Columbia Valley Pioneer September 28, 2023

Photo by Syd

Bruno’s Plumbing Service

Valley Alley Bowling Centre League Registration Time!

Whether you are a seasoned bowler or just like a social night, there is a league for you Now taking team registrations (5 per team). If you don’t have a team, you can still par ticipatewe always welcome new faces!

Leagues begin the week of Oc tober 10. We still have spaces available in our Tuesday Night, Wednesday Afternoon Seniors, and Wednesday Night Mixed Leagues.

Come on in to the Valley Alley and share a little fun with us this season!

Call 250-342-2695 for more information or to register.

e threat of the Horsethief Creek wildfire may be reduced, but the fire is still burning. Be aware that significant safety hazards may be present, such as unstable trees and ash pits (which can remain hot long after there are no flames.

Photos by Ryan Watmough

VALLEY

District stands behind SOGI despite protests

By Lyonel Doherty lyonel@aberdeenpublishing.com

Support for and opposition against teaching sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) in schools is dividing many communities in B.C. in the form of protests and counter-protests.

Larger cities like Vancouver and Victoria saw their share of clashes and arrests, and even Invermere experienced a bit of protest action last week. A group of people gathered in Pothole Park to rally against the controversial teaching resource. e protest was peaceful, and the Columbia Valley RCMP said they received no calls on the event.

Some B.C. parents have voiced opinions against teaching gender diversity in the classroom, saying they don’t want their children exposed to this “sexualized” and “indoctrinated” education. Placards at anti-SOGI rallies on the Lower Mainland read “Leave our kids alone.” One young boy told Global News that he was at the rally to “stop them trying to make us gay.” Some B.C. parents say they believe that SOGI is an “adult” resource that is not appropriate for students, while others say they fear that teaching it may confuse or unduly influence their children.

Rocky Mountain School District No. 6 stands behind the SOGI ideology.

Superintendent Karen Shipka told the Pioneer that SOGI is not a curriculum but simply a resource that can be taught to ap-

propriate ages. But there is no mandate, she pointed out.

“What is mandated is that we make sure that kids are safe, feel a sense of belonging and can see themselves in the learning environment.”

Shipka explained that SOGI-inclusive education is a set of diversity resources ensuring that identities are recognized within the curriculum provided by the B.C. Ministry of Education. She noted this includes topics like name-calling, family diversity, bullying, stereotypes and the use of pronouns discussed throughout subjects such as social studies, English and the arts.

According to the SOGI website, students from K-12 learn about diversity in society and the importance of treating everyone with dignity and respect. One K/1 lesson teaches students that families come in all shapes and sizes, while another may discourage students from saying things like, “ at’s so gay,” which may be contrary to the welcoming atmosphere in schools. Lessons may be customized by educators as they see fit.

Other lessons may include conversations on phobias, stereotypes, human rights, social justice, and Indigenous perspectives.

Shipka confirmed that the district has received correspondence from parents supporting and opposing the SOGI resource.

School board chair Amber Byklum

said people have every right to protest or voice their opinion on either side of an issue such as SOGI.

“It is key that these resources are taught at the age appropriate level. As a district our priority is that our students, staff, and families feel safe, welcome and free from discrimination and harassment within our schools,” Byklum told the Pioneer

She said education is full of many topics that some families don't agree with, and teachers are considerate of content as well as age-appropriateness when dealing with these subjects.

“Teachers know their communities best and if parents have issues there is always an opportunity to go to the source and have conversations about what is being taught in the classrooms,” Byklum said.

e BC Federation of Parent Advisory

Councils released a statement supporting the SOGI program and the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

“We are here for you. It is imperative you know that we see you, we hear you and you have our unwavering support.” e federation said the SOGI resource is important to cultivate understanding, empathy and respect in schools where children are educated in an “unbiased” atmosphere.

According to the federation, approximately 20 per cent of high school students identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or not exclusively heterosexual. It also noted that more than 40 per cent of B.C. 2SLGBTQ+ students in K-12 have been victims of cyberbullying.

According to SOGI 123 (resource guide), 62 per cent of 2SLGBTQ+ students feel unsafe at school.

Continued on page 7

Columbia Valley Pride stands behind the SOGI resource taught in schools to ensure that all students feel safe regardless of their sexual orientation and identity.

Photo by Steve Hubrecht

RCMP Report

Sgt. Ed DeJong Columbia Valley

RCMP

is past week, September 18 to September 25, the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 73 calls for service. e following is a summary of some of the files our officers responded to:

On September 18, the detachment received a report of a bike found in the Lakeview area. Police picked up the bike and determined it was a higher end Kona mountain bike. As no matches were found via the serial number as being lost or stolen, members contacted Elemental Cycle

(bike shop) in the valley and determined who had originally purchased the bike.

In this instance, police were able to think outside the box and pinpoint the owner of a valuable item thanks to the cooperation of a local business owner. However, the process is much simpler if the owner is able to supply the serial number of an item at the time of a reported theft. Without serial numbers, it is difficult to reunite items with owners and forward charges if items are located in the possession of an offender. It is always a good idea to record serial numbers somewhere you can access in the event of a theft or a lost item.

Missing man found in lake

Columbia Valley Pioneer staff

e RCMP has confirmed that a man who went missing on Lake Windermere on Sept. 16 was subsequently found deceased.

“Our condolences go out to the friends and family,” said RCMP media relations officer Cpl. James Grandy. e death is not considered suspicious, he stated.

On September 16 at 3 p.m., emergency crews responded to a report of a 26-year-old man who had presumably drowned in Lake Windermere.

“ e man was on the lake with his friends, and was seen to be in distress while swimming. Soon after, the man went under water and did not resurface,” Grandy said.

e RCMP was joined by Windermere firefighters and search and rescue crews but they were unable to find

the man. However, an independent dive team subsequently located the body.

e BC Coroner Service has taken over the investigation.

Columbia Valley RCMP Sgt. Ed DeJong said members were on Lake Windermere liaising with the volunteer search and rescue team (HEART) from Manitoba.

e group was brought in by the victim’s family.

“Police assisted with the recovery and transportation of the deceased to the shore where the Coroner took custody,” DeJong said. He noted the technology provided by the HEART team was instrumental in locating the deceased, helping to “bring closure to the family.”

Police did not identify the victim, but various news media reported his name as Hussein Omairi.

Tenancy act changes shot down at UBCM

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

An Invermere councillor’s attempt to get the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) to support changing the B.C. Residential Tenancy Act was thoroughly quashed during last week’s convention in the Lower Mainland.

Councillor Gerry Taft put forward a motion asking the provincial government to provide grants and subsidies for “small landlords” (who own three or fewer properties) and to develop a process allowing rent rates artificially capped by the Act to be gradually raised to market rental rates.

Several discussions at Invermere council meetings throughout the spring hit on the topic of the decline of longterm rentals in Invermere.

Taft, and several other fellow councillors, feel that recent changes to the Act mean it now favours renters over property owners to such a degree that it is resulting in fewer long-term rentals in Invermere due to overwhelming bureaucratic headaches that can come with being a landlord to long-term renters.

companies that are the landlords. But in small towns such as Invermere, that’s not the case. It’s usually someone that owns just one rental house (in addition to a principal residence) or a landlord who is just renting out a suite in their basement,” he said. “ ere’s some nuance there, a difference between being a professional management rental company and being ‘mom-and-pop’ landlords.”

Taft said that difference can be big when it comes to dealing with problematic tenants, for instance: in such a scenario, large real estate management corporations are well equipped to handle the legal complications and can also easily hire lawyers, while mom and pop landlords often can’t afford that, and so can easily get caught in the bureaucratic and legal tangles of the Act.

In Taft’s job as a realtor, he’s seen exactly that happen to small-time landlords in Invermere, and the negative experience has made these landlords vow to sell their homes or only rent them on a short-term basis.

However, UBCM representatives as a whole were of a much different mind, defeating Taft’s resolution by a wide margin.

“It was not received well at all. It was soundly defeated,” Taft told the Pioneer, the evening after his motion was voted down. He noted he only had two minutes to make his case before the resolution was voted on, and “I don’t know if the other delegates perhaps really understood what I was trying to get at. But at any rate, they did not see it my way.”

ere are more than 2,000 local government representatives at the UCBM conventions. Votes are taken by delegates on the floor holding up their voting cards. is makes exact counts impossible, so if the number of cards being held up in favour of or against any given resolution appears even a little close, electronic voting is undertaken to be more certain.

But delegates’ response to Taft’s motion was a clear ‘no.’ “ ey definitely did not need it (electronic voting),” he said. “I knew my motion was contentious, I knew there would be opposition, but I am surprised there was not more support. I thought it would be a tight vote.”

One factor that Taft feels that contributed to the swift demise of his resolution was that many UBCM delegates are from urban centres.

“In urban centres, a lot of times, you’re talking about real estate trusts, pension funds, very large nonprofit entities and other professional management

“We’re losing long-term rentals in Invermere a lot faster than people realize, especially single family homes,” said Taft. He noted that the population of the district has grown rapidly in the past 10 years and that many former long-term rental homes have been sold. Often the buyers are new residents moving to Invermere. In this situation “it’s great that we are getting more full-time residents. But at the same time we are losing long-term rental homes and they are very unlikely to become longterm rentals again any time soon.”

Taft pointed out that home building costs have shot dramatically up since the COVID-19 pandemic, and said that given that rise “I’m skeptical we can build enough affordable homes to make a meaningful difference. It’s very expensive and it takes a long time to build even, say, five units of affordable housing. And during that same time, 20 single family homes that have always been long-term rentals in Invermere have been sold and are no longer long-term rentals. So the overall situation is worse than before.”

Although the UBCM convention vetoed Taft’s resolution, that was just one avenue to attempt changing the Tenancy Act, said Taft. Other options include lobbying provincial officials and writing letters. Taft said “I think it’s a topic still worth pursuing.”

Invermere’s pending STR regulation bylaw could help deal with the current lack of long-term rentals and affordable housing, but won’t be enough to completely resolve the situation, said Taft.

“Yes, short-term rentals have an impact on the housing crunch. But part of the reason homeowners choose to do STRs is that the B.C. Residential Tenancy Act is so complicated. e two issues are connected and I don’t know if you’ll ever solve one without solving the other,” he said.

Columbia Valley Local Conser vation Fund

Request for Proposals

Kootenay Conser vation Program (KCP) and the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK ) are seek ing proposals for projects that will benefit conser vation in the area from Spillimacheen to Canal Flats utilizing the Columbia Valley Local Conser vation Fund (CVLCF).

The purpose of the Fund is to provide local financial suppor t for impor tant projectsthat contribute to the conser vation of our valuable natural areas CVLCF funding is available for conser vation projects that result in the reduction to a k nown threat to biodiversity The themes for the Fund are water conser vation, wildlife and habitat conser vation, and open space conser vation.

Priority will be given to projects that are technically sound and effective and provide value for money through par tnerships with other funders Proponents must be a registered non-profit organization, First Nation, or local government Unqualified groups or organizations may par tner with a qualified organization. A Technical Review Committee will review project proposals and make recommendations to the RDEK for final funding approval

To apply for funding go to https://kootenayconser vation.ca/columbia-valley-local- conser vationfund/. Review the Fund’s Terms of Reference (paying par ticular attention to Section 8 – Fund Design) and Application Guide, and then apply using the application forms provided Please contact KCP to discuss ideas for new projects or to address any questions prior to applying for funding

Closing dates for project submissions is 4:30 pm MT October 31, 2023.

Project proposals must be delivered by email to kendal@kootenayconser vation.ca.

“We’re losing long-term rentals in Invermere faster than people realize, especially single family homes.”

Councillor Gerry Taft

An Invermere councillor’s resolution to change the BC Residential Tenancy Act in favour of landlords was not well received at the recent UBCM convention.

Getty Images

The truth

Time never stops. It waits for no one regardless of what tales of woe befall us.

But it felt like everyone in Canada paused in May of 2021 upon hearing that the remains of 215 children were discovered by radar on the grounds of the former Indian residential school in Kamloops.

It was a revelation that many Indigenous elders had feared for a long time; a heart-wrenching moment that rippled through everyone, begging the question: why? And soon after, more unmarked graves of children would be found elsewhere in B.C., shattering our souls and casting a pall over the Canadian government and the Catholic Church that operated these schools under the guise of education – teachings that included physical and mental abuse . . . and in the words of some, genocide.

It was a dark and tragic history shrouded in much shame that immediately renewed calls for “truth and reconciliation,” which is now recognized as a statutory holiday every September 30 to honour the children who never returned home, and those who survived these dreaded schools of yesteryear.

It’s hard to believe there were 140 federally run residential schools in Canada that operated between 1867 and 1996. It’s hard to believe that Indigenous children were taken from their homes and families and placed in these institutions.

People need to know the truth of what went on in these schools where teachers of Christianity subjugated the children to rid them of their culture. Speak to any Elder who sat in one of these classrooms to discover for yourself how they were treated, how they weren’t allowed to speak their language or practice their traditions. eir identities were erased like lessons on a chalkboard.

And what of reconciliation? What does it really mean moving forward? And how does a country reconcile something like this? More than words. More than apologies which are of no use now. It’s the ongoing recognition of Indigenous rights, treaties, land claims and compensation settlements. It is following the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action (CTA) to implement the healing process to ensure these abuses never happen again. It’s a huge task.

Some of the CTAs include reducing the number of Indigenous children in care, creating post-secondary degree and diploma programs in Indigenous languages, providing sustainable funding for existing and new Indigenous healing centres, requiring all law students to take a course in Aboriginal law, better addressing the needs of offenders with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), and providing realistic alternatives to imprisonment for Indigenous offenders.

After years of racism, discrimination and colonialism, Canada is obligated to complete every one of these CTAs to right past injustices that have marginalized Indigenous Peoples and their amazing culture.

Lyonel Doherty, editor

Kokanee recovery underway

e Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC (FFSBC) will be collecting spawning kokanee this fall on the Columbia River near Fairmont to support Kokanee recovery in Kootenay Lake.

e plan is to install a fish collection fence upstream of the Highway 93/95 bridge, adjacent to the Spruce Grove RV Park. is fence will be in operation until Friday, Oct. 6.

Society staff will be on-site daily to maintain operations. For example, egg collection will take place several times per week throughout September. Eggs will be transported to Kootenay Trout Hatchery near Fort Steele to be incubated, then released at Meadow Creek at the

north end of Kootenay Lake in early November. ese collection efforts are supported through a partnership with the Creston Valley Rod and Gun Club, the Ministry of Forests and the Lower Kootenay Band, with funding from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture. e Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC is a not-forprofit organization, funded largely through freshwater fishing licence revenues. e Society works in partnership with provincial fisheries managers to deliver fish stocking programs that support 50 percent of all fishing in B.C. lakes, releasing six million fish annually.

Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC

SOGI supported by local school district

Continued from page 3

Katrina Chapman, representing the Parent Advisory Council at Eileen Madson Primary, said the SOGI topic “hasn’t become an issue for us at the elementary level as of yet.”

Columbia Valley Pride released a statement, saying “everyone” has a sexual orientation and gender identity, adding that the SOGI program helps people learn about different orientations and identities in an effort to promote safety and inclusivity for everyone in schools.

Chairperson Gemma Beierback said she unintentionally drove past Pothole Park on the day of the protest and observed approximately 15 people, a couple of whom were holding Canadian flags.

“I am by no means drawing any conclusions from that, but . . . certainly the Pride Festival in June, at the same location, drew a much larger crowd of enthusiastic supporters.”

All that aside, Beierback said it’s time to focus on the positive. “ e world would be a far better place if we focused on the positive and sought that out instead of the negative.” She noted that when people are fed fear and hate that is what they know. “ at is sad and scary for me, for them, for us!”

Achievement celebrated

Columbia Valley Pioneer staff

Rocky Mountain School District No. 6 is celebrating some good news in student achievement trends, including an 86 per cent graduation rate for Indigenous learners – an all-time high.

e district recently submitted its 2022-2023 Enhancing Student Learning Report to the Ministry of Education and Child Care, and the results are encouraging.

e report demonstrates growth in strategic areas of student achievement, starting with a sense of belonging and safety in school, according to the Provincial Student Learning Survey.

Other achievements include:

• 86 per cent graduation rate for Indigenous learners

• Five-year high for completion rate of non-Indigenous learners at 92 per cent

• ree-year high for completion rate of students with diverse needs

• Growth trend on Graduation Numeracy Assessment in Grade 10 over four years with a 25 per cent total gain in achievement since year one.

• 98 per cent successful transition rate between grades in the graduation program (Grades 10-12)

• Grade 4 and 7 literacy and numeracy achievement on Foundation Skills Assessment (FSA), ahead of provincial achievement trends

“ e data shows that the school district is moving student outcomes in the right direction,” said board chair Amber Byklum. “ is is a testament to the commitment that teachers, support staff, school administration, district principals, vice-principals, and senior administration have to our student outcomes.”

Superintendent Karen Shipka said she is very proud of the results they are seeing.

“It brings me great hope to see the 86 per cent graduation rate for our Indigenous learners.”

She recognized the focused investment and work carried out by District Vice-Principal of Indigenous Learning and Equity, Jenna Jasek, and the district’s Indigenous education support workers.

Beierback believes that teaching SOGI will foster a little less fear and a little more love. But she acknowledges that some families don't want their children exposed to this information, while other families are nurturing and loving and supporting their children who are grappling with their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. “ ose families have a right, as great as any other, to have the support in the schools for their children.”

Beierback said where everyone is aligned is the fact that children matter and their safety is important to us all.

“ is isn't an issue that can be resolved by my opin-

ion on what children should be taught, and by whom or what is age appropriate curriculum. I am not an expert on education or child psychology. I just want to feel safe, I want children to feel safe, and be safe. I want our communities to feel safe, and be safe. Maybe collectively we can strike up a conversation about that.”

One local entrepreneur, Dee Connell from Main Street Fun and Games, tried to make a difference by posting an invite to the public on Cheers and Jeers Invermere on the day of the protest. She stated, “We’re a safe and inclusive space where everyone is welcome and there is no hate allowed.”

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from the $600s

Flight simulator fan favourite at Fly-In

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

e Columbia Valley Airport Society’s second annual Fly-In event was a smash success, with large crowds of visitors and many more aircraft than expected. is year’s version of the event was originally scheduled to happen in August, but at the time the Fairmont Hot Springs Airport was still being heavily used by wildland firefighters battling the Horsethief Complex (a trio of major wildfires that flared up in the valley in mid-simmer). So organizers pushed the Fly-In back to the morning and early afternoon of Saturday, Sept. 16. e event ended up featuring 27 aircraft and drew a crowd of 250 visitors.

“Coming off of a very busy wildfire season in August, we are thankful that so many members of the community were able to attend the postponed event,” said society president Pascal van Dijk. “ e society and its volunteers were keen to build on the success of last year's event and I think it's safe to say that was accomplished.”

Max and Penny Powers.

Visitors got a pancake breakfast, as well as firsthand looks at the planes, with pilots explaining everything. ey also had the option to go up in a helicopter with Glacier Helicopters, or could try a flight simulator.

“We had a lot of positive feedback about everything, but especially about the flight simulator,” said Collens.

e Fly-In served as a fundraiser for the Columbia Valley Airport Society (as well as the Windermere & District Lions and Fairmont Lions Clubs). e airport society will use the funds for much needed maintenance and upgrades of the airport building, which is more than 20 years old.

Other activities included games for kids, door prizes, an online auction, and a 50/50 raffle.

Collens explained that part of the purpose of the Fly-In is to help raise public awareness about the airport, which is heavily used by firefighters and for medical evacuations.

“It’s a busy little airport, and very integral to the valley,” she said.

WE’RE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Yes!!

WE’RE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Yes!!

9AM - 9PM MONDAY - FRIDAY 10AM - 4PM WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS

QUESTIONS? 250-342-0804 friends@columbialakereccentre.com

3050 HIGHWAY 93/95

The Invermere Health Care Auxiliar y S ociety and hard working Thrift Store Volunteers invite qualified applic ants to apply to our two Fall 2023 disbursements

1) Community Funding for Health Related Projec ts

The IHCAS is pleased to invite non-profit organizations to apply for funding for projects that will enhance health care 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 more year of study in 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 Community Funding, and Post Secondar y Scholarships are to be received by email or regular mail no later than October 20, 2023. For an application and information please email to: Seona Helmer - seona.helmer@gmail.com

Society volunteer Kim Collens told the Pioneer that organizers initially expected about a dozen aircraft to participate in the Fly-In, so when 27 showed up “it was a pleasant surprise.”

Most of the aircraft were small, two-seater planes, but Glacier Helicopters was also on hand, as was paragliding duo

e society expressed its thanks for the volunteers, the Windermere & District Lions Club, the Fairmont Lions Club, and Windermere and Fairmont firehall volunteers who all helped with this year’s event.

e society has already begun planning next year’s Fly-In.

Continued on page 9

Approximately 250 visitors showed up for the Fly-In at Fairmont Hot Springs Airport on Sept. 16. It featured a pancake breakfast, a tutorial on many airplanes, and a flight simulator that raised a few keen eyebrows.

Photos submitted

Delayed event soars to success at airport

Volunteers helped make the Fly-In at Fairmont Hot Springs Airport memorable on Sept. 16. Photos submitted

Windermere Valley Childcare Society presents

Our Little Caesars® Fundraiser!

Time for you, your friends, and your family to order some Little Caesars ® k its Choose from a variety of Pizza, Bread, and Cook ies!

Per fec t for quick dinners, par ties, or enter taining!

$6 of ever y k it purchased goes back to our group!

Orders paid with cash or cheque due by Friday, Oc tober 13

Option to purchase online with a credit card through Thursday, Oc tober 12

Pizza Kits will be delivered the week of Oc tober 23

(exact date and time coming soon)

Follow these steps to purchase your Pizza Kits with a credit c ard: (NOTE: Online orders are not delivered - they must be picked up)

1 Visit our website: w w w pizzakit ca

2 Enter Fundraiser ID 423461, then click CHECK FUNDRAISER, then click CONFIRM FUNDRAISER

3 Login to your account if you have purchsed kits before or create an account to get star ted (name, email, address, phone number, and password of your choice)

4 Click on Pizza and Specialty Kits for main produc ts and Cookie Dough to see our four choices

5. PLEASE enter name and phone number of person picking up in the Seller ’s Name field at the top of the check- out Fill in information for payment and click CONTINUE

You’re all done! Great job and thank you for suppor ting our group

regarding Proposed Shor t-Term Rental Accommodation Unit (STR) regulations, and other updates to the Distric t of Invermere’s Business Licencing Bylaw

The Distric t of Invermere is holding Information & Engagement Meetings on Oc tober 5, 2023, to seek public input on Proposed Shor t-Term Rental Accommodation Unit (STR) regulations, and other updates to the Distric t of Invermere’s Business Licencing Bylaw.

The public information and engagement meetings are schedule d as follows:

Thursday, Oc tober 5, 2023 (star ting at 12 noon, 3:00 pm, and 6:00 pm) Columbia Valley Centre at 646 – 4th Street, Invermere, BC Presentations by Distric t of Invermere Staff will take place at: 12 noon, 3:00 pm, and 6:00 pm

Please RSVP to register for a time slot – this will help ensure the meeting size is comfor table for ever yone attending, suppor ts discussions, and question & answer sessions

To RSVP, please contac t: Cor tney Pitts, Manager of Leisure Ser vices tel : 250-342-9281 ex t 1232 or by email: events@invermere net

If you are unable to attend one of the meetings but would like to have more information about the proposed Shor t-Term Rental Accommodation Unit (STR) regulations, and other updates to the Distric t ’s Business Licencing Bylaw, please check the “ What ’s New ” sec tion on our municipal website: w w w invermere net

Alternatively, more information about these proposals can be obtained by contac ting the Distric t of Invermere Municipal O ffice using the following contac t information:

email: info@invermere net

Telephone: 250-342-9281

FAX: 250-342-2934

Andrew Young, MCIP, RPP

Chief Administrative Officer

Distric t of Invermere

net

Telephone: 250-342-9281 ex t 1235

Email: cao@invermere net

Telephone: 250-342-9281 ex t 1225

289335.pdf

The file is missing!

289335

605550.65

OUT OF OFFICE…

Columbia Valley Chamber Of Commerce Sept 28

Save the date – October 14 – Climate Friendly Homes Tour

6 x 13.92

Are you a builder in the Columbia Valley that prides yourself on building sustainable, comfortable, energy e cient homes? Perhaps you are a home owner living in one of these homes? Contact us to be included in the Climate Friendly Homes Tour on October 14th.

This tour is an opportunity to showcase technologies and techniques to improve home comfort and climate friendliness. We’re looking for homes that are built with some or all of the following features:

- tight, well insulated building envelope

- high e ciency windows and doors

- heat pump for primary heating and cooling

- high e ciency appliances

- electric hot water heating

- solar PV

- induction stoves

- EV chargers

The Climate Friendly Homes Tour is delivered by the Community Energy association with support from the East Kootenay Climate Hub and Wildsight Invermere, funded by BC Hydro, B2E, Vancity and City of Vancouver

Thursday, September 28

• 10:00am-12:00pm: O utdoor Pickleball Mt Nelson Athletic Park, Drop -in

Play

• 10:30am-11:30am: Senior ’s Fitness Columbia Valley Centre, $2 dropin.

• 11:30am-12:00pm: Little Lambs Radium Public Librar y Join us for songs, rhymes, and stories with your babies! No registration required.

• 2:00pm-3:00pm: Senior ’s Tea Invermere Librar y Join us for a cuppa and a chat! All welcome to join. Occurs ever y 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month

• 6:30pm: Indoor Pickleball Invermere Curling Club Advance Play

• 6:45pm: Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Invermere Legion.

• 7:30pm: Trivia Night Windermere Whitehouse Pub

Friday, September 29

• 5:00pm-7:00pm: Ar tist Talk with S ab Cur tis Pynelogs Join us for a c asual ar tist talk with S ab Cur tis! Learn more about the power ful motivations and processes behind her beautiful paintings in her current exhibit "Rewired: Transform from within".

• 10:00am-12:00pm: Invermere Tennis Club at the Kinsmen Beach Cour ts.

• 10:00am-12:00pm: O utdoor Pickleball Mt Nelson Athletic Park, Drop -in

Play

• 10:30am-11:00am: Family Stor ytime Invermere Public Librar y Join us weekly on Fridays and/or Saturdays for Family Stor ytime at the librar y! With stories, songs & a craft Geared towards preschool age (2-5) but all welcome

• 2:30pm-3:30pm: Teen Connec t & Create. Radium Public Librar y Connec t with other teens while making different creations each month! For ages 13 to 18. No registration required

• 6:30pm - close: Meat Draw and 50/50 in the Legion! Members and guests welcome!

• 6:30pm-8:30pm: Indoor Pickleball Invermere Curling Club

Saturday, September 30

• 11:30am-12:30pm: Intro to Sec wepemc tsin Language. Invermere Librar y Join us at the librar y for an intro to Sec wepemc tsin Languageto led by Shuswap band members Robyn and Tisha Tardif. All ages welcome! Please wear an orange shir t if you have one

• 12:00pm-4:00pm: Honour Walk & Film Screening. Columbia Valley Centre The Shuswap Band News is organizing a walk to the Distric t of Invermere Columbia Valley Centre in honour of the children who sur vived the Residential Schools and to remember those who did not The Sec wepemc Honour Song will be sung upon arrival ( bring your drums). Shor tly after there will be a film screening of " Bones of Crows "

• 2:30pm-10:00pm: Ugly Pant Classic V. Copper Point Golf Course Join us in our 5th Ugly Pants Classic Golf Tournament! Get ready for a day filled with laughter, friendly competition, and, of course, some seriously ugly pants! Held at the beautiful Ridge at Copper Point Golf Course in Invermere BC. Mark your calendars for our 13-hole tournament on September 30th, 2023 and get ready for an unforgettable afternoon of golf, delicious food, live music and amazing prizes!. https://w w w radsociety.ca/

• 10:00am-12:00pm: O utdoor Pickleball Mt Nelson Athletic Park, Drop -in Play

• 10:30am-11:00am: Family Stor ytime. Invermere Public Librar y Join us weekly on Fridays and/or Saturdays for Family Stor ytime at the librar y! With stories, songs & a craft Geared towards preschool age (2-5) but all welcome

• 10:30am-12:00pm: LEGO/D uplo Club Invermere Public Librar y We'll have Lego, Duplo, big blocks & more out to play with on Saturday mornings!

• 10:30am-11:30am: Pokemon Club at Main Street Fun & Games for ages 7+, Reading proficienc y required

• 2:00pm-3:00pm. Truth and Reconciliation Day Book Club Invermere Librar y Join us at the librar y for an informal discussion around Bob Joseph's 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Ac t. This is a great, informative read and will be our guide for discussion. Copies of the book are available at the librar y front desk, but reading the book is not required to join the discussion.

• 6:30pm: Meat Draw and 50/50 in the Legion! Members and guests welcome!

Sunday, Oc tober 1

• 12:00pm: Soup for Lunch. Edgewater Community Hall Take away available - bring your own thermos or jar and a container for bun and cake $10 per person for hear ty soup, bun or biscuit and desser t Ever yone welcome

• 2:00pm-12:00am: Cards, Cribbage and Dar ts Come to the Legion and have some fun! Members and guests welcome

• 2:00pm-4:00pm: Indoor Pickleball Open play at Curling Club

• 7:00pm: Live Music Horsethief Creek Pub & Eater y Accompanied minors are permitted. No cover.

Monday, Oc tober 2

• 10:00am-12:00pm: O utdoor Pickleball. Mt Nelson Athletic Park, Drop -in Play

• 10:00am-11:00am: Senior's Yoga Columbia Valley Centre, Invermere $2 drop in, open to all seniors

• 5:00pm-7:00pm: S uper Happy Fun Time!! Valley Voices Choir Christ Church Trinity We want you!!!! Come Sing With US!!! Super fun happy times!! Email-br yantolender@icloud.com. see you soon!!

• 6:30pm-8:300pm: Indoor Pickleball. Invermere Curling Club.

• 6:30pm: Poker (Chip up for Charity) The Station Pub $20 buy-in. Ever y second Monday

Tuesday, Oc tober 3

• 10:00am-12:00pm: O utdoor Pickleball. Mt Nelson Athletic Park, Drop -in Play

• 10:30am-11:30am: Senior's Fitness Columbia Valley Centre $2 drop -in.

• 2:00pm-3:00pm: Novel Idea Book Club Invermere Public Librar y This month we are discussing Kristin Hannah’s The Great Alone

• 6:30pm-8:30pm: Indoor Pickleball Invermere Curling Club, Skills and Drills

• m: Pickleball Invermere Curling Club, Skills and Drills

Wednesday,

Oc tober 4

• 10:00am-12:00pm: O utdoor Pickleball Mt Nelson Athletic Park, Drop -in Play

• 10:00am-11:00am: Senior's Yoga Columbia Valley Centre, $2 drop -in.

• 11:15am-11:45am: Stor y Time Radium Librar y - preschool & all ages

• 6:00pm-9:00pm: Wednesday Dinners & Meat Draw & 50/50 Invermere Legion. All welcome

• 6:30pm: Indoor Pickleball Invermere Curling Club, Ladies Night

Double ve-gen family reunion rocks

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Earlier this summer Invermere saw a very special family reunion.

is past August, the extended Beddie clan had a get-together so that the newest member of the family could meet the oldest members, as well as all the generations in between. at meant baby Bennett Foulds, who was just three months old at the time, got to say hello (as much as an infant can say hello) to two great-great grandparents: her 99-year old great-great grandfather Don Beddie and her 94-year old great-great grandmother Elsie Hemmelgarn. Both Don and Elsie live in Invermere.

ey were joined this summer by great-grandfather Dale and great-grandmother Darlene Beddie (Dale is Don’s son; Darlene is Elsie’s daughter), grandfather Dean Beddie and grandmother Leanne Beddie (who also both lived in

Invermere), mother Julianne Beddie, baby Bennett Foulds and a whole bunch more family members.

In case you haven’t been able to keep the generations straight so far, this means that baby Bennett was at the centre of a double five-generation family reunion.

“It is kind of unusual, especially to have those five generations on two branches of a family tree all in one spot” great grandfather Dale told the Pioneer, adding everyone had quite a lot of fun during the reunion.

Great-great grandfather Don was born in Ontario in 1923, but worked all over western and northern Canada (including running tugboats on the Mackenzie River in the Northwest Territories) before settling in Spillimacheen with his wife in 1951.

Don initially worked at the Giant Mascot Mine, before buying the Spillimacheen general store and cafe (which is now Beeland) in 1957 and then, in 1966,

buying the adjoining property and converting it into a service station. In 1998 Don sold the service station and lived on his own for many more years, before eventually moving into Ivy House in Invermere.

Great-grandfather Dale was born in Invermere in 1953 and grew up in the house attached to Spillimacheen general store, helping his dad run the service station and his mom run the general store. Dale grew up to become a millwright. In 1977, Dale and his wife Darlene moved to Merritt and then, in 1980, to Penticton,

where they live to this day.

Grandfather Dean was born to Dale and Darlene in Invermere in 1972. Dean moved with the family to Merritt and Penticton and grew up to become an electrician. He moved back to the Columbia Valley along with his wife Leanne in 2002, where Leanne became familiar to a huge number of valley residents as one of the top-notch daycare providers around and where Dean continued his electrician career.

Mother Julianne was born to Dean and Leanne in Cranbrook in 2002.

STEP UP SHOW UP MAKE AN IMPAC T

F I R E F I G H T E R R E C R U I T M E N T D R I V E O N N O W

Communities in the RDEK rely on the individuals who make up our eight paid- on- call fire depar tments to help protec t their communities from emergencies and assist with medical aid when needed They train, prac tice and maintain equipment so they are ready when the call comes They suppor t communit y events and are par t of the hear t of their communities

No ma tter your skill set, you can contribute to public safet y in your communit y.

Photos submitted

Five generations of the Hemmelgarn-Beddie-Foulds family: great-great grandmother Elsie Hemmelgarn (second from right), great-grandmother Darlene Beddie (second from left), grandfather Dean Beddie (left), and mother Julianne Beddie and baby Bennett Foulds (right) at their family reunion in Invermere.

Five generations of Beddies: great-great grandfather Don Beddie (bottom right), great-grandfather Dale Beddie (top right), grandfather Dean Beddie (top left), and mother Julianne Beddie and baby Bennett Foulds (bottom left) in Invermere at a family reunion this summer.

APC gives thumbs down to selling land

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

e Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Area F and Area G Advisory Planning Commission (APC) unanimously decided not to support an application for disposition and sale of public land on the shore of Lake Windermere at Calberley Beach.

e issue has been under discussion for some time. e Pioneer last reported on it in the fall of 2020, when a similar application came forward, only to later be withdrawn. In many respects, the situation remains much the same: public access to Lake Windermere, on its east side, exists at the unincorporated community of Calberley Beach via a road called Highway Drive. Unbeknownst to most Columbia Valley residents, the land stretching along the shore of Lake Windermere to the north and south of where Highway Drive meets the lake is also public land. It’s called ‘the boulevard’, measures roughly 600 feet (213 metres) long and 70 feet (21 metres) wide, has been in place since 1943, and is under control of the B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI).

the ‘closed’ parts of the boulevard would be sold at market value (a figure likely to be millions of dollars).

“ e (public access) road down the lake is quite steep. If anyone is going down there, they generally park on Stoddart Avenue,” he said.

Haworth went on to list several points that, in his view, make Calberley Beach a less than ideal spot for public lake access: fluctuating water levels (“there is no real opportunity for boat access, given how far the water recedes at times,” he said); the type of land at the shore (“this is not a sandy beach, it’s quite mucky,” he said); the narrowness of the public right of way (“it would be difficult to put a park there,” he said); and a lack of potential for public washrooms or parking.

He later said, “I don’t know of anyone using it (Calberley Beach) . . . it’s not a very good public access point” and added that “there are numerous other opportunities for lake access in the area”, before listing off the public beach at Windermere, the end of Baltac Road, Timber Ridge, Pedley Heights, Terra Vista, Akisknook Resort, and Shadybrook Resort and Marina.

“Nobody told them to go put those retaining walls, staircases, docks, decks and boathouses there. ey chose to . . . but if you build a house on my property, it’s my house. If I build a house on your property, it’s your house. If you build a deck or a retaining wall on public property, it’s everybody’s deck or retaining wall. at’s the law. It shouldn’t then become your property.”

e thumbs down from the APC does not veto the application. e commission

acts, as its name suggests, in an advisory capacity and is comprised of volunteers from Area F and G. eir advice on the application will now become part of an RDEK staff report, which will proceed to the RDEK board. e RDEK board will then choose whether or not to support the application. But the RDEK’s approval (or non-approval) is not the final say either, and will in turn, be taken under consideration by MOTI, the organization that actually makes the decision.

e ‘boulevard’ consists of nine lots in Calberley Beach (lots two through nine) that look like lakefront property, but in fact is not lakefront property. But over the past several decades significant encroachment has occurred, with many property owners building decks, lawns, retaining walls, staircases, and other such structures on what is actually public property.

e nine property owners of lots two through nine have put forward an application to “close” the parts of the boulevard to the north and south of where Highway Drive meets the lake (although not at the exact point where the drive meets the lake). e idea is for the ‘closed’ land to then be sold from the Ministry of Transportation (MOTI) to the private landowners in Calberley with near-lakefront properties.

e Area F and G Advisory Planning Commission gave the application a thumbs down during its Wednesday, Sept. 20 meeting. e Pioneer (unable to attend in person) was able to patch into part of the meeting by phone, during which time consultant Richard Haworth appeared before the commission, acting as agent for the owners of lots two through nine, giving a presentation on the application.

Haworth emphasized that, if the application succeeds, the public would still be able to access Lake Windermere (where Highway Drive meets the lake), and that

Later in the meeting commission members voted unanimously not to support the application. e Pioneer was not able to listen to that discussion, but RDEK planning supervisor Karen McLeod (who was at the meeting as an RDEK staff member) explained to the Pioneer that concerns raised by commission members in the discussion included the transfer of publicly held land to private land owners, inconsistency between lake access requirements at the time of subdivision and current requirements under the Land Title Act, ensuring lake access to all lake users, and the adequacy of current lake access opportunities in the surrounding area on the lake.

Commission member Hermann Mauthner explained his opposition to the application to the Pioneer after the meeting. “It’s a public place, it should remain a public place, and it should be managed in the interest of the public,” he said.

“ e population of the Columbia Valley is growing, and there are fewer and fewer spots these days where the public has access to the lake. We need more access to the lake, not less.”

It doesn’t matter if lake access is ‘good’ or not, what matters is that there is too little of it overall, he added.

“It’s (the potential disposition and sale of the boulevard) kind of been kept quiet,” said Mauthner, adding he understands that it’s probably easiest for MOTI to sell the land rather than keep fighting the considerable encroachment on the boulevard, “but that’s not what’s best for the public.”

Mauthner said that selling the land to near-lakefront property owners in Calberley Beach after they’ve encroached so significantly onto it is some ways akin to letting someone keep something they’ve stolen.

e Area F and Area G Advisory Planning Commission wants to keep access to Calberley Beach totally public.

Photo by James Rose

“It’s a public place, it should remain a public place, and it should be managed in the interest of the public.”

APC member Hermann Mauthner

*Salmon Chief and Shuswap Band Councillor Mark Thomas & his team who picked up and prepared the salmon for the sharing of the meal

Truth & ReconCiliation Day September 30, 2023 School hosts activities to honour T&R

By Julia Magsombol Local Journalism Initiative julia@columbiavalleypioneer.com

ey say that children are the future, as they will be the leaders of tomorrow, and so they must be educated right — that’s what Katie Niddrie, a teacher at Windermere Elementary School (WES) believes.

“Our goal always is for students in schools to feel like they belong there. And I know that wasn’t always the case historically for many Indigenous people. And so, at Windermere, we work hard to create a

sense of belonging for all the students,” Niddrie said.

e school has prepared some activities for children to honour National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Sept. 30).

On Sept. 28, WES and its students and teachers will have a field trip to Columbia Lake/Spirit Trail. Here, they will participate in some learning outdoors and reflect on the land. Niddrie added they will discuss Orange Shirt Day and the definition of reconciliation.

“Our guiding questions will be “How do we connect to the land?” How can we honour the history and stories of the land

we live on?” Each class will spend time outdoors for the day doing activities and reflections appropriate for each grade level,” she added.

Another activity will be on Sept. 29, when WES will have a school assembly with Chief Donald Sam from the ?Akisq’nuk First Nation. He will speak to the children about what reconciliation means to him.

Niddrie enjoys planning these Indigenous activities at WES, as she is Metis, herself. She sees it as a way to honour her own family history and ancestry.

“I hope that people have empathy for all Indigenous people and that the students we work with truly understand how they have lived in the past and how to view the world through many lenses,” she said.

“And I think as educators, that’s always our goal, for the students to have empathy towards others, in terms of Or-

ange Shirt Day, residential schools and reconciliation, but not just now while we’re talking about it, all the time as they go throughout their life.”

rough these meaningful activities, Niddrie hopes for kids to learn about the history and culture of many Indigenous nations and for them to pass what they have learned on to future generations.

“I hope the children of today will help heal future generations. I hope every child, no matter their background, takes something away from the reflections and learning we do in school and talks about it at home with their own parents and family members, and that it doesn’t stop there. My wish is for every child to feel safe, loved, cared for, and honoured—Every Child Matters.”

For more information, visit: https:// wes.sd6.bc.ca/programs-supports/indigenous-education

Windermere Elementary School is hosting various activities to honour National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Truth & ReconCiliation Day September 30, 2023

Kim Beaudin reflects on life

Kim Beaudin, national vice-chief of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples sincerely hopes that National Day for Truth and Reconciliation truly resonates with all Canadians. File photo

By Julia Magsombol Local Journalism Initiative julia@columbiavalleypioneer.com

ey say that pain becomes less as time passes, but in other cases, it doesn’t — we just learn from it and manage to survive and look for tomorrow. is mirrors the life of Kim Beaudin, the national vice-chief of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP).

e member of the Michel Indian Band #474, Treaty 6 territory, speaks openly about his story and what “truth and reconciliation” means to him.

“We still have a lot of work to do to educate other Canadians. We have a lot of work to do regarding our people, regarding what it’s really about . . . the struggle,” he said.

He sincerely hopes that National Day for Truth and Reconciliation resonates with Canadians.

“Growing up, I didn’t know anything about this. ey didn’t teach you about the history, the contributions — how Indigenous Peoples were part of building this nation. None of that was talked about at all. It was never mentioned in any of the books or anything. Education is very important.”

In February 2023, CBC News wrote a story about Indigenous compulsory learning.

Students are glad they are finally learning about it and how this is an eye-opening experience for them, but some students also mentioned that they are “upset that [they’d] never been taught about residential schools before.”

For more information, read: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ edu-indigenous-compulsory-learning-1.6738509.

In the news article, one student said, “Hearing the complete opposite, like what it was like, hearing Indigenous voices of residential school survivors … I think it’s essential for all kids, especially our age, to learn that.”

Many of Beaudin’s family relations attended residential schools, including his grandfather. He doesn’t know the exact numbers of his family who attended the school, but he is still learning about them. However, whenever Beaudin asks about his grandfather’s story, he does not want to talk about it. Beaudin’s mother would also stop him from asking questions, and that’s why he only learned a little about his history.

“ ey move around a lot because they want to avoid the government. ey were concerned about the whole family being scooped up by government officials in Canada and taken away and dragged into residential schools. My grandpa learned a lot from that.”

Moving to a lot of places made it difficult for Beaudin to build friendships and learn about their land and history. Unfortunately, history repeated itself, and Saskatchewan government officials’ social services took his daughter away from him.

“She was taken away from me when I was 21 years old. e services took her and adopted her out.”

Beaudin finally understood his family and why they moved around.” We moved everywhere. It was crazy. And I didn’t understand why. Now, I know why.”

Beaudin was not in the drug scene and did not suffer any addictions when the government took his child. He also mentioned that he wasn’t drinking or smoking. He was trying to be the best father figure his

daughter could have.

“But I saw some of the notes (from social services), and when they took my kid away, there was only one reason . . . I was Indigenous.” at’s why Beaudin argued that in truth and reconciliation, people must know what Indigenous people went through in order to move forward. is is also one of the reasons why he’s doing a lot of things now as a vice chief of the CAP.

“I wanted to make sure that my kids had stability.”

He finally saw his daughter after she turned 18. A few years later, his daughter asked why it needed to happen. Everything is still so vivid for Beaudin.

“I don’t know if you ever do heal. You always have what could have been. …… you always think about how my life would have been different if she was around or how her life would have been different. You always think about that,” he says. “I remember it, just like yesterday, when they took her from me … just like yesterday.”

Beaudin also sympathizes with his daughter’s struggles. “I know her life wasn’t perfect because she was adopted out. She told me that she felt out of place a lot of times.”

Despite all of this, Beaudin happily shared that they both have closure on that and have a good relationship now. He’s excited because he will soon meet his granddaughter.

“It’s funny because my granddaughter, who is already 19 … she was the same age that I saw her mother for the first time,” he laughs.

Beaudin may not ever forget what happened but he is optimistic about the future and hopes to break the ongoing cycle of trauma and abuse among Indigenous Peoples.

Truth & ReconCiliation Day September 30, 2023

CBEEN prepares ‘Calls to Action’ plan

By Julia Magsombol Local Journalism Initiative julia@columbiavalleypioneer.com

On National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network (CBEEN) has prepared a list of 21 actions that people can take and is offering the “4 Seasons of Indigenous Learning” for the community.

“We hope that making this ongoing learning foundational to our work will help to reduce systemic racism and with it the trauma, hardship and inequality that it imposes on Indigenous people,” say CBEEN staff. “We also hope to help uplift and celebrate Indigenous Peoples, culture and communities.”

e list of actions that CBEEN offers are recommended by local Indigenous advisors and partners for people to understand, learn and take meaningful action on. One of these actions is to review the 94 Calls to Action by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

“ ese were also collected and curated by CBEEN staff through relationship building and learning that we have been

undertaking for several years,” the organization notes.

To see these 21 actions, go to: https://outdoorlearningstore.com/indigenous-learning-resources

On the other hand, the Seasons of Indigenous Learning has also been one of the available Indigenous Learning courses that CBEEN offers to the community.

In these courses, the history of things like colonialism and residential schools are taught to adults. Participants are provided with encouragement and resources to deepen their learning further.

ey have recently partnered with tkamnin’tik Children’s Truth and Reconciliation Society, based out of St. Eugene, to build the next year of learning, starting in Fall 2024. For more information about the course, visit https://outdoorlearningstore.com/4-seasons/

e CBEEN says that all of these learning experiences aim to acknowledge that the personal journey toward truth and reconciliation should be an ongoing one.

“ is initiative encourages educators to deepen their understanding of Indige-

e CBEEN is embarking on “Calls to Action” and “ 4 Seasons of Indigenous Learning.” Shown above is Jenna Jasek, District Vice-Principal of Indigenous Learning and Equity.

nous knowledge while strengthening connections with the local land,” staff added.

ey also note that reconciliation is not up to governments or corporations, but “everyone needs to be involved to make a better future for our whole community.”

“ e effects of colonialism, residential schools, and intergenerational trauma are with us in our community today, and it is up to all of us to help end the systemic racism that continues to be perpetuated, often unknowingly, in the Columbia Val-

ley and across Canada,”

CBEEN’s team has all engaged deeply in this kind of work, providing them meaningful employment in many ways.

“We hope that people in the Columbia Valley will be inspired and supported to develop deeper connections with this land and to become more connected and active stewards of this magnificent place we call home,” staff say.

For more information about CBEEN and their courses and learning, visit https://cbeen.ca/

Discussed & finalized on August 16, 2018 by the Ktunaxa Nation Tr aditional Knowledge & Langua

n i n i k u q a ⱡ w i y n a ⱡ a [this is what is in our hearts]

q a q a ʔ n i m a y a q a ⱡ i t k n a w a s k i [what they did to us is true]

q a p i ⱡ p a ⱡ n i n [say it all/tell the whole story]

m i k a y a q a ⱡ i t k n a w a s k i h u q a y a q a ⱡ q a ȼ a ⱡ a n i [despite what happened to us we made it through]

h u q a ⱡ w i n a ⱡ a n i k u ȼ s u k i ⱡ ʔ a q s ⱡ m a k n i k n a ⱡ a [we want a good life for ourselves]

h a w i ȼ k i n i n k ȼ m a k k y a m ȼ ȼ i n a k i n i n [hold the truth and go forward]

ȼ i n ⱡ q a q a

[so be it]

m a ʔ ȼ k u k t k i n i n ! [do not change this statement!]

Photo submitted

ge Advisor y Committee

Frogs symbolize wealth, abundance to Indigenous

By Julia Magsombol Local Journalism Initiative julia@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Many people don't like encountering frogs because, besides being sticky, most amphibians carry a lot of bacteria. But to many Indigenous communities they represent wealth.

Types of frogs in B.C.

One of the most common frogs in B.C. is the Boreal Chorus Frog. eir colours usually vary from green/gray to brown, and they have a dark stripe through their eye and a white strip along their upper lip. ey are also distinguished by having three dark stripes down their back. Most of them are under four centimetres long.

Another type of frog seen in B.C. is the Western Toad. ey are usually green or brown with a light stripe on their back. Similar to all the toads out there, they have dry and wart-like rough skin.

eir warts may be reddish sometimes. But what differentiates this toad from others is they have no cranial crests but only oval glands. eir bellies are pale

with dark mottling. ey are huge compared to the Boreal Chorus Frog, as an adult can be 12 centimetres high.

Another species is the Pacific Tree Frog. ey usually have rough skin or various colours and patterns. eir facial features are unique as they have a horizontal dark brown or black line across their face. ey have large toe pads which help them to climb and often have a dark triangle between their eyes. ey can reach up to five centimetres.

Food, habitat, and hibernation

As the types of frogs vary, so does their food. Tiny frogs usually eat insects such as flies, snails, and worms. Of course, from what we've seen in nature shows, they use their long tongues and sticky saliva to catch these insects.

Huge frogs, like toads, eat algae in the ponds near their habitat. ey consume plants as well as small insects.

As frogs and toads are all amphibians, they love wet and moist environments. Most adult frogs live in damp places near streams. But in spring, their mating season, they migrate to wetlands or ponds to lay their eggs.

As winter approaches, most frogs hibernate. ey usually hibernate in water, similar to turtles. Some of them hibernate in burrows that are more than 50 centimetres deep, helping them to avoid the cold.

Frogs in Indigenous communities e appearance of frogs may be ugly or negative (as most fairytales or movies depict), they are among the most significant animals in Indgenous communities. Many native cultures believe that they prevent loss and represent gain. ey are also honoured because they are the keepers of the sacred seasons. e Haida people in B.C. believe that frogs are usu-

ally shown on house posts because they help to keep the house from falling over.

In First Nations culture, they symbolize wealth and abundance. Usually, when frogs are shown in Indigenous arts with their tongue touching another creature, it shows the sharing of knowledge and power.

In Coast Salish, Indgenous Peoples from southern B.C. believe that frogs are communicators as they can travel between land and water, as well as the supernatural worlds. With this, they are often connected with magical powers that can cleanse evil spirits.

Getty Images

Truth & ReconCiliation Day September 30, 2023

Elkhorn Ranch claim bittersweet for band

By Julia Magsombol Local Journalism Initiative julia@columbiavalleypioneer.com

After 140 years, ?Akisq’nuk First Nation reached a settlement with Canada regarding the Elkhorn Ranch, 320 acres (129 hectares) of land in Windermere Creek.

e Pioneer spoke to ?Akisq’nuk First Nation’s Chief Donald Sam, and Lands, Resources and Infrastructure Director Lorne Shovar.

“ e land was used traditionally for various things: harvesting animals, getting water from a creek in the lake, and so on, additionally there were cabins and corrals that were occupied by ?Akisq’nuk members” said Shovar.

Chief Sam added, “ e Lands are not just the not just dirt you can hold in your hand, but it’s so much more. In our language we call it ?akxam’is q’api qapsins which means, really everything. We refer to it as all living things.” And it should demonstrate the lack of Comittment the Province and BC had in treating indigenous people with dignity and respect. ey allowed the theft of our homelands right up to the surveying of this Reserve in 1886. is speaks to the need of restoring the honor of the Crown According to the Government of Canada, this land should have been reserved for the band but was wrongfully granted to a settler in 1883.

Up until the 1951, it was illegal for First Nations to raise money to seek redress for land claims or hiring a

Shown here is ?Akisq’nuk First Nation Chief Donald Sam. File photo

lawyer. e initial land claim was submitted in 1994, and the government rejected it by 2011. In 2013, they filed a tribunal claim for a decision on the validity of its specific claim and compensation.

In 2017, an oral evidence hearing took place, where Elders from the ?Akisq’nuk shared with the tribunal how the dispute affected Kootenay people. Canada finally accepted the claim for negotiation.

A compensation deal for these losses was offered to the ?Akisq’nuk First Nation.

“For us it’s not just financial transaction from a parcel of land, but we were asked to accept money for lands we refer to as Mother Earth, to accept a monetary settle-

ment on behalf of our people who have passed on, for our people here today, and for pur future generations “ Chief Sam noted. We had to check in with our people through a referendum- a vote.

Although the band reached a settlement for the land, it doesn’t fully have control of it.

“We don’t get the lands back through the settlement, only a financial settlement. e province of BC and the federal government established that specific claims tribunal, but there is no way for them to process transferring the lands to us,” explained Chief Sam. “ e title or the ownership of the lands? We don’t get that.”

He also said they can look at other lands and add them to their reserve, but the Elkhorn Ranch is private property, meaning someone owns the property. ere is no other way for them to completely take possession of the land unless the owners decide to sell it to them or donation, and it would not be easy in the current pricing market. “Our religious and cultural values do not measure on a financial scale. We can not calculate the net present value the way you could with western values.” Shovar said they are getting an apology. “ ey admitted to some wrongdoing. And then they agreed to negotiate a settlement to that claim. at’s what happened in this case.”

With the loss of land, the Government of Canada compensated the ?Akisq’nuk First Nation $28 million — a massive amount of money. Continued on page 19

National Day for TRUTH and RECONCILIATION

-Doug Clovechok, MLA Columbia River-Revelstoke www.DougClovechok.ca

Today is about honour.

I honour the lost children I honour the survivors of residential schools I honour their families, and I honour their communities.

I recognize the intergenerational trauma that continues to impact F irst Nations, Inuit, and Métis families

I honour the knowledge that comes from facing the undeniable truth and by acknowledging it, the journey of reconciliation has begun

Truth & Reconciliation Day September 30, 2023

Settlement must include teaching: Chief

Continued from page 18

Chief Sam said they established a task force to check in with band members about how they should spend the money they received.

“We want to make sure that our people are safe. We also want to increase the quality of life, we long for prosperity for our people” said the Chief.

He added they want to invest the funds in a way that First Nations people wouldn’t just purchase physical things but instead foster trust and value in the community.

“We want to be strategic. What do we need? How can we convert those dollars back into some of those cultural or intrinsic values that are affected by injustices? We want an economy where our families can be gainfully employed, and from their wages, they can take care of their families. People can be here in the community supporting each other. We are looking out for a plan for the future before we spend the money,” Chief Sam explained.

It is important to note that the money the band received resulted from years of negotiations. e amount of the compensation primarily reflects the loss and value of the land.

“Did the government do enough? No, not really, because it is forcing us to change our world views into a strictly fi-

nancial transaction. I don’t think there’s a dollar figure that can do justice,” the Chief said.

“We’re always told just to get over it. But our stories and our songs and our everything is in our land. I don’t know if we’ll ever get over it. It’s impossible. ey were wrong. Pre-empting the lands (on Indigenous lands) out from under Indigenous people was wrong. Assuming all of Ktunaxa ?amak?is and killing e people that opposed but injustices are finally coming to light.”

As the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation approaches on Sept. 30, Shovar and Chief Sam explained that the land and the settlement must include teaching and learning the values and connections of Indigenous Peoples.

“In our communities, we still have a lot of disparities Health, incarceration, education, employment; when those start turning right, then we’ll start believing . . . that’s reconciliation, and we can’t forget that,” both explained.

ey admitted they could not easily teach the government to understand their values and connections. But they believe that if they could teach these to their nations and how significant these things are, it would make sense to most people who listen to their stories.

“I’m hoping that we’re empowering

community members to be able to speak their truth,” Chief Sam pointed out.

Shovar said they implemented these plans in ways that will help their community move forward into the future.

Chief Sam noted it’s important for ?Akisq’nuk First Nations people to learn their history.

“ e Elkhorn Ranch is the heart of a traditional territory. We will be challenged; it’s bound to happen. And so it’s important to know your history and where you come from, the perpetuation of who you are well into the future.”

Both Shovar and the Chief reminisce

about the old days on the ranch.

“I guess it brings me to closure; we were wronged over there, but now, with our kids grown up, they’ll recognize that there’s injustice. But they should not give up, and they should keep on fighting,” Chief Sam said.

For more information about the land claim, visit https://www.canada.ca/en/ crown-indigenous-relations-northern-affairs/news/2023/08/akisqnuk-first-nation-and-canada-reach-settlement-agreement-on-elkhorn-ranch-specific-claim. html

On September 30, SD6 will observe the Na onal Day for Truth and Reconcilia on. SD6 recognizes the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residen al schools. Although there is s ll so much work to con nue 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 ma ers.

PO Box 430 • Invermere, BC 250-342-9243 www.sd6.bc.ca

?Akisq’nuk First Nation Annual General Assembly, with Chief Sam second from right.

In advance of Orange Shir t Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, and Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Oc tober 9, we have compiled a list of ac tions recommended by Indigenous advisors and par tners as a way for you to deepen your understanding and under take meaningful ac tion.

1. Reflec t on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

It establishes a universal framework of minimum standards for the sur vival, dignity and well-being of the indigenous peoples of the world and it elaborates on existing human rights standards and fundamental freedoms as they apply to the specific situation of Indigenous peoples

2. Reflec t on the Calls to Ac tion by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission

In order to redress the legac y of residential schools and advance the process of reconciliation, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission has made these calls to ac tion

3. Engage in the Truth and Reconciliation Educational Programs for Reconciliation Week offered by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

4. Read the stor y behind Orange Shir t Day

September 30th has been declared Orange Shir t Day annually, in recognition of the harm the residential school system did to children’s sense of self- esteem and well being, and as an affirmation of our commitment to ensure that ever yone around us matters

5. Raise an Ever y Child Matters Flag

Each flag comes with your own copy of the Calls to Ac tion by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission that you can read and share, and $15 from each flag is direc ted equally between the Orange Shir t Society, The Legac y O f Hope Foundation and the Residential School Sur vivors Society

6. Par ticipate in the 4 Seasons of Indigenous Learning initiative

We offer this as an acknowledgement that authentically under taking a personal learning journey towards Truth and Reconciliation takes more than just a day or month each year, but should be across all four seasons

7. Register for Classrooms to Communities

Connec ting to Land through Indigenous Learning –

Join educators and other leaders from across Tur tle Island to connec t ourselves to the land through learning and Indigenous perspec tives

8. Register for Connec ting Children to Nature through Indigenous Teachings

Join Indigenous Author Launa as she shares about Hear tbeat of the Ear th – a Handbook on Connec ting Children to Nature through Indigenous Teachings.

9. Order Indigenous Learning Resources

Written, created and curated by Indigenous authors, ar tists and educators, these resources are excellent for deepening your knowledge and understanding.

10 Listen in to the Ear thy Chats Podcast featuring Indigenous Educators (Episodes 3, 5, 6, 12, 14)

11. Watch Residential School Sur vivor Stories

These are offered by the Legac y of Hope Foundation which is one of the organizations we are suppor ting through the sale of our Ever y Child Matters flag It is by sharing and learning about these truths that we can all continue to work toward understanding and healing

12. Read The Impor tance of Indigenous Perspec tives in Children’s Environ mental Inquir y

This resource suppor ts a stronger basic awareness of Indigenous perspec tives and their impor tance to environmental education To learn more, tune into our vir tual workshop recording with Natural Curiosity

13. Enhance your learning of local Indigenous languages

First Voices is an online space for Indigenous communities to share and promote language, oral culture and linguistic histor y

14. Read Braiding Sweetgrass

In this best selling book , celebrated author Robin Wall Kimmerer circles toward a central argument: that the awakening of ecological consciousness requires the acknowledgment and celebration of our reciprocal relationship with the rest of the living world We now also have Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults available

15. Order Books for Students that share Indigenous culture and knowledge, such as Sila and the Land and The Hear t of a River for Elementar y Students, and for Secondar y Students, Groun dswell: Indigenous Knowledge and a Call to Action for Climate Change

16. Read the Raven Ac tivity Guide

On pages 12-15 there are ac tions that people can take to be an ally

17. Read the Final Repor t of the National Inquir y into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

The National Inquir y ’s Final Repor t reveals that persistent and deliberate human and Indigenous rights violations and abuses are the root cause behind the staggering rates of violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA people

18. Par ticipate in Della’s Stor y Online Escape Room created by the Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth (USAY )

19. Learn about the Witness Blanket

This contains over 800 items gathered from sites and Sur vivors of Indian residential schools so future generations can continue bearing witness to its presentation of the genocide committed against the original peoples of this land

20. Learn more about the local land

Access Indigenous resources such as the Pacific Nor thwest Plant Cards, syilx plants & animals guide or the Ktunaxa Ethnobotany Handbook to deepen your connec tion to place

21. Learn Locally

Take each and ever y week to deepen your knowledge of the Indigenous peoples of your area

https://outdoorlearningstore.com/indigenous-learning-resources/

Museum’s colourful past

Curator’s Corner

By J.D. Jeffery Museum Curator

In 1956 an historical committee was created as part of the Board of Trade, now known as the Chamber of Commerce. After separating and becoming their own society, e Windermere District Historical Society acquired a building and located it at Pothole Park. With the first building, the Historical Society became known as Lake Windermere District Historical Society Museum. By the time the museum officially opened a year later, the name had changed to Windermere Valley Pioneer Museum.

In June 1965 a visitor’s book was presented to the society by Capt. James and Miss Jeanette Ogilvie-Wills to record all the visitors touring the new museum building. It was covered in white buckskin and decorated with beadwork done by Mrs. Mary Jimmy of the Columbia Lake Band.

On the first page were three signatures of prominent people in the valley. e first signature was Martin Morigeau, chief of the Columbia Lake Band and grandson of Baptiste Morigeau; Baptiste was a prominent settler in the valley. e second signature was Mary Morigeau, wife of Martin, and was age 86 at the time. She was the last Indigenous lady to

sign her name with a cross. e last signature was Mrs. Louis Arbel, at the age of 93. She was the wife of late Louis Arbel who was the last of the Columbia Lake Band chiefs that were elected for life.

For the next five years the museum grew with artifacts and it was open to visitors two days a week for only two to three hours. By 1970 the Pioneer Cabin was getting crowded and the society knew they needed more space.

A member of the society was watching out for buildings in the community to see what may be available for the society to acquire. In October 1969 that member reached out to the CPR to try and secure the train station. By June 1970, a reply was received informing the board that even though the building was not being used for freight deliveries and passenger cars stopped coming through in 1965, the building was still being used as a train order office.

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

THANK YOU

The Columbia Valley Classic Car Club would like to thank the following businesses who were not included in our first round of appreciation:

A&W Restaurant, Invermere

Lido Motel

AG Valley Foods

Local View Printing & Design Inc

All Cool Ride Appraisals

Lordco Auto Parts, Invermere

Apple Tree Inn

MaxWell Rockies Realty

Arrowhead Brewing Co.

MGM Industries

Avenue Modern Clothing

Mountain Springs Motel

Donna’s Glass Art

Shawn Murray

Edgewater Hilltop Par 3 Golf

Shenanigans

Electric Wizard Tattoos

Smokehouse 93 BBQ

Elemental Cycle

Sobey’s, Invermere

Fairmont Goldsmith, Invermere

Spur Valley Golf Resort

Fairmont Pizza

Steamboat Mountain Music Festival

These businesses supported our car show and we hope that everyone supports them.

Thank you to all the attendees. See you at our car show next year on September 20/21, 2024!

Carpets

P IONEER C LASSIFIEDS

• Phone: 250-341-6299

• Email: info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

• Web: www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

HELP WANTED ANNOUNCEMENT

AT TENTION

ASPIRING MUSICIANS

from Parson to Canal Flats

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

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

Deadline: November 15

Download application: w w w.steamboatmtnmusic fest.c a

Happy 65th Birthday to our Matriarch

Cherrie Burke!

CHEERS WITHOUT TEARS ANNOUNCEMENT

FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER

Permanent Par t-Time Position

Hours: Up to 21 hours per week

Salar y: $28 32 per hour

Shift Schedule: Flexible days, evenings and weekends, as required

Func tional Responsibilities

CHEERS WITHOUT TEARS BUSINESS SERVICES

Provide a program of suppor t, information and referrals to help strengthen the family unit, and to help resolve identified issues that are placing children at risk , in accordance with the agenc y ’s contrac t with the Ministr y for Children and Families Referrals from the M inistr y for Children and Families are to be given first priority

Operating Responsibilities

1 Suppor t and information ser vices

• Meet with family members in their home, watching the interac tions and dynamics of the family unit, and providing prac tical suppor t

• Develop a plan to help the family set and achieve realistic goals which have been identified as impor tant to improve family func tioning This will often require research and preparation work on the par t of the family suppor t worker

• Assist the family to draw upon its own strengths to help resolve issues and identified risks

• Be flexible in scheduling appointments, in order to meet the needs of families in crises

2 Referral ser vices

• Contribute to assessing family needs and helping to match those needs with existing community resources which can provide additional suppor t

3. Repor ting

• Advise the social worker of any significant family issues, as soon as possible, i e , domestic disputes, child abuse, severe parent- child conflic t, etc

• Submit monthly narrative repor ts on each family

• Submit monthly statistical repor ts on job func tions

Love Rick, Molly & Rusty, Richie & Ang, Topher, Amanda & Marnie, Eli, and Brody

Accountability

Family suppor t workers are accountable to the Direc tor of Program Management and in her absence the Executive Direc tor They receive clinical super vision determined by the Family D ynamix management team

Qualifications

One year of post-secondar y education in a human ser vices discipline plus two years of relevant job experience, or two years of post-secondar y education in a human ser vices discipline plus one year of relevant job experience O ther appropriate combinations of education and experience may be considered

Application process: Submit a resume and cover letter to Ute Juras, Direc tor of Program Management, Family D ynamix Association at ujuras@fdx family, or Box 2289, Invermere, BC , V0A 1K0, by Oc tober 9, 2023 at 4pm

CROSS ROADS

MARKET

Crossroads Market Now Hiring!

Oppor tunities for all positions & all shif ts!

Morning, Afternoon & Evening shifts available for Cashier & Deli Depar tment positions

Above average wages & full benefit pack age Both full and par t-time positions available High season bonus pack ages, and we can schedule around your current employment

Call 778-526-5085 or email resume to kgtltd2020@gmail.com

EQUIPMENT OPER ATORS I S H I R I N G

WINTER SHIFT WORK

Rate of pay as per collec tive agreement Class 3, Class 1 aimroadshr.ca@acciona.com

Von Niessen, Dorothy “Dot”May

May 5, 1927 - September 8th, 2023

On September 8th, 2023, Dorothy “Dot” May Von Niessen 96, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the Invermere District Hospital She was born May 5, 1927 in High River Alberta and later moved to Vancouver as a small child She loved to play the guitar and sing (and yodel) and would sing in the choir at her father’s church She was a talented artist with drawing and later in life creating dolls and beautiful needlework pictures

Dorothy settled in the valley in 1960 with h er husband Fred and in 1961, they opened the first drive-in restaurant in the valley known as the Lake Windermere Drive-in (the Cree Mee) in Athalmer which they ran for 10 years Dot continued with her love of music and sang in the Invermere choir. She was an avid bowler and continued her bowling into her ‘90’s She enriched the community by being a member of the Village Arts for 11 years

Dot was a devoted wife and mother and her family always came first She was always there to support them in all aspects of life Dorothy is predeceased by her husband Fred, brother Stan and sister B elle She is sur vived by her sisters Ruth and Marlene, 3 children; Mark (Kara), Brent and Christy-Anna (Scott) as well as 8 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren

No ser vice will be held as per Dorothy’s wishes

“Mother, you left us beautiful memories, your love is still our guide, although we cannot see you, you ’ re always at our side ”

July 20, 1936 - September 11, 2023

With sadness the daughters of Joe Rose announce his passing on September 11th, 2023 at the age of 87. Joe passed peacefully at Sunpointe Village in Kelowna, BC

Joe was born on July 20th, 1936 in Bermondsey, England He immigrated from England to Canada in 1967 with his young family, landing in Calgary where he practiced architecture for many years and made tremendous friendships in the architectural community as well as in the Masonic Temple and the Al Azhar Shriners Mounted Patrol. Joe lived and worked for a brief time in Toronto and leaves behind an architectural legacy both there and in Calgary, which includes several Calgary Fire Dept buildings

Joe retired to Invermere, BC and lived there for 20 years He loved the valley deeply and spent most of his time outdoors working in his garden or enjoying archery with friends.

Joe is predeceased by his mother Catherine, his father Joe Rose Sr , and his brother in law, Mervyn Wood He is survived by his daughters Kirsten (Patrick), Lindsey (David), his sister Sylvia Wood, his niece Caron (Ed), nephews Nick (Sue) and David as well as many nieces and nephews

A private family celebration of life will be held in Invermere, BC, a place that Joe loved

The family is deeply grateful to all of the Sunpointe Village staff and especially those in the Belgo and Ellison units who cared so much for Joe in his last years as well as the wonderful community of Invermere who looked out for him before he moved to Kelowna.

Joseph William Rose

D onna May Balc ers

September 30, 1943 – August 20, 2023

A dearly beloved wife, mother and grandmother passed away on August 20th, 2023 Donna’s passing interrupted a love stor y which began when she met John, a journalist, in 1965 Their marriage in 1967 led to a solemn bond of romantic love which was mutually adored and unbreakable They spent their 56 years of marriage in total submission and trust in each other

Donna was a faithful, supportive, enchanting wife and a dedicated, warm and caring mother She loved being a mother to Sco tt and Marni She was a confidant when times were tr ying, an energetic companion on the ski hills or water skis and a helping hand with homework or life skills She enjoyed seeing her children grow and become themselves She knew when to let them go and welcomed them back when careers were finally planned. She provided an attentive ear to their concerns, gave guidance and hugs and motorbikes to teenagers to explore the countr y she loved She was eager to be a part of their lives She w as not the typical mother or grandmother – not the milk and cookies or bake sale type She wanted to be active and do things with her kids Donna treasured her grandchildren, was present at their births and furnished and decorated their bedrooms Her greatest regret was that Edmonton was more than six hours away to watch them blossom

Donna loved life and filled it with beauty Her surroundings were full with colour and life She loved her home and decorated it with her own unique t aste – walls filled with paintings and hangings and furnishings and tables topped with prized collections It was homey and welcoming and always tidy Animal figurines throughout the house – including a Noah’s ark – spoke of the wilderness that was a part of her She was a beautiful lady, her modesty making her unaware of the interest she created in others. Donna had her own unique fashion sense and impeccable style by setting a trend rather than following one. She turned heads wi th her eye for fashion but was largely unaware of the attention it drew – she simply wanted to look good! She presented a glamorous figure and enjoyed doing her make-up daily – even if only to go out and weed a flowerbed

Donna was flamboyant in her own ladylike way She was fun and enthusiastic about life and liked people but was too shy to be outgoing She liked individual conversations but was absolutely terrified at the thought of ever having to speak in public

Donna had a wonderful s ense of humour It was childlike, silly and innocent She laughed at physical comedy and would tr y to repeat jokes she had heard but invariably launched them with the punchline not the premise

Donna was a force of a woman – confident in her knowledge, experiences and beliefs She would call a spade a spade and stand up fiercely for her family and friends

She was a true friend. Donna loved and was loved. She had lifelong friends she cherished and followed their lives with interest. She wanted a house large enough so her friends could stay with her not only for visits but also holidays. She loved to entertain her friends and host dinner parties and social get-togethers. Her special occasions ranged from formal sit-down dining room dinners with cr ystal glassware and bone china to barbeques complete with drinks and stuffed potatoes.

Donna especially loved Christmas It was a two-month celebration marked by decorating eight multi-sized and themed Chri stmas trees and an avalanche of prized collections of seasonal ornaments and displays

Donna led an active life: had season’s ski passes to Panorama, water skied Columbia Lake and enjoyed synchronized swimming in Calgar y She had a wide range of interests She loved to read, play cards, work with ceramics, watch Star Trek and cuddle her Bichons She and John loved to dance Countr y rock and waltzes always drew them to dance floors they seldom left

Donna was born in Turner Vall ey, Alberta, and her early life was spent following her father around the province in pursuit of the newly-discovered oil boom She attended high school in Edmonton and upon graduation joined the oil industr y career path An early-life diagnosis of multiple sclerosis forced her to abandon a business career After the birth of her children, she devoted the rest of her life to her husband, family and friends It was Donna’s love of the mountains and lakeside lifestyle which prompted the decision to buy property near Fairmont Hot Springs and spend the next 25 years building their dream home while still working in Calgar y

Upon John’s retirement in 2000, the couple took their first warm-weather winter holiday, relocated fulltime to Fairmont and fell in love with travel, whether roaming the countr y in a motorhome or sightseeing on ocean and river cruises In more recent years, Donna especially enjoyed a quiet home life, holding hands, sharing a rum and coke on the deck over-looking the mountains, lake and flowers

An aggressive dementia in the last months of her life robbed her of her vitality but thankfully she was not fully aware of her situation

Donna was predeceased by her mother Agnes Coley, her father Don MacCalder, step-father Ed Coley and sister-in-law Dzintra Meyer (Lloyd) Family members missing her include her husband John, daughter Marni (Len), son Scott (Melodie), grandchildren Makayla, Katrina and Ju stin, brother Gordon MacCalder (Brenda), and brother-in-law Aldis Balcers (Gail) Missing their aunt are Carmen and Ross, Shawna and Andrea, and Carrie and Kevin Cousin and bridesmaid Linda will remember her fondly

With the passing of Donna, the world lost a special person, unknown by most but treasured by those who did.

She will be laid to rest in Fairmont Hot Springs Cemeter y in May 2024, with the placing of a headstone she will share with her husband

CAROLYN GERTRUDE HUYGHE

November 27,1947 – September 17,2023

Our beautiful sister Carol left this world with her loving family by her side Carol grew up in Winnipeg the oldest of 5 children. Carol was predeceased by her sister Judy (Al), and is sur vived by her sisters Jenny Paul ( JJ), B etty Newton ( John), and brother Tom Huyghe (Susan), and a huge family of 9 nephews and their extended families. We were lucky to all be together with her last summer for a family reunion After moving to Invermere, Columbia House has been Carol’s home for the last 13 years She was the first contributor to the Healing Gardens at Columbia House where she has a bench for us to sit and remember her. Words cannot express our thanks to the Columbia House Family for the care she has received in her last years and making them some of her best. Sometimes it is the little things people do that have the biggest impact.

Carol, may you be at ease, light, happy and peaceful and know you were loved by many In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Columbia House Enhancement Society, B ox 963, Invermere, B C, V0A 1K0 in Carols name

Ugly Pants time

By Columbia Valley Pioneer staff

It’s time to get ugly once again – the Ugly Pants Classic golf tournament is back.

e popular Recreation Adapted Society (RAD) fundraiser returns for its fifth edition this coming Saturday, Sept. 30.

e event helps raise money for the RAD Society to purchase outdoor recreation equipment for those with mobility challenges and lets participants wear the wildest pair of pantaloons they have in their closet.

is year’s Ugly Pants Classic is being held at e Ridge Course at Copper Point Golf Course and will begin with a 13-hole shotgun start at 2:30 p.m., followed by a buffet dinner at 6:30 p.m. with a silent auction, prizes and live music from Oso Simple.

Golfer registration is $89, or dinner only is $33. ere are sponsorship opportunities too – sponsor a hole for $500. Register at Copper Point or online through Eventbrite.

For more info visit www.radsociety.ca

BEY ND THE BLUE LINE

Rockies o to good start

By Stephanie Stevens

In the words of Columbia Valley Rockies Director of Player Personnel Scott Dubielewicz, it was a “nice way to start the season.”

e Rockies’ first game of the 2023/24 season against the Spokane Braves was a 7-0 shutout at the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena on Friday, Sept. 22.

Head coach Taylor Sincennes echoed Dubielewicz’s sentiments, adding he was glad to see the team paying attention to detail with strong game play across the entire team.

“ ere were seven goals and seven different goal scorers … you don’t see that often,” Sincennes said. “I was really impressed with (goalie) Jaiden Jakubowski. He is only 18, it was his first game in the KIJHL and he shut the door.”

e fast-paced game saw goals from #25 Tyson Sandhu (assist from #26 Justin King), #11 Wyatt Wurtz (assists from #16 Gage Sather and #19 Johnny Lozeman) and #8 Teo Fath (unassisted) in the first period.

e second period saw King find the net assisted by #24 Luke Hamilton and #9 Carter Velker.

ree more goals in the third period were courtesy of #22 Kobe Mason (assist from Fath), #6 Ellis Mcgeough (assist from Mason) and Sather (assists from #12 Kaelen Shelton and #23 Kaelen Bodnarchuk).

Saturday’s home game against the Princeton Posse started out a little slower with Sincennes saying the team was caught “a little off guard” to start.

“Princeton is a little stronger team (than Spokane), but we had some really good goaltending and the team got back on track quickly,” he said.

Player #30 Nate Glenn saved 40 of 42 shots on goal and the 7-2 Rockies victory saw another impressive spread of scorers.

First period scoring was Mason (assists from Velker and #18, Maxence Guay). Second period scoring saw #14, Tysin Mulligan (assists from #7 Mason Hastings and Hamilton), Sather (unassisted), Fath (assists from Velker and Hamilton) and Guay (assists from Mason and Velker). e third person saw #13 Josh David put in two, assisted first by King and then #29 Carter Krause and Mulligan.

Sincennes said he was impressed by the team’s effort.

“ ey made some mistakes early on, but they righted the ship and saved the game,” he said. “ e weekend was an exciting start to the season.”

e Rockies’ next five games are away, Sept. 29 seeing them in Castlegar, Sept. 30 in Grand Forks, Oct. 1 in Spokane, Oct. 6 in Revelstoke and Oct. 7 in Golden.

e next home game is Friday, Oct. 13 with the Kimberley Dynamiters.

THE INVERMERE DISTRIC T CURLING CLUB SOCIETY

7:00 PM Thursday, Oc tober 12, 2023

Invermere Distric t Curling Centre 509 - 13 Street, Invermere

All current members as well as persons considering joining the Curling Club are welcome to attend

Fur ther info: curlinginvermere.ca Email: invermerecurling@shaw.ca

For league information and registration: https://clubs.curling.io/en/clubs/440-invermere - distric t- cc

ADJUSTED OPENING HOURS

UNTIL FUR THER NOTICE:

MONDAY CLOSED

TUESDAY 8.00AM TO 4.00PM

WEDNESDAY 8.00AM TO 4.00PM

THURSDAY 8.00AM TO 4.00PM

FRIDAY 8.00AM TO 4.00PM

SATURDAY 8.00AM TO 4.00PM

SUNDAY CLOSED

Sorry for any inconvenience

NOTICE OF PROPOSED ZONING AMENDMENT

Notice is hereby given that the Council of the Village of Radium Hot Springs is considering amendments to its Zoning Bylaw No 480, 2022

BYLAW NO 498, 2023 ZONING AMENDMENT

Change the Zoning from R-3 (Multiple Unit Residential Three Zone) to CD-1 (Comprehensive Development One Zone – Ridge Road) and add CD-1 Comprehensive Development One Zone – Ridge Road

ADDRESS OF PROPERT Y:

• 4830 Ridge Road, Lot 6, District Lot 486, Kootenay District Plan NEP77300 PID: 026-173-000

• 4820 Ridge Road, Lot 7, District Lot 486, Kootenay District Plan NEP77300 PID: 026-173-018

A PUBLIC HEARING on the proposed Zoning Amendment Bylaw No 498, 2023 will be held:

October 10th, 2023 at 3:30pm

Council Chambers, 4836 Radium Blvd., Radium Hot Springs, BC V0A 1M0

And Vir tually via Zoom

Join Zoom Meeting - https://zoom.us/ Meeting ID: 882 123 4110

Passcode: Radium

All persons who believe that their interest in proper ty is affected by the proposed bylaws may submit written presentations to the Village of Radium Hot Springs, PO Box 340, Radium Hot Springs, BC, V0A 1M0 or Fax: 250-347-9068 or email: village@radiumhotsprings ca prior to the date and time of the hearing Persons may also present written and/or verbal submissions at the public hearing Submissions will not be received after the public hearing has been adjourned

The full bylaw may be inspected on the Village Website: w w w.radiumhotsprings.ca

For fur ther information, contact 250-347-6455

Adrian Bergles

Chief Administrative Officer

e Columbia Valley Rockies shut out the Spokane Braves 7-0 at Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena on Friday, Sept. 22.

Photo by Stephanie Stevens

College hosts exchange

Columbia Valley Churches

LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH

While you are with us, you are always welcome to join us Sunday at 10:30 am 326 10th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-9535 | www lwac ca

WINDERMERE VALLEY

SHARED MINISTRY ANGLICAN-UNITED

Minister: Brent Woodard

Sundays at 10:30 am, in-person or on Zoom

For the Zoom link, please visit our website at wvsm ca 110 - 7th Ave in Invermere

VALLEY CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY

Sunday 10 a m Worship Service 4814 Highway Drive, Windermere 250-342-9511 | www.valleychristianonline.com

Teachers and instructors from Kenya’s Maasai Mara Technical and Vocational College on exchange in Canada gave a presentation last week for College of the Rockies (COTR) Hospitality Management program students in Invermere. e lively presentation got everybody (presenters, students and most COTR staff) up and moving as they danced to a Samburu song.

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

e Invermere campus of College of the Rockies (COTR) played host to a great cultural exchange last week.

A group of college teachers from Kenya’s Maasai Mara region were in the Columbia Valley as part of an exchange program between College of the Rockies, Ontario-based Georgian College and Maasai Mara Technical and Vocational College in Kenya.

A total of four teachers and instructors from Kenya — Simon Musunkui, Kevin Shukuru, Rahab Nyambura, and Derrick Kabaya — arrived in the East Kootenay early last week. By Friday, Sept. 22 the group was in Invermere, where they gave a presentation to students in the local hospitality management program.

e Kenyan visitors began the presentation in lively style, by dancing to a song by Samburu musician Laiso Boy. With infectious enthusiasm, the Kenyan teachers soon had literally all of the local hospitality students (and most of the COTR staff present) up at the front of the room joining in the dance.

Cranbrook-based COTR international program and

Photos by Steve Hubrecht

partnerships manager Kerry Brinkert told the Pioneer that this exchange was part of a three-year partnership in which COTR and Georgian College have been helping Maasai Mara Technical and Vocational College develop a new program called ‘Tour Guide’.

e partnership is now in its second year, and the first Kenyan students began in the ‘Tour Guide’ program at Maasai Mara this September. ere have been several exchanges already in which COTR or Georgian College staff went to Kenya. is is the first to have Kenyan Maasai Mara staff come to Canada.

“It’s been great,” said Brinkert. “ e purpose is for the teachers and instructors from Kenya to come see how tourism and tourism training works in our region . . . it’s been very interesting. Our education system is in many ways very different from the Kenyan system, so there’s a lot of opportunity for both sides to learn from each other.”

By the time this issue of the Pioneer hits newsstands the Kenyan teachers and instructors will be in Ontario where they will spend several days at Georgian College and surrounding area, learning about the tourism industry and about tourism training there, before heading back home.

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

St. Anthony’s, Canal Flats: Saturday, 4 pm

Canadian Martyrs’, Invermere: Saturday 5 pm, Sunday 9 am St. Joseph’s, Radium: Sunday 11 am

Father Francis Dela Cruz | 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 #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 , Thursday 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