Merritt Herald September 28, 2023

Sports -----------------------42

Classi eds ---------44-46

New grant looks to stamp out student hunger

SD58

Laisa Conde REPORTER@ MERRITTHERALD.COM

FLY FISHING

The Masters and Ladies World Fly Fishing Championships hit the lakes and rivers around the B.C. Interior all this week, including the waters of Corbett Lake and the Similkameen River.

Search ‘FISHING’

CHANGING GUARD

The Merritt Centennials have a new captain to lead the team into this 202324 BCHL season, though the forward should be a familiar face to fans.

Search ‘CENTS’

NicolaSimilkameen schools have received a Feeding Futures grant of $350,000 from the Ministry of Education and Child Care for the current school year.

Feeding Futures is a provincialfunded program that was created to address food insecurity among youth across the province. The funding of the program allows children and youth to have access to healthy meals and snacks at schools.

Jane Kempston, assistant superintendent at School District 58, expressed deep gratitude for the grant in an interview with the

the grant could be allotted. The first option would be dispersing the funds through an equality lens, which means the money would be distributed per student.

$422 per priority student in Merritt.

Trustee Leah Ward raised her concerns about the percentage provided by the per priority index, as she worries that within

the district there might be hidden stories about families that are going through a tough situation.

“I know in our community (some) families who aren’t

on income assistance for certain times of the year who wouldn’t qualify for this designation,” she said. “When a new family moves into

See FOOD Page 13

Herald.

“It’s a game changer,” she said. “I mean, (we’re) so grateful for the support and also really grateful that the province has given school districts the ability to decide what they need, like recognizing that it’s not a ‘one size fits all’.”

During the board of education meeting held on Sept. 13, Kempston said that while analyzing data from previous years, she noticed that 14 per cent of vulnerable children from the district are located in Princeton, while 86 per cent are in Merritt.

In the meeting, Kempston went over the possibilities of how

“If we were to do per head across the district, it would be about $140 per student,” she said.

As for the second option, the money would be distributed following an index that the school district uses to identify what they consider priority families. In this scenario, about $467 would be distributed per priority student in Princeton and

Ross Moore Lake re under control, more than three months later

It took 68 days, but the wildfire outside of Kamloops is finally being bested.

Winter tire requirement back in effect

KAMLOOPS THIS WEEK STAFF

It was sparked by lightning on July 21, grew to about 11,300 hectares and crawled to within 10 kilometres of Kamloops’ southern boundary.

Now, as of Tuesday, Sept. 26, the Ross Moore Lake wildfire is officially under

control.

The BC Wildfire Service has placed the fire under that classification, which means the blaze will not spread any further due to suppression efforts.

During the fire’s growth, a total of 344 properties were at various times under evacuation orders and alerts. However, only one structure

— a recreation-type building — is believed to have been destroyed.

An area restriction order remains in place near the fire until Oct. 3.

The BC Wildfire Service said crews are still working to extinguish hot spots along the fire’s northeastern perimeter and in the southwestern portion of the

fire, while danger tree assessors and fallers continue to remove hazards in work areas.

The agency said those living near the fire can expect to see smoke within the perimeter in the coming weeks, noting that is common with large wildfires and will continue until significant rain or snow falls.

It’s that time of year again - winter or mud + snow tires are required on designated B.C. highways as of Oct. 1. until March 31.

For those in the Merritt area, the law runs until April 30 for particular passes like the Coquihalla Highway and the Okanagan Connector.

Though mud + snow are within the law, winter tires are best for traction at temperatures below 7 degrees.

“They can’t help you if you don’t have them on your vehicle before poor weather arrives, though,” said Acres, Program Director for Road Safety at Work. “Waiting until rain, ice, or snow hits is too late.”

Mud + snow tires must have at least 3.5mm of tread to be considered roadworthy.

Quilchena Canna Company

Wyatt Collins

OPINION

ALBAS: Rising in ation cutting deep

From the Herald archives: Sept., 1987

This week marks the beginning of the fall sitting of the House of Commons. However, the discussions in Ottawa differ significantly from what I hear from citizens in our riding of Central Okanagan-SimilkameenNicola.

The most common concerns raised by local citizens in our riding relate to rising interest rates and inflation. This is due to the recent announcement by Statistics Canada that Canada’s inflation rate for August rose by 4.0% year over year, following a 3.3% increase in July.

Many citizens are now experiencing severe anxiety as they fear further interest rate increases from the Bank of Canada. It has become a common concern to hear from citizens struggling to cover their bills at the end of the month.

In response to these concerns, the Prime Minister called

a meeting with representatives from Canada’s five largest grocery stores. The Prime Minister requested that grocery prices be stabilized by Thanksgiving in October, or the stores would be subject to higher taxes. However, experts, including stakeholders within the grocery industry, have pointed out that adding more costs to grocery stores through increased taxation will increase prices rather than decrease them. Some recent expert reports suggest that grocery prices will likely stabilize independently in the coming months without government intervention. These reports also highlight increased costs from farmers and grocery producers, such as higher transport costs, as a significant cause of grocery store price increases.

I’m not sure if the Prime Minister was sincere in his threat, as many have suggested that this action was more for show to give the impression of taking action without actually doing so.

In a separate announcement, the Prime Minister committed to removing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on new rental apartment construction. The removal of GST on rentals is not new in Canadian politics: Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative leader, has long been calling for

a new approach.

While reaction to this announcement has been mixed, from my view, it is a positive step as this issue is boiling over with very real impacts to people.

Given that higher interest rates have halted many large apartment projects, this may encourage some of these purpose-built rentals on the financial margins to proceed.

Such new rental housing stock would be welcomed, especially in the fast-growing municipalities of our area, where the rents are highest and vacancies lowest. New rentals would provide more choice and competition, particularly for new workers, which is a crucial for employers in attracting and retaining workers.

However, there is no guarantee that newly constructed rental housing will be offered at rates below the current market rates. Additionally, it is uncertain if these projects on the margins will be sufficient in quantity to slow down rapidly rising rental rates or increase local vacancy rates.

Pierre Poilievre has introduced legislation, known as “The Build Homes, Not Bureaucracy Act,” to address this issue and others. It allows for a GST rebate of up to 100% depending on whether the rent offered is below the local market average for 5

years and must be built within three years to qualify. This is to ensure that developers are incentivized to serve the immediate public need for more affordable rentals.

Right now the Government’s new policy is to give 100% GST off to every apartment rentals, meaning that developers of luxury apartments, due to the higher cost per unit will receive a higher rebate compared to the developer who creates more affordably priced apartments that are desperately needed. Unlike Pierre Polievre’s plan, it only applies to apartment purpose built rentals and not to smaller, affordable rentals offerings such as coops, duplexes, fourplexes and the like.

In conclusion, while removing GST on rental construction on apartment buildings is a positive step, it is no silver bullet and I recommend the Government to look across the isle for more ideas on how to build more affordable rentals.

My question this week is: Do you think that removing GST on rental construction as the Government has done will be sufficient to increase rental affordability? Why or why not?

Please feel free to contact me at Dan.Albas@parl.gc.ca or call toll-free at 1-800-665-8711.

HOCKEY PLAYERS OFF TO NOTRE DAME

Three Merritt youths will be off to school in Saskatchewan at the end of this week.

Vern Graham, Craig Anderson, and Dan Post will be attending Notre Dame College, where they plan to capitalize on the school’s tradition of hockey excellence.

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

DAN ALBAS VIEW FROM THE HILL

More funding for local re departments coming

Laisa Conde REPORTER@ MERRITTHERALD.COM

The B.C. government announced in a press release on Sept. 22 a funding of almost $5 million to support and improve emergency response in local fire departments across the province.

According to the release, the funding has been divided into three portions. Firstly, the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) has received $1.4 million for community firefighting and the purchase of new or replacement fire equipment.

As for the second portion, $1.75 million has been assigned to the Fire Chief’s Association of British Columbia to support rural communities and First Nation fire departments by providing regional access to joint fire training for fire services.

Lastly, the final portion of $1.6 million was distributed to the BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit for a marketing campaign that aims to target youth and seniors, who are over-represented in fire-related incidents.

In the release, B.C. Premier David Eby recognized the hard work community and volunteer firefighters have done throughout this year’s wildfire season.

Missing man

“Every day, we depend on firefighters and we need to ensure they have everything they need to do their lifesaving work. That’s why we’re helping rural, First Nation and volunteer fire departments upgrade their equipment and access enhanced training,” he said.

Eby also said the funding will strengthen the firefighting capacity across the province, ensuring that everyone gets the help they need during an emergency.

Art Anderson, executive director of the Volunteer Firefighters Association of BC, welcomed the news about the funding, calling it “critical for the survival of volunteer fire services in British Columbia.”

“Volunteer fire services cover almost 80 per cent of the land base and with wildfires and more people moving into rural areas, funding for training and equipment is needed,” he said. “This year’s funding and the live-fire training project is a great step forward.”

The new funding adds to the $6.3 million provided by the provincial government earlier this year to more than 100 volunteer and composite fire departments for their equipment and training.

RCMP are asking for the public’s help in locating a man last seen in Logan Lake heading towards the Merritt or Ashcroft area.

67-year-old John Young was visiting a friend in Logan Lake before travelling alone west on Highway 97D in what is believed to be a two-tone green 1994 Ford F250, with plate number VJ8 4O6.

Young is described as caucaisan, 6’0”, 190 lbs., with blue eyes and balding grey hair.

Anyone who may know the whereabouts of Young or his truck are asked to call Logan Lake RCMP at 250-5236222.

Funding to bene t Merritt energy facility

Arnica Contracting Inc is adding a professional lowbed operator to their team. The following position is available immediately, is permanent full time and comes with an exceptional compensation package For complete job description and package information please contact the Arnica team for details at admin@arnicacontracting.com or stop by and see us at 2768 Marian Avenue in Merritt

Road & Bridge Construction and Maintenance

Laisa Conde REPORTER@ MERRITTHERALD.COM

Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) has recently announced 42 newly-funded forest enhancement projects across British Columbia, including seven projects located in the ThompsonOkanagan region.

According to the press release published on Sept. 13, this announcement comes in response to the Ministry of Forests’ allocation of $50 million to FESBC earlier this year, which aims at boosting fibre supply by utilizing previously uneconomic wood resources and reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfires while fostering community growth and sustainability.

Steve Kozuki, executive director of the Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC), said at a press event that the funding provided by FESBC is proof of the provincial government’s “drive to foster environmental sustainability and community wildfire risk reduction.”

“Their support of these transformative projects demonstrates their commitment to helping communities reduce their risk of catastrophic wildfire events and transforming waste wood into green

energy and sustainable products.”

One of the projects that is receiving funds is the Stuwix Resources JV-Bush Grind Program, a partnership between the First Nations forestry company Stuwix Resources Joint Venture and Valley Carriers.

According to the release, the Stuwix Resources JV-Bush Grind Program is receiving $821,668 in funding to “grind waste material in slash piles to ship to the energy facility in Merritt.”

Lindsay Tighe, general manager at Stuwix Resources Joint Venture, welcomed the news about the funding.

“It allows us to meet the community’s requests to lessen the amount of material burnt and they believe that more of it needs to be utilized.”

In a news release, Ben Klassen, CEO at Valley Carriers, said the funding would allow them to ensure the maximum utilization of important resources.

“Partnering with Stuwix, we are able to provide five to seven additional local jobs and fulfill the value of maximizing their resources through non-traditional markets,” he said. “Further, this will help us transform logging residuals into valueadded products utilized by the agricultural, pulp, and clean energy industries in B.C.”

Steve Kozuki, executive director of Forest Enhancement Society of BC announces 42 new forest enhancement projects throughout the province to utilize uneconomic wood fibre and reduce the risk of wildfires to communities. Photo/Tiffany Christianson Photography

Curtain comes down on Movie Experts after almost two decades

Fires, floods, COVID-19 and inflation are some of the factors that have led to the closure of the longtime Merritt business.

No name adorns the shop anymore. All that passerbys will read is: “Closing out, sale, movies, CDs”, flashed in big fonts when you visit Merritt Movie Experts on 1976 Voght Street.

Once known as THE destination one-stop-shop for all your entertainment kicks, the closure of the 17-year-old establishment is a grim reality for the movies and CDs rental business in the age of Netflix, Amazon, Disney+, etc.

At the dimlylit store and with a dripping tap, owner Tom Hood is doing most of the running around of sort -

ing and packing CDs, DVDs and Blu Ray films into cartons. Most of the shelves are up for sale in the basement of the store.

Merritt Movie Experts wasn’t just about movies - the Sweet Spot was a popular attraction as well that satisfies your cravings for “movie-like” popcorns, fudge and ice creams.

On BC Day on August 7, Merritt Movie Experts put out the signs of closure. The reasons were aplenty.

“The town of Merritt has endured a lot in the last five to six years. First the fire, then floods, COVID19 and now the rising inflation. We tried to hang in by looking for a new location

as well (Merritt Movie Experts had moved from Quilchena to Voght Street in 2020), but nothing worked out and ultimately it was time to take the tough decision,” said Hood while taking a bit of a breather amidst the stressful process of winding up.

Hood is proud to boast that his collection is one of the best and rare that would be tough to find even on the internet. There is nostalgia galore as one takes a round of each aisle. For a movie buff, there would arguably be no better place than this.

One also wonders whether Merritt Movie Experts failed to evolve with time in this digital and Artificial

Intelligence (AI)induced world?

“Not really,” said manager Tina, who has

stood like a rock in these tough times with Hood.

“It is certainly not because of

Amazon and Netflix that we are shutting down. It is a

See

Merritt Movie Experts owner Tom Hood outside the store on Voght Street. Photo/ Harit Joshi

Harit Joshi CONTRIBUTED

Movie collection a modern rarity

From Page 10

wrong notion to perceive. But I think the rental movie business has become a niche for sure,” Tina insisted.

Although gaming was an option, it wasn’t explored as it would have meant competition to another establishment in the town. “We never intended to eat into someone else’s business for our survival,” said Tina.

Hood, who has been in the movie rentals business for over three decades, felt there are still a lot of takers for DVDs and CDs.

“A lot of my collection is rare. We get inquiries from all across the country and also from America. A lot of the movies from the 40s, 50, 60s and 70s are not available on these streaming platforms,” said Hood before drawing attention to the potential hazards of frequent access of streaming platforms.

Hood hinted that the next generation is becoming somewhat of slaves to these tech giants.

“An Amazon or Netflix has its own advantage where most of the content is at your fingertips. But we are failing to understand that by using these apps, we are allowing them to invade our private lives. They collect all our data, our preferences, likes and dislikes and tailor the content accordingly. No one even knows that in all likelihood Amazon or Netflix may have edited a good chunk of the movie in order to fit it into their timeframe. How unfair is this practice? By subscribing to these streaming platforms, we are basically playing into their hands. They can mold us the way they want to and we will have no control over it,” cautioned Hood.

Hood is bidding adieu to Merritt by the end of this month, but the store in Logan Lake will continue in business. So, all is not lost for Merrittonians, who are looking for nostalgia at home with winter just around the corner.

1 Don’t leave purses or valuables inside vehicles over night.

2 Lock vehicles when exiting, make it a habit

3 If leaving valuables in a vehicle; hide from sight.

4 Park in a well lit area.

5 Report any thefts, damage or suspicious persons to police

Food funds to be divided between schools

From Page 3

town, we don’t know when that happens either and they could move into poverty.”

Kempston reassured the trustees that the funding should be distributed without stigmas, but relying on flexibility.

“We don’t tell families this is the only way you can ask for help. We must be flexible. And that we need to respect the privacy and dignity of families above all else,” she said.

The school district decided that some of the fund will be divided up equally

ER closes once again overnight

among the school, based on a per student headcount, while another part of the fund will be divided accordingly with the index that prioritizes families who may need more support than others.

In an interview with the Herald, Kempston reminded that those families that are in need of their support are always welcomed to reach out.

“We just want families to know that if you’re needing food support, we’re here to help with that. No children should be hungry at school.”

Jake Courtepatte NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

The emergency department was unavailable at Nicola Valley Hospital from 7p.m. on Monday, Sept. 25 to 7a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 26, the twelfth such closure so far this calendar year.

It is also the third diversion in service this month due to staffing availability, an issue that the City of Merritt said would be addressed through the creation of a sub-committee.

“It’s time to work as a group, work together, with quarterly reports and try to support the doctors and nurses in town as much as possible, help them with retention, and get some people here,” said Goetz.

During such service shutdowns, those needing emergency services are being asked to access care at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops. All other inpatient services will continue as normal in Nicola Valley.

Those who need life-threatening care are asked to call 9-1-1, while those unsure can call 8-1-1 for non-emergency health information from nurses, dietitians and pharmacists.

The Winners are:

ACCOUNTANT / BOOKKEEPER

Carrie Ware & Company Inc.

AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS

Purity Farm, Garden & Pet

AUTO PARTS STORE

Lordco Auto Parts

AUTO REPAIR SHOP

DCS Auto

BREAKFAST

Home Restaurant Merritt

BUILDING CONTRACTOR

Caleo Construction

BUILDING SUPPLY COMPANY

Home Hardware Building Centre

BURGER

A&W

BUTCHER

Lower Nicola Meats

CANNABIS RETAILER

Unity Cannabis Store

CATERING COMPANY

Nicola Valley Graze Box

CHINESE FOOD

Canada Cafe

CLOTHING STORE Fields

CLUB ORGANIZATION

Nicola Valley 4H Club

COACH - 4 way tie

Nicole McKay-Smith, Erin Peters, Jen Van Leeuwen, Mario Celella

COFFEE SHOP

Mandolin’s Bagel & Coffee House

COLD BEER WINE / LIQUOR STORE

Merritt Liquor Store

CONVENIENCE STORE

Super Save Gas

COOK

Dave Farrell -

Game On Sports Bar & Grill

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Super Save Gas

DAYCARE

White Bear Daycare

DENTIST OFFICE

Dentistry @ Merritt

DESSERT

Home Restaurant Merritt

DOCTOR

Dr. McLeod

DOG GROOMER

Fetch Dog Grooming

ELECTRICAL COMPANY

Sett Electrical

FINANCIAL INSTITUTION

Interior Savings

Credit Union

FITNESS FACILITY

Beyond Fitness

GAS STATION

Super Save Gas

GROCERY STORE

Save-On Foods

HAIR DRESSER

Julie Bosman

HAIR SALON

The Social Lounge

HOME BASED BUSINESS

Nicola Valley Graze Box

HOTEL / MOTEL

Best Western Plus

INSURANCE OFFICE

Hub Barton Insurance

LANDSCAPING COMPANY

Little Steps Landscaping

LOCAL ARTIST - 6 way tie

Bobby Garcia, Herta Klassen, Colby Kirk, Shirley Reynolds, Bev Veale, Cassandra Dolan

LOCAL BAND/MUSICIAN

Bobby Garcia

LOCAL EVENT

Music in the Park

LOGGING COMPANY

Triple G

MANAGER

Akash Nijjar - Super Save Gas

MASSAGE OFFICE

The Point Holistic Healing

MECHANIC

Sean Paterson - DSC

NAIL TECHNICIAN

Shelby Anderson

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

Tumbleweed

OPTICAL BUSINESS

Sun Country Optical

PERSONAL TRAINER

Alyssa Theodore

PHARMACY STORE

Black’s Pharmacy

PHOTOGRAPHY

Round Mountain Photography

PIZZA

Yaki Joe’s Pizza

PLUMBING COMP.

Nicola Plumbing & Heating

PUB / BAR Game On Sports Bar & Grill

REAL ESTATE COMP. RE/MAX Legacy

REALTOR Val KynochRE/MAX Legacy

RECEPTIONIST

Kaite Huber

RESTAURANT Cocos Restaurant

SANDWICH Game On Sports Bar & Grill

SENIORS HOME Gillis House SERVER

Lisa Westervelt - Game On Sports Bar & Grill

SOUP Game On Sports Bar & Grill

SPA Mellah Leuca Day Spa

STEAK

Mr. Mike’s

STORAGE FACILITY

R. Hack Mini Storage

SUSHI Cocos Restaurant

TATTOO STUDIO

Mom’s Tattoo

TEACHER / EDUCATORELEMENTARY

Mrs. Markland

TEACHER / EDUCATOR - HIGH SCHOOL

David Finch - MSS

TIRE SHOP

Kal Tire

UNIQUE BUSINESS

Miss Vicki’s Petals & Plants

VETERINARIAN

Paul Molnar

VOLUNTEER

Susan Doncaster

WELDING COMPANY

Jackson Welding

WINGS Grand Pub & Grill

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Super Save Gas

BUSINESS OWNER Akash - Super Save Gas

BUSINESS OVERALL - Under 10 Employees Game On Sports Bar & Grill

BUSINESS OVERALL - Over 10 Employees Super Save Gas

NEW BUSINESS Pizza Hut

The management and staff of DCS Auto w ould lik e to thank all Mer ritt and area customer s for selecting them as Best Auto Repair Shop and Best Mechanic Shaw n Pater son. For ov er 37 y ear s DCS Auto has been there to ser v e y ou and w e look forward to many more.

wonderful feeling. I would like to thank my wife Sonya and my two boys Austin and Colby for their continued suppor t

ORANGE SHIRT DAY

NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH & RECONCILIATION

THE HEALING CIRCLE

begins with Mother Earth. In all its beauty of the medicines of the insects, four legged, two legged, wing one, fin one, the rivers, the trees, the day and the night, the good and the bad, the warriors female and male that has a connection to our spirit.

We need to balance ourselves physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually to be grounded and balance. Less we forget our identity, our culture, our traditional teachings, ceremonies, language and songs. The Elders have this knowledge which was passed down to their generations and for this we say all our relations.

LNIB Elder - Richard Jackson Jr.

Spiritual

Mental

Physical Emotional

ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS MARKS ORANGE SHIRT DAY A ND MAINTAINS THAT ALL CHILDREN

SEPTEMBERMATTER30

(Ottawa, ON) – In 2014 Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Ghislain Picard encouraged people across the country to mark Orange Shirt Day on September 30, a

day to recognize the experience of former students of Indian Residential Schools and affirm a collective commitment to ensure that every child matters. “On September 30th, he encourages everyone in Canada to wear an orange shirt to commemorate and remember the experience of the thousands of children who were taken from their families and placed in Indian residential schools and to show a commitment to work towards reconciliation,” said National Chief Picard. “September 30th is a day to engage in discussions with one another – First Nations and non-Indigenous Canadians and commit to a future where every child matters. Please join us in calling on the Government of Canada to officially designate September 30

as Orange Shirt Day, a day for all of us come together in the spirit of reconciliation, respect and partnership.” Orange Shirt Day is an outcome of the St. Joseph Mission Residential School Commemoration Project and Reunion events that took place in Williams Lake, BC in May 2013. It stems from a story told by former residential school student, Phyllis Webstad, who had her new orange shirt, bought by her grandmother, taken from her as a six-year old girl. She spoke powerfully of how it seemed to her that nobody cared and, in this personal way, it speaks to the many harms experienced by children in the residential schools.

“WE HONOR OUR ANCESTORS by practicing our cultural, traditional and spiritual teachings.”

Conayt Friendship Society

Remembering the past through written word

Arnie Narcisse spent over a decade in the residential school system - and wants to make sure that its history is not forgotten.

Laisa Conde REPORTER@ MERRITTHERALD.COM

“We’re still here, we’re still survivors.”

That’s how Arnie Narcisse describes himself and all the other Indigenous people who were forced to go to residential schools in Canada during their childhood.

“When they call us a survivor, we really are. It’s not just a fancy term. It’s how many coins because if you live till tomorrow, you’re lucky, you are a survivor,” he said.

Narcisse is from St’át’imc First

Nation and currently resides on Lower Nicola Indian Band land, just outside of Merritt.

Some of Narcisse’s earliest memories are not of residential school, but of his time with his grandparents at the Pemberton potato fields.

“I can’t think of ever wanting anything, in all the time I was with him. I never knew hunger, I never knew loneliness, or anything like that,” Narcisse said.

Up until that moment in his life, he was known as Tonemsha.

“That was my name when I was this boy, until I was six years old. I didn’t know I

See I CAME TO Page 30

every child mat

Arnie Narcisse at his home in Lower Nicola. Photo/ Laisa Conde

‘I came to learn about hell’

From Page 29

had another name, Arnold,” he said. That ended when he was taken away and sent to St. Joseph’s Mission Indian School in Williams Lake in September 1959.

“I came to learn about hell. It was called St. Joseph’s Mission,” he said. “That’s what that place was, it was hell on earth. It was a dog-eat-dog world, nobody cared for anybody.”

St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School, located just kilometres from the Williams Lake First Nation community core of T’exelc, opened in 1867 and operated as an indian residential school between 1886 and 1981.

It was funded and run by the Canadian government and the Roman Catholic Church, with a main goal of assimilating children into white society and diminish Indigenous culture.

Like many residential schools, there are stories of abuse, negligence, disease

and accidents. One memory that sticks with Narcisse is the food that they served at the school.

“When I got there, the first meal I got was a bowl of mush, slimy mush. And I could not eat that and I took a lot of punishment because of that,” he said.

He also recalls one time that him and the other children were fed what he said was supposed to be pork meat.

“It was that much fat, a little bit of meat and the hair was still on the outside of it,” Narcisse said.

Narcisse said that another memory that sticks with him about St. Joseph’s is when his cousin died at the school under mysterious circumstances.

“All we heard was that he got sick, and he puffed up. I think he died due to negligence. They didn’t take him to the hospital

See THE UNKNOWN Page 31

contribute

creating a better future.’

NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION

The unknown Kamloops graves

From Page 30

In honour of DEDE HURD

in time and take good care of us enough to take him to the hospital,” he said. “Our lives were basically worthless to them.”

At the age of nine, Narcisse left St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School and was sent to the Kamloops Indian Residential School. He spent his days there until he was 17 years old.

The Kamloops Indian Residential School once was

the largest residential school in Canada, with 500 children enrolled.

In May 2021, Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc speculated that 215

graves could exist at the Kamloops Indian Residential

See BOOK Page 32

Dede designed this shir t in recognition of Orange Shir t Day.

Nicola Valley & Distr ict Metis Societ y

Jour de shmeezh oraanzh – K aakiyow taanfaan

As a forgotten people we honour every child, we pray each child is found and returned to their families.

If you would like more information on our society please call 250-378-5015 or 250-378-0076 email: truck126@hotmail.com • Facebook: Nicola Valley Metis

NICOLA VALLEY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY remembers and honours the residential school survivors, their families, and their communities.

Book recounts school horrors

From Page 31

School site. Once the bodies were found, Narcisse said that the news caused him mixed feelings.

“To some degree I was (surprised), but not really. The immediate thought that came to me was that I played down there,” he said. “We played on it. How many times did I run over a dead body when we were playing down there? None of us knew that.”

Years later, when his grandson asked him about residential schools, Narcisse felt the need to put his memories of that time on paper. No details are glossed over in his book ‘Hard to be a Good Indian’, in which he shares his surviving experience at both residential schools.

“I hadn’t intended to become a story, just a few factual notes that I was going to write down,” he said. “When I started, literally one line turned into one paragraph, one paragraph turned into a page. Some days, I’d write three or four pages.”

As the words in his book remind people of the dark days Indigenous people suffered, Narcisse keeps talking about it so people won’t forget about the horrific experiences that occurred in residential schools.

“That’s very much why I do this. To make sure that this doesn’t fade to black that this experience lives on. It’ll live on in my children, my grandchildren, my great grandchildren, and they will continue to tell this story.”

Truth + Reconciliation

As a vital par t of Reconciliation, the Cit y of Merritt recognizes Truth & Reconciliation Day and Orange Shirt Day to honour the tragic histor y of loss that the indigenous peoples of C anada suffered from the residential school system, resulting in enduring impac t s.

EVERY CHILD MATTERS.

Flags hoisted to remember

Jake Courtepatte NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

With National Day of Truth and Reconciliation coming on Sept. 30, the City of Merritt is showing their support all week by flying orange flags outside of civic buildings.

“We pledge our continued support to our surrounding Indigenous communities, and we will loudly advocate for diversity, inclusiveness, respect, and equality for all,” said Mayor Mike Goetz in a statement.

All Merritt civic buildings will be closed on Sept. 30 except for scheduled programming happening at the Merritt Civic Centre and Nicola Valley Memorial Arena.

City hall offices will be closed on Monday, Oct. 2 in recognition of the statutory holiday.

Commemorating Orange Shirt Day around the valley

Jake

Courtepatte

NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

As Canadians gather to commemorate those who suffered through the indian residential schools of the 18001900s, residents of the Nicola Valley will be taking part in their own ceremonies of remembrance.

Nicola Valley Institute of Technology

On Thursday, Sept. 28, NVIT will be hosting a fire ceremony and lunch from 10:30a.m.-1p.m.

Students, faculty and elders are encouraged to wear their orange shirts, and join in on drum sessions, prayers and storytelling.

Classes will also not be in session on

EVERY CHILD MATTERS

Friday, Sept. 29 to honour the statutory holiday.

School District 58

Merritt Central Elementary, Diamond Vale Elementary and Merritt Secondary School students will be meeting at Central Park beside the police station at 11a.m. on Sept. 29 for drumming and an opening ceremony, before walking together to Central Elementary.

Lower Nicola Indian Band

Those looking to participate can meet at 10a.m. at the band hall on Sept. 29, before walking to the Shulus Arbor. A light lunch

See Page 35

NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION

From Page 34

will be provided at 11:30a.m. For more information, contact LNIB Culture Coordinator Carole Basil at 250-315-9158.

Nationally

For those looking to honour the day nationwide, Parliament Hill in Ottawa

will be broadcasting its national ceremony at 1p.m. Pacific time on Sept. 30. A moment of silence is also being asked to be observed at 2:15p.m., reflecting on the discovery of the remains of 215 children in a mass graveyard on the site of the former Kamloops residential school in May 2021.

R A RS E E CHI D M E

The giggles, the smilies the little squeals of joy that children have are lives little gifts we receive. May we learn from the past and may every child experience such joy.

‘Celebrating the Land We Are On’: Art gallery honours B.C.’s Indigenous history

Laisa Conde REPORTER@ MERRITTHERALD.COM

Paintings that honour the land, residential school survivors and those who have passed, as well as Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls are on display at the Nicola Valley Arts Centre gallery.

Local Nlaka’pamux artist Wyatt Collins, who navigates the world of autism, found his way to express himself through his art. Rona SterlingCollins, Wyatt’s mom, said that painting came to him very naturally.

“We just provided the means for him to paint and it just started to come out,” she said.

As reported by the Herald earlier this month, the exhibition was planned at this time of year to bring attention to Truth and Reconciliation Day, observed on Sept. 30, which honours residential school survivors and the thousands of children who never made it home.

Sterling-Collins said that he did a couple of orange paintings that have pictographs inspired from their nation,

Wyatt Collins, middle, currently has his exhibition on display at the Nicola Valley Arts Centre.

Photo/ Laisa Conde

The art of Wyatt Collins has become a tribute to the National Day For Truth and Reconciliation.

Exhibition on until mid-October

From Page 36

Nlaka’pamux.

“One is the Nlaka’pamux sun with children underneath and the other one is an Nlaka’pamux eagle, which is a very powerful symbol,” she said.

Named as “All Children Are Loved”, both of the designs created by Wyatt have become tributes to Orange Shirt Day. Sterling-Collins said that Wyatt painted both paintings before the unmarked graves were found.

“We really hadn’t decided what we were gonna do with them or what the intent of them was, but as soon as the unmarked graves were found, I felt like he had painted them as a tribute to that,” she said.

The exhibition called “Our Tmixw – Celebrating the Land We Are On” also displays colourful paintings that portray the landscape and wildlife of the region.

Sterling-Collins said she and her family are really excited and proud of Wyatt, and hope everyone goes check it out.

“We’re excited that the community and the art gallery are so supportive of Wyatt and his work. We’re just happy to be here and proud to share what he’s done with everybody.”

The exhibition is planned to stay until Oct. 15 at the Nicola Valley Arts Centre gallery.

Celebrating the changing of seasons through gratitude and re ection

Photos/Laisa Conde

Nicola Valley Institute of Technology held a gathering to mark the beginning of fall in a traditional First Nations manner.

Laisa Conde REPORTER@ MERRITTHERALD.COM

With the skies getting darker earlier in the day, temperatures starting to change and trees turning different shades of orange, yellow and red, it means that fall is finally here.

On Wednesday, Sept. 20, faculty members, students and elders from nearby Indigenous communities

gathered at Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT) to host a change of the seasons ceremony, marking the transition from summer to fall.

The arrival of fall is meaningful to First Nations communities, as it signifies a time of reflection, preparation and gratitude. It marks the beginning of a season when the communities traditionally store food and

See TWO DECADES Page 39

Two decades of tradition

From Page 38

gather medicinal herbs for the winter months.

Faye Ahdemar, a faculty member at NVIT, said they have been hosting the change of seasons ceremony at the institute for 20 years now.

“It’s really become part of NVIT now,” she said.

During the ceremony, songs about gratitude for all their hard work during the summer and the rhythmic beat of drums echoed through the institute and around the fireplace. Participants also had the chance to say their prayers and wishes for the new season.

Ahdemar said that the ceremony is a recognition of all the changes that are happening and its effects, such as the earth and the moon changing positions and resulting in a different constellation in the sky at night and the direction of the wind.

“So for us, it’s not just, you know, the harvesting, it’s everything that is happening in creation at the same time,” she said. “There’s so much going on, at this point in time. The waters change, the winds change direction, things are starting to calm down.”

She said that she hopes those who attended the ceremony walk away understanding themselves a bit better and acknowledge the strength that they have.

“Even if you’re a part (of the ceremony) and you’re non-Indigenous, but you’re part of this, you’re still taking that away, because you’re still human,” Ahdemar said. “It enlarges your knowledge, it enlarges that awareness about connecting yourself to what you’re doing in the world.”

By Wyatt Collins

By Wyatt Collins

Cents topple Kings in season opener, split opening weekend

However, it was the Kings that were the first on the board just over one minute into the opening frame.

With just over two minutes left on the clock in the first, it was a familiar face that notched the first tally of the season for Merritt, with Ryan Spinale finding the back of the net to tie it at one apiece.

Newcomer Timothy Kim, who posted almost a point-per-game with the SJHL’s Humboldt Broncos last year, was the star of the show in the second period with a pair of goals under two minutes apart to put the Cents up 3-1.

Though the Kings were able to crawl back to tie the game with a pair of their own before the second buzzer, Zachary Losier took advantage of a Kings crosschecking call early in the third to notch his first BCHL goal and put the Cents back up by one.

Losier’s goal would wind up as the game winner, with Jonathan Wong adding an insurance marker for a final score of 5-3.

Kim’s two goals earned him the first star of the game, while Ballantyne was solid in net in stopping 35 of the 38 shots he faced.

Back on home ice the following night at the NVMA, around 500 fans were once again in attendance to see the Cents battle with the defending back-to-back league champion Penticton Vees.

Coming off an unfamiliar opening night loss to the West Kelowna Warriors after losing just three regular season games all of last year, the Vees came to the Nicola Valley on Saturday night with a spark, peppering Cents goaltender Karlis Mezsargs with 42 shots in a 6-0 shutout of the home team.

Jake Courtepatte NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

It was a rollercoaster of a weekend for the Merritt Centennials to kick off the 2023-24 BCHL season, picking up two of a possible four points with a home-opening win on Sept. 22 followed by a shutout loss the following night.

A crowd of over 500 spectators gathered at Nicola Valley Memorial Arena on Friday to take in the matchup between the Cents and the Powell River Kings, with Cents newcomer Andrew Ballantyne between the pipes for the home team.

The Cents did not allow themselves many chances to go on the offensive in taking 16 minutes worth of penalties, mustering up just 12 shots in total throughout the 60 minutes.

A six-day break will allow the Cents squad to regroup before a weekend road trip, visiting a pair of Interior Division rivals. Merritt will battle the Vernon Vipers (1-1-0) at Kal Tire Centre on Friday evening before the long trip to Prince George on Saturday for an afternoon matinee with the Spruce Kings (0-1-0).

For stats, schedules, and more information, visit www.merrittcentennials.com.

Funding still needed for better surface as work on track begins

Jake Courtepatte

NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

With sod installation nearing its completion in the revitalization of Voght Park, the City of Merritt is set to begin the construction of the surrounding track in the final week of September.

And while current funding only allows for a clay surface, staff are still seeking out funding to provide runners with a more modern, all-weather polymer top.

Initially receiving $450,000 to rebuild the structure through an exception to the province’s Disaster Financial Assistance usual guidelines due to the Nov. 2021 flooding, an additional $500,000 was granted through the Build Back Better initiative, allowing the city to improve the track’s size and shape, as well as install neces -

sary irrigation systems as well as concrete curbing for the long jump area.

However, an additional $1.1-million is needed to upgrade the track’s soon-tobe clay surface, which is similar to that of a baseball diamond, to the polymer surface, which city staff believe would be more attractive for future meets.

If fundraising goals are met, the polymer track can be installed on top of the clay.

“Current work is proceeding with the expectation that we will be able to make further improvements in the future,” reads a release from the city. Residents are reminded that with the sod installed, it must now be irrigated as part of the contract, which is not governed by the City of Merritt’s Outdoor Water Conservation Policy.

The Merritt Centennials opened their season with a 5-3 win over the Powell River Kings on Sept. 22. Photo/Merritt Centennials

The rebuild of the Voght Park track will begin in the last week of September. Photo/Jake Courtepatte

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

Garlic Festival once again a Lower Nicola hit

Photos/Jake Courtepatte

What began as a cold and dreary Saturday morning turned into a beautiful weekend for the Lower Nicola Garlic festival on Sept. 23-24, held at Smith Pioneer

Park. Over 70 vendors were on hand, ranging in variety from goods such as produce, to handcrafted jewelry, to moonshine, and of course, garlic. Live music in the bandshell played throughout the weekend, while classic cars and farm equipment were also on display to check

out.

have already set in motion plans for next year’s festival - save the dates of Sept. 28-29, 2024.

CONTAIN-IT

Hill Street

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 Times: Sunday 9 am and 11 am

VALUE ADDED

LUMBER REMANUFACTURING PLANT

PRODUCTION WORKERS (FT/PT)

• Wages: starting $20 to $25

• Steady day shift work

• Students welcome to apply

• No experience necessary

• Will train

TRUCK DRIVERS WITH CLASS 1 Local steady work

LICENCED SECURITY GUARDS

Excellent medical & dental plan

Please submit resume in person to 1195 Houston Street, Merritt B C 250-378-6161

MERRITT & DISTRICT HOSPICE SOCIETY

ADVANCE CARE PLANNING is a choice that allows individuals to make health care decisions now, in case they cannot give consent for treatments offered in the future

www.merritthospice.org

P: 250-280-1701

Emai : merritthosp ce@shaw ca

OFFICE RECEPTIONIST

Cascade Family Dental, Merritt, British Columbia

B ec ome an O f fi c e Rec eptionist at Cas c ade Family Dental

Earn $20 - $25/ hour star ting today

The Family dif fe r e nc e Cas c ade Family Dental does dental dif ferently for patients and c linic ians alike, and we want our dental rec eptionists to love their jobs

The O f fi c e Re c e pt ionist

O f fi c e Rec eptionists at Cas c ade Family Dental are a key par t of helping our patients look for ward to the dentist As the fir st and last smile our patients see when visiting our of fi c e you’ll direc tly work to engage with our patients and dental team to b ook ap p ointments, proc es s payments and ensure the smooth operations of the prac tic e Rep or ting direc tly to the O f fi c e Manager we’re looking for an indivi dual who has the flexibilit y to sup p or t various administrative tasks as required

S e r vic e s S che dule: Full -t im e (4 - 5 d ays p e r we e k)

The O f fi c e Re c e pt ionist we ar e looking for is:

• Per s onable and plac es p atient experienc e fir st, and

• A high level of integrit y and dependabilit y and at tention to detail

As a O f fic e Re c e pt ionist at Casc a d e Family D e nt al, you will:

• Provi de exc eptional patient experienc e,

• Manage patient billing ac c urately, and

• Help patients look for ward to the dentist

B e ne fits for d e nt al assist ants includ e:

• Generous c ompensation pac kage ($20 - $25/ hr)

• Medic al benefits, dental benefits, and vision benefits

M or e ab out Casc a d e Family D e nt al

Cas c ade Famil y Dental provi des the best dental c are available, with a s pec tac ular c linic al team and state - of-the -ar t dental tec hnology

O ur dental profes sionals are inc entivized by patient results and experienc e As a loc al dental prac tic e, our foc us is on our c ommunit y O ur c linic ians work in a beautiful dental studio designed to s oothe We c ultivate inc lusive environments that value the indivi dual and praise team ef for t Simply put, Cas c ade Family Dental is a plac e where dental is transformed into the emp owering, human, and joy ful experienc e it shoul d be

Casc a d e D e nt al is an Equal O ppor tunit y Employe r Cas c ade Family Dental is c ommit ted to promoting a work environment in whic h dif ferenc es are res pec ted, employees are treated fairly, and indivi dual c ontributions are valued and rewarded We are proud to be an Equal O p p or tunit y Employer This p olicy ap plies to all terms and c onditions of employment, inc luding rec ruiting, hiring, plac ement , promotion, termination, layof f, rec all, transfer, leaves of absenc e, c ompensation, and training

Send resume and questions to r e c e pt ion@c asc a d e d e

2113 Granite Ave.,Mer ritt, BC 250-378-2141 or 1-800-668-3379

JOB POSTINGS

3 E A R LY C H I L D H O O D

E D U C ATO R P O S I T I O N S

Full Time Permanent Position

Bridge River Head Star t/ Daycare program is seek ing an individual to commit to providing high quality care to Children aged 0-6 years with interest in work ing in a unique program and ensuring that there is use of best practice provided during the program deliver y ECE Workers only need to apply

LANDS MANAGER

Full-time Salaried Position

As the Bridge River Indian Band (BRIB) Lands and Resources Manager, you will oversee the management and stewardship of all lands and resources related projects on reser ve and within the BRIB traditional territor y The Lands and Resources Manager repor ts directly to the Band Administrator and to Chief and Council as required This position is responsible for liaising with other governments regarding reser ves and the community ’s area of interest and using administrative systems for land related business

Wage: $35.00-$45.00 per hour based on salar y ~ Depending on experience and negotiable

Closing Deadline: Open until filled

HEADSTART/DAYC ARE MANAGER

Repor ting to the Health Manager, the Administrator will be responsible primarily for the overall Super vision of the Headstar t/Daycare program. This includes and understanding to staff super vision and scheduling, ensuring all licensing, and repor ting requirements are being met, and ensuring a quality land-based program is being offered to children and families.

Closing Deadline: Open until filled

EDUC ATION COORDINATOR

Under the direction of Chief & Council and Administrator, the Education Coordinator is required to properly super vise and manage the overall Education programs (Provincial Schools, Post-Secondar y, Occupational Sk ills and Training, and Trades)

Wage: $22.00 per hour minimum ~ Depending on experience

Closing Deadline: Open until filled

AMA7 SWA7 NURSE

HOME COMMUNITY C ARE NURSE

Intern Full-time (35 hrs/ week)

Ama7 Swa7 Nurse is responsible for providing quality home care to Xwisten Clients that are referred to the Home and Community Program. The HCCN will repor t directly to the health manager.

Closing Deadline: Open until filled

While we welcome all candidates, only those selected for an inter view will be contacted

Please submit your cover letter with resume and contac t for full job description to:

Gar y Forsyth, Administrator, Bridge River Indian Band

E-mail: administrator@x wisten.ca | Fax: (250) 256- 7999

CURRENT JOB OPPOR TUNITIES

We are currently inviting applications for the position(s) of:

Qualified candidates are invited to apply online at https://www.makeafuture.ca/bcschools-and-districts/nicola-similkameen-school-district-no-58/.

All applicants must provide a cover letter and resume outlining relevant background and work experience and three (3) professional references for each position they want to be considered .

Only those applicants selected for an inter view will be contacted.

C ASUAL LIBRARY ASSIS TANT AT THE MERRITT LIBRARY

The Thompson-Nicola Regional Librar y is seeking a casual Librar y Assistant who creates a welcoming environment and a superb librar y experience for all Candidates with a strong customer ser vice orientation and a keen attention to detail are encouraged to apply.

Duties include providing technology assistance, librar y programming, and suppor ting patrons through reference and reader s’ advisor y

The position is subject to the provisions of the Collective Agreement with the BC Government and Service Employees’ Union, Local 705 Evening and Saturday availability is required

The Library Assistant position pays $25.42 per hour plus 18 2% in lieu of benefits There may be additional casual hours available as a Library Page, pays $17.97 per hour plus 18 2% in lieu of benefits.

Complete details of the position and required qualifications are available on the Thompson-Nicola Regional Librar y website: tnrl ca/jobs

AUC TION

SUDOKU

Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a Sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must ll each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can gure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes.

1. Outsourcing (abbr.)

4. Post 8. German city on edge of Black Forest 10. “__, but goodie”

Spiced stew

Passionately

Monetary units

Group of living organisms

Organic compound derived from ammonia

High honors

1. Native of Slovakia 2. Deli meat

Fibrous substance in fungi 4. Cutting

Vedder and Van Halen

Make a pig of oneself

Sherrie Burechailo

Sherrie Burechailo

Sherrie Burechailo

Sherrie Burechailo

Sherrie Burechailo

Sherrie Burechailo

Financial Dream Solutions Inc. 236-766-3636

Sherrie Burechailo

Financial Dream Solutions Inc. 236-766-3636

Financial Dream Solutions Inc. 236-766-3636

Sherrie Burechailo

Financial Dream Solutions Inc.

Sherrie Burechailo

Associate Advisor, Sun Life 236-766-3636

Financial Dream Solutions Inc. 236-766-3636

sherrie.burechailo@sunlife.com advisor.sunlife.ca/fds.inc

Financial Dream Solutions Inc. 236-766-3636

236-766-3636

sherrie.burechailo@sunlife.com advisor.sunlife.ca/fds.inc

advisor.sunlife.ca/fds.inc

Associate Advisor, Sun Life 236-766-3636

sherrie.burechailo@sunlife.com advisor.sunlife.ca/fds.inc

Associate Advisor, Sun Life 236-766-3636

sherrie.burechailo@sunlife.com advisor.sunlife.ca/fds.inc

sherrie.burechailo@sunlife.com advisor.sunlife.ca/fds.inc

sherrie.burechailo@sunlife.com advisor.sunlife.ca/fds.inc

sherrie.burechailo@sunlife.com advisor.sunlife.ca/fds.inc

sherrie.burechailo@sunlife.com advisor.sunlife.ca/fds.inc

sherrie.burechailo@sunlife.com advisor.sunlife.ca/fds.inc