Merritt Herald - March 10, 2015

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TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2015 • MERRITT NEWSPAPERS

Law enforcement hockey tourney raises $7,000

Law enforcement officers from Merritt made up two of the five teams that participated in the Law Enforcement Hockey Challenge that took place from Feb. 27 to March 1. Submitted

By Michael Potestio THE HERALD

reporter@merrittherald.com

UPLIFTING PERFORMANCE The Fountainview Academy orchestra and choir were in Merritt Saturday at the Crossroads Community Church to play a concert titled Lift Him Up. The Lillooet-based musical group consists of Christian school students aged 14 to 18 who come from around North America and the world. They travel to various cities around B.C. and the U.S. to perform and share their Christian message. Michael Potestio/Herald

Charity began at the rink for police who paid it forward with a fundraising effort for the BC Children’s Hospital.

Mounties from Merritt and Kamloops, along with sheriffs and conservation officers, participated in a fiveteam hockey tournament at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena from Feb. 27 to March 1 and raised approximately $7,000 in the process.

The Law Enforcement Charity Hockey Challenge generated a $2,000 increase in funds collected over last year’s total.

Organizer and Merritt RCMP Const.

Derrick Francis said

the funds were raised through community donations, raffles, a silent auction and a beer garden.

Francis said the BC Children’s Hospital was the charity of choice to support because many of those playing in the tournament had been impacted in some way by the hospital.

The fundraiser hits close to home for Merritt RCMP officer Brodie Ferris, whose six-year-old daughter Kaydence has been making trips to the BC Children’s Hospital since birth.

Kaydence was born with a hole in her heart and has had four surgeries to date for repairs.

She went under the knife for the first time when she was only a

month old, and had a pacemaker implanted at just a year old.

Kaydence is doing well, but still requires a fifth surgery to replace one of her heart valves.

Francis said people in law enforcement are community-minded individuals who want to help out — a reason that parallels their decision to enter the policing field.

Over its two years, the hockey tournament has raised $12,000 for the hospital.

Kaydence’s mother, Vida Ferris, said it’s nice to see people come out to play hockey for a cause, and noted from her experience with her daughter that the costs associated with attending the children’s hospital are high.

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

NVIT celebrating Social Work Week

By Emily Wessel

in health care, mental health, drug and alcohol counselling, and even probation services.

“You can work in long-term care as a social worker, [in] victim services,” social work department head Elaine Herbert said.

“It’s such a generalist degree. A [bachelor of social work] gives you a good foundation to go into other fields.”

Fourth-year student Effie Wilson said she’d like to work in the prevention side of social work once she graduates.

The career fair reflects Social Work

THE HERALD

newsroom@merrittherald.com

NVIT’s social work class is celebrating Social Work Week (March 8 to 14) by holding a career fair in conjunction with area agencies involved in social work.

The idea is to show people who drop by the college between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. tomorrow (Wednesday, Feb. 11) that there’s more to being a social worker than child apprehension.

Other careers a social work degree can prepare people for are

Week’s national theme, which is professional choice.

Herbert said the job fair is a collaborative effort in order to raise the school of social work’s profile in NVIT and the community.

This year, 63 students are enrolled in NVIT’s social work program full time between its two campuses in Merritt and Burnaby. Another five students are taking classes on a part-time basis.

The program is accredited through the Canadian Association of Social Work Educa-

tors.

Herbert said NVIT’s social work curriculum is integrated with critical race theory and aboriginal knowledge, which equips students to handle a diverse range of situations upon entering the workforce.

The department is also hosting a panel discussion called “Creating safe spaces: challenging sexual harassment” on March 12, in which a panel will discuss topics related to violence against women.

The panel will be comprised of NVIT

Freezing likely cause of death of woman near Merritt

By Michael Potestio THE HERALD

reporter@merrittherald.com

An Enderby woman with dementia found dead near Merritt last Wednesday likely succumbed to hypothermia after leaving her vehicle, which was stuck in the snow on a logging road near Douglas Lake Road.

The body of Barbra Derenowski was discovered along the side of a logging road that afternoon by several people who were in the Salmon Lake area to fish.

The discovery was reported to Merritt RCMP, who located the body.

The 73-year-old went miss-

ing from her home on March 2 at about 2:30 p.m. after her care worker dropped her off there.

Derenowski lived alone and it appears that she got into her 1998 Ford pickup and drove away.

She ended up driving along a logging road off of Douglas Lake Road and police believe she exited her vehicle and walked away after getting her pickup stuck in snow.

Police found her footprints, and she was located 17 kilometres away from her vehicle.

“She had been walking for a while,” RCMP Staff Sgt. Sheila White said.

Derenowski was likely unfamiliar with the area as it appeared as though she had been trying to turn the truck around when she got it stuck, White told the Herald.

Derenowski had been walking back the way she came before it’s believed she collapsed on the roadway where she was found, White said.

She was wearing a light sweater and sneakers at the time of her death.

She didn’t have a valid driver’s licence.

Derenowski had family living in the Lower Mainland and Salmon Arm who have been notified, White said.

ing in at some point in our lives,” Herbert said.

“It’s really community violence.”

While that forum is only open to NVIT staff, students and faculty, it is potentially the first in a series of forums on topics sur-

instructor Sharon McIvor, who’s done plenty of work around missing and murdered indigenous women; RCMP officer and community liaison Tracy Dunsmore, who will define sexual harassment in terms of the law; and elder Amelia Washington, who will present on healthy relationships.

The panel discussion is one piece of many that fits into community or family violence, and all relates to social work, Herbert said.

“It’s a prevalent social situation that we all find ourselves work-

rounding community violence, Herbert said.

“Part of social work is community involvement, community collaboration and working with community because that’s how you create change,” she said.

9

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For appointments please call:

250-378-6222 PREVENT THEFTS FROM YOUR MOTOR VEHICLE Here a few helpful hints to help prevent motor vehilcle break-ins: 1 Don’t leave purses or valuables

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING & ELECTION OF OFFICERS Thursday March 19th, 2015 @ 7pm 1675 Tutill Court @ Merritt Seniors Centre GUEST SPEAKER: Lynne Jorgesen, topic: James Teit REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED

inside vehicles overnight.

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TUESDAY, March 10, 2015 • 3

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Workshop promotes understanding MSS students given crash course in residential schools

By Emily Wessel

EDUCATION THE FOUNDATION FOR HEALING: IRSSS

THE HERALD

newsroom@merrittherald.com

Students from throughout School District 58 got an education on Canadian residential schools and their impacts last week in a series of workshops presented by the Indian Residential Schools Survivor Society.

The presentations took place from Monday to Thursday with one session each morning for high school students and one afternoon session each day for Grade 6 and 7 students.

The aim of the presentations was to educate students and create awareness about this piece of Canadian history.

“When you think about residential school, you may think it was 100 years ago or 200 years ago, but it wasn’t,” IRSSS executive director Cindy Tom-Lindley told Grade 10 students from Merritt and Princeton on Thursday morning. “It’s not really that far back in our history and it is an important part of Canadian history that is overlooked because it’s maybe too shameful to think that we treated other human beings like that.”

Tom-Lindley, who attended the Kamloops Indian Residential School, said she was surprised to learn residential school is not a topic that’s mandatory throughout B.C.’s curriculum. It is only mandatory in Grade 11 social studies.

That’s changing, she said, noting the work of developing a curriculum on the topic has been started by the provincial First Nations Education Steering Committee.

However, there is still plenty of work to do in sorting through the educational piece and implementing that in the school system, SD58 aboriginal superintendent Shelley Oppenheim-Lacerte said.

Oppenheim-Lacerte said

Grade 10 students from Merritt Secondary School and Princeton Secondary School write acts of kindness and positive thoughts on a poster in MSS’ multi-purpose room to end the Indian Residential Schools Survivor Society presentation on Thursday morning. Emily Wessel/Herald

Indian Residential Schools Survivor Society workshop facilitator Angela White organizes student volunteers to illustrate how a family structure was changed when indigenous children were taken away to residential schools.

Emily Wessel/Herald

it’s important to teach about residential schools at different grade levels throughout a student’s school career because the history’s impact on people affects all aspects of their lives.

Tom-Lindley said throughout the week, the workshop presenters and school staff members heard feedback from students coming to realize something about how their own family histories had been affected

by residential schools.

She said a lot of students also asked how they could go so long without knowing about residential schools.

“We want to say here’s our history, here’s what happened to our people,” Tom-Lindley said. “We’re still here, and we’ve got some healing, some educating and all of that to do. People have no idea of what First Nations people have been through to be here.”

Tom-Lindley said her road from residential school to where she is now has been hard, but building understanding is one of the ways people can support survivors and their healing.

The IRSSS, which supports residential school survivors during their compensation hearings, advocates for survivors and spreads awareness, will celebrate its 20th anniversary this week.

Oppenheim-Lacerte said the workshop was a learning opportunity not only for students but for teachers and school staff as well.

She said the schools, staff and district are largely supportive of providing this history in schools.

It also ties into the school district’s Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreements, which focus on developing students’ health and well-being, academic success, self-worth and culture.

With those goal areas so inter-connected, it’s important students learn about who they are and how this history may have touched their families, she said.

“Having this opportunity has been exciting in that it’s been a long time coming,” she said.

For workshop facilitator Angela White, it was questions about her own family history that inspired her to do her undergraduate degree in history.

She shared the history of residential schools through her studies with the students, beginning with the first contact between Europeans and First Nations people in the 1700s through the Royal Proclamation of 1763 which established treaty rights, and the establishment of the Indian act in 1876.

Various pieces of legislation throughout those years slowly built the foundation on which residential schools would be established in the 1840s.

In 1879, the government adopted its aggressive assimilation policy at residential schools in order to “civilize” indigenous Canadians.

Canada’s residential school system was modelled on a similar system of institutions in the U.S. Though it’s history, residential schools weren’t that long ago, White said.

B.C.’s first residential school, St. Mary’s residential school in Mission, opened in the 1860s and didn’t close until 1984. The last residential school in Canada closed in 1996.

White organized 16 student volunteers into a family structure radiating out from a circle of four, who represented the children in an indigenous family.

The children were gathered around papers with words written on them related to what children learn from their caregivers: culture, language, traditions, values, the right of way of doing things, and so on.

See ‘Awareness’ Page 5

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GOOD MORNING! Opinion --------------------- 6-7 Sports ------------------------ 8 Classified ------------------- 10

REMEMBER WHEN? From the Herald archives: March 1951 St. John Ambulance Association Lectures A series of lectures in St. John A. A. First Aid to the Injured is now available to the adult public under the sponsorship of the Merritt Board of Trade.

A candidate is required to pay a fee of $2 when enrolling, which covers the cost of the textbook, bandages, and examination by a doctor for an award if he or she successfully passes the final test.

R. Wiehle and H.A. Smitheram will be in charge of lectures and instruction.

There have been many changes in the St. John A. A. methods of rendering first aid and in order to keep pace with the changing times, those who have previously held certificates should enrol for a refresher course on the revised edition of St. John A. A. First Aid to the Injured.

4 • TUESDAY, March 10, 2015

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.FSSJUU $PVOUSZ 3VO #FHJO UP 3VO 1SPHSBN

H&M EXCAVATING LTD. WILL BE DOING UNDERGROUND AND SURFACE ROAD WORKS ON

TUESDAYS APRIL 7 - JUNE 3 5:30 - 6:30 PM Meet @ Civic Centre, Room 2 $80 Registration cost covers a 10 wk run program, country run registraion & t-shirt.

CLAPPERTON AVE

STARTING ON MONDAY MARCH 2ND FOR A DURATION OF 2-3 WEEKS THE PURPOSE OF THIS NOTICE IS TO INFORM YOU OF THE TYPICAL NUISANCES INVOLVED WITH A PROJECT OF THIS TYPE -- MAINLY ACCESS TO YOUR PROPERTY. THE CONSTRUCTION ENTAILS INSTALLATION OF SANITARY SEWER MAINS AND RECONSTRUCTION OF THE ROADWAY ALONG CLAPPERTON AVE. THE STREET WILL BE SINGLE LANE TRAFFIC SOME OF THE TIME, AND THERE WILL BE TIMES THAT YOU WILL NOT HAVE VEHICULAR ACCESS TO YOUR PROPERTY. WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO NOTIFY YOU IN ADVANCE AND TO KEEP THESE INTERRUPTIONS AS SHORT AS POSSIBLE.

This is an introductory running program for all levels of ability. The course will consist of walk/run intervals with the running times slowly increasing. The ultimate goal is to run 5km.

10km option is also available, prerequisite must be able to run 5km.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

BYLAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER Position: The City of Merritt is inviting applications for the position of a part time Bylaw Enforcement Officer.

Current resumes reflecting applicants’ knowledge, skills and abilities relevant to the position and detailing education, qualifications and proof of required licenses/certificates/ degrees will be accepted prior to 4:00 p.m. Friday, March 20th by: Carole Fraser, Human Resources Manager City of Merritt PO Box 189, 2185 Voght Street Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 Or by email: cfraser@merritt.ca For complete details, visit City of Merritt website at www.merritt.ca We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY ROADS AND SOLID WASTE SUPERVISOR Applications are invited for the position of a Roads and Solid Waste Supervisor for the Public Works Department in the City of Merritt.

For complete details, visit City of Merritt website at www.merritt.ca We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

WE APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE THIS MAY CAUSE. HOWEVER, WE ASK THAT YOU BE PATIENT THROUGH THE DURATION OF THIS UPGRADE PROJECT. IF YOU REQUIRE ANY ASSISTANCE OR HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE PHONE OUR SITE SUPERINTENDANT, GEOFF PRESTON, AT 4934677 (OFFICE) OR 250-809-2405 (CELL).

Detailed resumes attached with a cover letter will be accepted until 4:00 p.m., Friday, March 20, 2015 and should be addressed to: Carole Fraser Human Resources Manager P.O. Box 189, 2185 Voght St. Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 Or by e-mail: cfraser@merritt.ca

NOTICE TO RESIDENTS H&M EXCAVATING LTD. WILL BE DOING UNDERGROUND AND SURFACE ROAD WORKS ON

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

COLDWATER AVE. AND MAIN ST.

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE PURPOSE OF THIS NOTICE IS TO INFORM YOU OF THE TYPICAL NUISANCES INVOLVED WITH A PROJECT OF THIS TYPE -- MAINLY ACCESS TO YOUR PROPERTY. THE CONSTRUCTION ENTAILS INSTALLATION OF SANITARY SEWER MAINS AND RECONSTRUCTION OF THE ROADWAY ALONG COLDWATER AVE. THE STREET WILL BE SINGLE LANE TRAFFIC SOME OF THE TIME, AND THERE WILL BE TIMES THAT YOU WILL NOT HAVE VEHICULAR ACCESS TO YOUR PROPERTY. WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO NOTIFY YOU IN ADVANCE AND TO KEEP THESE INTERRUPTIONS AS SHORT AS POSSIBLE.

CLERK TYPIST

Current resumes reflecting applicants’ knowledge, skills and abilities relevant to the position and detailing education, qualifications and proof of required licenses/certificates/ degrees will be accepted prior to 4:00 p.m. Friday, March 27th by: Carole Fraser, Human Resources Manager City of Merritt PO Box 189, 2185 Voght Street Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 Or by email: cfraser@merritt.ca

AS WITH ANY CONSTRUCTION PROJECT OF THIS SORT, YOU CAN EXPECT SOME DUST, NOISE AND VIBRATION. RESIDENTS WHO BORDER THE PROJECT SHOULD BE AWARE THAT ANY FRAGILE OR VALUABLE ITEMS THAT COULD POSSIBLY BE DAMAGED DUE TO VIBRATION SHOULD BE TAKEN DOWN OR SECURED FOR THE DURATION OF THE PROJECT. PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOUR CHILDREN ARE AWARE OF THE DANGERS OF A CONSTRUCTION PROJECT AND THAT THEY STAY CLEAR OF THE EQUIPMENT.

For complete details, visit City of Merritt website at www.merritt.ca

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: Position: The City of Merritt is inviting applications for the position of a permanent full time Clerk Typist to be stationed at the Merritt RCMP Detachment to provide clerical duties at the Merritt RCMP Detachment.

NOTICE TO RESIDENTS

NOTICE OF PROPOSED PROPERTY DISPOSITION (LEASE) Notice is hereby given that the City of Merritt intends to dispose of an interest in land, being the entering into of a lease for the Merritt Curling Facility (Lot 2, Plan 22544, District Lot 174, Kamloops Division, PID #006-810-853), with the Merritt Curling Club for a term of (5) five years commencing on March 25, 2015. The consideration to be received by the City for the proposed Lease is the initial sum of $1.00 plus applicable taxes.

For more information, please contact Larry Plotnikoff, Leisure Services Manager at 250-378-8618 or via e-mail at lplotnikoff@merritt.ca

This notice was given on February 27, 2015 in accordance with Section 94 of the Community Charter.

Next council meeting: Tuesday, March 10, 2015 Council agendas and minutes at www.merritt.ca

STARTING ON MONDAY MARCH 2ND FOR A DURATION OF 4 MONTHS

AS WITH ANY CONSTRUCTION PROJECT OF THIS SORT, YOU CAN EXPECT SOME DUST, NOISE AND VIBRATION. RESIDENTS WHO BORDER THE PROJECT SHOULD BE AWARE THAT ANY FRAGILE OR VALUABLE ITEMS THAT COULD POSSIBLY BE DAMAGED DUE TO VIBRATION SHOULD BE TAKEN DOWN OR SECURED FOR THE DURATION OF THE PROJECT. PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOUR CHILDREN ARE AWARE OF THE DANGERS OF A CONSTRUCTION PROJECT AND THAT THEY STAY CLEAR OF THE EQUIPMENT. WE APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE THIS MAY CAUSE. HOWEVER, WE ASK THAT YOU BE PATIENT THROUGH THE DURATION OF THIS UPGRADE PROJECT. IF YOU REQUIRE ANY ASSISTANCE OR HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE PHONE OUR SITE SUPERINTENDANT, GEOFF PRESTON, AT 4934677 (OFFICE) OR 250-809-2405 (CELL).

City of Merritt ★ 2185 Voght Street, Box 189 Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 ★ Phone: 250-378-4224

TUESDAY, March 10, 2015 • 5

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

B.C. moves Awareness central to workshop to restrict e-cigarettes From Page 3

By Tom Fletcher BLACK PRESS tfletcher@blackpress.ca

The B.C. government is tightening its regulations to ban the sale of electronic cigarettes to minors and use of the smoking substitute in workplaces, restaurants and other indoor public spaces.

Health Minister Terry Lake said changes he introduced in the B.C. legislature Thursday will treat the battery-powered devices like tobacco products, meaning they may not be displayed in stores or used in enclosed spaces where others are present. That will include private vehicles with children inside.

Lake said he expects the new regulations to be in effect within a year, after consulting with the industry and giving sellers time to adjust to the new rules.

“This doesn’t ban e-cigarettes,” Lake said.

“This means that children are protected from the sale and from being exposed to e-cigarettes, and those who don’t want to be subjected to the vapours from e-cigarettes are protected as well.

“Essentially the same conditions that now apply to tobacco will apply to e-cigarettes, so in public places, indoor workplaces, school grounds and now health authorities as well.”

Lake said e-cigarettes may have potential as a quit-smoking aid, but they are currently unregulated and the liquid used in them may contain nicotine or other chemicals with health risks.

The federal government has banned the sale of so-called “e-juice” con- E-cigarettes can be disposable like this one taining nico- costing about $10, or more expensive refillable and rechargeable units. Black Press tine, but it remains legal in the U.S. and Health Canada has received numerous reports that it is sold north of the border as well.

NDP health critic Judy Darcy said she supports the restriction on e-cigarettes, but the lack of measures to prohibit flavoured tobacco products is “a gaping hole” in the government’s bill.

Lake said he has been assured by federal Health Minister Rona Ambrose that federal regulations are in the works to deal with flavoured tobacco.

“When you’re talking about the manufacture of cigars and cigarettes, it’s better to do that at a federal level, because obviously they’re not made in each individual province,” Lake said.

Then, another student volunteer came in and took the children away, representing their removal by the Canadian government to church-run residential schools.

“As soon as they were taken, their identity ceased to exist. Their name was replaced by a number,” White said.

After the students representing children were returned to the family structure near the end of the

workshop, all the students were invited to contribute a positive thought to the “Acts of kindness” board at the front of the multi-purpose room.

“Be respectful to others,” read one message; another: “Smile at a stranger.”

“At the end of the day, it’s about you remembering how you can make a difference in somebody else’s life. No judgement, no stereotypes, understanding why people are the way they are based on the history we learned today,” White said.

A student contributes her act of kindness to the board in the MSS multi-purpose room on Thursday morning following a residential school workshop. Her message was about helping people in need regardless of their circumstances.

Emily Wessel/Herald

What do you think?

Is MERRITT Age-friendly?

The Age-friendly Advisory Committee invites you to take part in an exciting new initiative in Merritt In an age-friendly community older persons can live in security, enjoy good health and continue to participate fully in society.

Did you know? x In 2013, just over 16 percent of British Columbia’s population was 65 or older. x By 2031 this proportion is projected to be nearly 25 percent. x In Merritt, 20 percent of our residents are over 65.

Tell us about how you experience your community. Are there barriers you face to aging actively? What is working well? This is an important opportunity to have your voice heard as we begin to create a more age-friendly community.

We will ask about: 1. Outdoor Spaces and Buildings 2. Transportation 3. Housing 4. Respect and Social Inclusion 5. Social Participation 6. Communication and Information 7. Civic Participation and Employment 8. Community Support and Health Services

Interested in participating?

Contact our age-friendly team at 250-378-4224 For more information please contact The City of Merritt 250-378-4224 or info@merritt.ca

6 • TUESDAY, March 10, 2015

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HERALD OPINION Ensuring a life sentence is a sentence for life Last week our prime minister announced that a new government bill will be introduced in the DAN ALBAS House of Com- View from the mons early this HILL week.

This bill proposes to change the terms of parole for some of Canada’s most disturbing and senseless acts of murder to ensure that in these situations a life sentence in jail more closely resembles a sentence for life.

It will be proposed that in serious criminal cases that involve a conviction of first degree murder (murder that is both planned and deliberately executed) would be subject to a life sentence without parole.

What types of serious criminal offences would apply? A kidnap or sexual assault that results in a murder; first degree murder of police, correctional guards or other law enforcement personnel; and acts of terrorism are a few examples where life sentences without parole could apply.

Although parole eligibility would be eliminated in these situations, those who have served a life sentence after a minimum of 35 years could apply to the minister of public safety for exceptional release.

Decisions on application for special release would ultimately be subject to ministerial approval and not part of a conventional parole hearing process.

While these proposed changes would only impact a relatively small number of our most serious criminal offenders, they will be welcome news for a very important segment of Canadians: the friends, families and victims who are left behind after such a senseless loss.

See ‘Parole’ Page 7

Publisher Theresa Arnold publisher@ merrittherald.com

Daniel Norris: mountain man, millionaire

Emily Wessel Merritt MUSINGS In the parking lot of the spring training camp for the Toronto Blue Jays in Dunedin, Fla., one of these things is not like the others.

Picture them, and see if you can pick the odd man out: a luxury SUV, a $100,000 BMW, a trickedout Escalade and a 1978 Volkswagen Westfalia mini-bus.

This is a real situation

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Advertising Sales Terresa Rempel sales2@ merrittherald.com

MERRITT HERALD 2090 G

for the Blue Jays. The mini-bus, named “Shaggy” after the Scooby Doo character, belongs to the shaggybearded 21-year-old pitcher Daniel Norris.

Despite a $2 million signing bonus with the baseball club, Norris prefers to live the solitary, simple life in his mini-bus in the off-season, touring around and making the 1,100-kilometre trek from his home in Tennessee to the Dunedin spring training camp each year.

His van is typically parked in the parking lot of the city’s 24-hour WalMart.

He cooks his meals on a camping stove, and spends his free time camping in the wilderness and surfing.

He does pullups and pushups in the parking lot of the retail giant, and is

used to a fair amount of curious attention.

Some passersby offer him money or prayers, thinking he’s in a tough situation financially.

In reality, they couldn’t be more wrong.

He’s a young multimillionaire who simply chooses to live in the raggedy van.

He looks every bit the rugged outdoorsman in the off-season, but when baseball starts up again, he’ll shave the beard and move in with a teammate.

He tells media he is committed to his job on the team and takes his career with the Blue Jays seriously and is figuring out how much give and take there is in terms of reconciling his freewheeling, solitary lifestyle and his heavily team-oriented

Editor Emily Wessel newsroom@ merrittherald.com

RANITE AVE., PO BOX 9, MERRITT, B.C. PHONE (250) 378-4241

Reporter Michael Potestio reporter@ merrittherald.com

career.

He’s become known as the “van man” around Dunedin, and it doesn’t appear to be a title he or his baseball club rejects.

It’s not a concern of the Blue Jays if Norris spends his off-season on the road in a cramped camper-van because he stays in shape and during the season, he plays well and holds up his contribution to the team, an assistant GM with the Jays told the National Post.

He is a promising prospect vying for a starting pitcher position with a left arm that can fire a fastball at 96 miles per hour.

The irony is his attempt at keeping his lifestyle simple is somewhat complicated by the immense publicity it’s garnered as of late.

Sports writer Ian Webster sports@ merrittherald.com

But perhaps that’s part of the pitch for him making it as the team’s starter on the mound.

Cynics will say it’s all a publicity stunt, but I don’t believe it is; at least, not entirely.

In interviews, he comes off very down-to-earth and genuinely the lone, rugged ranger who understands the fascination with his unconventional lifestyle and people’s curiosity.

And in the arena of professional sports, where some of the most famous, highly paid and highly revered athletes make headlines for knocking out their wives, abusing their children, fighting dogs, doing hard drugs or any other bad thing you can imagine, this guy’s mountain-man lifestyle really is a breath of fresh air.

Office manager Ken Couture classifieds@ merrittherald.com

FAX (250) 378-6818

Copyright subsists in all display advertising in this edition of the Merritt Herald. Permission to reproduce in any form, must be obtained in writing from the publisher. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada, through the Canada Periodical Fund (CPF) for our publishing activities.

This Merritt Herald is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the complaint holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council. Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to B.C. Press Council, 201 Selby St., Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 2R2.

For information, phone 888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org

TUESDAY, March 10, 2015 • 7

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YOUR OPINION

Speak up You can comment on any story you read @ merrittherald.com

Biosolids issue a matter of quantity

To vote, go online to merrittherald.com

Dear Editor, The way I see it, the current sewage sludge (a.k.a. biosolids) controversy is not really about whether or not the stuff is safe.

The local company composting Merritt’s own sewage is not under attack. Most of us have learned that their product makes lawns greener and flowers bigger, and each individual has a choice whether or not to use it in vegetable gardens.

But consider the quantity of sewage a small town produces. Multiply that by several thousand, and you will have an estimate of how much filth is being hauled to this valley from other cities in B.C. to be composted and spread here. And we, the people, were not consulted. Is this fair?

If the sewage sludge were honey, would we want that much honey?

Do you think it’s fair for the B.C. government to use driving privileges as collateral for student loan payments?

Irma Starrs Merritt STRING SECTION Members of the Fountainview Academy Orchestra perform as part of their Lift Him Up concert at the Crossroads Community Church on Saturday morning. Michael Potestio/Herald

Be cautious when conducting open burns this spring The Kamloops Fire Centre is urging people to use caution when they’re conducting open burns because of unseasonably dry conditions.

Because of a lack of snow, mild temperatures and increased wind, dead grass has dried out quickly in the region.

Mitigate wildfire risks by conducting a backyard burn with enough people, water and tools on hand to control the fire and prevent it from escaping; don’t burn during windy conditions; clear a one-metre perimeter around the fire of all combustibles; and completely extinguish

the fire before leaving it.

Anyone found in contravention of an open fire prohibition may be issued a ticket for $345 or, if convicted in court, may be fined up to $100,000 and sentenced to one year in jail. If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person may be subject to a penalty of up to $10,000 and be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.

To report a wildfire, call 1-800-663-5555 or dial *5555 on your cellphone.

Open burns are prohibited in Merritt’s city limits at all times.

Parole hearing process painful From Page 6 Many are unaware that Canada’s current parole entitlement to criminals means that even those with potentially no hope of release are still able to participate in a parole hearing every two years.

For family and friends of a murdered loved one, this often results in travelling a significant distance to be forced to re-live one of life’s most traumatizing moments every two years.

It is a very painful process that is often referred to as “revictimization” and, as I have stated previously in the House of Commons, for victims it should not have to be this way.

While some think

of well publicized murderers such as Clifford Olson or Paul Bernardo, even here in Okanagan-Coquihalla the family and friends of the Johnson and Bentley families have been forced to re-live this tragedy as convicted murderer David Shearing remains eligible for these parole hearings.

Last fall I presented a petition of over 10,000 signatures from Okanagan-Coquihalla to the minister of public safety opposing the release of Mr. Shearing.

For many volunteers, who in some cases have also lost loved ones, the process of collecting these signatures is a painful but important exercise.

Although there have been private members’

?

HERALD QUESTION OF THE WEEK

bills previously that have proposed an end to this re-victimization of families through the current parole process, none to date have received royal assent.

A government bill, though not retroactive, would ensure families who have been victimized by brutal and senseless acts of first degree murder would not be forced to continue to revisit such devastating traumas every two years.

I welcome your views on this or any subject before the House of Commons.

I can be reached via email at dan.albas@ parl.gc.ca or at 1-800665-8711.

Dan Albas is the member of Parliament for Okanagan-Coquihalla.

PREVIOUS QUESTION Are you going away over spring break?

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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, address and phone number for verification purposes.

Letters may be edited for length, taste and clarity. Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

Email letters to: newsroom@ merrittherald. com.

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HERALD SPORTS Have a sports story tip? Tell us about it by calling 250-378-4241 or emailing sports@merrittherald.com

Local hockey product lands U.S. college scholarship 20-year-old Russell Sanderson will play for the University of Central Oklahoma Bronchos starting in September

By Ian Webster THE HERALD

sports@merrittherald.com

For Merritt’s Russell Sanderson, it’s like a dream come true.

The personable, young 20-year-old resident of the Nicola Valley has earned a scholarship to attend school and play hockey at the University of Central Oklahoma starting in September of this year.

Quite an accomplishment given that Sanderson has spent almost all of this past season — his final one in junior hockey — on the sidelines recovering from extensive surgery to his hip.

The original injury was a serious one, especially given that Sanderson is a goalie and hip flexibility and mobility are vital to the position.

“I tore my labrum, as well as did some cartilage damage,” Sanderson said, “as well as damaged the bony area of my hip joint.

They had to actually shave my hip bones down, put in some artificial cartilage, and reattach the labrum.”

Sanderson’s surgery took place in July of last year, and he has been rehabilitating ever since.

It’s only been the last month or so that he’s been feeling his old self again.

“The rehabbing was a pretty extensive process,” Sanderson said.

“I was on crutches for three months. Things are progressing well now. I’m working on getting my muscle strength back and my full range of motion.

I’m feeling better on the ice every day.”

Sanderson said a lot of the recovery process is mental.

“Initially, I was pretty down in the dumps about the surgery. It wasn’t the way I wanted to finish off my final year of junior eligibil-

ity.”

Things took a marked turn for the better in January of this year when Sanderson received a phone call from Lee Stone, his former Junior B coach in Campbell River.

“He told me that Central Oklahoma had been asking about me. Their head coach, Craig McAlister, had watched me play last year with the [Campbell River] Storm and liked what he had seen.

“One thing led to another and pretty soon they offered me a scholarship,” Sanderson said.

“It was pretty surreal to go from one minute not knowing what I’m going to do to hopefully having the next four years of my life planned for me.”

Sanderson’s long road to a hockey scholarship has been an interesting and at times difficult one. Born in Abbotsford, he got his start there on skates

‘‘

MERRITT-PROUD Twenty-year-old Russell Sanderson played three years of minor hockey in Merritt, and one-anda-half seasons with the BCHL’s Merritt Centennials. He has signed a letter of commitment to attend the University of Central Oklahoma starting in September. This season, the UCO Bronchos are the second-ranked team in the American College Hockey Asociation. They are currently playing in the national championships in Strongsville, Ohio. Ian Webster/Herald

‘I’ve always loved the position. I like the pressure and the responsibility.’

— MERRITT’S RUSSELL SANDERSON

playing Initiation hockey. He was a goalie right from the beginning.

“I’ve always loved the position,” he said.

“I like the pressure and the responsibility.”

His family moved to Squamish when Sanderson was in Grade 2, and that’s where he played house and rep hockey at the novice, atom and peewee levels.

In 2007, the Sandersons moved again, to Merritt, just in time for Russell to begin playing bantam rep. His younger brother, Zack, was a forward for the peewee rep squad.

Sanderson played

ON BEING A GOALTENDER

three memorable seasons of Merritt minor hockey, capped off by his team’s fifth-place finish at the provincial Tier 3 midget championships in VictoriaEsquimalt in the spring of 2010.

Looking to move up in his hockey career, Sanderson committed to play for the Thompson Blazers major midget team for the 2010-11 season.

The Merritt Secondary School student commuted back and forth to the Blazers’ home rink in Chase with teammate River Lafferty, also from the Nicola Valley.

“It was a tough year,” Sanderson said.

“Travelling as many as five times a week up and down the Coquihalla for practices and games.”

In his final year of midget eligibility, Sanderson made the jump to the Chase Heat of the Kootenay Junior International Hockey (KIJHL). He billeted in Chase to cut down on the commuting.

Sanderson conceded that both the Chase teams he played for were not very strong — losing far more than they won.

“Both years, I faced anywhere from 55 to 60 shots a game. I enjoyed it though. I think that the number of shots really helped in my development as a goalie.”

In September of 2012, Sanderson attended the training camp of his hometown Merritt Centennials and surprised even him-

self when he won the backup goalie position behind returning starter Tyler Steel.

In 11 starts for the Centennials during the BCHL’s 2012-13 campaign, Sanderson recorded a solid .916 SV% and 2.28 GAA. Sanderson’s sophomore season with the Cents was a memorable one — for all the wrong reasons. Set to take the reins or at least share the work load with rookie Devin Kero, Sanderson suffered a series of injuries and ailments that kept him out of the lineup for long periods of time.

“I broke my arm early in the fall, managed to get back for one week, then got the mumps,” Sanderson said. “Then my hip and groin issues started up.”

Leading up to the BCHL trade deadline on January 10, 2014, Sanderson had managed to play only eight games in a Centennials’

uniform. In order to take some pressure off the Merritt team and himself, he requested a trade.

Sanderson wound up being acquired by the Campbell River Storm of the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League, the same team that his brother, Zack, was playing for in his rookie season of Junior B hockey.

“I really liked it there. Everything was run so well, just like a Junior A program,” he said.

Sanderson played five regular-season games with the Storm, followed by seven playoff games. It was his eye-popping post-season performances that started turning a few heads.

In the seven games, Sanderson recorded two shutouts, a save percentage of .945 and a sizzling GAA of just 1.63.

See ‘Sanderson’s hockey journey’ Page 10

TUESDAY, March 10, 2015 • 9

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SPORTS

Sanderson’s hockey journey has had many stops From Page 9 It was that tremendously positive experience in Campbell River one year ago that has led Sanderson to return to the same Vancouver Island community this spring to train with the Storm, assist coach Stone with his team’s playoff run, and prepare for the college game south of the border beginning in September.

“I’m helping out with coaching right now, and I’ll be doing some scouting,” Sanderson said.

“There’s ice here for all but one month of the summer, so I’ll be able to get lots of practice time. The club even has its own gym where I can work out.”

Sanderson anticipates that he’ll leave for UCO in mid to late August. He’ll be joining an excellent hockey program that is enjoying a lot of success at the Division 1 level of the American Collegiate Hockey Association.

The second-seeded Bronchos are currently competing in the ACHA national championships in Strongsville, Ohio.

Central Oklahoma defeated 15th-ranked Niagara University 4-1 on Friday in the round of 16, and followed that up with a 5-3 quarterfinal victory over 10th-ranked Iowa State Sunday afternoon.

Monday night, the Bronchos were scheduled to play thirdranked Minot State in one semifinal, while topranked Arizona State was slated to take on fifth-ranked Stony Brook in the other semifinal.

The UCO Bronchos have had an excellent 2014-15 season leading up to the national championships. Their regular season record was 28-5-0-1. At home, they were an impressive 18-1-0-1.

In February, UCO won the 38th Crabpot tournament, defeating the host Navy Academy 6-1 in the final.

The Bronchos’ roster this season lists no fewer than 15 Canadian players with junior experience, including 10 from British Columbia. There

is also one player from Switzerland and two from Sweden.

Sanderson knows a couple of the players on this season’s team.

Curtis Johnson was the captain in Chase when I played there,” he said, “and Tyler Leblanc is from Squamish. He’s a couple of years older than me, but I used to watch him play.”

Sanderson is currently checking out courses of study at UCO, which is located in the community of Edmon and has a student population of 17,000.

In 2009, UCO was ranked in the top 10-per cent of America’s Best Colleges by Forbes magazine. It has highly-rated physics and computer science departments.

“I’m thinking of studying to be a French teacher,” said Sanderson, who attended the immersion programs in Squamish and at Merritt Secondary School.

“Russell has the attributes that I look for in a goalie: character, good work ethic, thrives under pressure and can handle adversity,” head coach McAllister of the Bronchos said. “He has shown that he is willing to battle anything that gets in his way to be successful.”

Storm coach Stone said, “I have known Russell for several years, dating back to when he first stepped into junior hockey. UCO could not have recruited a more high-character player for their program.

“To see Russell battle through hip surgery at the age of 20, to not only walk and skate leisurely again, but compete at a collegiate level shows that if you put your mind to it, you can achieve your dreams.”

As for Sanderson, he is grateful for the chance to continue his hockey career at UCO. “It is an honour and a privilege to commit to play for Coach McAllister and such a great hockey program, as well as have the opportunity to pursue my post-secondary education. I couldn’t be happier.”

10 • TUESDAY, March 10, 2015

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PROVINCE

Minimum wage formula coming soon

By Tom Fletcher BLACK PRESS tfletcher@blackpress.ca

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Premier Christy Clark has ruled out increasing B.C.’s minimum wage to $15 an hour, but she says there will be a formula announced soon for increases to keep pace with the cost of living.

After meetings between cabinet ministers and B.C. Federation of Labour executives this week, Clark said work is underway to extend the series of increases that brought the minimum wage up to its current rate of

$10.25 an hour after a decade with no increase. She said the system has to protect small and medium-sized businesses from big jumps.

“They know that it’s going to go up, but they want to know that it’s going to go up in a predictable way so they can plan for it,” Clark said.

B.C. Fed president Irene Lanzinger said it’s big businesses like fast food chains that offer many of the minimum wage jobs. Of the 120,000 people in B.C. making minimum wage, nearly half are over 25 years old,

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The 2015 Telephone Directory BUSINESS & RESIDENTIAL LISTINGS SERVING: Merritt, Logan Lake, Quilchena, Douglas Lake, Lower Nicola & Spences Bridge

63 per cent are women and about 10,000 are aged 55 and older, she said.

Labour leaders were more encouraged after their call for a minimum 25 per cent of jobs for apprentices on publicly funded construction projects.

Lee Loftus, president of the B.C. Building Trades, said unionized contractors have the 25 per cent rule in their collective agreements and fund apprenticeship training. But with the majority of construction now done by non-union companies, there

are no quotas for apprentice positions.

Clark said BC Hydro has adopted the 25 per cent standard for the Site C dam project, but other large public infrastructure projects include federal funds. Ottawa wants apprenticeships to be voluntary for those projects, but Clark said she supports the idea in principle.

“If we’re spending this money on public projects anyway, we should be investing in apprenticeships and getting people up the ladder so they can earn more money

and go and work in what we know is going to be a huge industry, in liquefied natural gas,” Clark said.

Lanzinger said the B.C. Fed has received little response from the government on its other long-standing issue, the lack of union successorship rights in health care.

A change in contractors triggered layoff notices to 240 Hospital Employees’ Union members this week at Laurel Place, a Surrey long-term care facility.

A contract change for

Vancouver Coastal Health cleaning staff has triggered layoff of 935 staff effective this summer.

Lanzinger said the B.C. government’s 2002 exemption of public employers and publicly subsidized private employers from union successorship provisions in the Labour Code has resulted in many contract changes with workers laid off and rehired.

The practice is designed to drive down wages and benefits for employees making little more than minimum wages, she said.

2015 Telephone Directory

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Thursday, March 5, 2015 Newspaper EXTRA COPIES ARE AVAILABLE AT OUR OFFICE 2090 GRANITE AVENUE

TUESDAY, March 10, 2015 • 11

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Obituaries

Obituaries

Cressock, Frank Leonard With great sadness, I must announce the passing of Frank L. Cressock of Merritt, B C on February 26, 2015.

Frank is lovingly remembered by his son, Bryan and many relatives, long time family friends in British Columbia and Manitoba.

Frank was predeceased in 1997 by his loving wife Marguerite of 47 years and recently by his late brother Frederick of Winnipeg, Man. After 18 years of being apart, Marguerite and Frank will be reunited once again by their son in a private service. A celebration of Frank’s Life is to be announced at a later date.

My deepest appreciation is extended to all that assisted in their many ways over the past few months.

A special Thank You to Dr. E. Van der Merwe and the staff of The Nicola Valley Hospital in Merritt, B C. Arrangements Entrusted to Merritt Funeral Chapel www.merrittfuneralchapel.com.

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Personals

Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo Association

Annual General Meeting GRANT LEROY ANGMAN

March 17th @ 6:30PM

May 14, 1940 – February 28, 2015

Coldwater Banquet Room

Born in Ashcroft, Ashcroft BC BC, Grant was the oldest of three children born Signe A Angman. tto Edward Ed d and d Si He was raised in Lillooet, BC, where he eventually married his teenage sweetheart and wife of 54 years, Faye (Becker) on October 16, 1960.

Grant and Faye continued to reside in Lillooet where their daughter, Shelley, and two sons, Ryan and Darren were born. In 1965 Grant began working for BC Hydro. After several moves the family eventually settled in Merritt, BC in 1976. As the years passed his children left home and began to contribute grandchildren whom Grant loved to spoil and brag about. Grant continued to work for BC Hydro until his retirement in 1999. Grant enjoyed the extra leisure time afforded by retirement to spend even more time with family and for golÀng with his numerous close friends. Grant enjoyed curling, golÀng, and Áy-Àshing, but Àrst and foremost in his life was family. He was a loving husband and devoted father and grandfather. He gave every bit of himself to his family and was actively involved in the lives of his children and granddaughters. His granddaughters were his world and while they were with him you could often hear the words “you are the greatest grandpa in the whole wide room.”

In 2012, while recovering from a broken neck and back, Grant was diagnosed with cancer. He fought hard, always hoping for the best, but eventually he succumbed to the disease and passed away with Faye at his side on February 28, 2015 at 74 years of age.

Grant was predeceased by his parents Edward and Signe along with his sister in-law Lois and brother in-law Wayne.

He is survived by his wife Faye; his children Shelley, Ryan (Torie) and Darren (Connie); his brothers Lyle and Wayne (Pauline); his sister in-law Terry; his 4 grandchildren, Lauren, Nicole, Camryn and Caylee; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Grant also amassed a large gathering of good friends in his life which is a testament to the incredible man he was. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 PM on March 14, 2015 at the Nicola Valley Evangelical Free Church in Merritt with Lutheran Pastor Gordon Heselton ofÀciating. A further Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 PM on April 11, 2015 at the Merritt Golf and Country Club.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff of the Cancer Clinic at the Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops and Gillis House in Merritt for their kindness, compassion and dedication extended to Grant while he was in their care.

In lieu of Áowers the family has requested donations be made to the Cancer Foundation.

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

Lower Nicola Indian Band Capital & Public Works Department Job Posting: CUSTODIAN/ JANITOR Position: Custodian/Janitor Job Summary: The Custodian/Janitor position will clean and disinfect assigned areas in accordance with safe working practices, protocols and procedures to ensure the environment is clean and safe.

Required Qualifications: UÊ Must have the ability to express and comprehend oral and written English.

UÊ Knowledge of general working safety procedures.

UÊ Ability to work as a team member and be able to multi task.

UÊ Completed WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) Certification.

UÊ Physically able to meet the demands of bending, lifting and twisting positions.

UÊ Willing to learn and take necessary training.

UÊ Must be self motivated and reliable.

UÊ Must be willing to work evenings and weekends.

UÊ Preferably previous custodial/janitorial experience.

UÊ Preferably grade 12 Graduation.

UÊ Preferably Certified in Transportation of Dangerous Goods or willingness to become Certified in first 3 months.

UÊ Ability to speak or willingness to learn the Nlaka’pamux Language.

Deadline for Application: March 13, 2015 by 2:00 pm Submit Resume and Cover Letter: Lower Nicola Indian Band 181 Nawishaskin Lane Merritt BC V1K 1N2 Or: by fax (250) 378-6188 Or: email to executiveassistant@lnib.net The Lower Nicola Indian Band thanks all those who apply; however, only qualified candidates will be considered for an interview

TRY A CLASSIFIED AD

Trades, Technical F/T - Millwright / Maintenance Person Princeton, B.C. You will work on the repair & upkeep of bucking mills post peelers and wheeled mobile equipment. Must have 10 years exp. including hydraulics, welding & minor electrical repairs. Will have the ability to work unsupervised, be able to problem solve and prioritize jobs.

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Help Wanted

Help Wanted

Job Posting Scw’exmx Child & Family Services Society

Full-time/Term Cultural Program Coordinator Objective: The Cultural Program Coordinator’s goal is to design, develop, implement and coordinate programs and services speciÀcally designed for Aboriginal children, youth and families residing in the Nicola Valley. Through consultation with children, youth, families and First Nations Communities the Cultural Program Coordinator will determine culturally relevant program needs and interests. The Cultural Program Coordinator works collaboratively with the Social Work Team, member bands, support professionals and community youth programs as needed.

Requirements: • Diploma or CertiÀcate in Social Services, Human Services or Social Work or related Àeld • Excellent planning and organization skills • Excellent problem solving skills • Excellent knowledge of local First Nations customs and culture and family processes • Experience and knowledge of First Nations Powwow and Regalia making • Excellent interviewing and needs assessment skills • Must have excellent interpersonal and communications skills, both written and oral • Must have a valid BC driver’s license and reliable transportation • Must be able to pass a Criminal Record Check Start Date: ASAP Term: This is a Six (6) month Term Position with the possibility of extension Pay: Rate will be negotiated based on experience Deadline for submitting applications: March 13, 2015 For full job description contact SCFSS. Apply by submitting your cover letter and resume: Attn: Yvonne Hare, Executive Director Scw’exmx Child & Family Service Society #85 Highway 8 West, Merritt, B.C. V1K 0A7 Tel: (250) 378-2771 • Fax: (250) 378-2799 Scw’exmx Child & Family Services Society thanks all those who apply, however, only qualiÀed candidates will be contacted for an interview.

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