Columbia Valley Pioneer, February 4, 2021

February 4, 2021 Vol. 18/Issue 5

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 1

February 4, 2021

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2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 4, 2021 Highlights of the @LiveColumbiaValley Instagram account, brought to you by the Columbia Valley Community Economic Development Office, a service of the RDEK.

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LIBRARY UPDATE

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Thanks to a volunteer from Radium, a new skating track was plowed on the pond last week. We’ll have to wait for colder weather to get out on it again. In the meantime, get those skates sharpened and skis waxed!

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The tractor sweeper made its rounds on the weekend. Unfortunately, it was closely followed by the warmer weather.

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February 4, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

VALLEY NEWS

Updates on the Columbia River Treaty

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com The Columbia River Treaty local governments committee has updated its recommendations regarding the modernization of the Columbia River Treaty.

The committee drew original recommendations back in 2013. These current updates come after four rounds of public consultation in recent years.

“There are real opportunities to refine the treaty and domestic hydro operations to reduce the negative impacts on our quality of life in the basin,” said committee chair Linda Worley.

‘We thank basin residents for continuing to advocate for improvements and the Columbia River Treaty negotiating team and Minister (of Forests, Land and Natural Resource Operations Katherine) Conroy for the phenomenal engagement opportunities, for hearing our concerns and doing their utmost to rectify these impacts.”

The committee wrote in a press release that adding ecosystem function as a third and equal priority in the treaty, alongside flood risk management and hydro power generation (the two priorities of the original treaty), is a continuing interest and priority for many basin residents “so there is relief in knowing this is one of the main points of discussion during the negotiations.”

“That came up through consultation in the past few years, that ecosystem function is something that is im-

portant and needs to be included,” Worley told the Pioneer.

Worley added that when the Columbia River Treaty was first signed in 1961, the focus was on power and flood control and not much consideration was given to the socio-economic impact or environmental impact to the basin and its inhabitants.

the modernized treaty.”

Other revisions outlined in the press release include a detailed description of the impacts from the treaty, additional recommendations related to the treaty on less fluctuation in reservoir levels and “a broader governance structure that includes Indigenous Nations at a government to government level with the federal and provincial governments, as well as Indigenous and western science expertise in ecosystem management, local governments and basin residents.”

The committee has provided its recommendations to the federal government, the B.C. government, the Ktunaxa Nation, the Syilx-Okanagan Nation and the Secwepemc Nation.

“We encourage basin residents and local governments to get educated about the treaty and stay informed about the ongoing negotiations to be ready to provide input when invited,” said Worley in the press release. “We assure the negotiating team that the committee and basin residents will be looking for significant changes in the treaty that improve our quality of life compared to current operations.”

The committee was created in 2011 in order to assist local governments and region residents Pioneer file photo to engage in decisions around the future of the “So much has come to light since the treaty was treaty. signed,” said Worley, adding some of these impacts com“We have a good and strong working relationship ing to light have been positive, but quite a few have been with the province and with Canada on modernizing the negative. “These have to been taken into consideration in treaty,” Worley told the Pioneer.

Invermere financial plan bylaw gets first reading

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com Financial plan Invermere council gave the first reading to its 20212025 financial plan bylaw during its most recent council meeting.

“It’s a pretty robust budget with a lot of exciting initiatives in it,” Invermere director of finance Karen Cote told council during the Tuesday, Jan. 26 council meeting.

The plan outlines total revenue of more than $13.1 million for Invermere in 2021, along with expenses of more than $11.3 million.

The district will engage in public consultation for the financial plan in the form of a newsletter and survey,

which will be sent out on Feb. 1, with a closing date of Feb. 12. This timeline would give council the chance to give the plan second and third reading during its second council meeting in February, and then adopt it in March.

Joint Active Transportation Network Council members voted unanimously to adopt the Joint Active Transportation Network Plan during the Jan. 26 meeting. The plan is a joint endeavour between the district of Invermere and the Shuswap Indian Band, and work on it has been underway since 2018.

During the Jan. 26th meeting, Invermere planner Rory Hromadnik explained that the plan details strategic connectivity throughout

both Invermere and Shuswap lands.

“It’s an all inclusive plan that is multigenerational... it’s a long term plan,” he said, adding it outlines more than $13 million in potential infrastructure upgrades.

“It identifies opportunities that will form the basis of future partnership agreements (with service clubs, nonprofits and other groups),” added Hromadnik.

Councillor Gerry Taft opined that since it’s an over-arching plan, he hopes it will be refreshed on an ongoing basis in the future. “It’s a great document,” he said, but in the future council will need to adapt it, so that it doesn’t become irrelevant and end up just sitting on a shelf.

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4 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

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February 4, 2021

RCMP Report

Submitted by Sgt. Darren Kakuno Detachment Commander Columbia Valley RCMP

This past week, from Jan. 25 through Jan. 31, the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 59 calls for service. The following is a summary of some of the files our officers responded to.

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CONSTRUCTION OPPORTUNITY SPLASH PARK The Village is seeking a Prime Contractor to undertake overall responsibility, under a single ‘design build’ contract, for the installation of a Splash Park water feature.

This is an ambitious project with a submission deadline of February 26th, 2021, and with commissioning no later than July 2nd, 2021.

The ‘Request for Proposals’ and supporting documentation are available upon request by emailing: Mark.Read@radiumhotsprings.ca

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•On Monday, Jan. 25, a white 2016 Jeep Cherokee was reported stolen from a driveway on 9th Avenue sometime overnight. The Jeep was located unoccupied in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, on Jan. 31. Columbia Valley RCMP is reminding residents to ensure they remove their keys from their vehicles, lock their doors and remove any valuables from sight.

•On Tuesday, Jan. 26, at about 9 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop with a white Ford F150 on Athalmer Road in Invermere. The driver, who was prohibited from driving, was arrested and released on an appearance notice to attend court at a later date. The vehicle was impounded for seven days.

•On Thursday, Jan. 28, at about 9 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop with a Chevrolet Equinox on Highway 93/95 in Windermere. The officer discovered

the driver did not have a valid driver’s license, and the driver and two passengers had outstanding warrants for their arrest. While arranging to have the vehicle towed, the officer noticed a small amount of a suspected illicit substance and drug paraphernalia on the passenger seat. The three occupants were arrested and released on appearance notices to attend court at a later date in relation to their outstanding warrants.

•On Friday, Jan. 29, at about 10:30 a.m., an officer was conducting patrols on Highway 93/95 near Radium Hot Springs when he came upon a two vehicle collision. The driver of a Subaru sedan was southbound on Highway 93/95 and attempted to make a left turn onto Eacrett Road when the vehicle reportedly started sliding in the slush and was struck by a southbound GMC Yukon. The driver of the Subaru was transported to the hospital with minor injuries.

•On Saturday, Jan. 30, at about 11 p.m., Columbia Valley RCMP received a report of a party occurring in a rental suite in Panorama. Police attended and spoke to five occupants of the room who all resided at different addresses. The representative for the room was issued a violation ticket for attending a non-compliant event under the Emergency Program Act.

Weekly Whiteway Report With the warm weather this week, we have officially closed the Lake Windermere Whiteway until the ice firms up again! The Lake Lillian Whiteway and Johnson Trails are currently ski-able, but quite slushy and bound to deteriorate quickly with this warm weather. Stay tuned for cooler temperatures soon!

On a more positive note, we have officially reached the end of the first week of our Whiteway Winter Challenge! Congrats to all the athletes who have been putting in the kilometres on their skis, skates, runners, and any other create human-powered modes of transport! Fun fact - If we were doing all of these kilometres end to end walking east from Kinsmen Beach, we would be just outside of Dinorwic, Ontario.

It’s not too late to get in on this action; you can still register as a team or individual. There are lots of prizes to

be won in random draws and for participation! Head on over to our website for more details: tobycreeknordic.com/challenge

Winter just got a little bit warmer at Elements!

Come savour our new winter menu featuring a variety of salads, appetizers and entrées.

Visit our Resort website for detailed information and pricing. Located at Copper Point Resort, 760 Cooper Road

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February 4, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5

Photos by Cam Gillies

Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club received grant

By Camille Aubin camille@columbiavalleypioneer.com The Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club recently received money from a one-time financial fund for non-profit community level clubs, in the amount of $5000.

The Local Sport Relief Fund supports local sport organizations that have been impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club has been notably affected, first positively by a considerable increase in demand and then negatively by the cancellation of its annual fundraising campaigns. “It has significantly increased demand for our youth programs and trails. Both are running at record high numbers,” said Cam Gillies, the spokesperson of the local club.

It might sound like good news, but the cancellation of their two main fundraisers - the Loppet in partnership with

Nipika and the Best of Mountain Film Festival - makes it very difficult to fund the club’s youth ski programs. “As a large portion of the funds generated from these events goes into supporting the expenses of our youth ski programs, and with a record number of kids in that program, we were challenged with finding ways to meet this shortfall, which is why we applied for this COVID-19 relief program,” explained Gillies.

The fund will help the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club through their season this year and “setting us up well for what we’re hoping will be increased engagement in our programs and trails in the years to come,” added Gillies.

Visit tobycreeknordic.com to participate in the Toby Creek Nordic annual fundraising event this year and watch the Banff Film Festival available online from the comfort of your home.

Give your Sweetheart a Valentine Our Valentines day contest will print February 11th. Readers will submit a Valentines Day message for $10 and we will enter them into a draw for a $50 gift certificate to one of the participating advertisers in this contest.

Amanda y and Gerr Forever

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Housing Needs Report The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) invites qualified firms and professionals to submit a proposal for the preparation of a Housing Needs Report for Electoral Areas A, B, C, E, F and G. The Request for Proposal Document is posted on BC Bid. Closing date is February 23, 2021 at 2:00 PM MDT. Karen MacLeod, Planning Coordinator Development Services – Regional District of East Kootenay

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6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

PERSPECTIVE

February 4, 2021

Historical Lens

We are all in this together

By Camille Aubin camille@columbiavalleypioneer.com More than a year has passed since the first case of COVID-19 in Canada - the first case of the novel coronavirus (as the virus was initially termed) was confirmed in a laboratory on Jan. 25, 2020, and reported by Health Canada. A year? ‘Already’ some will say. ‘Finally’ others will say.

The virus did not take long to appear in B.C., with the first reported case in this province announced on Jan. 28. The virus then made its way closer to the Columbia Valley on Feb. 14, when the first case was confirmed in the Interior Health Region.

Looking back on the timeline, we realize now just how far we have come, how little we knew and how much our lives, everyone’s lives, have changed since then.

Businesses had to adapt to new procedures, as did customers. Many employees had to transform their guest rooms into home offices in the short term, and then for the long term. Our social lives have been turned upside down, restricted to sharing human contact with people in our household only. As a result, the elderly in the long term residences have seen, for the most, the number of visitors coming to see them reduced to zero. There have been so many more difficulties than we ever could imagine. People did what they thought was best for themselves and their loved ones.

Always agreeing with one other person can be difficult, let alone with a group, a community, a province or the whole country. It is normal for lively discussions to occur within any community, given everything that has happened to us since last year. And indeed, people from our community have exchanged ideas, opinions and facts. For the past several weeks in the Pioneer, the two ‘camps’; of believer and non-believer; are bantering back and forth in our letters section.

We are already sufficiently separated from each other that turning our backs (too often with anger) on those who do not share the same opinions does not help matters more. Let us accept doubt, let us accept questions, and let us accept uncertainties. Allow the difference to be - accept other points of view, while respecting the provincial health recommendations. A peaceful exchange of ideas and opinions will make us grow as people and as a flourishing community.

Be curious and open-minded with your neighbours. We are all in this together, despite different opinions.

Stand up guy Four man, including Conrad Kain, and a dog are stanting in front of the Invermere Hotel at the corner of 7 Avenue and 13 street.

C2219, late 20’s, courtesy Windermere District Historical Society

Oil and its products are valuable Dear Editor: When thinking about the issues that Ms. Aubin raises in her Jan. 28 editorial, I’d ask that CVP readers also consider some information they may not be aware of.

“Biden’s comments emphasized the need to transition away from fossil fuels.” A transition from hydrocarbons is not just an “Alberta” issue. Coal accounts for 15 per cent of all B.C. exports by value, while natural gas makes up 6 per cent and refined oil products roughly 3 per cent (almost a quarter of B.C.’s total exports).

By comparison, raw coniferous logs and electricity each make up less than 2 per cent of provincial exports. A transition away from fossil fuels would have a significant economic impact on B.C. “Oil is worthless if no one buys it.” Oil and its products are valuable because they have high energy content and are stable at atmospheric conditions: you can use a plastic container to store gasoline in the shed.

Similarly, coal holds lots of energy as a solid, which is easy to store, but more difficult to transport. Hydrogen - the green fuel of the future - must be kept at -250 C to stay in liquid form (in gaseous form, it’s 800 times larger). With the exception of nuclear energy, oil and gas

are the least expensive form of energy. The only way to lower demand for oil and gas will be to add taxes and/or subsidize costs of competing fuels. The result, of course, would be higher energy costs for everybody.

“The international market-place asks for greener and cleaner energy products, which we do not produce.”

Developing economies may not have the capacity to bear the burden of higher energy costs resulting from taxation and subsidies. As a result, there will likely continue to be international markets that will want to purchase coal, oil and natural gas. Energy demand in Southeast Asia is expected to grow another 60 per cent by 2040 as they develop the power infrastructure (fueled largely by oil and coal) that we take for granted here. The Government of B.C. has positioned the province to be a global leader in meeting global energy demand supported by renewable power. The Government of Alberta is taking a very active role in helping develop hydrogen usage and exports, and we should see what the B.C. Government plans to do shortly.

Canadians are blessed with abundant energy resources. Political decisions can have economic consequences – our politicians need to choose wisely.

Jamie Fisher, Windermere

The Columbia Valley

CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2013

Pioneer

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

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

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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.

February 4, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7

Conspiracy theories

Fresh old ideas

By Arnold Malone Pioneer Columnist Conspiracy theories have existed ever since humans had an imagination.

They are apart of the “Oh yah, I bettcha mentality.”

The doubter, the suspicious, the self-serving characters who attempt to upgrade their personal importance by defying facts. Conspiracies have been apart of human advocacy for a very long time.

Most people who construct a conspiracy have not considered just how difficult it is to start a conspiracy and have it function as planned. A conspiracy might start in an individual’s mind, but having it play out with intent is nearly impossible.

Conspiracies attack facts, offering that someone, somewhere is hiding a truth.

The “Truth” they imagine is usually a personal desire to non-conform. Doubtful as a proposition might be, it is left to the public to disprove rather than the advocate to prove.

So, go ahead assert that Stonehenge was built by aliens and note the difficulty others will have in showing you wrong.

We get wrapped up in stories such as Princess Diana was executed by a British Intelligence Agency. The notion is made easier to believe because Royalty is expected to live long lives or die because of a serious but sad decease but never by a drunk driving her limousine.

My earliest recall of a conspiracy was about grade 10 when one student claimed that General Motors invented a carburetor that would allow a car to obtain 150 miles per gallon, but the patent was bought out

by Imperial Esso. My mother wanted to know how come Jimmy knew that, but no persons in authority did?

One motive for accepting a conspiracy is ignorance. These are situations where a conspiracy is accepted because the individual can’t understand reality, so they hunt for an alternative explanation. The narrowly held view that humans never walked on the moon but rather the images were a Hollywood production describes such a situation. These thoughts are more

cute than harmful.

The more dangerous conspiracies are those that want to disregard facts so they can practise an illegal objective.

Among the dangerous conspiracies are the claims that the Sandy Hook killing of young children was a tragedy designed by “left wing nuts” who were trying to build a case for gun control. Persons who belonged to the National Rifle Association had a part in that nonsense. The claim that there exists a cure for cancer, but doctors are hiding the treatment because it would put a lot of doctors out of work is silly, wrong and dangerous.

So, Elvis is alive and hiding in Montana. Adolf Hitler had a stand-in to take his own life, allowing Hitler to live out his days in South America, and COVID-19 was designed by the Chinese as a bio-weapon against America.

The arrival of the internet and social media has massively accelerated the spread of conspiracies. This expansion has threatened truth and reason. The public has a requirement for facts; it a major pillar for democracy.

Conspiracies are a short claim that requires a longer correction, such as, “Covid-19 doesn’t really exist. It is a plot by globalists to take away our freedoms.”

The most dangerous conspiracies are those that are advocated or supported by persons with power. The higher the power, the higher danger.

Conspiracy theories are not just some harmless fib. They do damage. They cause us to lose trust in our intuitions and the practice of democracy. They trample the truth. They cause many to be sceptics and up-root our clarity of vision. We do not have a choice; we must call out those who perpetuate false narratives. This war on skill and thoughtful knowledge cannot be allowed to rip away our advancements by destroying sound judgment and all that science has delivered.

Who will speak for you if you are unable to speak for yourself?

Who will know what your wishes are regarding your end-of-life health care?

Join us ONLINE for a chance to discover what is important to you when making health care decisions.

Wednesday, February 10, 2021 11:00 am Thursday, February 11, 2021 1:00 pm Tuesday, February 16, 2021 9:00 am A ZOOM LINK WILL BE PROVIDED UPON REGISTRATION. Call 778-526-5143 for pre-registration.

ed@hospicesocietycv.com • 778-526-5143 • www.hospicesocietycv.com Unit 103, 926 7th Ave, Box 925 Invermere, BC V0A 1K0

UPGRADING FOR ACADEMIC AND CAREER ENTRY (UACE) The Upgrading for Academic and Career Entry (UACE) program is a great first step to better things. Whether you need to finish your high school diploma, are looking to upgrade your skills for a job or promotion, or you need to complete prerequisites to enter into another College program,

Arnold Malone served as MP for Alberta’s Battle River and Crowfoot ridings from 1974 through 1993. He retired to Invermere in 2007.

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

Free Online Advanced Care Planning Made Easy Information Session

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

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

love a good photo submission.

SHUTTER BUGS WeIf you have a snapshot to share, WELCOME email info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

the supportive environment and flexible options of Adult Upgrading can get you there.

Returning to Invermere FEBRUARY 2021 Learners may be eligible for funding to support their studies through the Provincial Adult Upgrading Grant.

For more information or to begin the registration process, please contact the Invermere campus at invermere@cotr.bc.ca or 250-342-3210.

cotr.ca/invermere

8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

Dr. Sveen will begin offering Therapeutic Botox for Migraine treatment.

Treatment using Botox for other indications will be limited at this point, but will be considered on a case by case basis.

Please call 250-342-9206 to book appointments for you and your family.

This has been a very successful event in the past few years; however, due to COVID-19, Council has opted to hold a virtual Coffee with Council session via Zoom to be held on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at 10 a.m.

Please register by sending an email to info@invermere.net.

Everyone is welcome!

February 4, 2021

Positive COVID-19 cases at Home Hardware

agencies.

“If they can, they will put contact tracers on the situation,” said Miller. “But from what I gather, the conIn the past week, two Home Hardware employees tact tracers are extremely busy in the Lower Mainland have tested positive for COVID-19. Those employees right now. So we made the decision as a company that we are isolating, and all other store employees who work would take it upon ourselves to do the tracing.” in close proximity to Home Hardware talked with those who tested posiits staff, finding out who had “So we’ve had two cases and tive have been screened worked in close proximity to the at this point that’s all we’ve for the virus and have employees who tested positive. had...“We’re getting the mestested negative. The All employees who were in close sage out. We’ve put up signs store owner contacted proximity got the COVID-19 in the store and put a post on local health authorities, Facebook. We’re being as trans- test on Tuesday, Jan. 26. On Interior Health and Wednesday, Jan. 27, results came parent as possible.”

WorkSafeBC, and on back, and all were negative. their advice is continu“So we’ve had two cases and Al Miller, ing to stay open, with at this point that’s all we’ve had,” Home Hardware owner its pandemic protocols said Miller. “We’re getting the in place. message out. We’ve put up signs Home Hardware owner and Invermere mayor Al in the store and put a post on Facebook. We’re being as Miller told the Pioneer the first case came on Saturday, transparent as possible.”

Jan. 23, when one employee tested positive. “So we imMiller checked yet again with WorkSafeBC and Intemediately called WorkSafeBC and Interior Health. We rior Health on whether he should close Home Hardware. want safety for our employees and safety for our cus“They have said if we had what they call a total outtomers,” said Miller. The organizations quizzed Miller in break, yes. But we had just the two cases and everybody depth on the protocols and practices Home Hardware else was negative. They told us we are doing everything uses, and determined that the store’s protocols actually fine in terms of protocols, and that if we close the store, surpass provincial health guidelines for the pandemic. it wouldn’t serve a purpose, and we would just be putting “We were told to carry on,” said Miller. people off of work,” said Miller. “I’m very proud of our On Monday, Jan. 25 a second employee tested pos- staff, our company, for acting quickly and doing the right itive for COVID-19, so Miller again contacted the same thing.”

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Photo by Blaine Burgoyne

Are you an Indigenous residential school survivor who is interested in sharing your story?

If so, please email Breanne Massey, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter at breanne@columbiavalleypioneer.com or call 250-341-6299 ext. 107

File photo of Corporal Brent Ayers

Police officers to leave detachment

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

N E W S PA P E R

Can this be recycled?

Check the BC RECYCLEpEdia www.rcbc.ca Recycling council of B.c. MeMBeR

Two longstanding, popular members will soon be leaving or have already left the local RCMP detachment.

Many Pioneer readers are familiar with Corporal Brent Ayers, who has often written the ever-popular page four RCMP report on numerous occasions, filling in this capacity, when the detachment commander has been away on vacation. Cpl. Ayers has served with RCMP for 30 years, 15 of those in the Columbia Valley, and retired just a few days ago at the end of January.

“Over the years, Cpl. Ayers played a significant

role in shaping our detachment and our members. He’s going to leave some large boots to fill,” wrote Sergeant Darren Kakuno his quarterly RCMP report.

Constable Peggy Bell, who has been with the Columbia Valley RCMP for almost nine years, will also be leaving in a few months. Cst. Bell has been working toward a career in the RCMP’s Forensic Identification section.

“In December, we received word that Cst. Bell had been accepted into this specialized section and will be transferring this spring,” wrote Kakuno, adding she has been a “dedicated” member of the local detachment and “will certainly be missed.”

The detachment has already begun the process of finding replacements for both Cpl. Ayers and Cst. Bell.

February 4, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 9

Desire to reclaim Michif language grows

By Breanne Massey Local Journalism Initiative Reporter With the Michif language defined as “critically endangered” by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Métis Nation Council (MNC) has recently voiced its desire to revitalize and protect its culture and identity.

The MNC has recently requested an Accord with Canada to ensure the Indigenous languages that define Métis citizens can be preserved before its extinct.

“Bringing languages back from the brink of extinction is the work of generations, said Clément Chartier, MNC president and recent speaker at the national Indigenous Languages Symposium, in a recent press release.

“The 2019 Indigenous Languages Act sets out important commitments to support Métis Nation-led revitalization efforts through sustained, long-term funding. A

nation-to-nation, government-to-government Accord is crucial to ensuring that these commitments are kept.”

The weeklong Indigenous Languages Symposium was held virtually between Jan. 25 to 29, thanks to organizers like the MNC, the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Department of Canadian Heritage. According to the Government of Canada, the Indigenous Language Symposium is focused on sharing knowledge with one another, and gaining insights into differing perspectives on language reclamation and revitalization.

According to the MNC, Métis citizens are known for being multilingual with knowledge in Michif, French, English and various First Nations languages.

It is believed that “urgent action” is required to sustain languages for the Métis Nation. The MNC has indicated that it will be seeking a federal commitment to develop a sub-accord on Métis languages through a partnership in light of the existing Canada-Métis Nation Accord.

School project garners accolades from community

By Breanne Massey Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Students from JA Laird Elementary School have welcomed community feedback from businesses in the Columbia Valley, and even from some residential school survivors, on a recent school project.

Between Oct. 17 and 22, 2020, the grade 6 and 7 class, along with other participants, created signs featuring greetings in Secwepemc, Ktunaxa and Métis languages as a way of taking action for Chanie Wenjack’s #DoSomething for Reconciliation Week last fall.

“We’re really appreciative. The kids have been impacted and have seen the impact from businesses,” said Kim Daniele, JA Laird teacher, by phone. “Some businesses have sent us letters (about the signs)... Columbia Gardens had some residential school survivors that wrote letters to the school and (talked about) how much they appreciated it.”

Wenjack’s life is commemorated nationally during Secret Path Week when Canadians honour the young Anishinaabe boy who perished in his efforts to leave residential school in the elements to rejoin his parents. The week was founded by Gord Downie and the Chanie Wenjack Fund with the call to action to #DoSomething, which has recently been met with responses such as #ReconciliACTION on social media.

Daniele credits the Aboriginal Education Support Worker and librarian Jenny Hubrecht for recommending as well as supporting the initiative last fall.

In Daniele’s classroom, students read the story and studied songs by Gord Downie, learned about Wenjack’s life and death, residential schools, commemorated Orange Shirt Day and the longstanding effects that survivors have endured as well as spent time talking to a residential school survivor from the community.

The assignment required participants between grades 4 and 7 to write a persuasive letter to businesses explaining the value in hanging up signs featuring Indigenous languages, and how it pertains to Wenjack’s story, residential schools, reconciliation and the Friendship Agreement that was recently signed between the District of Invermere and the Shuswap Indian Band as well as a hand-crafted poster for each recipient. However, Daniele’s class received several submissions from the community returned to sender by Canada Post for various reasons.

“We’re very appreciative and we love seeing the signs around town,” said Daniele. “If anyone wants one, we’re happy to make one up for you. We just hope that they stay up. Maybe it will encourage people to think more about learning the language of our local First Nations people, and maybe even think about building something more permanent.”

If you would like to request a sign, please e-mail: Kimberly.Daniele@sd6.bc.ca with your contact information.

JA Laird Elementary School students are grateful for community’s support and feedback of their project to commemorate Chanie Wenjack’s life (bottom). A copy of the template utilized for spelling “welcome” in local Indigenous languages for the poster project distributed to the community from JA Laird students (top). Submitted photos

10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 4, 2021

AN URGENT LETTER TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA We have a very serious situation in this country.

Google and Facebook, two of the richest companies in history, control the onramp to the internet highway in Canada. They decide what we as a sovereign nation see and don’t see in the news. To make matters worse, they take the news produced

by Canadians and don’t pay for it.

Meanwhile, all Canadian news media companies, big and small, are suffering for two reasons: First, they don’t get paid for their content by Facebook and Google; Second, Facebook and Google take over 80 per cent of all Canadian digital advertising industry revenue. These massive American companies get virtually all of the revenue and don’t pay for content. Movie content doesn’t work that way in Canada. Music content doesn’t work that way.

TV show content doesn’t work that way. So why is news content treated differently?

We only have to look south of the border to see what happens when real news companies disappear and social media platforms distribute divisive, fake news. We need to support healthy, independent, diverse news companies as the backbone of our democracy.

This is urgent. It’s a fact that news companies across Canada are going out of business. COVID-19 is accelerating the decline.

Journalism jobs are disappearing. That means real news keeps disappearing and hate and fake news will be all that’s left to distribute. Let’s not let this happen in Canada.

But there is good news. Australia has figured out the solution.

They created a law that forces the trillion-dollar monopolies to pay fairly for news content. This costs the taxpayer absolutely nothing.

We strongly encourage the government to move quickly.

Canada needs your leadership.

John Hinds President/CEO News Media Canada

Learn more at:

levellingthedigitalplayingfield.ca

February 4, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 11

HERE TO SERVE YOU CONCRETE

BUSINESS OF THE WEEK

READY MIX CONCRETE

BUSINESS OF THE WEEK

Concrete Pump • Sand & Gravel Heavy Equipment Rentals • Crane Service Proudly Serving the Valley for over 50 years

For competitive prices and prompt service, call: 250-342-3268 (plant) 250-342-6767 (office)

The Columbia Valley Community Foundation provides leadership and support to people, ideas and activities in our communities through inspired philanthropy.

• Ready Mix Concrete • Commercial concrete sealer • Concrete Pumping retarder for exposed • Over 50 colours available aggregate and in stock • DELIVERED ON TIME • Concrete stamps for rent at a fair price • Full range of coloured release • Full range of sand and agents for stamping gravel products.

If your non-profit or charitable organisation requires COVID relief, contact them today for more information. https://valleyfoundation.ca/community-response-fund

Phone: 250-342-5833 • Cell: 250-270-9444 JOIN YOUR CHAMBER AND REAP THE REWARDS! P. 250-342-2844 E. membership@cvchamber.com

CARPET CLEANING Enjoy life, we’ll clean it up!

Call NOW:

• Carpets dry in 1 hour • Environmentally friendly products • Disinfectant kills COVID-19 • Fresh clean scent – no steam • Area rugs and upholstery • Protector • 100% guarantee • Prompt reliable service Visit www.heavensbest.com for more information

250-688-0213

All products are available at 9120, Hwy 93/95 which is five kilometres north of Tim Hortons

CONTRACTING

CONTRACTING

Big Cat Painting For all your painting needs!

• Trusses • Engineered Floors • Wall Panels

10% off painting service until the end of February

250-688-9418 • 778-526-5255 Serving the East Kootenay area!

Tel: 250.341.6075 Fax: 250.341.3427 Email: info@duskbuildingsystems.com www.duskbuildingsystems.com

1320 Industrial Road #3 Box 159, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0

INTERIOR • EXTERIOR • WALL COVERINGS Specializing in all heating, electric, gas and wood.

Gary’s

Seniors Discounts

• Fireplaces • Commercial and residential • New builds • Renovations.

TILE AND GROUT CLEANING Business: 250-342-9692

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

Cell: 250-342-1273

ptarmiganrugclean@gmail.com

PHARMACY

LAMBERT-KIPP

A licensed, registered and bonded company

We also offer roundthe-clock service calls.

Give us a call! James, 250-688-1267 or Jerry, 250-342-5299 Email: jeffersoncontractingltd@gmail.com

Kekuli Bay Cabinetry kekulibaycabinetry.com

P H A R M A C Y ( 2 0 1 9 ) LT D .

Come in and browse our giftware

Professional Painting & Decorating Ltd. 1978 CUSTOM WOOD FINISHING FAUX FINISHES JOURNEYMAN RED SEAL

FREE Estimates

403-650-4622 • garysptg@gmail.com

DESIGN BUILD

New Builds, Renovations, Additions, & Kitchens

Irena Shepard, B.Sc. (Pharm.)., Émilie Lamoureux, Pharm D., Laura Kipp, Pharm D. Your Compounding Pharmacy

Open Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

1301 - 7th Avenue, Invermere

250-342-6612

N E W S PA P E R

For all your advertising needs, call 250-341-6299

• Authorized dealer • Designer • Installer

Dale Elliott Contracting

25 years experience installing cabinets Custom Woodwork and Finishing Serving the Columbia Valley for over 40 years.

dale@decontracting.ca • 250-341-7098

Paul Aubrecht, Dipl. Arch. SAIT

250-341-8646 paulaubrecht.houzz.com

Best of

2020

DESIGN

Best of

2020

SERVICE

Established since 1993

• Architectural Design • Interior Design • Building Permits • Construction Management

12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 4, 2021

Arts and culture grants now available

Submitted by Columbia Basin Trust Artists in all disciplines, as well as arts and culture organizations, are invited to apply for funding through the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance (CKCA), which delivers the Arts and Culture Program on behalf of Columbia Basin Trust.

The Trust has a longstanding partnership with CKCA for the delivery of arts and culture programming, as well as representing the interests of the arts and culture community in the region.

“The pandemic has been a challenge for artists as well as arts and culture organizations. This year, the funding cycle will again support the creation and dissemination; and like we’ve seen over the past 20 years, the direct positive impact on emerging artists and arts and culture organizations“, said Stephanie Fischer, CKCA Chair. “As arts and culture continue to positively impact community resilience, the Trust’s continued investment in arts and culture through the CKCA is the bedrock for the arts to thrive and to enrich the lives of all residents of the Basin”.

For 2021-22, CKCA receives $750,000 from the Trust to directly support arts and culture projects. Funding is available for individuals and groups through the following

programs: funding through community arts councils; minor capital arts projects; touring; arts and cultural mentoring/master classes; major project arts; artists in education; and an art presenting and creation program for organizations. Applications are adjudicated once a year by local arts councils and the CKCA Steering Committee. Funding also supports the development of a regional arts and cultural publication and the popular Columbia Basin Culture Tour, which will occur in August.

“We are pleased to partner with CKCA to support artists and strengthen the arts and culture sector,” said Michelle d’Entremont, Manager, Delivery of Benefits. “Together we are supporting and growing arts and culture in local communities and contributing to the vibrancy of Basin life that so many of us enjoy.”

Visit www.basinculture.com, for more information about programs and application procedures. Please note, applications will now be submitted online for most programs. Call CKCA at 250-505-5505 or 1-877-505-7355 for any additional questions.

CKCA applications must be received by March 5 or March 12, 2021, depending on the program.

To learn more about Trust programs and initiatives, visit ourtrust.org or call 1-800505-8998.

HERE TO SERVE YOU INSURANCE

INSURANCE

SERVICES

(Servicing the Valley since 1999)

INSURANCE AGENCIES LTD.

P.O. Box 130 Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Office: 250-342-2175 • Fax: 250-342-2669 Cindy.mackay@kootenayinsurance.ca

www.kootenayinsurance.ca

BOX 2228 742 - 13th STREET INVERMERE, BC V0A 1K0 P: 250-342-3031 F: 250-342-6945 info@lambertinsurance.ca

BOX 459 7553 MAIN STREET RADIUM HOT SPRINGS, BC V0A 1M0 P: 250-347-9350 F: 250-347-6350 TOLL FREE: 1-866-342-3031

NEW SEWER CAMERA

Bruce Dehart 250.347.9803 or 250.342.5357

SERVICES

• Interior/Exterior Painting • Staining • Clear Coat • New Construction • Renovations

Beat the fall rush ~ clean your Chimney this spring!

HOW WE ROLL Gerard Rehman 4950 Hot Springs Rd. Fairmont Hot Springs, B.C. V0B 1L1

• A well maintained septic system • Complete sewer/drain repairs should be pumped every 2-3 years • Reasonable rates – Seniors’ discount • Avoid costly repairs • Speedy service – 7 days a week

SERVICES

SERVICES

Ph: 250-688-ROLL (7655) LetUsRoll4U@Gmail.com

20 years experience • Satisfaction guaranteed!

• Air Conditioning/Heat Pumps • Fireplaces • Full Heating and Ventilation Systems Call for your FREE consultation and estimate

WETT Certified

Sales ~ Service ~ Installation

UNIVERSAL DOORS & EXTERIORS Arnold Scheffer 250-342-6700

unidoorext@live.ca • unidoorext.ca

Industrial ~ Commercial ~ Residential

• Septic Tank Pumping • Portable Toilet Rentals

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHIMNEY SWEEPS LTD. 804 Almberg Road, Golden, BC V0A 1H2 CELL: 250.272.5599 OFFICE: 250.344.7323 todd@rockymountainchimneysweeps.com rockymountainchimneysweeps.com

Scott Postlethwaite

Residential, Commercial Electric Furnace and Hot Water Tank Repair and Service For All Your Electrical Needs

Free Estimates

CLEANING & MAINTENANCE ON ALL WOOD BURNING APPLIANCES • WETT INSPECTIONS

invermereelectric@gmail.com

1710 10 Avenue – Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 th

WINDOW COVERINGS SHOWROOM • • • •

Doors Windows Flooring Painting/Interior/ Exterior • Kitchen Renovations • Window Coverings

• Bathroom Renovations • Additions • Decks • Finish Carpentry • Basement Renovations

KITCHEN CABINETS & COUNTER TOPS

915 7th Avenue, Unit B, Invermere • EMAIL: fairmontridge@telus.net • 250-342-4663

SERVICE EXCELLENCE IN THE COLUMBIA VALLEY

SINCE 1991 ICBC Glass Repair Out of Province Vehicle Inspections Auto Body Repairs • Painting • Quality Parts

We give all students 15% off with valid student ID

North American Warranty All Makes and Models Tire Sales and Installation

141 Industrial Rd. 2 • 250-342-9424 • Open Monday - Saturday, 8:30 am - 5:30 pm

February 4, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13

P ioneer C lassifieds SPOT THE DEALS! N E W S PA P E R

CHEERS & JEERS

CHEERS & JEERS

CHEERS & JEERS

CHEERS & JEERS

CHEERS & JEERS

Big Cheers to Ross at Kool Country Towing for going out of his way to return our sons keys to the hospital on a late December evening. You made a hard situation much easier. Your thoughtfulness is awesome!

Cheers to the great team at Panorama who cleaned me up after my face had an unfortunate encounter with a branch.

Big Cheers to Frank at the Valley Alley Gas Bar. On Sunday after gassing up and filling a jerry can I got home. Before I could do anything, I got a call from Frank that the spout for the gas can had been left behind. He was getting off at noon and would drop it off on his way home. I was out when he came by, he left the spout where I couldn’t miss it.

A little later I had another call to ensure that I had found the spout. NOW THAT IS SERVICE.

Cheers to Jason from “Brainard Custom Contracting Ltd”, for generously donating all of his concrete finishing skills for our basement. We are grateful for local tradesman such as yourself who rely on an honest word and a handshake! Much appreciated!

Weekly Featured Listing

S OBITUARY S Tross, Gertrud “Trudy” 1930 - 2021

It is with heavy hearts, that we share the sad news of Gertrud “Trudy” Tross’ passing on January 19, 2021 at the age of 90.

A huge Cheers to Rebecca at Tim Horton’s. There was a small issue and she made it right immediately. The local Tim Horton’s rocks!

Special Cheers to Tracy from Valley Lockworks for the Excellent and Speedy Serivice on my broken front door lock. Much appreciated!

S IN MEMORIAM S

Trudy was a beautiful soul that was loved by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. She was always warm, welcoming, and accepting to anyone she met. Her bright spirit, warm smile, always positive and fun-loving nature, and beautiful caring heart will live on in all our memories forever.

Columbia Gardens played a big role in the last years of both Trudy and Egon’s lives. It is with gratitude and full hearts that we thank the residents and the staff for all the love, support, kindness, and friendship they bestowed on both Trudy and Egon. Trudy always had such lovely stories to share. Even in her last days she acknowledged all the love she felt from those who surrounded her.

Trudy’s greatest joy and passion was being a mom, grandmother, great grandmother to her children; Kurt Tross, Dennis Tross, David (Julie) Tross, Debbie (Bob) Kilroe and Tammy Tross, grandchildren Jennifer (Kevin), Kirk (Jason), Ryan (Stephanie), Mandy (Brady), Brittany, Deirdra, Robbie, Cassidy, Dexter, Nyah and great grandchildren Arbor and Aspen.

Trudy had great impact on so many lives and will be remembered always and forever within all of us. Our hearts are with you our beautiful mother, grandmother, and friend. You will be missed. We love you.

A private family service will be held in the Spring.

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Services.

Condolences for the family can be offered at www.mcphersonfh.com

Cheers to Kathleen O’Neill and Ben Mitchell-Banks for their honest and direct views in their Letter to the Editor published last week.

Cheers to the gentleman in the Parks vehicle that stopped to help us change a flat. We were struggling to free our spare from under the vehicle. He not only got the spare out but changed the tire for us. Much appreciation from two seniors.

Trudy was born in Germany, and married Egon Tross (who recently passed in August 2020) in 1951. They immigrated to the Columbia Valley in 1955, following her Uncle Ernest Boker from Germany. Trudy and Egon began their new life and raised their family of five children in Radium Hot Springs. They resided in Radium until October of 2017, when they made a difficult decision, and moved to Columbia Gardens.

Trudy was known for her impeccable style and grace, incredible green thumb, artistic nature, and creativity. She loved painting rocks and dishes with her signature designs of flowers and ladybugs. Her creations were almost always given away to the people she loved. Fishing with her children and grandchildren was also one of her favourite past times. Although it had been several years, we remember her calm yet excited nature when she reeled in the “big ones”. Trudy was a talented baker and cook and always welcomed her friends, children and grandchildren with a smile, hug, bowl of soup, basket of bread, plate of cold cuts, and a magnificent piece of pie. Feeding her family always gave her such joy!

Cheers to the DOI for ploughing/ clearing sidewalks this winter. So grateful for the quick response to snowfalls. WE appreciate the sprinkle of sand too!

G VA R E A LU T E!

Pioneer Classifieds

• Phone: 250-341-6299 • Email: info@columbiavalleypioneer.com • Web: www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

Huge house with a suite! $544,000 ~ NEW PRICE

$539,000

4877 Edelweiss St., Radium Hot Springs MLS: 2456005 (Brokerage ~ Rockies West Realty)

BUYING OR SELLING CALL 250-341-1202

gerrytaft.ca Personal Real Estate Corporation

Rockies West Realty Independently owned and operated

ANNOUNCEMENT

In loving memory of

Cheers to the Bernie memes populating FB. But please, no more. I’m going to die LMAO.

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

April 20, 1958 – February 9, 2020

ANNOUNCEMENT

COMMERCIAL SPACE

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

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

600 sq. ft. Downtown Invermere.

Subtrades, storage, etc. Newly Renovated, Heated. 250-3411408.

Lorne Toews

A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest, It broke our hearts to see you go, We know they only take the best.

They say that memories are golden, Well maybe that is true, But we never wanted memories, We only wanted you.

Your life was love and labour, Your love for your family true, You did your best for all of us, We will always remember you.

We sat beside your bedside, Our hearts were crushed and sore, We did our duty to the end, ‘Til we could do no more.

In tears we watched you sinking, We watched you fade away, And though our hearts were breaking, We knew you could not stay.

Our lips cannot speak how we loved you, Our hearts cannot tell us what to say, But we know this is true, We miss you - and we will always love you.

Always in our hearts; Love, Lisa, Leslie, Wade, Hannah, Spencer Ashley, Murray, Aria, Benton, Justin, Brenda, Carter.

STORAGE NEWHOUSE STORAGE Various sizes available.

Now with climatecontrolled units.

Call 250-342-3637.

THANK YOU

Thank you!

We would like to thank everyone for your kind thoughts and words of condolences at Nick’s passing.

The beautiful flowers, cards, food and visits meant so much and were greatly appreciated. We know Nick would have been touched by all the kind gestures.

Avy Nicholson and family

14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 4, 2021

SERVICES

LOT/ACREAGE FOR SALE

Radium Husky House

“Double Down” Winter Special

9

$ 99

2 Eggs (Cooked to your liking) 2 pieces of toast + Tax 2 pieces of meat (Bacon or Sausage) & Hashbrowns

ELKHORN COUNTRY ESTATES *Only 1 lot left in phase three.

Special features, 2.5-acre parcel, stunning views, 17 gallon per minute well, open and treed areas bordering ALR land on two sides, no building time commitment, $239,000 + GST. Phone Elkhorn Ranch 250-342-1268. www.elkhornranches.com

MINES ACT NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO PERMIT THE MINE PLAN AND RECLAMATION PROGRAM FOR THE RUBIE PIT SAND AND GRAVEL PROJECT Take notice that Randy Zbytnuik (Manager) of Okanagan Aggregates Ltd, has filed with the Chief Permitting Officer of Mines, pursuant to Part 10.2.1 of the Health and Safety Reclamation Code for Mines in British Columbia, a proposed mine plan together with a program for the protection and reclamation of the land and water courses related to the proposed located at : DL 11837 Block B (5 hectare portion), Settlers Road, Kootenay River Basin.

A copy of the permit application, including supporting documentation, is available for public viewing at: Copies of documents may be gained from info@okagg.com or call 250546-3088.

Any person affected by or interested in this program has 30 days from the date of publication to make written representation to the Chief Permitting Officer of Mines, Ministry of Energy, Mines & Low Carbon Innovation, Southeast Region at Suite 202,100 Cranbrook St. N., Cranbrook, BC V1C 3P9 or by email MMD-Cranbrook@gov.bc.ca.

LOT/ACREAGE WANTED Looking for Land for purchase, over 5 acres. Close to Invermere.

Please contact 250-688-3739.

Please note that the Chief Permitting Officer does not have a mandate to consider the merits of the proposed mine from a zoning or a land use planning perspective.

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B.B.’s Home & Lawn Care Services

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1600

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5606000

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Okanagan Aggregates Ltd. Notice of Work Application Rubie Pit Property and Access Map Date: July 7, 2020

Meters 0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

Top Quality Hay Round bales.

Phone Elkhorn Ranch 250-3421268.

SERVICES

nay ote Ko

k Rubie Cree

Radium Townhouse for Sale: Very bright, 2-bdrm, 2.5 bath. Finished basement. 5 appliances, freezer, gas BBQ. Call 1-403-616-7730 for more info.

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Legend

TOWNHOUSE FOR SALE

Cross River

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“Rocky Mountain Land Man”

b.brownjohn@gmail.com

NOTICES

584000

BARRY BROWN-JOHN

250-342-5245

Served daily until Feb. 28, 2021, 7 am - 3 pm 4918 HWY 93 Radium Hot Springs, BC

582000

I specialize in rural, recreational, farm and ranch properties.

Call or text

*Add 2 pieces of meat for $1.99 *Scan your myHusky App for Free rewards.

BUYING OR SELLING?

Renovations, Handyman Repairs, Small moves, Dump runs, House Checks, House Cleaning, Yard Maintenance, Tree removal. Book now for snow removal. 250-688-2897.

Pike Contracting Excavating and Skid Steer services.

Call Jason 250-342-5277.

SERVICES

HELP WANTED

LEE’S SMALL ENGINE REPAIR SHOP

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

Specializing in chainsaws, snow blowers, wood splitters and power augers for all your firewood and winter needs.

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

Saturday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

250-341-2551 Offering Excellent Service & Fair Pricing!

The Heartfelt Companion: SERVICE FOR SENIORS Offers non-medical help to seniors in their home and respite for caregivers. Companionship, errands, transportation, personal care, meal prep and more. Excellent local references and credentials and a big, kind heart! Rest assured; COVID-19 precautions are in place to keep you safe. “The Heartfelt Companion team provide, in the truest sense, heartfelt companionship. They always have mom’s best interest in mind.

I find that my family can once again enjoy our time with mom, as we know she is being cared for, lifting this responsibility from our shoulders. We can once again simply enjoy each other’s company. We have tremendous gratitude for their service.” 250-341-5683 www. heartfeltcompanionservices. com Kootenay Country Electrical Qualified Electrical Service Licensed, Bonded, Insured Highly skilled electrician Call Dean 250-342-5516.

Ice fishing shack rentals “A bad day of fishing is still better than a good day at work” Fun for the whole family! Firepit, rods and bait provided, heated, all the fixings... Call 250-6883739.

Bobcat and Dump Trailer services, dump trailer for rent.

Call 250-688-3739.

Ridgeview Resort is looking for a housekeeper, part-time Oct. - April, full-time May Sept. Starting at $16.50/hour DOE. E-mail resume to: Info@ ridgeviewresort.ca.

Dennis Bond Trucking Ltd. is looking for a full-time or Parttime qualified logging truck driver. Part-time driver can be flexible with regards to days of the week and drive sharing.

Wages - competitive with health and pension benefits.

Must have Class 1 license and air endorsement and prefer experience driving with quad trailer. Willing to train new driver as well. Applicants must have a good attitude and hard work ethic with the ability to maintain truck as well. Currently hauling in the East Kootenay region.

Email resume to denvivbond@ gmail.com or phone 250-4177230.

Don’t Miss an Issue!

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

N E W S PA P E R

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February 4, 2021

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

AFN welcomes COVID-19 supports

By Breanne Massey Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Some Indigenous communities have embraced support for COVID-19 vaccines, while others have responded with reluctance.

Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller recently announced a $1.2 billion investment for public health, which includes support in the Indigenous Community Support Fund and Supportive Care for long-term care and elder care facilities after a request from the Assembly of First Nation (AFN) Chief Perry Bellegarde urged Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to take action to protect Indigenous communities across the nation.

“First Nations, Inuit, and Métis have worked diligently to prevent, respond and control the spread of the virus in their communities,” said Miller in a recent press release. “We acknowledge their strength and resilience, and the hard work they continue to put into leading their

Curator’s Corner

communities to safety. Through these investments, we will continue to support community-led solutions, and to ensure a strong and multi-faceted pandemic response.”

The Government of Canada has invested over $1 billion in the Indigenous Community Support Fund, which is expected to promote food security, distribution of emergency equipment and improving mental health support services.

Currently, there has been roughly $4 billion in COVID-19 funding made available from the Government of Canada for Indigenous communities and organizations to support families and individuals since the global pandemic began.

However, AFN chief Bellegarde did not respond to the Pioneer’s request for comment regarding the skepticism of the overall safety of COVID-19 vaccines raised by some Indigenous communities. However, the AFN team recently issued a statement encouraging others to make the most of the investment rolled out by the

Trudeau government in early-January.

“Keeping our people and nations safe remains top priority, particularly at a time when infection rates are rising and risk getting completely out of control,” said Bellegarde in a recent press release, adding that First Nations communities are “disproportionately impacted by the pandemic” and require resources to meet needs exacerbated by remoteness, crowded homes and lack of clean water.

“I lift up First Nations leadership across the country for speaking up. Our voices have been heard. We will save lives.”

Chief Bellgegarde’s statement indicated that he plans to take the vaccine as soon as it’s available to him.

“Just like wearing a mask, getting the vaccine is about keeping you and those around you safe,” Bellegarde said in a recent press release. “If you don’t plan to do it for yourself, please consider doing it for your family, friends and community. Together we’ll conquer COVID-19.”

It’s a wonderful theatre

In 2014 the Columbia Valley’s only cinema, the Toby Theatre, closed its doors for the last time.

Submitted by Ross Haworth The building had been a staple of the community for the previous sixty-two years ever since Clint Morgan and Morley Hogan had first realized the potential for a theatre in the area after visiting the busy Yoho Theatre in Golden. In 1952, the gears were set into motion for the theatre to be built. However, before construction could start, Clint tragically drowned.

This did not deter Mr. Hogan and Billie Morgan, Clint’s wife, who oversaw the construction using supplies from a Calgary theatre. The Toby Theatre showed its first film later that year, “Calamity Jane and Sam Bass,” using projection equipment they had bought second hand from the Lux Theatre in Banff.

Seating 300, the cinema offered tickets at the price of 60 cents for adults, 35 cents for students, and 25 cents for children. In 1967, Steve Capowski bought the theatre and ran it until 1971. The theatre was sold to Ron and Elizabeth Peters, who lived upstairs and ran the business.

Ron and Elizabeth added their personal touch to the cinema by creating a comfortable living

Pioneer file photo

BUSINESSES OPPORTUNITIES

SERVICES

PERMANENT PART-TIME CUSTODIAN WINDERMERE ZONE Further position details can be found at: http://www.sd6.bc.ca/Careers/Pages/default.aspx If you are interested and qualified for this position, please submit a resume, with two references, by 4:00 pm on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 to: Human Resources, School District No. 6 (Rocky Mountain) e-mail: hr@sd6.bc.ca

Learn more about what’s happening at the museum by visiting www. windermerevalleymuseum.ca.

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room-style in the Lobby, hanging model planes from the ceiling, as well as decorating it with Roger Rabbit characters. During the early eighties, the Peters recognized the growing video rental business and started to rent films out of the theatre. They kept this side business going for fifteen years before they decided to shut down the rentals as they were detracting from ticket sales.

Unfortunately, in 2013, the production of movies on 35mm film ceased, and the Toby Theatre could not afford the transition to digital after several years of declining profits. A year later, the theatre showed its last film, “Planes: Fire and Rescue,” though for many, the magical memories of watching classic movies in a classic theatre will last forever. For more information on the Toby Theatre, you can visit their website at https://sites.google. com/site/tobytheatre/home or visit the Windermere Valley Museum.

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16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

FAITH

An age-old comfort

LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH Online Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

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

By Murray Wittke, Valley Christian Assembly

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

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

250-342-6644 • www.wvsm.ca

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

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

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

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

ST. PETER’S LUTHERAN CHURCH

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

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

Relief Society, 11:15 a.m.

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

h e Pioneer ca T n

!

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

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

Do you miss live music? I sure do. With public gatherings currently banned, all a housebound musician like me can do is perform for an audience of one. I’ve done a lot of that recently. Most days, I play piano and praise God with old familiar hymns. Some days, I sing God’s Blessing over folks struggling through life’s darkest valleys. Occasionally, after consuming too much news, the sorrow and loss of our hurting world weigh heavily, and words fail me. I sit at the keyboard, sigh and groan. But I’ve discovered an age-old comfort for those times, psalms of lament.

The Psalms are the ancient prayer book of God’s people. Almost half are laments; agonizing cries to a God who seems a million miles away. They’re honest expressions of confusion, fear, loneliness, doubt and rage. They

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

often question God’s goodness or accuse him of having turned his back. Although laments may sound disrespectful, they’re not a failure of faith. Praying or singing a lament is actually an act of faith.

Listen to the despairing cry of Psalm 13… “How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? Look on me and answer, Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death.”

Have you ever prayed that way? I have. There’ve been times when I’ve felt forgotten, abandoned and ignored

by God, and I’ve told him so. My prayers were angry, desperate and gushing pain. Yet, I still believed he loved me. Faith expressed through anguished lament burrows through the darkness till God’s light breaks through.

That’s where Psalm 13 finally arrives… “But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.”

When life hurts, honest, heartfelt cries in minor keys help us trust. Is your heart heavy? Are you struggling with loss? Go ahead and tell God how you feel. The God of all comfort is listening.

Community Vitamin D Project from September to June. Basically, when the kids are in school, everyone should be on vitamin D. For kids, I recommend 100IU per year of age.”

As we are in the thick of winter and a viral pandemic, The Community Vitamin D project is a campaign many people wonder what they can do to support their of awareness, education and access. Beginning on Feb. 9, natural immunity.

Vitamin D supplements will be available for free at the There is a lot we can do to support our immune Columbia Valley Food Bank. The food bank is currently health - and it’s mostly back to the basics: good sleep, well stocked, thanks to the generous donations of valley good hydration, fruits and vegetaresidents throughout the Christmas bles, time in nature and sunshine. food drive. Most years, their supLaughter, love and connection are plies are waning by early March. As all well evidenced to support our the days get longer and springtime health and well-being. If you feel weather starts to emerge – think isolated, which is very common about the foodbank and help if you these days - reach out to a friend, can. The pandemic has certainly a neighbour or our health comchallenged all of us to adapt – for munity. You are not alone when some, it’s inconvenient, for others you connect. catastrophic.

Beyond the basics, the simIf you would like to contribute plest action to support your to this campaign, please visit: www. immune function is with a vigofundme.com/f/columbia-valtamin D supplement. There is a ley-community-vitamin-d-project lot of research linking low vitaPart of taking good care of our min D levels and poor outcomes immune system is avoiding activiwith viral infections, specifically ties that directly harm it. Smoking, COVID-19. By late winter, over vaping and chemical exposures 70% of Canadians have sub-optithrough food, water, air, and touch mal Vitamin D levels. directly irritate and harm the barAs Dr. Weber says in his nurier systems of our airways, gut trition talks, “if you live in Canaand skin - our first line of defence. da in the winter months and are Take stock of your behaviours Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash not taking vitamin D, then you and ask yourself what you can do are vitamin D deficient, and a to improve your resilience and blood test is not needed to tell you that. Vitamin D de- well-being, and make one change at a time. Reach out ficiency is associated with heart disease, cancer, autoim- for support - our community is blessed with many commune diseases, asthma, bone density loss, depression and passionate and skilled health professionals that are here a weakened immune system…and no one wants a weak to help you. immune system in pandemic times. 2000IU is enough Here’s to our collective well-being and navigating the to meet the needs of most adults, and it should be taken challenges of this pandemic - together.

Submitted by Julie Brown, co-organizer of the Vitamin D Project

Sunday 1:30 p.m. Worship Service at Valley Christian Assembly 4814 Highway Drive, Windermere www.eklutheran.ca mtzionlc@hotmail.com

your message is resonating with residents and visitors alike.

February 4, 2021