early Years and Minister of Child and Family for Métis Nation British Columbia, and has

It was with intention that residential schools were located a great distance from Indigenous communities, making family visits few and far between. The whole purpose of this system was to strip young children of their culture, their languages, their way of life and their dignity. Young, innocent children endured physical and sexual abuse. Not all survived this sadistic system. The residential school system created, and leaves the legacy, of intergenerational trauma. That system left many who at tended with the struggles of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse and in extreme cases, suicide. The exact number of deaths that happened within resi dential schools is still unknown but are estimated to be over 30,000 and counting. The residential school system has since been considered a cultural genocide.

Strong in spirit, strong in love

Secwépemc (Shuswap) First Nation Elders, Basil and Laverna Stevens, celebrated 50 years together this past May. Both had their first day at St. Eugene’s residential school north of Cranbrook in 1956. Laverna remembered her first day, when she was just five, like it was yesterday. It vividly stands out in her mind, starting with the long ride over. She spent four long years there.

“I spent a good portion of my childhood there. I remember being only five and having to scrub the aluminum stripping on each of the stairs with a toothbrush,” said Laverna. “When we first got there, they took off all our clothes and scrubbed us down in these big tubs, not only with face cloths but with brushes, and kerosene in the hair in case we had bugs, I guess. It was hurtful, it was shameful, it was memorable. It felt like they just wanted to wash the brown skin off us.”

“It was very sadistic,” Basil added. “I remember them seeming like they enjoyed doing it.”

“Depending on when your birthday was, that’s when they’d haul you off to the school,” he continued. “What sticks out for me is the first day. I hated...going. I looked forward to Christmas and summers because I knew it meant we got to go home.”

He recalled visitation rights were difficult, as many of the children’s parents could not make it up as much as they would have liked to. Residential schools were built a great distance away from Indigenous communities and that was done with intention.

Basil made a promise to his mother to complete grade twelve, but he knew he could not do so at St. Eugene’s. He had resorted to acting out.

“I hated it so much that I started to do bad things like running away, drinking and everything. They couldn’t handle me anymore, so they kicked me out,” Basil said. He attended St. Eugene’s until 1965.

“I was very respectful of my mom’s wishes. She wanted me to finish high school,” he paused, a little choked up. “I listened to her.”

Being kicked out of St. Eugene’s set him free to have the rest of his high school experience at David Thompson Secondary in Invermere.

On his journey after residential school Basil spent a short amount of time at the Oakalla Model Prison Farm near Deer Lake in Burnaby, BC.

“Man, I loved that. Three square meals a day - they treated you good, gave you good clothes (and) I had my own room.

Indigenous children are seen working at St. Joseph’s Mission which was open from 1890 to 1891. Orange Shirt Day founder Phyllis Jack-Webstadt attended St. Joseph’s Mission residential school as a little girl. Submitted Photo

Celebrating 50 years together this past May both Laverna and Basil Stevens both attended St. Eugene’s residential school

Secwépemc (Shuswap) First Nation elders and residential school survivors Basil and Laverna Stevens who celebrated 50 years together this past May sit down with the Columbia Valley Pioneer to share their story.

Photo by Chadd Cawson

Valley otes 2022

Mayor

District of Invermere

With the housing crisis, what steps would you take to deal with the issue?

Councillor by acclamation

Gerry Taft Kayja BeckerAl Miller

“We have many initiatives in the works that will help out with our housing situation: Short term rentals bylaw coming soon. Resi dent restricted housing for work force in general. We are working with the Lions Club to have a 60-unit seniors rental property developed. We are upgrading in frastructure to enable more hous ing on 13th Ave., where zoning is in place for growth. We initiated a housing task force last term to brainstorm new ideas, sugges tions for mayor and council to consider. These initiatives will be carrying forward as solid steps to success.”

Mark Topliff Theresa Wood

“The housing crisis is a very big problem all over Canada. I would like to see building permit fees waived for people who want to build or renovate secondary suites. Illegal suites to be upgrad ed to legal with no recourse from the district. Looking for incen tives for people who would build rental accommodations in town. The provincial government will be putting millions into this pro gram to help communities deal with this problem.”

The housing crisis cannot be resolved by the municipality alone, but it does play a large part in the solution. Affordable housing to me includes housing that is available and attainable for all residents, including sub sidized and seniors housing. We need policies in place that pri oritize and streamline approvals of affordable housing. We need a solution-driven, collaborative mindset when working with developers, non-profit societies, BC Hydro, and other govern ments. As a resort municipality, Invermere can allocate tax from online accommodator platforms (Airbnb) to affordable hous ing, which is currently used for tourism marketing. That change needs to happen. We also need to approve the long-overdue short term rental bylaw and enforce it. I have signed the BC Non-prof it Housing Society pledge, more can be read on that at www. MakeHousingCentral.ca. Hous ing is a complex issue with not one solution.

“Whether it is subsidized social housing, market rentals, employee housing, or attainable purchase housing, there are a lot of different needs. Personally, owning some long-term rentals, and working full time as a realtor, I deal with the reality of housing every day. I am very happy to be part of the initial housing com mittee spearheaded by the Co lumbia Valley Chamber of Com merce. There are opportunities to leverage grants, utilize municipal land, and partner with local busi nesses and learn from what other communities have done. I am well suited to add realistic ideas to these conversations. However, this is not an issue that is unique to Invermere, it is an issue across BC and Canada. There are no easy solutions. We also need to make sure in trying to solve housing problems for one group, we don’t increase taxes so much that it creates housing problems for another group.”

“Invermere is not alone in experiencing a housing crisis, but we do have a unique set of circumstances that affect the situation. As a community, we are a very desirable destination, but we need to ensure that the people who live and work here can continue to do so with an expectation of safe and attain able housing. I believe that as a council, we need to get creative in our approach. We need to look at retrofit incentives, resi dent restricted re-zoning, densi fication, STR (short term rental) limitations, utility upgrades, and less roadblocks to development. We have very capable staff, and I believe we are on the right track, but the next council will have to keep housing as a priority.

Trustee for Canal Flats and RDEK Area F:

School Trustees

“This is my 11th year now as a trustee in our district. We have seen many changes in that time

and what is important to remem ber is that each trustee comes with their own knowledge, edu cation, experiences and personal attributes. As a board member you are respectful of personal opinions and work collaborative ly with each other and our com munity partners. Being provided with sufficient information and asking pertinent questions helps ensure that the best decisions are made for the future of our dis trict.”

What is the biggest change that needs to be made on the Rocky Mountain School District Six (SD6) board, and what will you do to ensure that change gets made?

Amber Byklum

Invermere and Radium School Trustees

Valley otes 2022

Mayor

Village of Canal Flats

With the housing crisis, what steps would you take to deal with the issue?

Councillor

Patricia Reed Mark Doherty

“The steps I would take to deal with the hous ing crisis issue are a com mon sense approach to existing zoning issues and allowing for smaller lot siz es to accommodate smaller homes which will make it more affordable for fami lies to build or buy. I think we have a great opportuni ty to keep long term resi dents in town while giving new families a chance to establish themselves here if we allow for some subdivi sion of larger lots and the building of a dwelling on the second lot. I also think we have to look at allowing for more affordable hous ing options such as pre fab and modular homes being moved onto existing and new lots.”

Justin StanburyMcCutcheon

“The Village of Canal Flats has area for low cost housing. The challenge for us is to attract develop ers who are interested in low cost housing or rental accommodations to take advantage of what we have to offer. Through our eco nomic development activ ities I see this as a priority for our village to consider and hopefully pursue.

Similarly, we have many existing residences on large lots which can have additional residences on the land. I see this as an individual choice for home owners to do with support from the village council.

For the homeless, our council will need to ad dress how to handle this. A single facility with room for a few people to stay for a short time may be the option.”

“As someone new to running for office I am not fully sure of what can be done for the housing crisis within the power of a municipal government. I would like to encour age developers to build low-cost housing. If this is larger, apartment-style buildings or affordable townhomes for purchase, I think local government should do what is in their power to help: tax incen tives, or possible grants in aid.”

“I feel the housing cri sis is a challenge for every community across Canada, whether it be low income or housing in general. I would begin by suggesting that we form a committee, that focuses on working with council and alongside staff in seeking out incen tives that are available to us, so that we can begin our quest for housing.

Canal Flats currently has in place a tax incentive for new business wishing to develop in our commu nity. I would like to see us extend something like this, to individual housing builds, or a housing devel opment.

There will not be an easy solution, however with the hard work and dedication of the right council members, along side town staff we can be gin with small steps to get the momentum of new development in our small, friendly community.”

“Housing is a topic that is near and dear to me and to this communi ty. For example, we have a number of people at work who have turned down jobs and work experience because they can not find a place to live. This hits fam ilies as well as businesses, making a double impact on community.

I look forward to working with our regional committees, council and our community to help form a highly needed plan of action. Maximize exist ing resources and to help create strategies to fill in needed gaps and be able to present a unified vision for our community, not only for today but for the long term.”

“A number of valley residents have moved out of the valley in recent years due to the lack of afford able and available housing. Multi-family dwellings, secondary suites, and small home options would be helpful. By targeting af fordable housing, Canal Flats has an opportunity to attract more residents and reach growth goals. I would support endeavors such as this while being mindful of our infrastruc ture. Zoning and by laws will need to support smaller home sizes and multi-family dwellings. I look forward to the oppor tunity to find aesthetically pleasing, affordable home options for Canal Flats res idents, both current and future.”

Denis Babin Anora Kobza

“Some steps that I would like to take if elect ed to help deal with the housing crisis, would be to look at some of the cur rent bylaws in Canal Flats and make some amend ments to them.”

“I think right now in Canal Flats, we have bylaws that restrict min imum sizes. I want to change those bylaws. We can re-zone to accommo date smaller residences, and some can allow park models as residences. That addresses having a small er carbon footprint, and makes it more affordable.”

Cody McKersie

This candidate did not respond by deadline de spite emails and phone calls.

Bill Lake

Jennifer Noble

Councillor

Valley otes 2022

Area G

“Dealing with the housing crisis is definitely going to have to be a team effort between all levels of government and involve a variety of solutions.

I want to work towards establishing an area in each community where tiny homes are made legitimate housing options. There are many who would genuinely be happy in a tiny home.

I am not a fan of short term rentals (STRs), es pecially when a long term renter was evicted to create

one. This process of regulat ing STRs has already begun in the RDEK and I look forward to being involved in that process.

Many of our second home owners are wonderful members of our communi ty, but we need to find ways to make the building of first homes more attractive to developers: seniors housing, tiny homes, family housing, assisted living, staff housing. We need to make our local community members a pri ority.”

“The housing crisis we feel in the valley is not unique to us and there is no simple answer to the ques tion. It will take a multipronged approach with all of the communities in the valley taking steps towards a common goal. It will take years to bring the eco nomic growth and housing needs into balance. As your RDEK director, I would take every opportunity to talk to developers and homeowners, primary and

secondary, about secondary suites, long term rental op portunities, and I would be very mindful of the housing situation when making de cisions at the board table. Communication and stay ing connected with what is happening in our valley around housing will be key.”

Area F

“In electoral areas ad dressing the housing crisis requires a variety of tools. Utilities (water and sewer) are key to all development and unlike most munici palities Electoral Areas have multiple methods of pro viding water and sewer. I will continue to work with RDEK Engineering to ex pand the capacity of the sys tems the RDEK owns and operate and when available consider the acquisition of privately owned systems. I support rezoning or chang ing bylaws to allow second

ary suites where it makes a sense and is supported in Official Community Plans; and increasing density in areas adjacent to or within neighbourhoods with exist ing higher density than typi cal rural electoral areas. I will also continue to advocate to the provincial government for improved public transit that will enable access to housing, education, em ployment, recreation, and other services, all things that make our valley socially and economically healthy.”

School Trustees

What is the biggest change that needs to be made on the Rocky Mountain School District Six (SD6) board, and what will you do to ensure that change gets made?

Trustee for Radium and Area G

Trustees for Invermere

“Similar to other Boards of Education across the province, our Board has the challenge of im plementing the provincial Framework for Enhancing Student Learning – a shared commitment to improve student success and equity of learning outcomes for every student in British Co lumbia. In order to move forward successfully, we need to make room for var

ious ways of “knowing and doing” by broadening op portunities for all students to celebrate the knowledge they bring and the ways in which they seek to ex tend that knowledge. In particular, our focus needs to continue to be on those individuals or groups of students that appear to be underperforming. This re quires our Board to reflect organizationally and per sonally on the goals of our strategic plan to attain in sight into making positive changes in the system. To this end, our Board needs to engage in data-driven problem solving to ensure equitable opportunities and outcomes for all learners.”

Matt Chapman

“If elected, I would focus on communication.

To my understanding, tra ditional lines of communi cation involve the treasurer informing the superinten dent who then informs the board and trustees of district funds and business.

I would task myself to flip the script on this and per sonally acquire frontline worker information from PACs, BCTF / CUPE reps

and the BC principals’ and vice principals’ association reps; then echo this infor mation to the top brass of the district for informed discussion on suggested changes or growth. I also view student’s voices as in valuable, and would create a student trustee position in the district similar to larger centres. This would give students a direct line of communication to ad vocate for what they want to change. They are, after all, the people who are ex pected to devote 13 years of their education and childhood and youth to the public education sys tem and deserve a chair at the table.”

Ryan Stimming

“As a current member of the Board of Educa tion, I have witnessed our inability to attract pub lic participation at our monthly meetings. Are the constituents satisfied that the board is representing their interests fairly? I be lieve in our performance, but as your representatives we invite you, the public, to actively participate.

I encourage anyone with interest, to attend a Board of Education meet ing. The schedules, agen das and minutes are posted for all to see at www.sd6. bc.ca/board-of-education/ board-meetings. Topics of conversation often include budget, capital projects, human resources, and pol icy.

I would like to recog nize those who have sub mitted correspondence and attended meetings in the past. Your contribu tion brings meaning and substance to the work we do. If you are passionate or even just curious about education, please familiar ize yourself with the URL above and invite others to do the same.”

Susan Clovechok

Stephanie Stevens

Roberta Schnider

With the housing crisis, what steps would you take to deal with the issue?

Jane Thurgood-Sagal

Village of Radium Hot Springs candidates

“The need for more afford able and available housing has been a hot topic over the past few years for many people wanting to move and work in the area. Many employers in the Columbia Valley have faced struggles attracting and retaining workers because of this shortfall, with the service in dustry being hit hard. As a result of this problem the newly formed Columbia Valley Housing Soci ety (CVHS) has been created to help find viable solutions to ad dress this problem. Radium vil lage’s chief administration officer (CAO) is a member on this board and will be the conduit to our new council with regards to ideas on how and where we need to be involved and support that action from a municipal perspective. As the new mayor, I will lead and encourage our new council to be come very engaged with support ing and collaborating with the CVHS to help resolve this issue.”

“Small municipalities like Radium are especially challenged when it comes to housing, as most of the provincial and federal programs are geared towards larg er projects. Having said that, we have some options.

First, what do we need?

Though any housing is good housing, ideally I would like to attract medium density housing in the long-term rental pool.

Eventually I think the best way to attract the rental housing we need, is to provide incentives for builders through a revitaliza tion tax exemption. Targeting new builds and renovations for existing buildings; this is a novel application for a revitalization in centive, but it is the best one I’ve heard so far and I think it has a real shot.

Until we have a permanent solution, every idea needs to be worked on, including continuing with the newly-formed Columbia Valley Housing Society, and sea sonal ‘work camp’- style housing. I’m open to every idea!”

Councillor

Mayor Valley otes 2022 With the housing crisis, what steps would you take to deal with the issue?

Dale Shudra Carey Collin Erin Palashniuk

“Housing policy creation requires a great deal of work at the council level. With the add ed consideration of short term rentals, vacation properties, and a large motel sector, Radium’s bylaws and restrictive covenants must allow for creativity in find ing housing solutions. Radium will grow. It can do so while al lowing the building of affordable, aesthetically pleasing housing. B.C. has set a high standard for the creation of affordable hous ing projects. We’ll work to make sure that Radium is doing our part to contribute to this stan dard. Housing and economic development need to be linked. We’ll require a full day meeting with developers, builders, major employers, lenders, the Chamber, and village administration to de termine the causes of the housing shortage. We’ll then need a long term strategy to allow completion of affordable housing in a timely fashion. All partners will need to work together and in the same di rection.”

“Steps I would take to ad dress the Columbia Valley hous ing crisis include: 1. Clarifying housing needs – Research clar ifying the exact need is the first step to identifying solutions. The village CAO is a board member of the recently formed Columbia Valley Housing Society and the village should consider any ideas advanced for specialized staff or other housing. 2. Encouraging affordable housing construction – The federal and provincial gov ernments have pledged massive funding support. I would support village efforts to allow the deliv ery of affordable housing (e.g., timely approvals, village partic ipation) and consider reducing or eliminating property taxes for low-rent housing. 3. Encourag ing long-term rentals – The Radi um Short-term Rental Bylaw now regulates properties being used for short-term rentals. I encour age limiting the total number of short-term rentals to add to the longer-term rental pool. I would be an advocate for a council and village that is receptive and sup portive of housing solutions.”

“The housing crisis in the community of Radium Hot Springs is an issue that has not developed overnight. In 2013 the village developed the official com munity plan. Within that plan there is a community vision that states, “We are concerned about housing affordability and aim to find creative ways to house fami lies who want single family hous ing options, tourism sector work ers, and seniors.” We are now in 2022 and we still need to find creative ways to provide housing to those who want to live in our community permanently, espe cially if we want our economy and community to continue to thrive.

The first way I would ad dress this issue would be to look at supporting the development of a community housing society like the Revelstoke Community Housing Society. The Revelstoke Housing Society has recently de veloped a partnership between the City of Revelstoke, the Prov ince Columbia Basin Trust and BC Housing. This partnership will provide the community with access to 24 affordable rental homes.

that are hoping to move here for either work or the incredible life style.

Secondly, I would advocate to look at zoning bylaw updates and tax incentives, to encourage developers to look at building af fordable housing.

Bob Campbell Christi Ferguson-Huston

“There are three areas to con sider: affordable rentals, assisted living for seniors to downsize to, or for low-income people, and anybody who works in the service industry, such as retail, hotels and restaurants. These are the people who need it the most. The village should partner with other levels of government to make a plan They have spoken about it before; that work should continue. With fresh people, there might be fresh connections.”

“Housing is a complicated issue here in the valley and un fortunately, it is not new, nor are there any quick and simple solu tions as we all would love to see. All options must be explored. Affordable housing is required for many existing families and for any individuals or families

The trick is finding the right combination to make things work. What incentives could developers be offered to consider affordable housing? Of the ex isting housing, how can we en courage owners to become long term renters? What can we do to encourage investors to consider affordable housing? I personal ly need to do more research to try and come up with definitive steps towards that will allevi ate these concerns as affordable housing may also help with the chronic staffing issues that busi nesses in the valley face.”

Third, I would encourage our mayor and council to revisit by law #466 which is the short-term rental business bylaw. I would propose that there be a cap to the number short-term rentals that are allowed within Radium”

Brad Lawrence

Councillor

Mike Gray

Enjoying Nature in the Valley

Distric t of Invermere O fficial Community Plan Amendment Bylaw

NOTICE is given that the District of Invermere O fficial Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No 1623, 2022 has received first and second readings and pursuant to Par t 14, Division 3, Section 464 of the Local Government Act a Public Hearing is to be held at the Columbia Valley Centre located at 646 4th Street , Invermere, BC at 7:00 pm MT on Thursday October 6, 2022. The hearing is scheduled to address O fficial Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No 1623, 2022 which proposes:

1. Adding the Athalmer Neighbourhood Plan as Chapter 7 in Invermere’s O fficial Community Plan; and

2. Adding a new sub -section to Chapter 2: Goals, Objectives & Policies, specifically sub section 2.22 Development Application and Approval Informational Requirements, and

3 Adding a fur ther new sub -section to Chapter 2: Goals, Objectives & Policies, specifically sub -section 2.23 Temporar y Use Permits

In general terms the purpose of the District of Invermere O fficial Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No 1623, 2022 Public Hearing is to provide an oppor tunity for public input respecting the following:

1. Proposed addition of the Athalmer Neighbourhood Plan as Chapter 7 in Invermere’s O fficial Community Plan.

2. Clarifying that additional suppor ting information may be required by the municipality and staff during the evaluation of development applications such as zoning amendments, development permits, temporar y use permits, area plans, and comprehensive development plans If adopted, this amendment would be applicable to all development applications in the District of Invermere

3. Establishing a mechanism for the municipality to consider the issuance of Temporar y Use Permits and provide general evaluation criteria on which proposed Temporar y Use Permits will be assessed If adopted, this amendment would enable the District of Invermere Council to issue a Temporar y Use Permit for any proper ty located within the municipality

For clarity, the lands that are subject to the proposed Athalmer Neighbourhood Plan provisions as Chapter 7 in the District of Invermere’s O fficial Community Plan are illustrated below :

Athalmer Neighbourhood Plan Area

If you believe that your interest in proper ty is affected by any of the proposed bylaw amendments you may, prior to the hearing send your written comments to the District of Invermere by FAX sent to (250) 342-2934, email sent to planning@invermere net or drop off your written comments in person at the District of Invermere O ffice (914 8th Avenue), before 12:00 noon MT on Wednesday, October 5, 2022. Alternatively, you may also attend the Public Hearing in person and communicate your concerns directly to the District of Invermere Council during the hearing

You may inspect the proposed District of Invermere O fficial Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No 1623, 2022 online at the District of Invermere web site https://invermere net/ news/ or in-person at the District of Invermere Municipal O ffice located at 914 8th Avenue, Invermere, BC during regular business hours 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday

If you have questions or require more information about Bylaw No 1623, 2022, please contact Ror y Hromadnik, Director of Development Ser vices at (250) 342-9281, extension. 1235 or by email to: planning@invermere.net

Ror y Hromadnik, Director of Development Ser vices

All is calm: One can enjoy some quiet time at Kinsmen Beach now that tourist season has wound down.

Fore! Recent beautiful weather brought golfers out to the Greywolf Golf Course in Panorama.

On alert: A Columbian ground squirrel checked out it’s surroundingss.

Doggie paddle: A dog cooled off in Toby Creek in Panorama on a beautiful fall day.

Photos by Chadd Cawson

2022 GENERAL LOCAL ELECTIONS

NOTICE OF ELEC TION BY VOTING

Surnames

Usual Names

Surnames

Usual Names

Babin Denis

Anora

Bill Noble Jennifer McKersie Cody

Patricia Stanbur y Justin

PLEBISCITE QUESTION

The following question will be submitted to the elec tors of the Village of Canal Flats:

“Do you suppor t the Village of Canal Flats retaining the ser vices of a professional to design and investigate costs associated with construc tion of a new communit y hall?”

GENERAL VOTING DAY will be open to qualified elec tors of the Village of Canal Flats on S aturday, Oc tober 15, 2022 between the hours of 8:00 am and 8:00 pm at the Columbia Discover y Centre ( Village office) 8866 Grainger Road

ADVANCE VOTING will be available to qualified elec tors as follows: Wednesday, Oc tober 5, 2022 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., and Thursday, Oc tober 13, 2022 8 a.m. and 8 p.m at the Columbia Discover y Centre ( Village office) 8866 Grainger Road

If you are not on the list of elec tors, you may register at the time of voting by completing the required application form available at the voting place To register, you must meet the following qualifications:

• 18 years of age or older;

• Canadian citizen;

• resident of BC for at least 6 months immediately preceding voting day;

• resident of OR registered owner of real proper t y in the Village of Canal Flats on the day of registration;

• not other wise disqualified by law from voting.

Resident elec tors will be required to produce 2 pieces of identific ation (at least one with a signature). Pic ture identification is not necessar y The identification must prove both residenc y and identit y

Non-resident proper ty elec tors will be required to produce 2 pieces of identific ation (at least one with a signature) to prove identit y, proof that they are entitled to register in relation to the proper t y, and, if there is more than one owner of the proper t y, written consent from the majorit y of the proper t y owners

Sylvie Hoobanoff, Chief Elec tion Officer

There continues to be injustice in both the child welfare and prison systems. Chief Cote feels while there are some changes with legislation under UNDRIP and DRIPA, for the average Canadian, a lot more needs to be done to make things right.

Debra Fisher, Regional Director for Métis Nation British Columbia echoes these same feelings and as we approach the second Truth and Reconciliation Day, she too feels more can be done.

“I think there’s a lot of talk, but I haven’t seen a whole lot of action from the government’s standpoint particularly for Métis people,” said Fisher. “I would like the provincial and federal government to uphold their UNDRIP, DRIPA, and Truth and Reconciliation obligations, and the rights of Indigenous People’s. Those need to be actively fulfilled.”

No one knows that more than those who attended residential schools like Basil and Laverna Stevens.

“We need to start working on the things inside the Truth and Reconciliation book,” said Stevens. “Are people going to forget about it ten years from now, if it’s not worked on at it at a level that it needs to be at to grow? As each Truth and Reconcilia tion Day comes, how far will it be? Will we all be working together, and finally looked at as equal to non-Indigenous? I do we feel like we are more recognized now, but it is up to Indigenous People’s as to how we are going to deal with it now. We’ve got to move on, all of us together.”

While the words ‘Every Child Matters’ will be displayed by all cultures on flags and t-shirts on this day across the country we must remember, while it is a start, it is not enough. We must think of all the children who felt like they never mattered during their time in residential schools, and all the injustices done to all Indigenous People’s inside and outside the walls of residential schools. The truth can no longer be hidden. It is finally out there, but the reconciliation has only barely just begun.

“Although there are some who are very compassionate and are showing support, there are still many who are just as ignorant as they were before. I can tell by the way they treat us that our history just doesn’t matter to them. There are still people who try to deny what happened to my mom and all those kids. I do think that more people are trying to learn, but we still have a long way to go,” said Chief Cote. “I hope people will think about and learn the truth and be open to what Reconciliation really means to us. It’s about changing the education system to teach not only children, but teachers, on what the Indigenous history really was. We need to start learning about the rich history in our back yards on how we were survivors. We had our own working governments and each person in the community had an important role, whether it was hunting, food gathering, health, childcare, teaching, or spirituality. We don’t want to be known as useless Indians anymore. We were forced to be this way for a long time and now times are so different, where our youth can grow up proud to be Indigenous.”

Take a hike: The beautiful winding 4.8 km paved Valley Trail in Panorama, B.C. makes for a beautiful hike where you will take in the glorious sights of the Purcell Mountains and Toby Creek.

Photo by Chadd Cawson

As I think back, it was so much better than our time in residential school. The food they gave us and the way they treated us at St. Eugene’s was very bad. I’ve learned to slowly put the trauma aside. I guess you can say I dealt with it and put it away. Not only me, but I can probably speak for almost everyone: residential schools affected everyone out here in their own way and in different ways, but everyone was impacted by their time at them.”

Impacts on survivors of the residential school system often came in the form of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or turning to alcohol or other substances after returning home as a means to forget what they had endured. St. Eugene’s, which is now a beautiful golf course, closed its doors in 1970. Basil has been there since and has made his peace with it. Living on their property that has been in the family for generations, Laverna and Basil have made quite a life for themselves.

“Life here on the property and bringing up the kids, we have been able to do what we wanted to do without having the outside world bother us too much, because we had gone through a lot of the discipline, the rigidness, not being able to go out of the yard and play. All the rules we had to endure at the residential school, it was like being in jail,” said Laverna. “Then when we came home, and got married, we drank a lot at first because that’s what our parents, and everybody around us did. Not realizing why, they drank to forget everything that happened in residential school, or what happened when they got home. The young people still do their drugs, because they don’t know what to do and I think they would do much better coming back to their culture, to their ways of life. It’s hard but because we were seeking out the spirituality, the culture, we’re comfortable with it. We were once both alcoholics. We could go back to drinking, but we don’t have that urge anymore. It’s just not a calling anymore.”

Laverna and Basil, now 70 and 71 respectively, celebrated 50 years together in May. They had a big tent on their property, and all were invited; many came to wish them well. Over the years, they have found wisdom through counsellors and traditional healers. Basil shared that a lot of First Nation Elders who do a lot of motivational speak ing grew up a specific way and know how to steer away from alcohol and drugs, and are trying to pass that on to the kids who will listen to them. Basil’s and Laverna’s calling now (and it has been for years) is getting back to spirituality and their cultural roots.

“It’s been 22 years since I brought the Sundance and the sweat lodge back here. I knew there was next to no spirituality whatsoever back in the 90’s. I wanted to bring it back here so our people could start utilizing it,” shared Basil. “Their first impression was, This isn’t ours; this isn’t our way; we are not going to come to the sweat.’ We had it a long time ago, and then we lost it, said Basil. “The ones that kept it were mainly the Sioux, they kept that spiritual aspect, as provinces and countries finally started to become more relaxed on cultural practices. It sticks out in my mind that it was 1950 in B.C. (when) Indigenous Peoples were allowed to practice their old ways again. I find people have become too colonized and no longer gravitate towards or even want to try the old way of doing things. I’m happy with this spiritual way of life.”

That is what residential schools have done to the Indigenous culture: they not only have stripped them of their identity, but killed countless young, innocent Indigenous children. After years of truth telling falling on deaf ears, it took the uncovering of the 215 unmarked graves in Kamloops last May for the nation to wake up and have a long overdue Truth and Reconciliation Day incepted. Basil said his great-grandfather was buried in an unmarked grave in St. Mary’s graveyard and noted how the day the 215 unmarked graves were uncovered impacted them both.

“The first thing that came to my mind and Laverna’s... was it takes something like that for people to finally believe us,” said Basil “We knew there were a lot of missing children that never came home, but then to finally have those 215 found - and then the public was finally being wow - but no one believed what the Indigenous Peoples had been saying for years.”

Laverna added, “It is like the world finally woke up after the 215 unmarked graves were uncovered. These kids, the native people, were telling the truth and we just came and sat outside on our deck. And for me it was like those kids, those babies were almost sitting on the deck with us. Somebody found us, we’re here, we’re true, you know, and so we just sat here for about an hour; quiet. We just had our own thoughts, but so much went through our minds. I thought about the truth; it was those babies, those kids that finally brought the truth out, you know, turning the ground over and saying we’re here.”

The uncovering of the unmarked graves in Kamloops and the many that followed exposed the truth, even though the voices that were telling the truth were never heard before this. There is much reconciliation to be done and we have only begun to scratch the surface. Non-Indigenous people need to do the inner work and realize and under stand, not just one day a year, but all 365 of them. As we approach Canada’s second Truth and Reconciliation Day, Laverna shared her thoughts.

“I feel sometimes we are now treated differently, like we are treated as people. I feel there is still a sense of mistreatment out there by some. They might not mean to do it, but it’s so ingrained in them,” she said. “Truth and Reconciliation, you got to be willing to work with people and face the truth and reconcile. It often gets too truthful, too deep for some, something they are not ready to touch, but we (had) a hard time, don’t they know that? There are so many things we don’t know because we have forgotten our rights. It’s been knocked and kicked out of us. So now we must rebuild ourselves and we need help.”

2022 GENERAL LOCAL ELECTIONS

NOTICE OF ELECTION ELECTORAL AREA G

PUBLIC NOTICE IS given to the electors of Electoral Area G of the Regional District of East Kootenay that an election by voting is to be held to elect one Director and that the following persons are nominated as candidates:

ELECTORAL AREA G DIRECTOR – ONE (1) TO BE ELECTED

SURNAME USUAL NAMES RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS OR JURISDICTION SCHNIDER Roberta 4909 Hewitt Road, Edgewater STEVENS Stephanie 1318, 17th Street, Invermere

VOTING DATE AND LOCATIONS

GENERAL VOTING will be open to qualified Electoral Area G electors on: SATURDAY, OCT 15, 2022 8:00 am to 8:00 pm at the following locations:

Best Western Plus Prestige Inn Radium Hot Springs 7493 Main St. W., Radium Hot Springs Edgewater Community Hall 4818 Selkirk Ave., Edgewater Wilmer Community Hall 9179 West Ave., Wilmer

ADVANCE VOTING will be open to qualified Electoral Area G electors on: WEDNESDAY, OCT 5, 2022 - and - THURSDAY, OCT 13, 2022 8:00 am to 8:00 pm at the following location:

Best Western Plus Prestige Inn Radium Hot Springs 7493 Main St. W., Radium Hot Springs

ELECTOR REGISTRATION

If you are not on the list of electors, you may register at the time of voting by completing the application form available at the voting place. To register you must meet the following qualifications:

RESIDENT ELECTORS:

• 18 years of age or older on general voting day;

• a Canadian citizen;

• a resident of BC for at least 6 months immediately before the day of registration;

• a resident of Electoral Area G;

• not be disqualified under the Local Government Act or any other enactment from voting in an election and not otherwise disqualified by law.

NON-RESIDENT ELECTORS:

• 18 years of age or older on general voting day;

• a Canadian citizen;

• a resident of BC for at least 6 months immediately before the day of registration;

• a registered owner of real property (land) in Electoral Area G for at least 30 days immediately before the day of registration;

• not be entitled to register as a resident elector; and

• not be disqualified under the Local Government Act or any other enactment from voting in an election and not otherwise disqualified by law.

In addition, for non-resident property electors:

• The only persons who are registered owners of the property, either as joint tenants or tenants in common, are individuals who are not holding the property in trust for a corporation or another trust.

• If more than one individual is registered owner of the property, only one of those individuals may, with the written consent of the majority of the individual owners, register as a non-resident property elector.

In addition, to register at time of voting: Resident electors must produce 2 pieces of identification (at least one with a signature). Picture identification is not necessary. The identification must prove both residency and identity.

Non-resident property electors must produce 2 pieces of identification (at least one with a signature) to prove identity, proof that they are entitled to register in relation to the property, and, if there is more than one owner of the property, written consent from a majority of the property owners.

MAIL BALLOT VOTING

REQUESTING A MAIL BALLOT PACKAGE: Before 4:00 pm on October 13, 2022 you must submit the following information to the RDEK office in Cranbrook by mail (19-24 Ave. S., Cranbrook BC V1C 3H8), telephone (250-489-2791 or 1-888-478-7335) or email (elections@rdek.bc.ca). Application forms to request a mail ballot package are available at www.rdek.bc.ca/elections:

1. Full name,

2. Residential address,

3. Address of the property in relation to which you are voting (for non-resident property electors),

4. Method of delivery of your mail ballot package:

(a) pick up at the RDEK office in Cranbrook, OR (b) regular lettermail through Canada Post to residential address, OR (c) regular lettermail through Canada Post to an alternate address that you provide when requesting the mail ballot package,

5. If you are not on the list of electors, to ensure you receive the correct registration application form in your package, you must indicate whether you are going to be registering as a resident or non-resident property elector.

The RDEK will send out mail ballot packages commencing on or about September 26, 2022. To be counted, your mail ballot must be received by the Chief Election Officer or designate no later than 8:00 pm on October 15, 2022. More detailed information about mail ballot voting is available in the elections section of the RDEK website.

For further information, please contact: Tina Hlushak, Chief Election Officer, or Nikki Bradshaw, Deputy Chief Election Officer, at 250-489-2791 or 1-888-478-7335 or elections@rdek.bc.ca.

www.rdek.bc.ca/elections | 1-888-478-7335 | elections@rdek.bc.ca

P ioneer C lassifieds

• Phone: 250-341-6299

• Email: info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

• Web: www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

Alcoholics Anonymous If alcohol is causing problems or conic t 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 Ser vice Building, South End 624 4th St , Invermere Please call 250 342 2424 for more information or to speak with someone from our fellowship

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

AT TENTION ASPIRING MUSICIANS F R O M PA R S O N

TO C A N A L F L AT S

Applications are open for the Carol Wilkie Memorial Steamboat Mountain Music Bursar y Musicians of all levels and any age may apply

Cheers to Jocelle at Rocky R iver Grill for the great ser vice It was only your second day, but you handled it like a pro that had been there for years You were awesome!

Cheers to the D.O.I. crew for cutting ALL the grass around the buildings, walking paths and proper t y at Mt. Nelson athletic park! O ur back yard over looks the area, and seeing it all trimmed is much appreciated!!

C ernenoks, Lucija (Luc y)

July 2, 1929 September 14, 2022

Lucy Cernenoks passed away peacefully Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at age 93.

Lucy was born in Riga, Latvia growing up as a farm girl in Liepaja. As a young woman, she travelled and worked in Germany and England as a seamstress before moving to Canada after World War II.

She schooled and worked as a practical nurse in Toronto, Ontario until the birth of her daughter Aina

The Latvian community kept her busy volunteering and participating in many events. After the passing of her husband Aleksandrs in 1997, she moved to Invermere, B.C. to live with family

She was a devoted mother, grandmother, greatgrandmother and friend

Lucy is predeceased by her husband Aleksandrs, father Peteris Supstiks, mother Anna Supstiks and brother Edgars Supstiks.

Lucy will be dearly remembered by daughter Aina (Mark), granddaughters Nora (Kyle) Moll and Annie Pankovitch, great-grandchildren Carter and Mila Moll, former son-in-law Peter Pankovitch, niece and god-daughter Daina Supstiks, niece Sandra Ludlow and family, and the Adlers family

She touched many people with her kindness and humour

Thank you to the sweet and loving care she received at Columbia Garden Village and Ivy House May a ray of sunshine beam on Lucy and all who knew her

An informal gathering will take place at Pynelogs Cultural Centre on Tuesday, October 4, 2022 from 3 to 6 p.m.

What a privilege to be with family and friends as we are forged in a furnace of love and belonging, so often with it’s fiercest heat at the ebbing of life.

Adapted from Kathryn Mannix

Funds may be used for: workshops, music camps, lessons, master classes, college, or university music programs

Deadline: November 30, 2022.

Download application: w w w.steamboatmtnmusicfest.ca

Chong, Henr y G.

September 17, 1930 September 16, 2022

Henr y (Hank) Chong, beloved son, brother and uncle passed away at Cambridge Manor Nursing Home on Friday, September 16, 2022, a day before his 92nd birthday

He is sur vived by sisters Daisy Louis of Saskatoon, SK, Mae Lee of Vancouver, BC.

Henr y is also sur vived by Debbie Chong-Monroe, Rick Chong, Lorrie Chong-Goulder, Randall Chong, Christopher Chong and many nieces, nephews and their families.

He was predeceased by his father Chong Hong Guey, mother Lily Hing, sisters Dorothy Chow and Josephine Long; brothers William Chong and George Chong Hank was born in North Vancouver and worked in Invermere, BC and Calgar y

A Graveside Ser vice will be held at Mountain View Memorial Gardens, 1605 100 Street SE, Calgar y on Wednesday, September 28, 2022 at 12 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made directly to the Alzheimer’s Society or to the charity of your choice To express condolences and share memories, please visit: www.mountainviewmemorial.ca.

Lost

Women's wide 10 k gold ligree wedding ring Flat plane bottom Lost Sept 19th or 20th $100 reward offered Please call 250 342 6051

For S ale

8ft regulation size pool table made by Pathmark.

Camel colour felt top Only 4 years old in mint condition for $3,200 To buy new $4,998 Call Pat 250 347 9185.

W PHASE

ELKHORN COUNTRY ESTATES

Phase 5 now selling 2 5 to 5 7 acre parcels Great mountain views, privac y,individual wells. No building commitment Phone Elkhorn Ranch 250 342 1268 w w w elkhornranches com

Large 1 B drm, 1 bath apar tment available O c tober 1, 2022 March 31, 2023 in Fairmont

Par tially furnished, top oor corner unit, large patio, king size bed, replace and in suite laundr y Utilities and internet included. No smoking, pets considered $1300 00/month References required 403 383 3979

RIP Lister, David S

June 17, 1959 to September 5, 2022

A sad farewell to my husband David Lister who left us so suddenly on September 5th.

Dave’s spirit will shine through his beautiful children Alex, Brad and Declan Lister and Stephanie Cager (husband Troy Cager).

His passion for his career will continue to grow through the many golf courses he took such pride in building and caring for; Elkford, Copper Point, The Ridge and Arron Point just to name a few.

Dave’s sense of humour will be heard throughout the valley by so many people that knew him. And lastly his love will be forever in my heart.

2 bedroom furnished farmhouse adjacent to Funtasia Fun Park in Fairmont Hot Springs available Nov 1, 2022 March 31, 2023

Rental $690 + utilities is conditional to taking care of the animals and light snow removal over winter 1 3 hours/ day commitment. Remuneration is $18/hour

Please send letter/ resume to fairmontfuntasia@live com or contac t Funtasia 250 345 4511.

VILLA FOR RENT

3 bdrm Villa backing onto Radium Springs Golf course.

Renovations now complete D ouble front drive garage, wood burning replace, west mountain and golf course views, fully developed walk out basement, and 3 baths Long term rental only, six months minimum $3,500/mo plus Utilities No pets and no smoking inside Contac t Gerr y: 1 403 585 6886

SERVICES

GENERAL CONTRAC TOR Framing, Roo ng, D ecks, Fences, S offit, Fascia, Etc Contac t Bill Hinves 403 803 5357

THE HEARTFELT COMPANION: Ser vices for Seniors

Since 2014 we've provided kind and compassionate non medical care, transpor tation to Cranbrook, overnight care, meal prep, grocer y shopping and more Excellent local references. 250 341 5683

Hear tfeltcompanionser vices com

Must be comfor table around animals Daily chores + seasonal work (Irrigation, Driving machiner y) Wage based on experience. Call 250 349 5824 to apply

R G M Holding is a fast pace company in the forestr y sec tor We currently have openings for Skidder Operator and Loader Operator in the Invermere and Golden areas Experience is an asset, will train the right candidate. Benets after 3 months, retirement package after 9 months Email a complete resume with references to ben@bcland.com

R idgeView Resor t is Hiring! Maintenance Housekeeping Front Desk/O ffice Star ting at $20/hour DOE

To Apply e mail :info@ridgeviewresor t ca In Person : 7274 Radium Valley Road

Rocky R iver Grill is accepting applications for experienced ser vers Please email resume to steve kuffler@gmail com

PAYROLL ADMINISTRATOR/ ASSISTANT

Chasse Holdings Ltd is seeking an experienced individual for a Payroll Administrator/Assistant, this position will be a permanent part-time position available immediately This position offers fluctuating days depending on the tasks at hand between Monday and Friday with some minor flexibility We are looking for an efficient payroll administrator to be responsible for all payroll, benefit, and apprenticeship processes. The payroll administrator s duties include the management of employee data, ensuring the accuracy of time sheets, computing wages, and ensuring employees are paid correctly and on time

To be successful as a payroll administrator you should have strong numeracy skills and be able to multi-task effectively Ultimately, an outstanding payroll administrator should be able to manage all aspects of payroll in a timely and accurate manner

Required skills:

• 2+ years experience in administration and payroll office

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and payroll software programs, with strong Excel skills.

Strong numerical aptitude and attention to detail

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written

• Excellent time management and organizational skills.

• Able to prioritize and multi-task.

• Be self-motivated and driven.

• Enjoy working as part of a closely knit team.

• Comfortable asking questions to ensure understanding

• Ideally, you would also have, maturity, proactive attitude, commitment, and be a highly motivated team player

Responsibilities:

• Assist with the recruitment and hiring of new employees.

• Providing information and answering employee questions about payroll and benefit related matters.

• Managing electronic timekeeping systems or manually collecting and reviewing time sheets.

• Calculating payable hours, commissions, bonuses, tax withholdings, and deductions.

• Preparing and issuing earnings statements.

• Managing direct deposits.

• Collecting and maintaining employee records.

• Maintain absences and reporting of

• Maintain employee pension and benefits

• Providing administrative assistance to the accounting department.

To apply email your resume, including references to marlene@chasseholdings.com

Into Beer, Wine and Spirits? Have we got the job for you!

C a r e e r

p p o r t u n i t y

for a cheerful responsible energetic team member who would enjoy serving our customers and loves fresh pastries and coffee

If you like to work in a welcoming, quick-paced, creative environment with incentives, we would love to hear from you!

Apply with a resume at the Bakery Store or email to office@invermerebakery com

The Invermere Bakery

Downtown Invermere Phone: 250 342 4422 Fax: 250 342 4439 www invermerebakery com Open 8 a m 4 p m

Wanted 2 F/T Restaurant Cooks, Rocky River Grill, 8888 Arrow Road, Invermere, B.C Permanent, F/T shifts, over time, weekends, days and evenings, $16/hour for 40 hours per week Over time after 40 hours Minimum several years’ experience and completion of secondar y school DUTIES: Prepare and cook full course meals, prepare and cook individual dishes and foods, ensure qualit y of food por tions, work with minimal super vision, prepare dishes for customers with food allergies or intolerances. Inspec t kitchens and food ser vice areas. Please for ward resume to Justin Atterbur y by fax 250 342 8889 or email: justatterbur y@hotmail.com

growth through educational oppor tunities

If you are interested in working in a fun produc tive environment submit resume to:

Jennifer McLennan gmjenliquor@gmail.com or hand deliver to Radium Liquor Store, 7538 Main Street East, Radium Hot Springs, attn: Jennifer McLennan

CertainTeed Canada, Inc , a division of Saint Gobain, has an exciting opportunity for a

HEAVY DUTY MECHANIC

– JOURNEYMAN RED SEAL

This is a great chance to join a Top Employer and contribute to our growth and success by providing fast and sufficient support to our Canadian business

Work Locations include: Windermere and Canal Flats British Columbia

We are seeking a Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic, Journeyman Red Seal, to join our Mining Team Contributing to our safety first production operations by regularly inspecting, repairing, ordering parts through SAP, updating our maintenance database, and maintaining mobile equipment and stationary equipment as required to minimize downtime, and to further advance our continuous improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives

Qualified applicants interested in joining a dynamic team are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter electronically to alex j hogg@saint gobain com

We look forward to hearing from everyone but please note only those selected for next steps will be contacted

SNOW

Like it or not, it’s coming, and we’re looking for new team members!

Can you drive a plow truck? Operate a skid steer? How about a shovel? Do you appreciate working with good equipment, an organized company, and other hardworking individuals?

Are you a student, retired or self employed? Do you have a current job with flexible work hours? This is the perfect way to make some extra money! We offer a variety of opportunities to fit in with your life, whether it’s a couple of hours in the mor ning clearing sidewalks, long shifts in equipment, or something between.

Of course, snow work is a bit sporadic. You must be available and committed to work on an on call basis. To be a good fit for this position you must be reliable, punctual, and hard working. We expect the best from our crew, so we pay them $25/hr from day one! We also offer an extremely flexible benefits package for team members who stay with us year round

If Snow Fighting is the kind of challenge you are looking for this winter, please email enquiries to:

info@brigadeltd.com

J2 Ranch is hiring a full time outdoor labourer Must be Physically t, able to lift 50 lbs Drivers license required, experience with machiner y preferred.

Calling All Parents:

Would you like a part-time job that takes place during school hours?

Calling All Retirees:

Are you a retired administrator who is ready for a new challenge?

Calling All Canadians:

Would you like to play a part in our country’s reconciliation and create a better future for our citizens? Although preference will be given to Métis citizens, everyone is welcome to apply

The Columbia Valley Métis Association, with about 150 citizens, is seeking a Community Coordinator to work from 9 to 2:30 p.m Monday to Thursday for a total of twenty hours per week, at our office located in the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce building

A flexible eight-ten hours per month outside your office workday is also required for one monthly board meeting; and occasional family-friendly evening or weekend events.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Office Administration: You will organize our office, answer correspondence, record expenses, assist with membership applications, and prepare monthly meeting agendas.

Citizen Assistance: You will be the main point of contact with our membership, relaying information to all citizens regarding education, rent subsidies, health care, and other supports available, both locally and provincially

Event Management: In accordance with our Vision Statement, you will work with our Board and volunteers to organize four to six events annually to promote Métis culture and education (e.g workshops, entertainment, gatherings).

Communications and Marketing: You will produce a regular electronic newsletter, post several times weekly on social media, and keep our website updated.

Community Relationships: You will build partnerships with other community organizations and gover nment bodies (e.g. Bands, schools, environmental groups), through co-sponsoring events and sharing resources to raise our association’s profile in the community

ESSENTIAL SKILLS:

• You are an organized, efficient employee who can work independently

• Your knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, MailChimp, QuickBooks, videoconferencing, and other digital applications are preferred, but we will train the right person.

• Since communicating with our citizens is essential, you will respect their needs and develop trusting relationships with them. You have a high standard of ethics, and an ability to maintain confidentiality

• An understanding and appreciation of Métis history is an asset.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Criminal Record Check.

• Valid Class 5 driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle.

The Columbia Valley Métis Association is gover ned by an elected five-member Board of Directors, who will provide you with guidance and support.

The salary is $22 per hour to start, increased to $25 an hour after three months of probation. An additional benefit is paid training The potential exists to increase your hours in future if mutually agreeable

To apply, please submit your resume including references to columbiavalleycc@mnbc.ca.

Closing Date October 7, 2022. Visit our website: www.columbiavalleymetis.ca

•

is currently accepting resumes

The successful applicant will:

•

•

McLennan: gmjenliquor@gmail.com

Further position details can be found at: https://www.sd6.bc.ca/careers

If you

hr@sd6.bc.ca

Due to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, our office will be closed Friday, September 30th

We will re-open for business at 8:30 a.m., Monday, October 3rd

Phone: 250-341-6299

NOTICE OF ELECTION BY VOTING

ELECTOR REGISTRATION

There is no need to pre-register to vote as the registration of all electors for this election will take place at the time of voting. In order to register at the time of voting, you will be required complete the application form available at the voting place and to make a declaration that you meet the requirements to be registered as set out below:

RESIDENT ELECTORS – To register as a resident elector you must:

VOTING DATES AND

GENERAL VOTING will be:

Saturday, October 15th, 2022

between the hours of 8 am and 8 pm at the following location: District of Invermere O ce 914 – 8th Avenue, Invermere, BC

ADVANCE VOTING will be held as follows :

Wednesday, October 5th, 2022 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. - and

Thursday, October 13th, 2022 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

District of Invermere O ce, 914

8th Avenue, Invermere, BC

A SPECIAL VOTING OPPORTUNITY

will be held for quali ed electors who are patients or sta ofthe Columbia Gardens at the time of voting, as follows:

Friday, October 7, 2022, 9 to 10 a.m.

Columbia Garden Village 800 – 10th Avenue, Invermere, BC

Advertising deadlines for the October 6th issue have changed to Thursday, September 29th at noon.

The Classified deadline is remains the same, Monday, October 3rd at noon.

PRINT AND DIGITAL

The Columbia Valley Pioneer has an immediate opening for an Advertising Sales Consultant for our newspaper and our suite of magazines and digital products. The successful candidate will be self-motivated, organized and able to work in a fast-paced environment. You have a creative streak. You are a community builder. You work well as part of a team of skilled professionals. You enjoy networking, and you are genuinely interested in helping our clients find appropriate marketing opportunities and solutions.

A marketing or advertising background is an asset but not a requirement.

• be 18 years of age or older on general voting day October 15th, 2022;

• be a Canadian citizen;

• be a resident of British Columbia for at least 6 months immediately before the day of registration (at time of voting);

• be a resident of the District of Invermere on the day of registration (at time of voting); and

• not be disquali ed under the Local Government Act or any other enactment from voting in an election or assent voting and not otherwise disquali ed by law.

MAIL BALLOT VOTING

REQUESTING A MAIL BALLOT PACKAGE:

If you would like to receive a mail ballot to vote by mail, an application must be submitted to the District of Invermere o ce by September 29th, 2022 at 4 p.m.

If you would like to receive a mail ballot and submit it to the o ce an application must be submitted to the District of Invermere o ce by October 13th, 2022 at 4 p.m.

Applications are on the District of Invermere website at www. invermere.net, or can be requested by email corporateservices@ invermere.net and the municipal o ce located at 914 – 8th Avenue.

To be counted, your mail ballot must be received by the Chief Election O cer no later than 8 p.m. on Saturday, October 15th, 2022 of General Voting Day.

Kindry Luyendyk, Chief Election O cer

customer

A desire to create long-term relationships

A passion to help others build their business

to different client needs

of goal oriented

applicants

Nason, Associate

drop your

to:

at

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

LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH

Now open for in-person services. Sundays at 10:30 a.m. 326 10th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-9535 • www.lwac.ca

WINDERMERE VALLEY SHARED MINISTRY ANGLICAN-UNITED

Minister: Brent Woodard Sundays at 10:30 a.m. In-person or on zoom. For the zoom link, please visit our website (Windermere Valley Shared Ministry). 110 - 7th Ave. in Invermere.

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.

Canal Flats: Saturday, 4:30 p.m. Canadian Martyrs, Invermere: Saturday 5 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. St. Joseph, Radium: Sunday 11:00 a.m.

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

ST. PETER’S LUTHERAN CHURCH

Sunday 1:30 p.m. Worship Service at Valley Christian 4814 Highway Drive, Windermere lutheranstpeter@gmail.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 Kendyn Mackensie • Columbia Valley Branch • 5014 Fairway, Fairmont Hot Springs 250-439-9041

CHURCH OF CHRIST (Iglesia ni Cristo)

Worship Service: Sunday 9 a.m., ursday 7:45 p.m. Chamber of Commerce (Lions Hall)

For inquiries: 250-688-1643 250-270-2208 or 250-688-0629

For more info about the church, you can Google online at incmedia.org or pasugo.com.ph

By Pastor Josh McCallum, Lake Windermere Alliance Church

FAITH

Changing chapters

If you’re not someone who is a committed part of a church, it’s hard to under stand how the strong bonds of familial love can form among a church family. Be ing part of a warm, loving church means being a piece of something bigger than ourselves, a community of spiritual brothers and sisters who spur us on to love and goodness, who laugh with us and weep with us.

Many Christians have come to view their church family as an essential part of their life, and thus when dear friends move on to new places and new chapters, it is difficult. For my family and for Lake Windermere Alliance Church (LWAC), we’ve come to such a time.

After two years, my chapter as pastor of LWAC is

coming to a close. For my family and me, this isn’t how we envisioned our time here ending, but this is where we find ourselves. For the last year, I have struggled with my mental health. There are many factors involved, but it got to a point where I couldn’t ignore it anymore. For all of us—and perhaps especially in the church world—there is a temptation to push through, to carry on, to avoid ad mitting your own weakness, questions, or doubts. How ever, if we desire to move deeper into wisdom and ma turity—especially in leadership—we must take the step of being honest with ourselves and with those around us. For me, that meant being honest about how my person al struggles were preventing me from leading effectively and sincerely.

Now, I want to make clear that there have been so many positive aspects about our time here. This commu nity is amazing, and our church family was full of love, encouragement, and support. Even in our short time, we have built many great memories here! There’s so much to love, and so I want to say a big thank you to our church and our community! We won’t forget you, and we will miss

Bhutan – Land of the Thunder Dragon

Submitted by Jane Thurgood Sagal

A few years ago I travelled to Bhutan. Only 26 pi lots in the world can land a plane in Paro due to the narrow mountainous terrain and short runway. Bhutan began to receive tourists in 1974. By 1994, mountain eering was banned; mountain nomads petitioned the government that treks were angering the mountain gods.

Bhutan has numerous shrines (known as chort ens), monasteries balanced precariously on mountain ledges, and dzongs – fortified monasteries which house ‘city’ business on one side and a monastery on the oth er. Prayer flags flutter in the breeze all over Bhutan. We raised our string of prayer flags at Dochula Pass, where 108 chortens were built in 2005.

with three-year surveys to determine practical steps to increase the happiness of the people. Government projects included introducing meditation into schools, building a children’s park at a low-cost housing com plex, displaying healthy food at childrens’ eye level in stores and designating government holidays so people can attend festivals.

I was particularly impressed with the Bhutan Nuns Foundation, which focuses on developing nuns’ knowl edge and skill in child protection, life skills education, literacy and numeracy, menstrual hygiene training and other areas in order to serve their surrounding commu nities. While monks receive government support for their monastic lifestyle, nuns do not.

I was lucky enough to experience the third day of the Tsechu Festival at Punakha Dzong where we wit nessed folk dances and mask dances. There is great spiritual merit in viewing the sacred mask dances since merely watching such dances is considered a spiritual experience in itself.

I also had the good fortune to witness an archery contest: Archers stand 140 feet away from their target. Fellow team members stand by the target so they can let their archer know if he hit the target. When suc cessful, all team members holler with delight, sing a victory song together, dance, and drink a small cup of alcohol. Then the next archer walks up to test the wind and aim at the faraway target. Truly amazing! I also witnessed lawn dart throwing where the targets are 40 feet away. Fundamentally, these contests are not for the faint of heart.

A memorable day was hiking up to Tiger’s Next Monastery, an iconic attraction perched on a cliff. While there are nine temples at Tiger’s Nest, we were allowed access to two of them. The monk at the first temple blessed my prayer beads, further contributing to this memorable occasion.

Instead of measuring GNP, the Bhutanese gov ernment measures GNH (Gross National Happiness)

During our stay in Bhutan, it snowed and the locals were grateful for us, claiming that we brought much-needed moisture as it had not snowed in Paro for seven to nine years. That afternoon, I heard the Thunder Dragon – so unusual to hear thunder during a snowstorm. Each clap of thunder kept reverberating through the Himalayas, getting quieter as it moved away from my location. That is when I understood why Bhutan is called the Land of the Thunder Dragon.