June 15 - 2023

Indigenous PEOPLES DAY

THIS WEEK

LOGGERS PEN LETTER

A letter by a number of Nicola Valley Logging Contractors, addressed to Minister of Forests Bruce Ralston, seeks clarity on local forestry issues.

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NEW FARM FUNDING

NVIT’s Class of 2023 grads are escorted to their graduation ceremony by faculty, staff, Elders, and community members.

Story/Page 17

The province recently announced new funding to help farms and ranches become more resilient to the floods, fires, and extreme heat seen in recent years.

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INDIGENOUS FEATURE

A special feature supported by the community including stories on Indigenous artists, veterans, culture, and events. June 21 is Indigenous Peoples Day.

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ALL CANADIAN FINAL /PAGE 31

A local motorcycle drag racer is having a successful season so far, with podium finishes at a number of recent events across Canada and North America.

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Local loggers pen letter to province

and permissions in regards to provincial forestry practices. The provincial government also sets an Allowable Annual Cut (AAC) for areas across the province, which determines the number of metres cubed of timber may be cut in the region per year. The AAC for Merritt’s forestry area is 1,200,000 m³, and those looking to harvest from that set amount must apply for cutting permits before falling trees.

cantly lower. A stumpage fee is a charge that businesses or individuals pay when they harvest timber from crown land, or publicly owned land, in B.C.

The letter was sent to Ralston’s office via email on June 9. The Herald has reached out to the contractors for comment.

Read the full text of the letter below:

Classifieds ------------33-35

logging contractors from the Nicola Valley have penned a letter to provincial Minister of Forests Bruce Ralston regarding the lack of permits issues in the Merritt Timber Supply Area. Photo/Herald File

A group of logging contractors from the Nicola Valley have penned a letter to the provincial government regarding concerns with the province’s cutting permit referral process and high stumpage fees, along with economic and environmental worries over wildfire affected timber being left unharvested.

The letter was sent to a number of local and provincial elected officials, and addressed to provincial Minister of Forestry, Bruce Ralston. The letter is from an unidentified group of local logging contractors who said they are requesting more clarity on timing for key issues like cutting permit issuance and responsible reforestation practices.

“An estimated $100,000,000 in logging machinery is sitting idle and therefore, approximately 350 direct employees are not receiving paycheques,” states the letter. “These are taxpaying citizens that are considering moving out of the province to keep their livelihood. As a group of concerned forest workers and citizens, we would like to have a timeline on permits that are going to be issued for local employment.”

British Columbia’s Forest & Range Practices Act, which regulates the cutting of trees on government-owned Crown land, sets out the process for obtaining permits

Both AP Group, the parent company of Aspen Planers, and mill union leadership have said the issue behind the Merritt mill’s recent closures is a lack of cutting permits being issued by the provincial Ministry of Forests due to concerns by local First Nations with the applications. The Ministry previously told the Herald that a vast majority of local permits, which are required to harvest logs in B.C., are issued within 45 days, and that it is working with both Aspen Planers and local First Nations to find ways to address First Nations’ concerns around sustainable forestry practices.

“Our group understands the major bottleneck is in getting the required referrals approved by First Nations,” added the letter. “Are these consultations between First Nations, licensees and government held at regular intervals? What can our group do to support the consultation process and how can it be monitored so things happen in a timely manner?”

The letter also raises concerns about the lack of harvesting in areas of the province recently burnt by wildfire, which they add could be detrimental to the environment. Millions of acres of timber sit burnt in B.C. following years of increasingly intense wildfire seasons, including the 2021 wildfire season that saw the Village of Lytton completely destroyed.

“These untouched burnt areas that haven’t been harvested and reforested create the opportunity for landslides, floods & other natural disasters comparable to 2021, with the potential to further destroy our area,” note the contractors. “Please advise us of the plan to address the reforestation of these burnt timber areas, in order to protect the future of our communities, industry, and province.”

The group of logging contactors also took issue with the province’s high stumpage fees, drawing comparison to neighbouring Alberta, whose stumpage fees are signifi-

We as a group of Nicola Valley Logging Contractors, community members, and business representatives met on May 31, 2023 to discuss many forest industry related issues. The majority of logging contractors have not worked since February 2023, with no foreseen work in the near future. This affects employees, local businesses & the basic way of life for many, as well as providing regular revenue to the Province of B.C and the First Nations Communities.

The group met to try to understand the timber permitting process and the barriers in the approval process. There have been very few permits issued in the Merritt Timber Supply Area in the last six months, which is causing great concern from a financial standpoint and the mental health of the employees affected. An estimated $100,000,000 in logging machinery is sitting idle and therefore, approximately 350 direct employees are not receiving paycheques. These are taxpaying citizens that are considering moving out of the province to keep their livelihood. As a group of concerned forest workers and citizens, we would like to have a timeline on permits that are going to be issued for local employment. We understand that the forest district is issuing permits after technical information and legal regulatory requirements have been met and submitted. Part of this documentation is the required consultation with local First Nations to ensure the decisions are not unjustifiably infringing on Indigenous rights. Our group understands the major bottleneck is in getting the required referrals approved by First Nations. Are these consultations between First Nations, licensees and government held at regu-

FISHING WITH DAD

Family Fishing Weekend will kick off the summer fishing season with events throughout the province, including a Father’s Day fishing derby at nearby Kentucky-Alleyne provincial park’s west pond. Lots of prizes to be won and fun to be had.

Search ‘FISHING’

A recent donation to the Nicola Valley Food Bank by the Evangelical Free Church’s youth group totalled more than $4000 in purchased food products. The food bank is seeing a spike in client numbers.

Search ‘DONATION’

A group of

Marius Auer NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Loggers to province : ‘we’re not looking for a miracle’

From Page 3

lar intervals? What can our group do to support the consultation process and how can it be monitored so things happen in a timely manner?

Another key issue is the high stumpage rates in the Province of B.C. High stumpage rates and low lumber markets have created a perfect storm, which has handcuffed licensees from moving forward with their business as usual. Our neighbor in Alberta is averaging at $4.00/meter stumpage rate, compared to British Columbia’s average of $65.00/meter. How are we to compete with that? Our fixed costs of logging are the same, if not more. As a concerned community, we need an alternate solution in short order, or all forest industry-based communities in the Province of B.C. and specifically the City of Merritt and the Nicola Valley will starve and die quickly! Rural B.C. will become ghost towns and this will ultimately affect urban areas of our province since revenues from stumpage and industry related taxes will not be part of the provincial budget, causing the government to cut services to both rural and urban areas. Please advise of what the Ministry plans to do regarding the stumpage situation. This issue has been on the books for a long time and thus far the Provincial Government has made no adjustments

or changes to keep the Province of B.C. competitive.

As you drive through our Thompson-Nicola region there are multiple areas, that equate to 3.9 million meters of burnt timber that could be harvested and are now rotting and falling to the ground. This could create a substantial amount of revenue for this community, First Nations and the province, but with the broken system we have nothing is being done. This is not only a financial issue, but a safety issue. These untouched burnt areas that haven’t been harvested and reforested create the opportunity for landslides, floods & other natural disasters comparable to 2021, with the potential to further destroy our area. Please advise us of the plan to address the reforestation of these burnt timber areas, in order to protect the future of our communities, industry, and province.

We aren’t looking for a miracle! We are willing to do whatever it takes and are prepared to work with all the governing bodies and First Nations to create a positive environment that works for everyone and keeps the Nicola Valley and the province moving forward. We look forward to your response to these matters as they are time sensitive.

The letter from the Nicola Valley Logging Contractors includes a number of asks, including a timeline on the approval of new cutting permits, which they say have been slowed due to the province’s referral proccess. Photo/Herald File

MERRITT BAPTIST: fathering the fathers in today’s world

role in the daily physical and emotional life of his children.

This new code of behaviour means the corporate warriors are supposed to go home to be with their children.

And mothers, while still keeping the home fires burning, also have to work outside the home for economic survival as well as advancing their own career.

them make the leap into fatherhood?

The most important resource for helping a man become a caregiving father is probably sitting right next to him in the pew.

Some pre-parenting support at the church and community level could help both the parents to prepare.

serves has altered, may call for adaptation of style and behaviour.

Taking the time to consider what we can do to help individuals meet new expectations will make our congregations a place of leadership in the community. Patterns help predict the future. The future includes men with their children.

The role of Canadian fathers in a family has seen colossal changes in the last 30 or so years.

In the past, fathers were considered ‘outsiders’ when babies were born. The man’s role was to chauffeur the expectant mother to the hospital, wait outside the delivery room, and pass out cheers when the doctor declared that mother and child were in the “all clear.”

Today when babies are born, fathers are expected to be in the delivery room to feel the release of emotion in the birth experience with the mother.

He has to experience the joy as well as the bawling on seeing the new life come into the world.

Being a parent today also means the dad playing an active

If men are competent to parent, what stops them from engaging in more family work?

While many men may want to be more involved, they have not been prepared for extensive roles in parenting either through family socialization or formal education.

In our post-industrialized culture, getting back to the involved father role involves an act of pioneering for most men.

Men must figure out how to balance breadwinner and nurturer roles and bring up the next generation with values that will serve the kids well.

This requires a leap not only in conscious attitudes and behaviours, but also the implicit gutlevel assumptions about what is appropriate for the children.

What does the church have to say to men today that will help

Changing behaviour by helping men realize the benefits to their own psychological health is a good first step for churches to take. Not only do men who are involved in day-to-day care of children reap real benefits, but their children are helped by male nurturing as well.

Benefits for the children of caregiving fathers are well documented.

Fathers provide a distinct model of male behaviour for children which is different from the mothers.

Children who have a caregiving father have advantages over those with traditional fathers.

Adjusting our perceptions to how families work does not necessarily mean altering church doctrine or Biblical theology.

However, discovering how the community which our church

That is good news for husbands, wives, and children.

Being relevant to busy couples who want to put family first means helping them move beyond the traditional role models of the 50s and move with the new needs of the family in the 21st century.

Having church leaders who are aware of the importance of men in childrearing will help in the understanding of new parents.

If the church updates the caricature of families past with the realities of families in the present, it will give the church the opportunity to continue influencing in the future.

Narayan Mitra is the Pastor of Merritt Baptist Church, 2499 Coutlee Avenue, Merritt, BC.

NARAYAN MITRA You Gotta Have FAITH

AUER: solving life’s dilemmas and taking some naps

last Wednesday’s draw. $1 and a free play later, I’m still dealing with a particularly challenging client situation, just with $30 less in my bank account (I bought two tickets). That got me thinking - when faced with a challenging situation, I turned to something that is a ridiculously long shot and I have no control over at all, despite knowing exactly what I could do to resolve the client dilemma.

I am dealing with a particularly challenging situation right now with one of my clients, so naturally, I bought a triple dip lotto ticket for

When I was in my twenties, I didn’t care whether I burned bridges. Now, I’m more into graceful goodbyes. Have I lost my passion? It’s not that I don’t care about anything, I just don’t care about everything anymore. And, 30 years

later, I have a few more responsibilities that keep me from premature bridge-burning. It really is a privilege to be able to quit. But maybe it’s also a privilege to be able to care only about a few select things, and leave the rest to someone else. Did you feel like you had to save the world and stand up for what’s right when you were young? Be in everyone’s face who set off your moral radar, trying to convince them to do the ‘right thing?’ Me too. Looking back it feels like that was just as effective as buying a lottery ticket; assuming what “the right thing” is for someone else just doesn’t work. You can only apply that rule to yourself, maybe to your

kids if they are young enough. It does not work on husbands, I can assure you.

What really works though to resolve challenging situations is taking a nap. My husband says it doesn’t count as a nap anymore when I crawl under the covers and sleep for two hours, but I disagree. I think as long as it’s outside of the hours of 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. it counts as a nap. And it’s amazing how it can change your perspective, I often wake up and know exactly what to do. I might need to take a few more naps to figure out what to do with my challenging client situation, and until then I can always buy another lotto ticket, right?

SIMARD: looking for answers to protect communities

With another wildfire, flooding and drought season upon us – one that is forecasted to be the same if not worse than last year for British Columbia and already causing a state of emergency in other parts of the country - it is abundantly clear that the province’s forests are in desperate need of nurturing and communities are gasping for change.

A recent Finding the Mother Tree: Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest Thompson Nicola Regional District (TNRD) library speaking tour was a profound reminder of what so many community members are eager to hear more about – how to protect their communities from further climate change and forest loss devastation.

Instead of wanting to hear more about the home-grown award-winning book and writing process, TNRD residents from libraries throughout the region

repeatedly asked questions about what they can do to ensure their communities can remain healthy and intact for generations to come.

Among the most vocal were Merritt citizens. From referencing the Mother Tree lessons being taught at the high school to asking about how the community can streamline their efforts when it comes to recycling building supplies, the group in attendance for the talk was deeply engaged. They came from all parts of the region, including nearby Indigenous communities who are already routinely engaging in healthy forests practices.

What community residents heard consistently was the time has come to spread a Mother Tree Network message and that is to mobilize together to advance forest policy change and economic innovation.

B.C. communities, particularly forest-dependent communities, are seeing the ongoing impact of climate change outside their front doors. Throughout

the TNRD and other parts of the province, they live with neighborhood reminders of what extreme climatic conditions can do to the natural landscape. Flood, drought and fire alerts are commonplace in these communities now. Not to mention talk of recovery efforts after natural disasters occur.

Through communities rallying together to call for nature-based solutions such as land stewardship being guided by First Nations and local communities or stronger policies being developed for protection of old and primary forests, voices will be heard. And government officials need that input to help guide them in developing policy that will reflect what a growing body of scientific evidence is already showing us – clearcut logging and fire-prone industrial plantations contribute to things like flood and landslide risks because those lost forests are no longer there to hold soil or sediment in place and channel precipitation underground. A growing body of

scientific evidence is even showing us that the biodiversity loss resulting from global deforestation is not only impacting plant species and animal population counts but also overall human health.

TNRD residents showed they don’t believe there is any time to waste when it comes to saving our planet. Through these library visits, they demonstrated an inherent understanding of the little time we have left to reconfigure our land management policies and practices.

It was mentioned throughout the tour, so worthy of mentioning again – conserving our forests is the fastest and most effective way to stabilize our climate, so let’s get even busier now and make sure we are doing it together.

UBC Faculty of Forestry professor Dr. Suzanne Simard is the author of Finding the Mother Tree: Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest and leads the Mother Tree Project and Network.

FromtheHerald archives: June, 1973

LOWER NICOLA PARADE

The Merritt Longhorns were in fine form Sunday afternoon when they took part in the annual Lower Nicola Fathers Day parade. Led by the majorettes, who in turn were led by two smart-looking RCMP officers in dress uniform, the band greatly added to the parade, for what is a parade without a band?

LETTERS POLICY

The Merritt Herald welcomes your letters, on any subject, addressed to the editor. Letters must be signed and include the writer’s name and address. Letters may be edited for length, taste and clarity. Please keep letters to 300 words or less. Email letters to: newsroom@ merrittherald. com.

Dr. Suzanne Simard CONTRIBUTED

Province expands farm climate funding

MERRITT

The provincial government announced in a recent press release that it is making new funding available to support farmers and ranchers become more resilient to flooding, wildfires, and extreme heat. The funding, called the Extreme Weather Preparedness for Agriculture program, made an appearance in 2022 as part of a pilot project, and will now be a permanent fixture to support B.C.’s agricultural sector.

“Climate change and extreme weather pose an array of challenges for people throughout British Columbia, including our farmers, ranchers and food producers,” said Pam Alexis, B.C.’s Minister of Agriculture and Food. “It is important that we support them with programs like this so they can be more resilient to the impacts of climate change and better protect their livelihoods, while ensuring we have a stable, sustainable food supply.”

Local farmers and ranchers certainly have had to deal with extreme weather over the past two years, starting with the heat dome in 2021, followed by wildfires and the 2021 flooding event that wiped out large sections of Highway 8. The Extreme Weather Preparedness for Agriculture program aims to provide funding to help prepare for such future climate events, which are only expected to increase in frequency.

Last year’s pilot project made funding available to the poultry, dairy, beef, tree fruit, and berry sectors with a focus on livestock and keeping it safe with proper barn cooling systems. This year’s funding of up to $2.5 million will include an expansion to B.C. licensed apiculture (beekeeping) and aquaculture producers, as well as federally licensed cannabis and hemp producers.

“More than ever, farmers need to be equipped to deal with the kind of extreme weather events that have devastated agricultural production in several regions of the province in recent years,” said Danielle Synotte, executive director of the BC Agriculture Council. “BC Agriculture Council has advocated for more support for industry in this area and is pleased to see this funding is already making a difference for the agriculture sector.”

Application for funding opened on Tuesday, May 23 and will remain open until June 24, 2023. Eligible applicants can access up to $35,000 cost-shared funding per project, and in addition to last year’s criteria, the following new categories have been added to the program:

- Exterior sprinkler protection for critical infrastructure;

- Flood-resilient apiary (bees) overwintering and equipment storage;

- Improved barn and indoor aquaculture cooling systems; and

- Innovative projects (farmers can propose new concepts for consideration).

Funding is available under three streams of intake - Flooding, Extreme Heat, and Wildfire - and to be eligible for the program, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

- Must be a B.C. Registered business and a primary production agricultural business

- Must be a taxable entity with GST and business number, or First Nation Band

- Must have their main farmstead in B.C. and file farm income tax

The Flood Preparedness Stream targets farms and ranches at risk of flooding and offers a cost-share of 30 to 80 percent, within the program maximum. Supported projects include

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Kerstin Auer MERRITTHERALD.COM

From Page 8

well protection, improved storage of fuel, and flood-resilient storage of farm products and feed. The Extreme Heat Preparedness Stream focuses on infrastructure and equipment upgrades for farms most vulnerable to extreme heat events.

Projects can include cooling systems and enhanced watering for livestock, as well as extreme heat protection for horticulture crops and outdoor livestock, all with a cost-share of 20 to 60 per-

cent. The Wildfire Preparedness Stream is offered by BC Wildfire Services and FireSmart. The prerequisite for this stream is an assessment by FireSmart before September 1, 2023 which will determine the eligibility for on-farm projects to address the recommendations of the assessment.

For more information and to access links to the application site, visit https://news.gov.bc.ca/ releases/2023AF0032-000785.

WELCOME TO OUR TEAM

MERRITT CENTENNIALS

EARLY BIRD SEASON TICKETS

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We a re exci ted to announce D r. Jae Cho w i l l be joi n i ng Cascade Fam i l y Denta l on Ju l y 17t h as a fu l l-t i me dent i s t.

D r Cho i s th r i l led to be joi n i ng the Me r r it t commun it y! Ra i sed i n Vancouve r, he at tended the Un ive r sit y of B r iti sh Col umbia w he re he ea r ned h i s Docto r of Denta l Med ici ne deg ree. Seei ng h i s patients sm i le b r i ngs h i m i mmense p r ide, and he a l ways st r ives to del ive r exceptiona l results. D r Cho’s t reatment ph i losophy revolves a round patientcente red ca re, w he re you r opi n ions and conce r ns a re a l ways va l ued and hea rd. You r comfo r t and wel l - bei ng a re h i s top p r io r ities. D r. Cho i s excited to wo r k a longside the wonde r ful team at Cascade Denta l to p rovide comp rehensive denta l ca re to the residents of Me r r it t and w i l l be accepti ng new patients.

I n D r Cho’s f ree ti me, you’l l of ten fi nd h i m on the golf cou r se, enjoy i ng the outdoo r s and refi n i ng h i s sk i l l s on the fa i r way. He a l so loves snowboa rd i ng, play i ng g uita r, and spend i ng qua l it y ti me w ith h i s bo rde r col l ie, Roy

A farm on Abbotsford’s Sumas Prairie is completely overwhelmed by flood waters in November 2021. Photo/Herald File

New return to work requirements set

Sparky at the station: StrongStart visits MFRD

New changes to the Workers Compensation Act (WCA) will better support injured worker to get back to work, or other suitable employment, according to a press release by the provincial government.

According to the release, effective January 1, 2024, an employer and injured worker will be required to co-operate with each other and with WorkSafeBC to ensure the worker can return to their pre-injury job, a comparable job or, where the worker is not fit to do their pre-injury work duties, to other suitable work.

The new ‘duty-to-cooperate’ provisions in the WCA lay out new expectations for both the employer and the worker in the return-to-work process, and emphasize the need to work together to get the injured worker back on the job in a safe and timely way. Employers must also, to the point of undue hardship, make any changes to the work or workplace necessary to accommodate the returning injured worker. The province said its new requirements support a more effective and fair workers’ compensation system in B.C.

“People injured on the job need to know that there is a workers’ compensation system that meets their needs,” said Harry Bains, Minister of Labour. “With these changes, we’re making sure that workers are properly supported when they need it most.”

Along with the introduction of

the legal duty for employers to return injured workers to work, the new bill that established the return-to-work provisions also established the office of a fair practices commissioner (FPC) that will be appointed directly by WorkSafeBC’s board of directors to investigate complaints by workers and employers of alleged unfairness in dealings with WorkSafeBC.

The province said the changes also increased the maximum compensation for non-traumatic hearing loss, added new provisions to prevent claim suppression, introduced interest on delayed benefit payments owed to a person for more than 180 days, and expanded access to independent health professionals. Some workers have praised the new changes as a step towards a more fair process.

“Injured workers need somewhere to turn if the Workers’ Compensation Board doesn’t treat them fairly,” said Owen Goodwin, an injured worker in B.C. “Making sure there’s a fair practices commissioner for workers, a reemployment obligation and protecting our compensation from being eroded by inflation are good steps in the right direction with an important focus on injured workers.”

The changes also allow WorkSafeBC to impose administrative penalties, or fines, on employers who fail to comply with their new return-to-work provisions. The new requirements apply to B.C. businesses with 20 or more employees.

For more information on the new regulations, visit www.worksafebc.com.

Marius Auer NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

The Merritt Fire Rescue Department’s (MFRD) fire hall was hustling and bustling on Tuesday (June 13), with the sounds of curiosity and connection.

Diamondvale Elementary School’s SttrongStart class visited firefighters for a tour of the hall, and, of course, to meet Sparky the fire prevention dog. More than 25 students and parents explored the station and is equipment,

including fire trucks, hoses, rescue equipment, and even the hall’s dispatch centre.

The MFRD offers a number of educational programs to Merrittonians of all ages, including school tours and school-based education. Tours and educational session include information on wildfires, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, burn awareness, fire safety, and other various fire risks.

For more information on the MFRD’s educational programs and fire hall tours, visit their website at www. merritt.ca/firerescue.

The changes to WorkSafeBC’s return-to-work requirements were introduced through Bill 41, which received royal assent in the BC Legislature last November. Photo/Herald File

Marius Auer

StrongStart students and parents watch on as Merritt Fire Rescue Department firefighters explain the function of their equipment. Photo/Diamondvale StrongStart

A life of giving back for Merrittonian

Hannah Forsyth was born on July 7th, 1906 in Glasgow, Scotland. When Forsyth was five, her and her father came to Canada in June of 1912. They arrived in by ship in Montreal, and then took a train from Montreal to Spences Bridge before settling in Merritt. She lived with her grandmother in town until her mother and younger sister joined Forsyth and her father in Merritt in February 1913. Forsyth began attending school in Merritt shortly after arriving in Merritt.

Forsyth’s greatest ambition was to become a nurse. In 1926, she moved to Vancouver to start taking a course to start the process of becoming a nurse, however shortly after her arrival she received word that her father had passed away, and as a result came back home. Forsyth, being the eldest child and the only adult of the children had to became the breadwinner of the family, her mother had been rendered permanently disabled following the birth of her children. Forsyth therefore began working in the community, acting as an aide to Mrs. Moore following the birth of her child. Forsyth also worked at the Freelands Dry Goods Department Store until resigning in 1928 and taking up a temporary position at the telephone office.

In 1928, Doctors Austin and JJ Gillis heard that Forsyth needed work, so they offered to have her come in to clean their medical office for a week. When that term ended they offered her another position as receptionist, bookkeeper, and in the registration of foxes at the Gillis Fox Farm. Forsyth would continue to work for the doctor brothers for 37 years, until the death of Dr. Austin Gillis.

One of Forsyth’s greatest achievements came during the Second World War. Forsyth was a member of the Patricia Rebekahs Lodge, and in 1941, the Rebekahs were approached by the local Red Cross chapter and asked if they could knit sweaters for Canadian soldiers overseas. Starting in March, 1941, Forsyth knitted 103 sweaters by January 30th, 1942, an average of about 10 sweaters a month. Forsyth knitted throughout the duration of the war, and then continued to knit even after the war was over, donating her sweaters to refugees. In 1947 she became one of three women in Merritt to earn the Red Cross Service Badge, hers being for knitting.

In 1949, Forsyth suffered a fall which would ultimately result in the loss of eyesight in her right eye and hearing damage, nevertheless she kept a positive attitude and tried to never let them get her down. She lost two years of knitting due to the fall, but when she could, she picked back up her knitting needles and got back to work. In 1956 she was forced

to hand in her last sweater, her 749th, the only one she was unable to complete.

Nevertheless, that was still not the end of her charity work in the community. She became very well known within the community for raising money for the Terry Fox Run. Forsyth would often canvas the streets looking for pledges and donations, promising to match whatever donations she could collect. She also became a member of the Legion Auxiliary in 1948, having been pressured by Dr. Gillis, but promising to not get too involved. Ten years later, she was awarded a life membership for her perfect attendance and ten years of perfect books as the treasurer.

Forsyth lived in the Nicola Valley for 85 years, and even wrote a poem about the Nicola Valley titled “In The Valley Of The Sunshine”:

“Tuck me to sleep in my old Merritt home

Cover me with Merritt skies, And leave me there alone.

Just let the sun kiss my cheeks every morn, Let me stay there, stay there, Never no more to roam”

Hannah Forsyth passed away at Gillis House on December 17th, 1997, at the age of 91. Forsyth is also part of the Patricia Rebekah’s Lodge display currently up at the NVMA.

The Nicola Valley Museum and Archives is open from Tuesday until Saturday from 10am until 5pm, if you have any questions about the history of Merritt or the Nicola Valley please stop on by, give us a phone call, or send us an email!

After many fulfilling years at Sun Life, Leslee Lucy is retiring from the financial services industry. She wants to ensure that you continue to receive the same exceptional service you’ve come to expect from her.

That’s why she’s glad to introduce you to Sherrie Burechailo. Sherrie is trustworthy, friendly and builds financial strategies to suit your needs. She has the skills and the necessary experience to help you protect those you love as well as secure your financial future. Contact

Hannah Forsyth is show in her later years in 1988, organizing the Terry Fox Run for the local Rebekahs lodge. Photo/Nicola Valley Museum and Archives

Cameron Bridge NICOLA VALLEY MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES

B.C. nurses hold rally advocating for safe staffing

Marius Auer NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Following a rally that saw hundreds of nurses from across the province gather in Vancouver, the BC Nurses Union (BCNU) is calling on the provincial government to take urgent action to address B.C’s worsening nurse shortage. Nurses at the rally warned that nurses are continuing to leave the profession at high rates, leading to a staffing crisis that continues to threaten the state of B.C healthcare.

The BCNU said in a press release that a severe staffing shortage, along with increased patient care needs, have resulted in untenable conditions in emergency departments across the province, citing recent calls for action by healthcare professionals at Surrey Memorial Hospital and the University Hospital of Northern BC in Prince George as examples.

“The shortage has reached such dire levels that we regularly see temporary closures of emergency rooms in communities around BC,” said BCNU President Aman Grewal.

The Nicola Valley Hospital’s ER has been closed ten times in 2023, with

the diversions increasing in frequency since they became common last year.

The closures lead to a series of protests, since the start of which no closures have occurred, including demonstrations of hundreds of people at the hospital’s green space and Central Park and the creation of an online petition with more than 8000 signatures. Nursing shortages continue to be an issue at the Nicola Valley Hospital, and hospitals across the province.

Grewal noted overwhelmingly high workloads and insufficient staffing levels as the top reasons nurses in B.C. consider leaving the profession. She added that nurses are experiencing ‘unheard of’ levels of moral distress from witnessing the shortage’s ongoing and negative impact on patient care.

“The new normal for a working nurse is a 16-to-18-hour shift without a break and no support, and that’s leading to high levels of burnout and exhaustion,” added Grewal. “We are seeing the devastating impacts on working nurses now who are burning out as they try to carry the system on their backs.”

A new agreement reached in April between the Nurses’ Bargaining Association and the province to implement minimum nurse-to-patient ratios

across B.C’s healthcare settings has the promise to improve the staffing and practice conditions needed to keep nurses in the job, according to Grewal.

She added that in the U.S. state of California and in Australia, where ratios have been mandated, a noticeable improvement in the quality of patient care has been observed, along with decreased nurse fatigue and increased recruitment and retention.

“Safe staffing saves lives,” noted Grewal. “A staffing model that includes nurse-patient ratios, when properly implemented, will help us retain and recruit the nurses we so desperately need.”

Recent numbers from Statistics Canada show there are currently 5,010 nurse vacancies in the province. By 2031, nearly 27,000 nurses will be needed to keep up with the province’s growing population and healthcare demands.

The BC Nurses Union is calling on the provincial government to take action on what they call an increasingly dire situation for nurse staffing levels in the province.

Photo/Herald File

New co-op funding increases opporunties at NVIT

Marius Auer NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

A series of partnerships between the provincial government and 13 public post-secondary institutions will increase the schools’ capacity for work-integrated learning experiences, including the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology’s co-op program.

According to a press release by the province, work-integrated learning is a model and process of hands-on education, which formally and intentionally integrates education studies within a workplace or practice, and applied setting. Examples of work-integrated learning include applied research projects, apprenticeships, co-ops, clinical placements, practicums, and community-service-learning opportunities.

“Work-integrated learning helps future workers access the hands-on experience they need to launch their careers,” said Selina Robinson, minister of post-secondary education and future skills. “These placements give people valuable opportunities to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world settings and benefit employers by having workers who they train

and can become potential new employees.”

NVIT’s co-op placement matches students and employers to help facilitate on-the job training and learning experiences, as students explore potential career paths and gain valuable work experience. Employment terms are generally four to eight months in duration, and allow businesses to access new talent, and students to earn money towards tuition and other costs while they complete their education.

The local technology institute is one of 13 post-secondary institutions in the province to receive funding through the new provincial partnerships, which will see a total of $4.5 million distributed over the next three years. The province said that the investment will reduce barriers to entry for students in more rural areas, as smaller institutions can experience challenges providing work-integrated learning opportunities for budgetary reasons.

A student at Victoria’s Camosun College, another school receiving the new funding, said co-op education has been a game-changer for her education.

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Aspen S olar and Energy Storage Projec t

Learn

The Nicola Valley Institute of Technology’s (NVIT) Eagles Perch campus in Merritt. NVIT is a recipient of the new provincial funding for work-integrated learning. Photo/Herald File

From Page 14

“Co-op education has been truly transformational for me, providing invaluable experiences and opportunities to grow both personally and professionally,” said Molly Mifsud, college co-op student of the year with the Association for Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning in BC/ Yukon.

“Combining classroom learning with real-world work experiences, I have witnessed the power of co-op in enhancing my skills, shaping my career path and igniting my passion for making a dif -

ference. It has shown me that my true calling is psychology, where I can use my skills and experiences to help others be their best selves.”

The province added in its release that the new funding is a part of its ‘StrongerBC: Future Ready Action Plan,’ which looks to grow the B.C. economy and help close the skills gap many businesses are facing. The action plan includes $480 million in investments over three years to eliminate financial and other barriers to postsecondary training.

Construction is under way in your area.

June deemed National Indigenous History month

nizing the month.

It takes more than one month to familiarize oneself with a nation’s culture and history, but National Indigenous History Month is a good start for those who want to learn about how Canada’s Indigenous population persevered through centuries of colonialism. Both first-generation immigrants and Canadians whose families have lived in Canada for generations can start to gain a deeper understanding of the unique cultures, traditions, and experiences of the peoples who have inhabited this land for thousands of years.

National Aboriginal History Month was first introduced in June 2009, following the first formal apology for the establishment of the Indian Residential School system, delivered in June 2008 by Prime Minister Stephen Harper on behalf of the Canadian government. The commemorative month was renamed to National Indigenous History Month in 2017, but the mandate remains the same – to learn about and honour the stories, resilience, and achievements of First Nations in Canada.

Federal ministers Marc Miller, Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations; Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services; Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister responsible for PrairiesCan and CanNor; Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage issued a joint statement recog -

“Indigenous histories are significant to Indigenous pride and cultures, and are fundamental to the identities of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. The knowledge passed down by Elders and Knowledge Keepers connects families, communities and generations. These histories and cultures have protected Indigenous identities against hundreds of years of colonial policies, and have played a key role in Canadian history and society. Each week in June will be dedicated to a different theme to highlight specific aspects of Indigenous histories, cultures and experiences, including traditional knowledge, language, and reconciliation. June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day, which also marks the summer solstice, the longest day of the year and a culturally significant day for many Indigenous communities across Canada,” read the statement.

The first week of June focused on learning about women, girls, and the Two-Spirit community who have faced and continue to face many challenges as colonization flipped their world from a matriarchal society to a patriarchy. The theme for June 5 to 11 covered the environment, traditional knowledge, and territory. An overview of treaties, links to traditional stories, a guide to land acknowledgements, and more were – and are still – available on the government’s website for National Indigenous History Month.

This week, up until June 18th, learning resources for children of all ages are provided as part of the Children and Youth theme, and June 19-25 puts a

focus on languages, culture, and arts. Finally, from June 26-30 the focus is Reconciliation with suggestions for teaching resources, toolkits, and the Canadian Reconciliation Barometer which tracks reconciliation efforts in Canada (www.reconciliationbarometer.ca).

“While this is a time to celebrate, we also reflect on how Canada’s historic wrongs have impacted its current relationship with Indigenous Peoples and the ongoing work to advance reconciliation. Our colonial past and the harmful policies that were implemented are the direct cause of many systemic issues that Indigenous Peoples face today. As communities across Canada continue to uncover the horrific truths of former residential schools, we are reminded that Indigenous Peoples have shared these stories for 150 years only to be ignored. And yet, as we move forward, there is a sense of optimism and hope for the generations to come, because Canada is working hand in hand with First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners to advance their priorities and renew these relationships. Together, we are building a more united and reconciled country,” adds the joint statement from the ministers.

Getting involved and learning is easy. Visit the National Indigenous History Month website of the Canadian government at https://www.rcaanccirnac.gc.ca/eng/1683124800202/1683124846095 to browse all resources and start learning about the Indigenous Peoples who have inhabited this land for millenia.

Kerstin Auer MERRITTHERALD.COM

Historic graduation for Merritt NVIT campus

Kicking off graduation season in Merritt for 2023, the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT) held its graduation ceremony at its Eagles Perch campus on Friday (June 9). More than

200 students adorned their cap and gown for the two in person ceremonies, with family, friends, and faculty members alike cheering them on.

For the first time in the school’s 40 year history, two graduation ceremonies were held as a part of grad processions.

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NVIT Class of 2023 graduates walk to their ceremony in a procession led by school and community leaders. Marius Auer/Herald

Marius Auer

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY

also a part of the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan campus graduation, which included a first for Indigenous language education.

For the first time in history, eight Syilx Okanagan students graduated with a degree taught in their language and delivered on their land when they were conferred their Bachelor of Nsyilxcn Language Fluency (BNLF) degrees on Thursday at UBC Okanagan’s campus in Kelowna. The new degree, delivered in the Nsyilxcn language, was made available through a partnership between UBC, NVIT, and the En’owkin Centre in Penticton.

“We’re honoured to collaborate with the En’owkin Centre and UBCO to support the revitalization of Indigenous Languages by offering language fluency certificates, diplomas and degrees,” said a statement from NVIT’s Senior Leadership Team.

“NVIT congratulates the inaugural UBCO Bachelor of Nsyilxcn Language Fluency graduates and extends our respect to all involved in bringing the vision to creation.”

Highland Valley Copper

Together we honour this day in recognizing diverse cultures, unique heritage and valuable contributions of Indigenous Peoples.

June 21 National Indigenous Peoples Day

The second ceremony was focused on graduates of Indigenous language pro-

Courses included in the BNLF are taught in Nsyilxcn, and cover the topics of numeracy, the arts, and sciences. Students can complete a two-year diploma program through NVIT, and then transfer to UBCO for the degree portion.

Including their Indigenous language courses, NVIT awarded students more than 400 academic credentials this school year.

grams held by the school in communities all over the province in an effort to revitalize Indigenous languages that were eroded through the residential school system.

“Language is the key to identity, it connects Indigenous people to the land,” said Dr. John Chenoweth, vice-president of academics at NVIT.

“As a school, we have to do everything in our power to support communities to rebuild languages that were lost through residential schools. We make every effort as a school to support communities, no matter where they are, that want to articulate language courses and build language programs. We do that all over the province, it’s our responsibility to do that.”

In addition to the Indigenous language graduation ceremony, NVIT was

Graduates make their way to the ceremony, led by NVIT faculty, staff, Elders, and community members. Marius Auer/Herald

‘Language is the key to identity, it connects Indigenous people to the land.’

NVIT’s JohN CheNoweTh

NVIT Vice-President of Academics, Dr. John Chenoweth, emceed the graduation ceremonies at NVIT this year. Marius Auer/Herald

historic

Drummers, dancers, NVIT staff and Elders, along with other community members led graduates to their ceremony on Friday (June 9) morning. Marius Auer/Herald

NVIT Elder Amelia Washington delivers a prayer as a part of the graduation ceremony’s opening remarks. Marius Auer/Herald

An NVIT Class of 2023 graduate recieves their diploma from Dr. Aruna Gore, NVIT’s dean, as they cross the stage. Marius Auer/Herald

Indigenous non-profit celebrating 10 years

The Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly (CNA) will celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day, and its 10 year anniversary, with an event at Central Park on June 21. CNA has been involved in the organization of the annual Indigenous Peoples day event for a number of years. Photo/Herald File

Marius Auer NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day and the 10 year anniversary of its creation, the Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly (CNA) will host a com -

munity event on Indigenous Peoples Day, Wednesday, June 21 at Merritt’s Central Park.

The event will include activities, including a recognition ceremony, food trucks, dancing, a game of lahal, and other offerings. CNA recently issued a

Continued Page 21

From Page 20

From Page 20

press release encouraging the community to join the celebration in honour of Indigenous Peoples Day, and of a 10-year milestone of building community and partnerships.

press release encouraging the community to join the celebration in honour of Indigenous Peoples Day, and of a 10-year milestone of building community and partnerships.

“Since formation, the CNA has been committed to creating opportunities for the community to thrive while also preserving the values and traditions of the Nlaka’pamux people,” said the organization in a statement. “The CNA has fostered a deeper understanding and appreciation of Nlaka’pamux culture, territory, and history through various programs, including language revitalization, youth mentorship, and cultural events.”

“Since formation, the CNA has been committed to creating opportunities for the community to thrive while also preserving the values and traditions of the Nlaka’pamux people,” said the organization in a statement. “The CNA has fostered a deeper understanding and appreciation of Nlaka’pamux culture, territory, and history through various programs, including language revitalization, youth mentorship, and cultural events.”

According to its website, the CNA was formed for the purpose of managing and administering the eight local participating band’s commitments in the Participation Agreement signed 10 years ago by Teck Highland Valley Copper Partnership (THVCP), the Economic Community Development Agreement (ECDA), with the Province of British Columbia.

According to its website, the CNA was formed for the purpose of managing and administering the eight local participating band’s commitments in the Participation Agreement signed 10 years ago by Teck Highland Valley Copper Partnership (THVCP), the Economic Community Development Agreement (ECDA), with the Province of British Columbia.

The organization provides a number of services and programs to its members, from language and cultural opportunities, to mentorship and economic development. The CNA

The organization provides a number of services and programs to its members, from language and cultural opportunities, to mentorship and economic development. The CNA

hopes to create a long legacy for the Nlaka’pamux culture and its language, which have been largely eroded by the residential school system.

hopes to create a long legacy for the Nlaka’pamux culture and its language, which have been largely eroded by the residential school system.

“Through their language revitalization efforts, Nlaka’pamux programs and territorial stewardship initiatives, the CNA team is making a significant contribution to preserving the Nlaka’pamux culture, ensuring the Nlaka’pamuxcin language and Nlaka’pamux knowledge remain a vital part of the communities for future generations,” added the release.

“Through their language revitalization efforts, Nlaka’pamux programs and territorial stewardship initiatives, the CNA team is making a significant contribution to preserving the Nlaka’pamux culture, ensuring the Nlaka’pamuxcin language and Nlaka’pamux knowledge remain a vital part of the communities for future generations,” added the release.

The CNA Assembly said in its release that it is the first group to ever negotiate an agreement of the kind that led to its formation with the Province of B.C. The ECDA was negotiated to share mineral tax revenues paid to the Province by Teck Highland Valley Copper on the Highland Valley Copper (HVC) mine, and included a commitment to work towards shared decision-making on projects.

The CNA Assembly said in its release that it is the first group to ever negotiate an agreement of the kind that led to its formation with the Province of B.C. The ECDA was negotiated to share mineral tax revenues paid to the Province by Teck Highland Valley Copper on the Highland Valley Copper (HVC) mine, and included a commitment to work towards shared decision-making on projects.

The CNA has become an influential advocate for its people, propelling economic and social growth for local First Nations, and safeguarding their environments, languages, and cultures.

The CNA has become an influential advocate for its people, propelling economic and social growth for local First Nations, and safeguarding their environments, languages, and cultures.

For more information on the CNA or the upcoming event, including start and end times, visit www.cna-trust.ca.

For more information on the CNA or the upcoming event, including start and end times, visit www.cna-trust.ca.

a summer celebration commemorating Aboriginal Heritage and Culture

WISHING YOU ALL THE BEST AND BRIGHTEST FUTURE!

Coldwater Indian Band, Upper Nicola Indian Band, Shackan Indian Band and Nooaitch Indian Band.

Nicola Canford home to traditonal calming

Kerstin Auer MERRITTHERALD.COM

The Herald recently had a chance to catch up with Burt Bergmann, principal of Lower Nicola’s Nicola Canford Elementary School, to see the Traditional Calming Space on their school grounds, which has been in operation for about three years.

With a large number of Indigenous students at the school, Bergmann and First Nations support staff and Elders wanted to ensure proper representation, and the school district agreed.

“The district was really really supportive and worked hard to make it happen and it’s been great, we’re super thankful for it. We are 60 percent Indigenous ancestry here so we’re trying to create something that reflects what our community values and looks like,” said Bergmann.

The space includes a garden with traditional plants, a medicine garden, a

Continued Page 23

The traditional calming space at Nicola Canford is well utilized. Marius Auer/Herald

sensory garden, and traditional calming space stations. A stream running through it is at the centre of the space, with water playing an elemental role in the calming stations such as the Reflection Rocks. The traditional purpose of the Reflection Rocks was to be able to distinguish noises from close by or farther away by going within and listening, while focusing on one’s worries and concerns.

The use of the space varies by program and grade level; kids in grades K-4 within the primary enrichment Nle?kepmxc’in classroom use the traditional calming space frequently, according to Bergmann. Grade 4 to 7 language and culture classes also make use of it.

“Sometimes they use it for the traditional purpose, and sometimes they just come out and work, like you just come out and sit there and do your work by the fire. I know people have done art classes out here,” noted Bergmann.

Counsellors also have access to the traditional calming space and utilize it, with great success.

“Some kids really connect with it well, we have used it for some of our kids who are on IEPs [Individualized Education Plan] and need that regula -

tion. It’s a positive thing for them. For our indigenous students it’s representation and seeing cultural values represented in the building and saying ‘this is a place where I fit, this is a place where I belong, this is a place where my culture recognizes what I need.’ There is power in that. For non-indigenous kids it’s a beautiful space and it has some beautiful teachings they can access if they so choose,” added Bergmann.

To plan and set up the space, Bergmann worked with elders from Lower Nicola, Nooaitch, and Shackan Bands. Their input was essential in what to include and how to set it up. Bergmann noted that Amelia Washington gave invaluable input for the overall concept, and Jimmy Toodlican contributed his knowledge around traditional puberty training with boys; Leonard Antoine also made significant contributions, and the whole concept was then brought to life by Thompson Lawn Care under Bergmann’s oversight.

To read more about each component of the traditional calming space at Nicola Canford Elementary, visit nces.sd58.bc.ca/traditional-calmingspace.

Local Indigenous veteran lives a life of service

vice until 1999, when there was a discussion by the government of engaging with the Assembly of First Nations on trying to get an agreement of why Indigenous veterans were not treated equally, and I served with a person who was part [of this discussion] so I got involved with him,” added Joe.

“He asked me to come and sort of assist them as an advisor to the people that were negotiating, that were part of the round table, so I started getting involved and started learning more about the issues that veterans faced, they never got the same treatment when they returned home. That’s what got me involved.”

Despite retiring several years ago, Grand Chief Percy Joe is not slowing down, and continues to advocate for First Nations veterans across Canada. A veteran himself, his military career started out in the Reserve Forces shortly after high school, and soon thereafter he signed up to become part of the Queen’s Own Rifles of the Canadian Forces in the early 1960s.

“I was in the cadet corps at the residential school I went to and they [the Rocky Mountain Rangers] also had a detachment in Lytton and I got to meet many of the veterans who returned back,” remembered Joe. “I was inspired, so I joined the Reserve Force and went to Wainright, and our instructors there were Queen’s Own Rifles, and I was impressed with them and thought I’d become a part of the Queens Own Rifles, and so I did.”

After completing basic training and becoming a member of the Queen’s Own Rifles, it only took three months until he was deployed to Germany, for a NATO mission. Two years later, Joe returned to Victoria and continued his military service, eventually becoming Master Corporal.

More international deployments followed, like his six months in Cyprus in 1965 for a United Nations Peacekeeping mission, and a 1967 deployment to Norway as commander of a mortar platoon, as part of the Allied Command Europe (ACE) Mobile Force.

After 13 years in the Canadian Armed Forces, Joe retired from the military and returned home to the Nicola Valley, managing his father’s ranch and serving as chief for the Scw’exmx Nation of Shackan.

“I never thought much about my ser-

Almost 25 years later, Percy Joe is still involved with the First Nations Veterans of Canada, an organization he is a founding member of, and his advocacy for equal benefits for Indigenous veterans continues. According to Joe, progress has been made, but Indigenous veterans still face many of the same issues and inequality continues to impact them and their families. One of such inequalities is the recognition and implementation of Indigenous beliefs and ceremony, but an agreement seems within reach.

“One of the issues we brought up is we need to practice our faith and our belief and spirituality to have ceremonies and that was part of the last letter of understanding. We signed it in April in Calgary and at the middle of May we had a working group with members of Veteran Affairs about how we implement these things that we came to an agreement on,” noted Joe, more than 50 years after having gone through the days of the Cuban Missile Crisis and fear of impending nuclear war in the 1960s during his deployments, without being able to lean on his own beliefs and ceremony.

Joe also told the Herald about some of the changes that have already been implemented to recognize the contribution of Indigenous veterans, such as the reciting of the Act of Remembrance during the yearly national ceremony on Remembrance Day in various Indigenous languages, in addition to English and French.

While his work on the national level continues, Joe remains supportive of the Nicola Valley First Nations Veterans. He was present during the recent unveiling of the long-awaited monument in Shulus, honouring local Indigenous veterans. His involvement began with the installation of the first monument, created by Patrick Sterling, a Korean War veteran, in 1992

Continued Page 26

Grand Chief Percy Joe is shown in an undated Herald File photo. Photo/Herald Files

LNIB SCHOOL REGISTRATION

2023-2024

PROGRAM

PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT

CLIMBING WALL

BASKETBALL COURT SPINNER

CURRICULUM:

• New BC Curriculum

• Nle?kepmx

• Cultural Studies

• Field Trips

• Learning Assistance Program

• School supplies provided

• SKATING/HOCKEY PROGRAM

• Joyful Literacy

FACILITIES:

• Full-Size Gymnasium

• Library

• Baseball/Soccer Field

• Full-time Kindergarten – must be 5 yrs by Dec 31, 2023

• Bus Services provided to all areas of Merritt.

HEAD START SERVICES:

• 3 & 4 year old Program (K4 must be 4 yrs old by Dec. 31, 2023)

• Parent & Tot Drop In

• Home Visiting Program

• Transportation provided for all Head Start programs

• Mom’s & Tot’s Services 0 to 6 years old

FOR MORE INFORMATION

THE LOWER NICOLA BAND SCHOOL INVITES ALL CHILDREN (First Nations/Non First Nations) To Register for Kindergarten to Grade 7 Education Comes

Lower Nicola Band School

Ph: 250-378-5527

201 Horn Rd., Merritt, BC

Lower Nicola Indian Band School

“FREE” Daily HOT LUNCH PROGRAM and SNACK

Honouring Indigenous vets

From Page 24

and he remembers the first ceremony that same year, which included Indigenous World War II veterans. A representative of Veteran Affairs was in attendance at the unveiling ceremony of the new monument, fulfilling part of their outreach mandate to connect veterans with the programs they need, according to Joe.

Mental health supports are needed but there is a lack of trust due to what veterans have witnessed and been through.

“They’d sooner talk to a person that understands what they had to go through and that’s one of the programs we are doing here. It’s through [an Indigenous] veteran’s group out of Saskatchewan, and they call it the Burns Way, and they have other veterans available to be able to talk to those veterans that need help,” noted Joe. “It’s a program that’s working in Saskatchewan and now we’re trying to make it a national program. And we’re working along with Veteran Affairs to get their assistance.”

In July, Percy Joe is off to Halifax for the next round of meetings on the path to ensuring equal benefits and recognition for Indigenous veterans. One of the next project he plans to tackle is creating a list

of all Indigenous people who have served or were part of the supports in Canada, going back as far as 1812 when many Indigenous soldiers fought alongside the British against the Americans.

Joe was present at the unveiling of the new Nicola Valley First Nations Veterans monument in Shulus in May 2023. He continues to be involved with the organization. Marius Auer/Herald

Indigenous artist takes on a variety of mediums

Kerstin Auer MERRITTHERALD.COM

Nlaka’pamux artist Lenoard George has lived on the Coldwater Reserve outside of Merritt for most of his life, but some of the influence for his contemporary art comes from well beyond the borders of the Nicola Valley.

George credits his education and fine art degree from the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT) for becoming an artist, and two of his teachers – Mary Longman and Isadore Charters – for shaping his dedication to art, but sees nineteenth century French artist Georges Seurat as one of the influences for his own contemporary style. Seurat is known to have devised pointillism, a technique of painting defined by contrasting dots of paint.

Inspiration for his contemporary art comes from traditional basket designs and weavings of his heritage, and are brought to life as acrylic paintings that take up to a month to create. George translates both the patterns of woven baskets as well as the stories they tell into his art, taking care to use materials that don’t have a negative impact on the environment. He also draws inspiration from everyday objects, as can be seen in one of his lat-

est paintings he created for the Beyond Still Life art show earlier this year, called Velvet Moon.

“That is my take on objects you would have laying around your house daily and you wouldn’t even think of them as an art piece at all,” said George. “Putting them together and making a still piece of them kind of turns it into an art piece.”

More recently, his medium of choice has shifted from acrylics to wire and metal.

“Wire has become popular with me right now, I’ve been working on quite a few projects working with wire. When I do start a new project I make sure I learn everything I can from it. If I do

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Leonard George is shown painting his latest mural, a piece of wall art on the bathrooms at Lions Memorial Park. Marius Auer/Herald

‘Putting them together and making a still piece of them kind of turns it into an art piece.’

ArTIsT LeoNArd GeorGe

Contemporary inspiration

From Page

wire work, I will be working on nothing but wire art. Finding out how the wire works and what wire I can use for an art piece,” shared George.

Most of the pieces he creates are 2-dimensional, including a series of dream catchers he would like to expand into an art show.

“One show I want to do would be called ‘Industrial Dream Catcher,’ with all metal art,” added George.

His art can also be seen around town, as part of the city beautification project the Nicola Valley Community Arts Council oversees. After painting a school of salmon onto the Lion’s Park bridge last summer with a set of stencils he devised, George is now in the process of adding a mural to the outside wall of the washroom building in the same park.

Leonard George’s art can be found at the Nicola Valley Arts Centre as well as Coco’s Restaurant in the Railyard Mall, and his Dreaming Eagle Art Studio is located on the Coldwater Reserve. Connect with him via his Facebook page at facebook.com/ DreamingEagleStudio.

George’s latest piece, titled ‘Velvet Moon,’ draws inspiration from objects often overlooked in day-to-day life. Although many of the local Indigenous artist’s pieces are painted, he works with a number of mediums, inlcuding wire and metals. George’s latest piece is a mural on the bathroom building at Lions Memorial Park on Voght Street, with another mural by him planned for the bathrooms at nearby Rotary Park. Kerstin Auer/Herald

JUNE 21 is a day to recognize and celebrate the rich histories and cultures of First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples. The Cit y of Merritt is grateful for the oppor tunit y to learn from our Indigenous par tners and build a more inclusive societ y in the spirit of truth and reconcilation

The Cit y of Merritt re spec tful ly acknowledge s that Merritt is located on the traditiona l , a nce s tra l a nd u nceded territor y of the Nla ka’pa mux a nd Syilx people

4M ERRIT T.CA/INDIGENOUS

George painted the pictured mural on the Lions Memorial Park bridge last summer as a part of a community beautification initiative. Photo/Herald File

NVIT awards more

$30,000 to students

Marius Auer NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

During two recent award ceremonies at its Merritt and Burnaby campuses, the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology divvied up more than $30,000 in scholarships and bursaries between 40 of its students.

During the Merritt Eagles Perch campus awards ceremony on Thursday (June 8), Dr. John Chenoweth, vice-president of academics at NVIT, along with other faculty members, awarded a number of local and visiting students with bursaries and scholarships ranging between $100 and $5,000, along with a number of academic awards.

“Our NVIT awards are probably a cornerstone to demonstrate how much the hard work is looked at and acknowledged, not only by NVIT, but by the sponsors who put funds towards celebrating their successes and hard work,” said Dr. John Chenoweth, vicepresident of academics at NVIT.

The Lieutenant Governor of BC Collegiate Medallion was presented to Rebecca Shackelly, and the Governor General of Canada Bronze Medallion to Amber Moonen. Both prestigious awards are academics based.

A number of NVIT’s scholarships and bursaries are funded by private donors, along with fundraising by the school’s Elders committee, and pledges from local individuals and businesses. A total of $32,650 in funds were distributed between the Merritt and Burnaby NVIT campuses as a part of this year’s award and graduation ceremonies.

“It’s [the support] very important, and we have a lot of private donors, corporate donors that support students, and they’re wanting to donate

to students because it’s a good cause, you’re building for the future,” added Chenoweth. “We can provide an avenue for them to support the future of not only British Columbia, but of Canada.”

Proud family members and friends watched eagerly as Chenoweth read the names of the award recipients, with plenty of cheers, laughter, and applause to be heard. The ceremony also included a prayer by an NVIT Elder, and a traditional drumming song.

Following the awards ceremony on Thursday, two graduation ceremonies were held at Eagles Perch on Friday. This academic year saw NVIT hand out over 400 credentials, with over 200 attending the graduation ceremonies. The second ceremony was the first of its kind, designated for those graduating from the school’s Indigenous language programs.

This year’s award recipients from the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology’s Merritt campus pose with their hardware. Marius Auer/Herald

‘We can provide an avenue for them to support the future of not only B.C, but of Canada.’

NVIT’s dr. JohN CheNoweTh

Lower Nicola Indian Band Development Corporation is proud to support

National IndigenousPeoples Day

Lower Nicola Indian Band DEVELOPMENT

CORPORATION

Merritt motorcycle drag racer soaking up stellar season

elapsed time (ET) at 205 miles per hour (mph). In the finals, Mackay-Smith competed against his Canadian friend, Gary Christopher of Hope, B.C, giving him a sense of deja vu.

“We always say, jokingly, that as long as it’s the two of us in the finals, it’s a win no matter what,” said Mackay-Smith. “Him and I have gone back and forth for years. There was a couple years where I had his number, and then lately, the last couple years, he’s really had mine. I think I’ve only managed to beat him once in the past couple of years.”

Marius Auer NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

It’s been a successful season for Merritt’s own professional motorcycle drag racer, Matt Mackay-Smith of MTMM Racing. The Herald had a chance to catch up with the long time racer and mechanic following two of his recent events.

Mackay-Smith has been racing since the age of eight, and has found success in the sport in many ways since that

time. Now racing in the Pro-Mod or Pro-Extreme classes on a custom made drag bike with a Suzuki Hayabusa engine, added durability, and a 62mm turbo boost, Mackay-Smith is often winning races while topping speeds of 330 kilometers per hour.

The local racer recently attended the California Nationals, an all motorcycle drag race, hosted by the Western Pro Extreme Association in Redding, California. Mackay-Smith was one of just two Canadians competing in the ProExtreme class at the event. He qualified 2nd in the class with his best pass of 6.73

While Christopher is currently ahead in their rivalry, Mackay-Smith noted that it is all in good fun for the Canadian racing duo. The two can often be seen standing side-by-side on the podium, even at larger races in the U.S. The cost of racing is high, with travel and fuel costs from MTMM Racing’s trailer and motorhome restricting which events Mackay-Smith can travel to. He noted that he hopes to make it to as many Canadian races as possible, but with the price of fuel in the U.S. being lower, south of the border has become a racing destination for him.

During his races, Mackay-Smith is joined by his ‘pit crew,’ which includes his wife Nicole and their two young children, Matt’s father and father-in-law Al MackaySmith and Roger Bouchard, and fellow mechanic Nick Richards. Endless hours go into preparation for race day, from

travel to the track, to mechanical fixes and tune-ups for the bike, and everything in between.

At a recent racing event in Mission, Mackay-Smith tried a new engine combination with higher level of displacement, and performed well with a 6.68 ET at 203 mph. Despite achieving this time, the second best ET in his life and best of this season, the Merritt racer encountered engine troubles that put him on the sidelines. The parts for the fix are on their way, and Mackay-Smith hopes to be back on the track in the coming weeks.

“I reused a clutch hub basket that I probably should have replace in hindsight, which is always 20/20 with this kind of stuff,” added Mackay-Smith. “Long story short, I just put all this money and time into this new motor combination and I broke it in three passes. I’ve already taken the motor back out of the bike, tore it down to nuts and bolts on my bench, and now I’m ordering parts to repair that motor. In the meantime, I do always have two engines, so I may end up having to put my smaller motor that I ran in California back in.”

While he may attend a race in Alberta this month, Mackay-Smith says a more likely target is a July 1 event in Mission. Fueled by the support of his family, the community, and gasoline, Mckay-Smith and MTMM Racing are excited for the rest of the season.

Cents partnering up with New England hockey academy

NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

In the midst of an offseason rebuild of its front office and coaching staff, the Merritt Centennials have announced a new partnership with a New Englandbased hockey academy. The Cents and Lovell Hockey will work together to develop new talent for the team for its upcoming British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) season.

The first offering of the new partnership will take place next week, when the Cents will look to pick up more player imports following the league’s raising of the limit from six imports per team to 10. The Cents and Lovell Hockey will jointly conduct their first ever BCHL Import Camp in New England from June 23 to 25.

Tim Lovell, owner of Lovell Hockey in Rockland, Massachusetts, will join

the Merritt Centennials as the team’s Director of Player Personnel and Player Development for the upcoming 2023/24 season as a part of the partnership. Lovell, along with new Head Coach Brian Passmore and General Manager Kevin Rabbitt, will be in attendance at the prospect camp in Rockland, Mass. at Lovell Arena.

“Tim has a strong hockey knowledge which began with his extensive playing career that spanned from 1993-2004 between university hockey, AHL, WCHL, IHL and in Europe before settling down to grow Lovell Hockey,” states a release by the Cents.

According to the release, Lovell Hockey has been in operation since 1998 under Lovell’s leadership, operating numerous hockey ventures, including a prep school comprised of six programs. The programs total 120 winter hockey teams, summer camps, spring clinics, summer leagues, and tournaments, and have

produced a number of National Hockey League players.

“The Centennials are looking forward to working in collaboration with Lovell Hockey to help move the team forward with a strong contingent of import players along with our traditional streams of talent coming from Canada and, specifically, British Columbia,” added the Cents.

Lovell said in a release on his website that he was pleased to announce the new partnership, and highlighted what he called an ‘important’ change to the BCHL’s rules following the league’s split from Hockey Canada.

“The BCHL is considered one of the top junior leagues in the world and now has made the league even stronger by allowing more import players,” said Lovell. “The BCHL has recently made some changes for the upcoming season, with the most important change being the number of player imports moving from six to 10.”

Matt Mackay-Smith, far left, and family are all smiles after his second place finish in an all Canadian final at the California Nationals earlier this year. Photo/Nicole Mackay-Smith

The new changes now also allow up to two non-North American players on each BCHL team’s roster, opening up the league to more international players. For more information on the new Cents partnership, visit www.merrittcentennials.com.

Marius Auer

Do you have a community story idea? Tell us about it by calling 250-378-4241 or emailing reporter@merrittherald.com.

Volleyball Association donates funds to Ska-Lu-La non-profit workshop

Marius Auer NEWSROOM @MERRITTHERALD.COM

The organizer of an iconic local sporting event recently donated the two annual tournaments’ proceeds to a local charity to the tune of $4,000. Two annual ‘Volleyfest’ volleyball tournaments, hosted by the Merritt Volleyball Association (MVA), raise funds for local charities through registration fees and other fundraising means.

Participants in both of this year’s tournaments were undoubtedly excited for their post-pandemic restriction returns, with the Volleyfest mixed and ladies tournaments attracting hundreds of players in dozens of teams from across the province to the Nicola Valley

for a weekend of competition, sportsmanship, and fun for the first time since 2019. Funds raised during the event are donated to a local charity annually.

“Thanks to all who participated in either or both of our Volleyfest tournaments,” said Angela Russell, organizer of Volleyfest and the MVA. “Because of everyone involved, we were to able to donate $4000.00 to Ska-Lu-La.”

“MVA is happy to be able to support another local charity and happy to have Volleyfest back up and running after a 3 year hiatus!”

The Ska-Lu-La workshop has been a long-standing institution in Merritt, providing opportunities and employment for people with disabilities who work alongside staff in a variety of roles, learning valuable skills and making social

connections along the way. The non-profit plans to use the donated funds for a series of community excursions planned for its clients.

Planning for next year’s tournaments is already well underway, with support for the next events looking strong based on a satisfaction survey sent out by Russell to participants of this year’s Volleyfests.

“I put out a survey to teams to determine what participants thought about the tournament, and how we can improve for future tournaments, and I was so happy to get nothing but positive feedback!”

For more information on Volleyfest and the Merritt Volleyball Association, visit their website at www.merrittvolleyballassociation.org/volleyfest.

Crossroads Community Church

2990 Voght St • 250-378-2911

Ser vice Time: Sundays 10:00 a.m

Merritt Baptist Church

2499 Coutlee Avenue (at Omre)

Sunday ser vice 10 am, Phone (250)378-2464

Merritt Lutheran Fellowship

in St. Michael's Anglican Hall • 250-378-9899

Ser vice Time: 3rd Sunday each month 1:00 p m

Sacred Hear t Catholic Church

Corner of Jackson & Blair • 250-378-2919

Mass Time: Sundays 9:00 a.m.

St. Michael’s Anglican Church 1990 Chapman St • 250-378-3772

Ser vice Times: 2nd and 4th Sundays only - 10:00 a.m.

Trinity United Church

Corner of Quilchena & Chapman • 250-378-5735

Ser vice Time ever y Sunday - 10 am

Somang Mission Community Church (SMC) 1755 Coldwater Ave. ( The Cadet Hall)

Sunday Ser vice Time: 4:00 pm • 250-280-1268

Nicola Valley Evangelical Free Church

1950 Max well St • 250-378-9502

Ser vice Time: Sundays 9:00 am and 11:00 am

Betty Doberstein (L) and Rusty Brewer (R) of Ska-Lu-La Workshop in Merritt accepted the sizeable donation from the two recent Volleyfest events. Photo/Angela Russell

CLASSIFIEDS

Deadline for placing a classified ad is 5 p.m. on Monday.

To place an ad please call 250-378-4241 or email: publisher@merrittherald.com

Coldwater Indian Band School Job Posting EDUCATION ASSISTANT

The Coldwater School is inviting qualified applicants to apply for the position of Education Assistant.

Qualifications

• Completion of Grade 12 or equivalent

• Education Assistant Cer tification preferred, but not necessar y

Valid BC Class 5 driver’s license with clean driver’s abstract

• Experience wor king with school age children in a classroom setting

Experience assisting in multi-graded classrooms an asset

Food Safe Cer tificate

• F irst Aid Cer tificate (or be willing to get)

will be held for

Beatrice (Bea) Proc

on JUNE 16 at the CATHOLIC SACRED HEART HALL

2302 Jackson Ave., Merritt BC from 1:30 to 3:30

Ability to communicate effectively using cour tesy and tact in the routine exchange of information.

Duties and Responsibilities will include:

Provides assistance to the teacher and students

• Collaborates with Teachers on strategies and accommodations that suppor t student learning Assists in preparing the classroom and other school facilities for student learning and activities Assists in the super vision of students in and outside the classroom, including field trips

• Wor ks individually with students in the classroom as assigned and under the guidance of the Teacher, to include reading to students, listening to the reading of students, assisting students with assignments and the reinforcement of overall Teacher expectations of students.

Assists in preparing materials for suppor ting student learning and ability as assigned and under the guidance of the Teacher

MERRITT & DISTRICT HOSPICE SOCIETY

Honest listening is one of the best medicines we can offer the dying and the bereaved

www.merritthospice.org

Everyone is welcome to come and celebrate Bea’s Amazing Life. A family graveside service will be held in McBride, BC at a later date.

T her e w ill be a C elebr ation of L ife for B ar r y on June 18th at 11 am at the Merrit t Senior C entre

P: 250-280-1701

Emai : merritthospice@shaw ca

Nlaka’pamux Health Services Society Employment Opportunity

On-call Home Care Assistant

Nlaka’pamux Health Services Society is currently looking for an On-call Home Care Assistants to work with our Elders Home Care Team serving to support communities within the Nlaka’pamux Nation Monday to Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm (28-35 Hours per week/1hr lunch)

Our ideal candidates are those who would like to add extra hours to their already existing work schedule or would like to maintain their skill level while working casually Hours are available immediately

2113 Granite Ave.,Mer ritt, BC

250-378-2141 or 1-800-668-3379

REQUIREMENTS: HCA Diploma from a Canadian university or equivalent institution Registered with BC Columbia Care & Community Health Worker Registry Valid BC Class 5 Driver ’s License, First Aid/ CPR Level 1, or willing to obtain

For full detailed listing send request to the HR Manager at: elliott a@ nlxfn com or phone: (250) 378-9772 / Fax: (250) 315-0283

This posting will remain open to maintain a position registry; please apply early Preference will be given to persons of Aboriginal ancestry as per Section 16(1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act

Par ticipates, as required or directed, and as a team member in periodic meetings with Teachers, students and parents/guardians to plan and revise educational programs and activities.

Preference will be given to those applicants who:

Have a minimum of two years’ experience

• Have Aboriginal ancestr y (as per Special Program with the BC Human Rights Tribunal)

How to apply

Submit a resume with the following: References

• Copies of required cer tificates

• Copy of valid driver’s license and current driver’s abstract

*Successful applicants will be subject to a vulnerable sector criminal record check.*

Closing Date: On-going until this position is filled. Only Shor t Listed Applicants will be contacted. Postion will star t in September 2023. Please send your application to: Principal, Coldwater School Box 4600, Merritt, BC, V1K 1B8 • Fax: (250) 378–9212

Email: principal@coldwaterschool.ca

M e rrit t Prop e r t y M anag e m e nt Ltd . in M errit t, B C is im mediately lo o king for a vibrant, organized and detail - oriented O f fic e M anag e r. We are a fast paced of fi ce needing a team player with a positive demeanor and excellent co m munication skills

R e quir e m e nt s:

• E xperience in an of fi ce set ting in an administrative role

• K nowledge and profi ciency in M S O f fi ce ( Word, E xcel and O utlo o k)

• M aintain accounts payable and receivable including payroll

• Familiarit y with Q uick B o o ks or similar acco unting program

• A bilit y to co m municate ef fectively - both writ ten and verbal

• Prioritize time management in a multi -tasking environment

• D evelop social media plat form marketing

J oining this team provides oppor tunit y for advancement and education

in Proper t y M anagement General of fi ce hours are M onday to Friday, 8:3 0 am to 4:3 0 pm (so metimes occasional af ter hours and weekends required) S alar y co m mensurate with experience and ex tended healthcare benefi ts package available

Pl e as e e m ail wit h “cove r l et te r ” and “r e sum e” to m e rrit t p rop mgmt@ou t lo ok .com

Coldwater Indian Band School Job Posting TEACHER

The Coldwater School is inviting qualified applicants to apply for the position of Teacher

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or higher qualification in education

• Valid BC teaching cer tificate required (or be in application of) Experience integrating technolog y in class lessons

• Experience with F irst Nation schools an asset

Experience in developing and implementing IEP’s

• Excellent communication, leadership and interpersonal skills

Knowledge of the BC curriculum and experience with Saxon Math, Readwell, and Reading Master y are an asset

Willing to continue to gain new knowledge and skills, be flexible, positive and a team player

F irst Aid Cer tificate or willing to obtain

Criminal Record Check

Preference will be given to those applicants who:

• Have knowledge of Nle?kepmx language and Nle?kepmx culture

• Have classroom teaching experience

Have experience at the Primar y and Elementar y levels

• Have experience with formative assessment practices is an asset

Have additional professional experience and/or post-secondar y courses in ear ly childhood education, ear ly learning and ear ly literacy

Have Aboriginal ancestr y (as per Special Program with the BC Human Rights Tribunal)

Salar y - Comparable to area schools

How to apply

Your application por tfolio must include the following documents:

• Cover Letter Resume

• Copies of valid required cer tification

Three references

*Successful applicants will be subject to a vulnerable sector criminal record check.*

Closing Date: On-going until this position is filled. Only Shor t Listed Applicants will be contacted. Postion will star t in September 2023.

Please send your application to: Principal, Coldwater School Box 4600, Merritt, BC, V1K 1B8 • Fax: (250) 378–9212

Email: principal@coldwaterschool.ca

Nlaka’pamux Health Services Society Employment Opportunity Wellness Manager

Nlaka’pamux Health Services Society is currently looking for a Wellness Manger to lead a diverse team serving to support communities within the Nlaka’pamux Nation Monday to Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm (28-35 Hours per week/1hr lunch)

Our ideal candidate will have a combination of relevant Education and Experience

REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor ’s degree in psychology, Social Work or other Human Services discipline preferred Training mental health first aid, suicide intervention, non-violent crisis intervention First Aid/CPR Level 1, or willing to obtain

For full detailed listing send request to the Operations Manager at: elliott a@nlxfn com or phone: (250) 378-9772 / Fax: (250) 315-0283

This posting will remain open until the position is filled; please apply early Preference will be given to persons of Aboriginal ancestry as per Section 16(1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act

Coldwater Indian Band School Job Posting

BUS DRIVER/MAINTENANCE

The Coldwater School is inviting qualified applicants to apply for the full-time afternoon position of Bus Driver/Maintenance Wor ker

Qualifications

• Completion of Grade 12 or equivalent

• Must have a valid Class 4 Driver’s license and current driver’s abstract

• Ability to communicate effectively using cour tesy and tact in the routine exchange of information Physical ability to perform the required duties (e.g lift and carr y 50 lbs.)

• Experience operating a 35 passenger bus and following all BC motor vehicle laws and regulations F irst Aid Cer tification (or be willing to get)

Duties and Responsibilities will include:

Transpor ts students to and from school in accordance with defined routes

• Performs all bus maintenance and required travel logs

• Performs a variety of minor maintenance and repairs, as well as grounds keeping tasks in and around school buildings according to approved position description and schedule

• Basic maintenance of the school heating and cooling systems

Preference will be given to those applicants who: Have a minimum of two years’ experience

Have Aboriginal ancestr y Salar y - Comparable to area schools

How to apply

Submit a resume with the following:

• WHMIS Cer tificate

3 references

Copy of valid driver’s license and current driver’s abstract

*Successful applicants will be subject to a vulnerable sector criminal record check.*

Closing Date: On-going until this position is filled. Only Shor t Listed Applicants will be contacted Postion will star t in September 2023

Please send your application to: Principal, Kathy Oppenheim Box 4600, Merritt, BC, V1K 1B8 • Fax: (250) 378–9212

Email: principal@coldwaterschool.ca