September 29 - 2022

Brenda

Province invests in NVIT’s mobile facilities

ing in will be a general purpose unit. Tourand explained that the trailer will be available for healthcare, trades, and gen eral classroom purposes.

“We can also deploy it for emergency management situations,” he added. “If we get into an issue where we need a portable office, we’ll be able to set it up and use it, so it’s very versatile.”

During her announcement, Kang mentioned that the Province of B.C. took notice of NVIT’s already existing ‘Bridging to Trades’ program, which provides students from remote and rural areas access to skills training in the trade industry.

“This program is bringing education close to home, and sometimes for the very first time, for those looking to stay in the community so that they can continue to provide for their families,” said Kang.

Izaiah Reyes NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

The Nicola Valley Institute of Technology has been making it possible for people to access quality education in remote and rural areas. With their efforts being recognized by the Province, the government has decided to grant them funding to further enhance the institu tion’s initiatives, making it possible for post secondary level students to receive quality education in remote and rural areas.

On Thursday, August 25, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training Anne Kang, was at the Merritt campus of NVIT to announce that the Province of BC is investing 3.4 million dollars for NVIT to purchase and operate three additional mobile training units. There will be trailers for healthcare, technology, and general purpose.

“It is vital that we continue to invest in making post-secondary education and training accessible to all people in British Columbia,” said Kang.

“We want to make it easier for people to stay in their home communities and have access to relevant and innovative training programs that will bring hope and prosperity.”

NVIT currently serves around 30 - 35 communities every year, running differ ent programs, including health, which is when they felt the great need for a

mobile facility.

“We’ve been starting to bring our health programs to communities already but it’s been tough,” said Ken Tourand, President of NVIT. “We’ve been trying to ship old hospital beds into the commu nity and that hasn’t been great.”

Tourand mentioned that the mobile health facility “is going to look like a hospital room,” with the tools and equip ment necessary for a student’s practical experience. It will serve as a facility for the healthcare assistant program and practical nursing program.

“We’ll go in early, a lot of the work can be done at a regular classroom so we don’t need the trailer right away,” he said. “When the practical portion of that course comes, the trailer will come in and stay for about four to six weeks.”

Conversely, Tourand likens the tech nology trailer to a computer lab. He esti mates that it will feature roughly eight to 10 computer units. NVIT’s foundation for innovation and technology certificate program is run in collaboration with First Nations Tech Council and runs for about six months.

“There’s a lot of technology chal lenges within First Nations communities. This will allow us to bring a computer lab in to the community so we can run our technology programs, our business programs, and things like that.”

The last trailer, the Province is invest

The investment also serves as a step towards B.C.’s efforts to answer the Truth and Reconcilliation Commission of Canada’s call to action, providing Indigenous peoples with access to quality education and training.

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“We have learned over the past year, and through the pandemic, the urgent call for Indigenous people to be in every aspect of healthcare,” Kang added.

“No one is left behind out of the StrongerBC economic plan and the future ready plan.”

Upon completion, NVIT will own a total of seven trailers to be used for their programs. The three units are cur rently being manufactured by Integrated Trailer Design. They are expected to be delivered in September 2023.

With B.C. declaring September as Disability Employment Month, WorkBC Merritt have organized the ‘Celebrating Abilities’ event on Wednesday, September 21.

‘WorkBC’

The Sr. Girls Air Attack Volley Ball Tournament took place from September 16 -17. Sixteen teams, from across B.C. competed at the two day tournament.

‘VOLLEYBALL’

Monday -Friday: 6am-9pm•Weekends &Holidays: 7am-9pm

Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training Anne Kang taking a tour of the NVIT Merritt’s ‘Bridging to Trades’ trailer. Izaiah Reyes/Herald

Food Bank holds Annual General Meeting

Marius Auer REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

The Nicola Valley and District Food Bank is gearing up for another busy sea son of supporting the community’s well being following its annual general meet ing (AGM) on Wednesday, September 21. A number of attendees elected a board of directors which will guide the direction and focus of the Nicola Valley Food Bank until the next AGM.

It’s no secret that the local food bank has been kept busy due to the events of past years, which included economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the destruction caused by the November 2021 flooding event, and a number of busy and record breaking wildfire seasons. The Nicola Valley Food Bank has been operational throughout these emergencies, distributing food, clothing, and other donations to those affected, and their existing clientele. The food bank is entirely non-profit, and relies on volunteers to operate.

“We are looking for board members to help fill positions, especially the secre tary position,” said Food Bank Manager Derlanda Hewton.

“We’re also looking for members that are eager to grow with us, because we’re coming up on a time where we’re going to begin our campaign for a new build ing. It’s going to be an exciting time for us in our future here.”

The Nicola Valley Food Bank serves an average of 900 clients weekly out of its Quilchena Avenue location, an 1800 square foot storefront that the non-profit uses to receive, sort, and distribute its

donated food and other goods. The organization hopes to secure a larger location, allowing for an expansion of services and avoiding the need to rent a separate location for their annual Christmas hamper program. This was a main topic of discussion at the AGM, which also saw the following Directors elected to the board:

Chair: Deanna Palmgren

Vice-Chair: Neil Todd

Treasurer: Cindy Muchowski

Secretary: VACANT

“It was a bit quiet this year, we actu ally did it fairly quickly, but we gave our thirty days notice,” said Hewton.

“Our AGM for 2022 will be in April of 2023.”

The newly elected Directors will serve only a seven month term leading up to the next AGM, which will renew the mandate of the Food Bank and set the goals for another year ahead. Currently, volunteers and food bank staff are working to secure a location for their annual Christmas hamper program, which distributes food, cloth ing, and gifts to hundreds of families in the Valley around Christmas time. The program is highly labour intensive, and committed food bank volunteers work many hours to assemble and distribute hundreds of hampers.

The Nicola Valley and District Food Bank always welcomes and appreciates monetary donations, and is actively seeking both board members and com mitted volunteers. For more informa tion, or to get involved, visit www.nico lavalleyfoodbank.com.

When elected as Cou ncillor, the citizen s of Merrit t can be confident their voice will be heard . I have a strong sen se of self, a passion to serve my com mu nit y and I am true to my word .

• I will promote industry and business to secure a consistent tax base.

• I will improve communications from cit y hall to our citizens.

• I will do my homework to understand current and future concerns of our citizens, so we can make the best decisions moving for ward

• I am commit ted to focusing on what is best for our communit y and the people in it

• I feel it is impor tant to meet the housing needs of the communit y while maintaining our small town feel

Author ized by Deanna Palmgren 250 392 0549

Working as a councillor requires a TE AM E F FORT, and I am excited about working with the citizens of Merrit t, Councillors, and Mayor TOG ETH E R , we will make Merrit t a thriving and beautiful place to live

The Nicola Valley and District Food Bank serves an average of nearly a thousand people per month. Photo/Herald File

A 4-day work week

A very interesting report was brought up at the City of Merritt’s Regular Council Meeting last week which caught national attention.

IZAIAH REYES HERALD EDITOR

The City will be implementing a one-year pilot program that closes their offices every Monday, essentially creating a four-day work week for the staff.

Already, there are mixed emotions with the reception of this idea where some are thinking that the City is just being lazy and some praising the willingness of trying something new. In reviewing the report I discovered the reason why the City is exploring this pilot.

With Mondays being off, the City will be extending their hours of operation from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., to 8 a.m. - 5:45 p.m. According to the City’s report, the pilot aims to improve workplace morale and combat the high turnover rate that they have been experiencing. The City has observed that the amount of staff that they retain has been noticeably concerning. In their report it states that ‘too much turnover is extremely damaging for an organization.’

The City also believes that by extending their hours, it benefits Merritonians as they now have a larger window of hours throughout the day to walk in their office and conduct business. As of now the details for the pilot are still being worked out and there is no set date when it will begin.

OPINION

TEGART: “Advancing Reconciliation in our Communities”

on following the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day on September 30th.

Reconciliation is an ongoing journey, one that we continue to reflect

As survivors of residential schools share their healing journeys, we must listen with open ears and hearts and acknowledge the tremendous losses experienced by these students, their families and their communities, and the impacts that continue to

be felt today — the loss of family members, language and culture, and the abuse and treatment that no child should ever have to endure.

Many nonIndigenous individuals want to know what they can do to help further reconciliation efforts in their communities. We know that educating ourselves is an important step, and I encourage you to read the Truth and

Reconciliation Commission’s reports to truly understand the impacts of residential schools both in the past and in the present. In particular, the calls to action are a way to understand how Indigenous peoples would like to see reconciliation advance. Consider writing a letter to your elected representative or a local institution to lend your support to one or

more of these calls.

You can also be an ally in your home community by identifying and acknowledging the territory where you live; attending awareness and cultural events; supporting Indigenous artists, businesses and tourism organizations; creating a family project around Indigenous history; or volunteering with a group dedicated to restoring and pre-

serving ecologically or culturally significant lands. These are just a few ideas you can put into action.

We all have a role to play in advancing reconciliation efforts in our communities and building a better and more inclusive future for all British Columbians. I urge you to consider what steps you might take on this important journey.

Get to know the candidates: Mike Goetz

to the elections on October 15.

Why do you want to become Mayor?

you the best fit for the position?

With the 2022 Civic Elections quickly approaching, it is important for voters to become familiar with the people running for Mayor in the City of Merritt. The Herald sent out

some questions to the four candidates running for Mayor: Mike Bhangu, Tony Luck, Mike Goetz, and Linda Brown. We will be sharing their answers individually with you each week, leading up

“Halfway through my second term as Councillor I knew one day I would run for Mayor. One reason I didn’t is at the time I was working full time and I felt, in order to be an effective Mayor, I needed to be retired so my full focus would be in office, plus I am excited to move ideas I have for this city. It is about service to the community that has been very good to me and my family.”

What makes

“What makes me the best fit are my work ethic, 10 years of sitting as a councillor, as well as several committee chairs and liaison experience for ESS and the local museum.

I have an ability to listen and talk with people. As I have said before, some of the best ideas come from people in your community all you have to do is be there to listen.”

Give an example of a situation where you demonstrate your leadership abilities.

“One of the projects that I was lead on was the re established Airport Committee and the subsequent development of water and sewer lines. Once that was done, as council we were able to bring the Nicola Fire Base as a long term tenant. At the same time, I was Vice President of the Merritt Youth Ambassadors and worked with the Country Christmas Committee to keep the parade part of this community. I also designed a licensing and Inventory program for IBM the company, where I

worked at for 20 years, I’m proud to say it is still the standard today.”

What issue should the city prioritize in addressing?

“The Main priority for me the first year is safety of the community, which focuses on fire and flood mitigation as well as a very comprehensive plan for the citizens to all know where to go in an emergency. As as a volunteer for ESS, I found almost no one being evacuated had any idea where to go. I would also like to perform several mock disasters to

make sure we are ready for anything that may come our way. I also plan on working on our health care, housing, rent issues, and our economic growth. All of these have great importance.”

What is a goal you want to accomplish as Mayor by the end of your term?

“If at end of my term I know this community is safe, protected, growing with the work of Mayor and council, and no one has their door knocked on at 3 am ever again, then that would be enough for me.”

Speak up

From the Herald archives: September, 1980

RCMP KILLS BEAR

A black bear was shot and killed by the local R.C.M.P. in the downtown area on September 4, following an hourlong search. The bear was sighted near the Big AA Market at 2:30 p.m. The area was searched, but nothing was found. At around 3:30 p.m., Constable Muckalt killed the animal with a shotgun. Fish and Wildlife officer Bud Ward believes that this recent incident is an exception for Merritt.

LETTERS POLICY

The Merritt Herald welcomes your letters, on any subject, addressed to the editor.

Letters must be signed and include the writer’s name and address.

Letters may be edited for length, taste and clarity. Please keep letters to 300 words or less. Email letters to: newsroom@ merrittherald. com.

2022 mayoral candidate Mike Goetz. Photo/ Herald File

JACKIE TEGART

Mourning the Queen

Izaiah Reyes NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 96 hosted a memorial service in honour of the late Queen Elizabeth II. The service was held on September 14, in front of the Merritt Civic Centre.

A few words were shared by the speakers and

members of the Legion pinned their poppy on the wreath placed in front of the Merritt Cenotaph. Afterwards, the UK flag was paraded from the Civic Centre back to the

Legion’s branch.

Queen Elizabeth passed away on September 8, 2022. She was the longest serving monarch in British History, since becoming Queen back in 1952.

HERE’S A FEW THINGS ABOUT ME:

• I was bor n and r aised in Mer rit t

• I at tended K 12 in Mer rit t, and gr aduated from MSS in 20 08

• Ear ned a Busines s Diploma from TRU in 2011

• I am a Public Ser vant with the Minis tr y of Tr anspor t ation, and have been since 2011

• I have 3 children (8, 10, 15) who are all cur rently at tending school in Mer rit t

• I enjoy volunteering with Mer

Merritt Legion hosted a memorial service to pay their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II. Marius Auer/Herald

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Council candidate addresses registered sex offender record

ities to register as a sex offender for a period of 20 years, ending in 2029, and pro hibited from pos sesing a firearm for 10 years.

“I was in the middle of a cus tody battle for my son, and his mother decided to pull that card,” said Behrens of the conviction.

in jail, I found that our system is quite flawed. It was a revolving door for people with social issues and mental health disorders. I ended up there because the judge didn’t know whether to believe me or the young girl,” added Behrens.

aid application was denied, and claims that he lacked sufficient funds to appeal his conviction.

Behrens has also claimed through Castanet that he stopped fighting to clear his name because he didn’t

want to make it easy for other sex offenders who were “actually guilty” to clear theirs.

“I wasn’t affording an appeal. I was told by the judge I wouldn’t be able to get the funding

for it, even though I couldn’t afford it,” said Behrens.

“I never got my appeal. I couldn’t pay for a lawyer, and I couldn’t get my transcripts for $2000. You only have a certain amount of time to appeal some

thing, and when that time came up I still didn’t have the money to appeal.”

Behrens said he is hopeful that Merrittonians will give him a chance at the polls on October 15.

Marius Auer

REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

A candidate seeking a spot on Merritt City Council is hop ing that voters will look past his status as a regis tered sex offender, maintaing his innocence of the crime and ask ing Merrittonians for their support.

Michael Behrens is one of 18 can didates looking to fill a spot at the

council table on October 15.

Behrens, 51, was convicted in 2009 of one count of invitation to sexual touching of a person under 14, when he was and sentenced to 15 months in prison, which was followed by an 18 month proba tionary period. Behrens was also ordered by author

“It was a really crappy part of my life, but it is what it is, I got charged and con victed, and I did time for it. I just haven’t been able to expunge my record, and it’s just really unfortu nate.”

Behrens told the Herald that he was framed, set up by an ex-girlfriend looking to prevent him from seeing his children. He maintains that he is innocent, a victim of a set-up and a court system that he believes is “broken.”

“The court sys tem doesn’t always work. When I was

While incar cerated, Behrens said he main tained employ ment within the prison, and spent a majority of his free time with the facility’s chaplain. He became Bible Study coordina tor, and said he maintains a strong faith following his release in 2010.

Behrens said he is running for council despite the charges, and hopes voters can see that he is a “progressive” can didate.

Behrens main tains his inno cence, and worked for a time to clear his name through an appeal process. He said his legal

Michael Behrens, 51, is hopeful voters will look past his conviction as a sex offender as he seeks a spot on Merritt City Council this elec tion. Photo/Herald File

RCMP displays Indigenous sign

LEECH,

Marius Auer REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

The Merritt RCMP teamed up with local Indigenous communities and leaders to unveil a new welcome sign at the local detachment on Voght Street, in an effort to continue building and maintaining rela tionships between First Nations communi ties and the RCMP. The sign is mounted prominently near the entrance to the detachment, and was designed by Merritt’s Indigenous Policing Services (IPS) unit and a local Indigenous artist.

On Tuesday, September 20, a crowd gathered near the doors of the Merritt RCMP detachment for the unveiling cer emony of the new sign, which features the logos of all local communities etched in glass against a black background. The sign is an ongoing initiative, one of many by the Merritt RCMP’s IPS unit. Unit mem bers said during the ceremony it was part of a RCMP-wide initiative.

“The RCMP has dedicated to doing 30 days of reconciliation, something new each day, for the month of September. So here we are for one of ours,” said Cst. Rose Grant.

“Our artist is James Fountain, he is also a Councillor at Nooaitch Indian Band.”

Fountain, in collaboration with the Merritt RCMP and local First Nations communities, designed the sign to show the inclusivity and action on reconciliation taken by the police. The sign features the word ‘welcome’ in four languages, two being local Indigenous languages, along with English and French. The Merritt RCMP said it is dedicated to equally and fairly serving all communities, as police’s

relationship with Indigenous communities in Canada have been ignored by Canada’s RCMP in the past.

“Our Indigenous Policing Services unit put a lot of work into having this sign designed,” said Sgt. Josh Roda, Merritt RCMP.

“It incorporates all the communities in the Nicola Valley. We want to be inclusive of everyone, and I hope that this is a step towards reconciliation.”

Representatives from a number of local First Nations communities were present, along with City of Merritt, TNRD, and RCMP representatives. The ceremony began and ended with traditional hand drumming, and a song by local artist Willard Wallace. Several elected officials commented on the unveiling being a step in the right direction, including City of Merritt Mayor, Linda Brown.

Upper Nicola Band Chief Harvey McLeod commented that the divide between Indigenous communities and the RCMP is beginning to close, citing previ ous years having an “us versus them” feel ing. Those in attendance agreed that the sign and its unveiling was part of a very much ongoing process of reconciliation.

“We’re building the bridge between our protectors that serve the communi ties, and this is a very good stepping stone. This unveiling is a good reflection of what we’re trying to do between Indigenous communities, non-Indigenous communi ties, and the RCMP,” said Lower Nicola Indian Band Chief Stuart Jackson.

For more information on the Merritt RCMP’s Indigenous Policing Services unit, visit the detachment’s website at www. rcmp-grc.gc.ca/detach/en/d/187.

My last position, prior to my retirement was as A ssistant Superintendent F inance/Administration and Secretar y Treasurer for the Cit y of Grande Prairie Public School Board, I was responsible to monitor a balanced budget in excess of $ 43 million, assist the Board in the creation of polic y, guidelines, and regulation, and to enhance educational oppor tunities for over 5,000 students

These past few years have been defined by crisis, loss, and resiliency W ith unity of voice and purpose, under my leadership this community can continue to build a stronger, more inclusive community

There is still a lot to do, but I am up to the task. I have built the relationships with Federal and Provincial Ministers needed to secure the funding necessary for our recovery process over the next four years.

The new welcome sign at the Merritt RCMP detachment was unveiled on September 20, and was designed by local Indigenous artist James Fountain. Marius Auer/Herald

Coffee with a cop

Merritt Bread Basket Soup Bowl Society

Our gratitude goes out to the people of Merritt for recognizing us as the Best Non Profit Organization. The Soupbowl team, made up of 100% volunteers, greatly appreciates everyone’s continued support

A number of concerned and curious locals attended the sec ond Coffee with a Cop event, sharing their community safety concerns and casually chat ting with members of the Merritt RCMP. Hot cof fee and cool heads prevailed as the local police force engaged

Merrittonians and asked for their concerns and comments, which attendees were happy to provide. Noticeable top ics of discussion were homeless ness, increasing levels of crime, and the unusually warm weather for the Nicola Valley in September. Moving forward,

the Merritt RCMP will take this local information into account, and plan for their next Coffee with a Cop event in October.

Coffee with a Cop is a joint initiative of the Merritt RCMP and Community Policing Office. The casual event offers coffee, snacks, and the ear of Constables from the local RCMP detachment.

Merritt residents are welcome to share their con cerns and experi ences, or just enjoy a casual conversa tion and a free cup of coffee.

The next Coffee with a Cop will take place on October 5, from 9:30am to 11am, at McDonalds on River Ranch Road. The following date will be November 16.

Serving Merritt and area for over 2 decades. Thus far in 2022 we are closing in on 3000 patron visits and 2000 hours of volunteer service.

Open to everyone, Tuesdays from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm

For more information contact Michael at micsmail73@gmail.com or 250-315-7454

Members of the Merritt RCMP engaged with local residents on Wednesday at the second Coffee with a Cop event in the Community Policing Office garden. Marius Auer/Herald

Marius Auer REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

ORANGE SHIRT DAY

NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH & RECONCILIATION

MONSTER - By Dennis Saddleman

I HATE YOU RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL

I HATE YOU

YOU’RE A MONSTER

A HUGE HUNGRY MONSTER BUILT WITH STEEL BONES BUILT WITH CEMENT FLESH YOU’RE A MONSTER BUILT TO DEVOUR INNOCENT NATIVE CHILDREN

YOU’RE A COLD-HEARTED MONSTER COLD AS THE CEMENT FLOORS

YOU HAVE NO LOVE

NO GENTLE ATMOSPHERE

YOUR UGLY FACE GROOVED WITH RED BRICKS YOUR MONSTER EYES GLARE FROM GRIMY WINDOWS

MONSTER EYES SO EVIL MONSTER EYES WATCHING TERRIFIED CHILDREN COWER WITH SHAME

I HATE YOU RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL I HATE YOU YOU’RE A SLIMY MONSTER OOZING IN THE SHADOWS OF MY PAST GO AWAY LEAVE ME ALONE

YOU’RE FOLLOWING ME FOLLOWING ME WHEREVER I GO YOU’RE IN MY DREAMS IN MY MEMORIES GO AWAY MONSTER GO AWAY

I HATE YOU YOU’RE FOLLOWING ME

I HATE YOU RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL I HATE YOU YOU’RE A MONSTER WITH HUGE WATERY MOUTH MOUTH OF DOUBLE DOORS

YOUR WIDE MOUTH TOOK ME

YOUR YELLOW STAINED TEETH CHEWED THE INDIAN OUT OF ME

YOUR TEETH CRUNCHED MY LANGUAGE GRINDED MY RITUALS AND MY TRADITIONS

YOUR TASTE BUDS BECAME BITTER

WHEN YOU TASTED MY RED SKIN YOU SWALLOWED ME WITH DISGUST YOUR FACE WRINKLED WHEN YOU TASTED MY STRONG PRIDE

I HATE YOU RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL I HATE YOU YOU’RE A MONSTER

YOUR THROAT MUSCLES FORCED ME

DOWN TO YOUR STOMACH

YOUR THROAT MUSCLES SQUEEZED MY HAPPINESS

SQUEEZED MY DREAMS SQUEEZED MY NATIVE VOICE

YOUR THROAT BECAME CLOGGED WITH MY SACRED SPIRIT

YOU COUGHED AND YOU CHOKED FOR YOU CANNOT WITH STAND MY SPIRITUAL SONGS AND DANCES

I HATE YOU RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL I HATE YOU YOU’RE A MONSTER

YOUR STOMACH UPSET EVERY TIME I WET MY BED YOUR STOMACH RUMBLED WITH ANGER EVERY TIME I FELL ASLEEP IN CHURCH

Your stomach growled at me every time I broke the school rules

Your stomach was full You burped

You felt satisfied You rubbed your belly and you didn’t care You didn’t care how you ate up my native Culture

You didn’t care if you were messy if you were piggy

You didn’t care as long as you ate up my Indianness

I hate you Residential School I hate you

You’re a monster

Your veins clotted with cruelty and torture Your blood poisoned with loneliness and despair Your heart was cold it pumped fear into me

I hate you Residential School I hate you You’re a monster

Your intestines turned me into foul entrails

Your anal squeezed me squeezed my confidence squeezed my self respect

Your anal squeezed then you dumped me

Dumped me without parental skills without life skills

Dumped me without any form of character without individual talents without a hope for success

I hate you Residential School I hate you

You’re a monster

You dumped me in the toilet then You flushed out my good nature my personalities

I hate you Residential School I hate you

You’re a monster………I hate hate hate you

Thirty three years later

I rode my chevy pony to Kamloops

From the highway I saw the monster

My Gawd! The monster is still alive

I hesitated I wanted to drive on but something told me to stop I parked in front of the Residential School in front of the monster

The monster saw me and it stared at me

The monster saw me and I stared back

We both never said anything for a long time

Finally with a lump in my throat

I said, “Monster I forgive you.”

The monster broke into tears

The monster cried and cried His huge shoulders shook He motioned for me to come forward

He asked me to sit on his lappy stairs

The monster spoke You know I didn’t like my Government Father I didn’t like my Catholic Church Mother

I’m glad the Native People adopted me They took me as one of their own They fixed me up Repaired my mouth of double doors Washed my window eyes with cedar and fir boughs They cleansed me with sage and sweetgrass

Now my good spirit lives

The Native People let me stay on their land They could of burnt me you know instead they let me live so People can come here to school restore or learn about their culture

The monster said, “I’m glad the Native People gave me another chance I’m glad Dennis you gave me another chance

The monster smiled I stood up I told the monster I must go Ahead of me is my life. My people are waiting for me

I was at the door of my chevy pony

The monster spoke, “Hey you forgot something I turned around I saw a ghost child running down the cement steps

It ran towards me and it entered my body

I looked over to the monster I was surprised I wasn’t looking at a monster anymore I was looking at an old school In my heart I thought This is where I earned my diploma of survival I was looking at an old Residential School who became my elder of my memories I was looking at a tall building with four stories stories of hope stories of dreams stories of renewal and stories of tomorrow

Nicola Canford Elementary Walk: Sept. 29, 10:30 AM, meet at the Shulus Hall

Lower Nicola Indian Band School, Merritt Central Elementary, Diamond Vale Elementary and MSS Students: Sept. 29, 11:00 AM, meet at the School Board Office

Upper Nicola Band: Sept. 30, 9:30 AM, meet at the Upper Nicola Band Office

Dennis will be performing his poem as part of APTN’s coverage of Truth and Reconciliation Day, live online, and in-person at LeBreton Park in Ottawa. The broadcast will take place September 30 from 10 to 11am PST. https://www.aptnnews.ca/ourstories/rememberingthechildren/

Saddleman to read poem in Ottawa for APTN

part in a national broadcast com memorating National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This Friday, September 30, the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) and Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) will partner up to produce and broadcast a program entitled Remembering the Children: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Dennis Saddleman, who resides in the Nicola Valley, is on the list of speakers for the nationwide event.

Marius Auer

REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Note: This story may contain infor mation that is difficult for many, and our efforts to honour Survivors and families may act as an unwelcome reminder for those who have suffered hardships through generations of harmful government policy directed at Indigenous people in Canada.

A local First Nations writer and residential school survivor will take

The special program will honour residential school survivors, their families, their communities, and the children who never made it home. Saddleman will deliv er remarks, and perform a reading of his poem Monster, which he wrote about his experiences attending Kamloops Indian Residential School (KIRS) from 1957 to 1967. He recently sat down with the Herald to discuss his experience at KIRS, and his excitement to head to Ottawa’s LeBreton Flats Park to perform his origi nal work.

“When I left home I was six years old, and it was really hard to say goodbye to my family,” said Saddleman.

“My grandpa was my inspiration for my language and my stories, and my dad showed me how to work by giving me

Story continues on Page 15

Dennis Saddleman will address the nation on Truth and Reconciliation Day, sharing his story and experience on APTN. Photo/Herald File

From Page 14

5 cents a day looking after the chicken house. My mom showed me lots of love, lots of kindness, and I remember her cook ing and serving meals at a big oak table we had.”

Saddleman would eventually be force fully separated from this loving family, swallowed up by the “monster” the federal government had erected to “kill the Indian in the child.” During his decade at KIRS, he would suffer mental, physical, and sexual abuse. The young boy was routinely slapped, beaten, starved, and made to feel like a thing, rather than a person.

Saddleman recalls being sexually abused by a priest who claimed to be searching him for lice or sores. Him and his fellow students were forced to cut their hair, insulted on their looks, and told they wouldn’t amount to anything. The abuse was constant, and followed Saddleman for years after.

“All the fear, shame, and anger, I car ried it when I went home. I was drinking, I did drugs, and I got really bad. I would get up at 5 in the morning and start drinking. I never saw a bathtub for months,” said Saddleman.

“I hit rock bottom, as they say, and I tried to commit suicide. I stabbed myself in the ribs, and I held a gun under my chin. Then I thought, if I ever succeeded in killing myself, the residential school and

my sex abuser will walk away laughing. So I changed my life and I sobered up.”

After his time in Residential School and during these personal struggles, when Saddleman thought he had lost his voice completely, he found a new way to speak out loud: his writing. He began to upgrade his education in 1993, when he completed his Grade 12 equivalence and discovered his knack for writing. Saddleman says this was a trying experience, having only a Grade 5 education from 10 years at KIRS. He initially didn’t believe his teachers when they complimented his writing, cit ing years of insults and emotional abuse around his intelligence while at KIRS.

Saddleman often uses the name Word Warrior, a testament to his strength and perseverance, but also a promise to those who can no longer speak for themselves.

“I’ve been writing for 25 years to release one book, called Word Warrior. I speak for those who can’t tell their residen tial school stories, and for Mother Earth. It’s always been a dream of mine to be on APTN, so it’s finally going to happen. I think about the unmarked graves, and they need to be heard also,” added Saddleman.

Remembering the Children: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will be live on APTN on September 30, from 10AM to 11AM Pacific Standard Time. Saddleman is scheduled to give his remarks approximately halfway through the ceremony.

Albas MP

Okanagan Similkameen Nicola

Community Engagement Sessions

Izaiah Reyes

NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

The value of copper in the modern age has increased as it establishes a role in both the energy and health indus tries. Teck’s Highland Valley Copper Operations (HVC) has been a great source for the material but with the current mine life extending only to 2028, proposals have been made to push the operations until 2040. The extension would provide an

additional 1.95 million tonnes of copper while creating socioeconomic benefits for the surrounding First Nations communi ties.

HVC is located 17 kilometres west of Logan Lake. Approximately 1,300 jobs are generated annually by HVC, creating an estimate of $185 million in wages and benefits. The economy of areas surround ing HVC benefits from close to $137 mil lion on local goods and services. The site

Story continues on Page 17

HVC representatives and community members discuss community input on HVC operations. Izaiah Reyes/Herald

also resulted in a $75 million contribution to municipal and provincial taxes.

Up to $800 million in total economic benefits are generated by the operation and it looks to extend from its 2028 end period.

The site is currently in its PreApplication phase of the B.C. Environmental Assessment (EA) process. Through the process, HVC is engaging with local communities and Indigenous Governments.

“HVC respects that we are operating within the Nlaka’pamux Nation’s terri tory,” said Teck in its conversation with the Herald. “We value our partnership with the Lower Nicola Indian Band and will continue to work to achieve free, prior and informed consent for our activities in their territory.”

Teck hosted a Community Engagement Session at Shulus Hall on September 22-23. The mining company invited community members to learn more about the plans with HVC 2040.

The two day session included discus sions on tailings storage facilities, water management, and reclamation. There was also a panel available on both days for Q&A and presentation on the EA over view.

“They’re further development is pend ing on community, so you have to listen,”

said LNIB Elder Doreen Sterling. “I think right now is the time to listen.”

Sterling recalls a previous engagement experience with HVC when she partici pated in a tour which gave community members a chance to see the operations, ask questions, and ultimately learn more about what’s happening with the mines.

“I saw, up close, all of the things that were happening and had the opportunity to share some information. Most of it was about reclamation on the areas that they’ve finished using,” she recalled.

“We made comments and it seems like they are doing it and this event seems like another opportunity to take a look again and have a better understanding. I feel like they’re listening.”

Attendees at the engagement event were given a free meal for each session and had the opportunity to enter in a prize draw.

“This week’s community engagement events are part of our ongoing work to update the Lower Nicola Indian Band (LNIB) on the status of HVC 2040 and receive feedback and input on the project,” said Teck.

“The Project would allow HVC to continue to collaborate with Indigenous Governments and Organizations, includ ing the Lower Nicola Indian Band, to deliver economic and social benefits, and advance reconciliation efforts.”

Tina House on reporting about Indigenous injustices

career very admirable.

Through covering issues such as resi dential schools and Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), the award-winning journalist had faced countless horrors that could make oth ers quit on the job. However through her persistence, she has not only covered these sensitive issues but has also been awarded and recognized because of it. Now, she looks to leverage the growth in her audi ence to reach more people and make them aware of the Indigenous plight.

Tina House is a video journalist for APTN National News. She credits her strong lineage of great leaders as inspira tion for becoming the highly decorated reporter she is today. Her grandmother, Anne House, was a co-founder of the BC Association of Non-Status Indians, the first Metis political movement in the province. Her father, the late Fred House, became president of the same group back in the 1970’s.

Izaiah Reyes

NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

It takes an incredible amount of for titude to get work done when a person is emotionally compromised. The ability to

compartmentalize emotions and feelings in order to finish a job is, universally, an asset. Not many people can say that they were able to do their job at the highest level while dealing with something as per sonal as death, which makes Tina House’s

“I used to watch my dad on TV and now I’m on there as well so it played a large role into what I do now,” said House.

House also credits her successful career to her mother, Melba Sterling, who was also an active community leader.

“I really pay tribute to my mom

because she’s been my rock and she’s been by my side throughout everything.”

It was 2007 when started at APTN. The first high profile stories she did was a coverage on the Robert Pickton trials. Pickton is considered one of the most notorious serial killers in Canada’s history.

“That’s when I first really got involved and meeting family members and going to the court everyday, and telling really heartfelt stories of the family members.” House recalled.

”I felt that as an Indigenous journalist, they brought me into the fold a little closer than non-Indigenous journalists and I was really thankful for that.”

House described that early period in her career as an “incredibly charged time.”

“There was so much still that we didn’t know and so much that came out with the trial yet there are so many other cases that didn’t go to trial so there was a lot to talk about there.”

In 2010, House had the opportunity to do a segment on a new show at the network, APTN Investigates, where she put out a 30 min episode on the topic of Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG). During this

continues on Page 19

Tina House was the first reporter to break the news on the mass graves found at the Kamloops residential schools. Photo/Tina House

period there were over 540 girls consid ered officially missing.

“It was an incredible time and I wanted to showcase how many 540 looked like,” said House.

“At the time my own cousin was miss ing. My pitch was the inside story of a family that was desperately looking for a loved one. I can get interviews and insight to the subject matter because it was my own family.”

House initially had only a 10-minute segment but this quickly changed.

“I don’t reveal right away that she’s my cousin, I save that until the very end,” said House.

“It is a very fine line to walk, being a family member and also as a journalist but I wanted to pay her tribute. The producer was blown away by what I put together and he basically gave me the whole halfhour episode.”

Because of her work, House was awarded the 2010 Amnesty International Human Rights Journalism Award for Canada. On top of this, House also orga nized a rally at Crab Park in Vancouver where she and others lit up 540 tea lights.

“Just to see the candles lit up, represent ing a person that was either murdered or missing was such an incredible moment for me.”

MMIWG soon became one of House’s

regular story beats.

“It’s something that we’ve taken great care of and a lot of time has been spent on trying to tell these stories because it’s connected to so much,” House explained.

“What it really comes down to is the attempted genocide of Indigenous People through residential schools. We find that in a lot of these cases that these MMIWG’s are directly tied to residential schools and the trauma that our people suffered.”

Last year, House reported on the 215 bodies uncovered at a former residential school in Kamloops.

“We were the only ones to get exclusive access inside of the former residential school,” House explained.

“We then did interviews with survivors within the school and we were the only network to get that opportunity.”

Through her reporting, House was able to gain a bigger and more global audience.

“I think, when the 215 were first dis covered, it sent shock waves around the world,” said House, who appeared in England numerous times at different news outlets, including BBC news. She also became a guest correspondent at CTV news with Lisa LaFlamme.

“Because of those stories that I was able to tell, it brought a bigger audience to my platform. It really widened our scope to educate the regular Canadian about what is actually happening. That was my

See REPORTER Page 21

Government of Canada supports Orange Shirt Day initiatives

process,” said Minister Pablo Rodriguez, federal minister for Canadian heritage.

“The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a day for solemn remembrance and reflection. The commemoration projects announced today give us the opportunity to begin or continue our learning on the path to reconciliation.”

tutions, and as communities.”

Marius Auer

REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

With Truth and Reconciliation Week underway leading up to Friday’s Orange Shirt Day, the Government of Canada is offering their support to education and commemoration efforts for residential school survivors, victims, and their families. September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and 2022 is the second year Canada recognizes it as a federal holiday.

Truth and Reconciliation Week is a joint effort between the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) and the Government of Canada, with the

week offering educational programming to all schools across the country. This year mark’s the week’s fourth iteration, and the Ministry of Canadian Heritage has provided $4 million in funding supporting 278 local reconciliation initiatives, the educational program, as well as a public gathering in Ottawa to mark the statutory holiday. The Ministry said this is part of an educational effort, raising the awareness of residential schools’ impacts while promoting healing and reconciliation.

“I encourage everyone to take time to recognize the enduring effects of residential schools in Canada and to reflect on the role each of us has in the healing

Throughout Truth and Reconciliation Week, happening this year from September 26 to 29, students from grades K-12 will be offered a number of educational opportunities by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, including discussions on the ongoing impacts of residential schools. The NCTR said that their program hopes to educate students on Canada’s history, calling it an important step on the path to reconciliation.

“Truth and Reconciliation Week is a national gathering for everyone. Indigenous Peoples cannot walk the path of reconciliation alone; each person in Canada must play a part,” said Stephanie Scott, executive director of the NCTR.

“Participating in the week or tuning into the broadcast on September 30 is an opportunity to take a meaningful step in reconciliation by hearing the truth and pausing to reflect on what reconciliation really means for us as individuals, as insti-

This Friday, September 30, the NCTR and Aboriginal Peoples Television Network will partner up to produce and broadcast a program entitled Remembering the Children: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The special program will honour residential school survivors, their families, their communities, and the children who never made it home. Nicola Valley poet and residential school survivor, Dennis Saddleman, will deliver remarks as part of the event.

Several other projects will also mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, such as commemorative gatherings across Canada, community ceremonies and marches, educational activities, and other initiatives.

“Truth and Reconciliation Week and the second official National Day for Truth and Reconciliation are moments to listen thoughtfully and sincerely to the Survivors as they share their truths so we may build a future for generations to come,” said Eugene Arcand, a Cree man from the Muskeg Lake First Nation and residential school survivor.

To learn more about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, visit www. nctr.ca.

of DEDE

Nicola Valley & District Metis Society

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is Canada’s newest federal holiday, honouring the children that never returned home from residential schools, including survivors and their families. Photo/Government of Canada

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

of

Day.

Reporter breaks news about Kamloops

goal from the very beginning, to make it loud and clear what atrocities was happen ing to my people.”

After Kamloops, House headed to Coweness, Saskatchewan to report on the 751 unmarked graves uncovered.

“We arrived the night they were setting up solar lights,” House recalled. “To be in that field and to see those 751 panels light up, it was an incredibly sad and powerful time.”

House was disturbed at the idea of dis covering the graves underneath an ice rink used by kids.

“It’s horrific thinking kids run and play right on top of these graves without even knowing that there were bodies buried there.”

Due to the horrific nature of the issues she covers, House admits that reporting these stories has taken a toll on her.

“I feel like I pay a piece of my soul whenever I do these types of stories,” she explained.

“Personally, I feel sick about some of the things we’re learning about what hap pens to these young kids at residential schools. To also tell stories about the mur dered and missing takes a lot out of me and I’m certainly drained by the end of

the day but I know that I’m doing it for a bigger purpose and I just try to hold my head high, stay strong and focus on what I need to get done.”

This year, House flew to Rome with the Indigenous delegation discussing with the Pope the impacts of residential schools on Indigenous people. There she became a correspondent, doing daily reports.

On April 4, She won Canadian Screen Awards’ best national news reporter title, becoming the first Indigenous journalist with this distinction.

“To be considered the best in the country is such a proud honour for me,” “I’m really thankful and humbled while I acknowledge this with a lot of love for all the supporters I’ve had over the years.”

Through her accomplishments and accolades, House hopes to bring more attention to the issues she reports on to further the discussion on how to deal with it. She believes that there is a lot more that needs to be done as many Canadians are still unaware of the issues Indigenous people face.

“They don’t understand the full impact of residential schools.” “They don’t understand the full impact of what was done to Indigenous people from the very beginning and I think that needs to be addressed in a huge way.”

The City of Merritt recognizes the tragic history of loss by the Canadian residential school system, and supports the recognition of the popularly known Orange Shirt Day as a vital component of reconciliation with our country’s indigenous survivors and their families.

EVERY CHILD MATTERS.

Orange Shirt Day gathering at NVIT

Izaiah Reyes

NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

In recognition of Orange Shirt Day, the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology will be hosting a gathering on Thursday, September 29. The event invites NVIT’s school community, as well as every one from the Nicola Valley to join in the gathering and hear conversations about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

NVIT will be hosting a gathering at the ampitheatre on their Merritt campus, in celebration of Orange Shirt Day. The Institute is inviting Nicola Valley Chiefs, NVIT Elders, staff, and Indigenization Committee members to share their thoughts on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

“NVIT was founded by the five founding bands of the Nicola Valley. The vision of the five founding bands is

Story

Orange Shirt Day 2021 gathering at NVIT’s Burnaby campus. Photo/NVIT

From Page 22

reinforced through the emerging land scape to Indigenize education through the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), the adoption of the United Nations Declaration of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (RCAP), said NVIT President Ken Tourand.

“As BC’s Indigenous Public Post Secondary Institution, we have a respon sibility to demonstrate leadership when it comes to Indigenous gatherings such as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation ceremony.”

Tourand will also be appearing at the gathering, giving his remarks at the open ing ceremony.

“Working with our Elders and local Chiefs, NVIT will be hosting a gathering for our students, staff, and the community at large to gather to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Orange Shirt Day). The atrocities of the residential school system, and the finding of the 215+ at T’kemlups te Secwepemc has directly impacted NVIT’s community. Every Child Matters and we invite the community of Merritt to join us on September 29 from 10:30am-1:00pm at our amphitheater for our Orange Shirt Day gathering.”

The event will also feature a ceremonial fire at the NVIT fire pit, hand drumming

led by Willard Wallace, prayers led by NVIT Elders, and an Orange Shirt Day video presentation. Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly will be attending and assisting with planning of the gathering.

“NVIT took the lead this time around and CNA is just happy to be present,” said CNA Program Coordinator Virginia Aspinall. “We’ve got some stuff going up and we’ll be there throughout the day just to help welcome everybody and just be part of the gathering.”

Earlier in May, CNA held a similar gathering event at NVIT’s ampitheatre. The event was to recognize the one year mark since the uncovering of the mass graves underneath Kamloops residential schools.

“My vision for gatherings like this, for days like September 30, is really just providing a space for people to come to a safe space,” Aspinall said. “We heal better together than alone and I would like that togetherness to be fostered for the day.”

NVIT’s Burnaby campus will also be hosting a similar gathering. The Orange Shirt Day gathering will happen September 29, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event is open to everyone in the com munity. Attendees are invited to join in the hand drumming, and story telling. Lunch will be provided by NVIT for the event. For any questions or more information on how to speak at this gathering, please email events@nvit.ca.

“A day to honour the many innocent victims and sur vivors of the Canadian Indian Residential Schools and to start building a better world for future generations, based on mutual respect, honesty, integrity and good will.”

Nooaitch

SD58’s Orange Shirt Day activities

Izaiah Reyes NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Rooted in the experience of residen tial school survivors, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation or more commonly called ‘Orange Shirt Day’ is commemorated every 30th of September as a means to honour survivors and to continue Canada’s path to Truth and Reconciliation.

With educational institutions being directly involved with the origins of this day of awareness, School District 58 Superintendent Steve McNiven and the rest of his administration team have pre pared numerous events and activities for students falling under their jurisdiction.

“We as a school district need to rec ognize that we have been a tool used for colonization and there has been a lot of trauma and hurt as a result of that,” he explained. “Now, we need to be part of the solution towards reconciliation.”

Schools within SD58 such as John Alison Elementary School, Vermilion Forks Elementary School, and Nicola Canford Elementary School are partaking in the activities for Orange Shirt Day.

The schools will do awareness walks, art projects, cultural activities like hand

drumming and making bannock, as well as presentations on Metis culture, residen tial schools, and Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit (MMIWG2S).

“As a school district, we are focused on Truth and Reconciliation which involves many events and activities each of our schools are providing,” said SD58’s Director of Instruction for Aboriginal Education Shelley Oppenheim-Lacerte.

“In teaching and bringing awareness to both our students and staff, we have First Nations support workers that serve the varying skill and interest levels by provid ing some of the presentations or events.”

Oppenheim-Lacerte added that it is important to meet the students at their respective levels of skills and interests so that the teachings may be better received.

“We look at the broader picture of Truth and Reconciliation Council (TRC) and see many connections,” she explained. “Activities and events are not just pre sented in one way because because there’s just so many teachings that connect to the TRC and Orange Shirt Day.”

In the Nicola Valley, Merritt Secondary School, Nicola Canford Elementary School, Merritt Central Elementary School, and Diamond Vale Elementary School are all doing awareness walks to commemorate Orange Shirt Day while Bench Elementary School will have an assembly which features dance perfor mances, poems, and presentations.

“I think it’s important to note that it isn’t just one day or one week that we work on our path towards reconciliation,” said McNiven. “That work takes place throughout the year and, for our school district, it’s one of the top priorities in our strategic plan.”

McNiven also notes that the whole community should be involved with the process of healing rather than just the Indigenous members of the community be involved alone.

“We’re really proud of the work that’s going on and the initiatives that the dif ferent schools are taking,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of work to do.”

Orange Shirt Day 2021 at Merritt Secondary School. Photo/SD58

lunch at

CNA holds online storytelling sessions

Marius Auer REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

The Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly (CNA) is offering a series of interactive story telling sessions in an effort to raise awareness of First Nations languages, culture, and his tory. The sessions, held in person and via Zoom, are held weekly in collaboration with storytellers from all eight of CNA’s First Nations com munities, as well as participants from across the country.

Since its incep tion, the story telling series has evolved to include more activi ties and is being hosted on a regu lar basis. Initially, the program was started as a way for individuals to connect with their communities and culture during the “lockdown” period of the COVID-19 pandemic. The series is orga nized and run by Lena Nicholson,

nłeʔkepmxcín pro gram developer for CNA.

“In January of 2021, we started doing storytelling through Zoom as a way for people to stay connected when we were under the COVID regulations,” said Nicholson.

“We started doing storytelling online a couple times a month and it really picked up, a lot of differ ent people started joining us from all over the country and reconnect ing with their heritage. The goal of our program is to get more people learning nłeʔkepmxcín and speaking it.”

While the agenda may vary, typical staples of a storytelling session include drum ming, introduc tions, stories, and conversations. The number of speak ers can vary, with a number of sto ries often sharing

the spotlight and allowing attendees to immerse them selves in multiple cultures and tradi tions. CNA added that the program allows attendees to learn the oral his tory, stories, and language of First Nations.

The storytell ing series is now held weekly, and offered both online and in person since most COVID-19 health orders were lifted. It takes place at the CNA office on Granite Avenue, but events are often held in respective commu nities as well. The summer of 2022 saw CNA travel to a number of com munities, hosting a language bingo and storytelling session. Nicholson said response has been positive, and the structure of the sessions have been popular.

“The sessions usually begin with people doing some self-introduction about who they are, where they

come from, and who their fam ily is. That’s our cultural practice. Then we have the storyteller who shares a story or two with the group, before we open it up to ques tions and com ments,” added Nicholson.

“It’s been very positive, people are eager for us to come back again. They really enjoyed the lan guage bingo, and a lot of people love the storytell ing part of it.”

Moving for ward, Nicholson will continue to focus on program ming that engages more people to learn and speak the nłeʔkepmxcín language. She added that a num ber of storytelling events are being planned in addi tion to the weekly series, including a possible storytell ing and language event at Spirit Square, which is adjacent to the organization’s downtown Merritt

office.

“I think it’s a very important part of our iden tity. The language is very rich, and it ties people to the land and to their history. We talk about our relationship to the land and other teachings. There’s place names, sto ries about how land formations came to be,” said Nicholson.

For access to language resourc es, or to learn more about CNA’s weekly storytelling series, visit their website at www. cna-trust.ca.

The Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly (CNA), ia a local Indigenous community organization made up of eight First Nations in the Nicola Valley and surrounding areas. Marius Auer/Herald

2

ORDER OF BALLOT

1Brown, Linda 1001 Coldwater Road

Luck, T 314 Lindley Creek Road

Goetz, Michael 1638 Canford Av

Bhangu, Mike 1710 Bann Street

Egan, Dana 2137 Parker Driv

Roline, Susan 2499 Chapman Street W 1625 Coldwater Avenue

P aul 1680 Hill Street

Phillips, MJ 19-2776 Clapperton Avenue

Littleton, Norma Jean 1937 Coutlee Avenue

Behrens, Michael Address within the City of Merritt

Palmgren, Deanna 2910 McLean Place

Charne 1499 Main Street

Barle 1890 Houston Street

P on, Brian 948 Coldwater Road Street

Etchart am 2514 Coutlee Avenue Manuel 2815 Scott Place

White, vina 3463 Voght Stree

Brooks, Darrel 1434 Douglas Street

Newman, Claire 1631 d

, Mary Address within the City of Merritt

ELIGIBLE RESIDENT V TERS:

• Must be 18 or older on October 15th, 2022, must be a Canadian citizen, must have been living in BC since at least 15th (6 months prior to the election).

• Must be a resident of Merritt.

• Must not be disqualified from voting by law

ELIGIBLE NON-RESIDENT VOTERS:

• Must not be entitled to be a resident voter (above).

• Must be 18 or older & a Canadian citizen & have been in BC since at least 15th April (6 months prior to the

• Must have owned property in Merritt for at least 30 days before the day they are voting.

• Must be registered as owners of the property as joint tenants or tenants in common (trusts & corporations are not to vote).

• Must not be disqualified from voting by law

• May only vote once as a non-resident voter. (Those who own two pieces of property don’t get to vote twice).

• Only one vote per piece of property. (So joint owners get 1 vote. If land title indicates multiple owners, written consent is required from a majority of the owners).

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION:

• TWO DOCUMENTS, each proving identity. At least one must also contain a signature. Date of birth or Social Insurance Number declaration required

* If these 2 documents do not provide adequate proof of residency, voter must also make a solemn declaration about place of residence.

USTIVE EXAMPLES:

eech, Robert 2753 Grandview Heights

Chenoweth, John 2600 Forksdale Place

Jepsen, tin 2598 Irvine Avenue Swan, Gordon 1665 Armstrong Street

• BC D er’s l and a BC Heal h e card are t do s wh ch provide evidence of identity and place of residence and signature. However, if you have a combined licence/healthcard, this is only ONE document

• A BC ID card (has signature) & a utility bill with your name on it (address).

• Owner’s certificate of a vehicle (signature) and a property tax notice ( ess).

• Credit/debit card issued by a bank (signature).

Nicola Valley Rodeo Association upgrades their grounds

Izaiah Reyes NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

The Nicola Valley Rodeo Association (NVRA) Rodeo Grounds has been the go-to venue for all rodeo related events in the Nicola Valley, such as the Pro Rodeo,

High School Rodeo, and Little Britches Rodeo. However, the association wants to expand the grounds’ utility and have it used for non-rodeo related events. With this in mind, NVRA had secured fund ing from both the Province of BC and

the Thompson Nicola Regional District (TNRD). The grants received are now being used to fund the upgrades being done throughout the premises.

A total amount of $570,000 combined from both the Province and TNRD is

being used to fund the upgrades of the rodeo grounds.

“We applied for funding to assist us in developing a long term expansion plan for the use of the rodeo grounds,” said

THOMPSON-NICOLA REGIONAL DISTRIC T

2022 GENERAL LOCAL ELEC TIONS

ELECTOR REGISTRATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

Registration of all electors will take place at the time of voting In order to vote, an elector must be eligible either as a Resident Elector or a Non Resident Property Elector and will be required to make a declaration that you meet the following requirements:

● 18 years of age or older on general voting day;

● Canadian citizen;

● resident of BC for at least 6 months immediately preceding the day of registration;

● resident of the electoral area OR the non resident owner of real property within the Electoral Area for at least 30 days before General Voting Day; and

● not disqualified under the Local Government Act or any other enactment from voting in an election or otherwise disqualified by law

VOTER PROOF OF IDENTITY

Resident and Non Resident Property Electors will be required to produce two (2) documents, at least one (1) of which must contain the applicant ’s signature, providing evidence of their identity and place of residency For example, any two (2) of the following will be acceptable:

● a BC drivers license;

● a BC identification card issued by the motor vehicle office;

● an owner's certificate of insurance and vehicle license issued by ICBC;

● a BC care card or gold care card;

● a Social Insurance card;

● a Native Status Card issued by the Department of Indian Affairs;

● a citizenship card issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada;

● a real property tax notice;

● a credit card or debit card, or

● a utility bill

From

NVRA President Peter Spencer. “We don’t want to just host the grounds for rodeo events but also use the grounds for recep tion for events like weddings or con certs like the Elvis Festival we recently had.”

NVRA had received a $440,000 grant from the Province of BC, through their Community Economic Recovery Program. The asso ciation also secured $130,000 from the TNRD through their Canada Community Building fund. The association applied both these grants in the spring of 2021.

“Around early 2019, the City helped us retain a couple of people who walked through the facil ity with us, look at what we’re doing and helped us come up with a long term plan,” said Spencer.

“As part of this long term plan, we knew that the electrical power that we had was insufficient,” he explained. “We blew out circuits

on previous events because we didn’t have sufficient power to meet the needs for more than just daytime rodeo.”

Utilizing their new budget, NVRA installed a new lighting sys tem to the Rodeo Grounds. Spencer noted that with the help of BC Hydro, the grounds now have an increased flow of power to light up the area should events extend until dark. The facility now also have installed RV hookups and power boxes for potential food ven dors.

“This facility is really unique,” said Spencer. “It’s very unusual for a nonprofit association to own 22 acres with a grandstand and buildings. Usually these kinds of facilities would be owned by the local community, by the City, or by the Regional District.”

Along with the electrical upgrades, the facility now boasts a new sound system, sprin kler system, and expanded fencing to increase the size

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

of the plaza.

“We, as an asso ciation, regard this facility as a com munity facility,” said Spencer. “We see that it has all sorts of potential.”

NVRA began utilizing the grounds for pur poses outside of rodeo. This year, the grounds hosted the Nicola Valley Dog Show, and

the Canadian Blue Moon Elvis Festival. It was also used as a venue for a wedding recep tion.

Last year, the Rodeo Grounds hosted drive in movie nights and also became a tem porary home for wildfire evacuees as the facility opened its doors for camp ers and their live

stock.

The association expects all of its upgrades will be completed by next year’s Pro Rodeo.

NVRA still has plans to turn the grounds’ tractor

shed into an entry plaza. “It’s all excit ing for the long term use of the rodeo grounds and I think we’ll see and expanded use of the facility by the community.”

Open 7 days a week

OShop ne StopLove

Join our Merritt Swim Club, THE and train with us through the winter.

The Mer ritt Otter s are pre paring for the 2022 2023 Winter Maintenance Season! We provide e xcellent coac hing for all ages in a fun and safe environment.

Enjoy the benefits of an individual spor t in a friendly multi-age team environment.

REGISTRATIO N

ONLINE: REGISTER ANY TIME ON OUR WEBSITE https://merrittotters.teampages.com

REGISTRATION QUESTIONS? Contact our Registrar, Ros Duclos, at infomerrittotters@gmail com or leave a message at (250) 315 7933

*Ne w swimmer s must be pre pared to take a brief swim assessment after re gistration to ensure placement in a group of swimmer s with similar ability.

General Inquiries? Contact our President, Jenn Reid at merokpres@gmail.com

Chec k out our Community F ace book Page https://www.facebook.com/merrittotters/

Da tes & Fees

Ready to hop in the wa ter?

Practices are scheduled for Tuesday & Thur sday after noons (4 5 or 5 6) *sc hedule may be adjusted slightly based o n re gistra tion number s

October 18, 2022March 16, 2023

Option 1: For previous (2022) summer swimmers $225 (insurance already paid)

Option 2: For new swimmers of all ages $265 (includes $40 insurance)

NVRA President Peter Spencer points out the expanded fencing around the rodeo gounds. Izaiah Reyes/Herald

73’-74’ Cents team reunite during season opener

“I don’t know if I could name just one, but probably when we played Kelowna, at home, in the playoffs. We were short on players but we took them to six games. They beat us and went all the way to the Western Canadian Championships. We gave them as tough a run as anybody did.

Out of all the hockey teams you played for, where would you rank this group of guys?

“Number 1! I had so much fun in town with these guys. They’ve produced memories for me for a lifetime for sure. I remember Danny Roda being a jokester, pulling pranks on the guys. Whenever him and Greg Agar, who was a hothead, got together, there were always good stories that came out of it. I was here in Merritt for three years then I’ve played in a senior hockey league in Kamloops for a few years, I linked up again with Danny and Greg for a few years there. We always had a good time when we get together.”

How do you feel being back?

NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

It was a festive night at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena last Friday, September 23, as the Centennials kicked off their 2022-2023 campaign. Though the first game of the season represents a fresh start and excitement for what is

to come for our town’s Junior A hockey team, Friday night’s game is also signifi cant for another reason. The Cent’s offi cially started their 50th season in Merritt, a claim that no other franchise in the BC Hockey League (BCHL) can make.

To mark this special milestone, the organization invited players from their 1973-1974 team to come out for the sea son opener. The Herald spoke with then

team captain, Darrell Zelinski to talk get his thoughts on this reunion and on the Cents turning 50.

Can you describe what it was like playing for the Cents?

“It was the first Junior A team and the town was very supportive of us and we fell in love with the town very quickly. We have great memories of being here. People were all in, they were very excited watching us play and they were very loyal to our team. There was no love for any of the opponents, especially Kelowna.”

Can you describe that 73’-74’ team?

“We were a first year team in the league and we went through a lot of adversities, starting in Whiterock, moving up here, having a coaching change, hav ing another coaching change, and loos ing players because of paperwork. Even though there were a lot of challenges, we were still a close-knit group and when we hit the ice, it was ‘game on.’ We played hard, even though some nights it wasn’t there, we still gave it our best.”

What was your most memorable game from that season?

“When Bryan (Barrett) called us to come we had to oblige. Us being here is to see old friends again but more impor tantly, to pay tribute all the people who’ve kept this team going for 50 years, that’s quite an accomplishment. Some of us haven’t seen each other since our year end banquet while some of us played for a couple more years here. The good vibes comes back pretty quick, guys are already poking fun at each other but it brings tears to our eyes seeing each other again.”

How do you feel about this fran chise, which you played in first, turn ing 50 years old?

“It’s a bit of shock that it’s been that long. I’m 67 now and to think that the team is starting their 50th season here makes you realize how quick time passes by. There are a group of people that keeps this franchise going. They may go in cycles but their love for this hockey team keeps this program going in Merritt. There’s no other town or city in BC that has kept it going for this long and I am very proud to be part of the first group to suit up for them.”

Members of the first Merritt Centennials roster were invited out at the season opener to celebrate the organization’s 50th season. Izaiah Reyes/ Herald

Izaiah Reyes

Lancers connect with Nicola Valley’s Indigenous youth

“We’ve asked the Centennials to help out in the dressing room and on the ice,” said Hamlin. “They acted as our counsel ors on the ice as all of our players are on the worksites, with the exception of the ones delivering our presentation.”

Before each clinic, the Lancers present ed their ‘Lancers Against Bullying’ pro gram. An initiative that the club has been running, speaking on the issue of bullying among the youth.

“We decided to develop this program about a decade ago,” Hamlin explained. “Basically, we ask our players to present to the kids of Windsor-Essex County. The message seems to resonate at a completely different level when these athletes talk to the kids as opposed to the principals, teachers, and others.”

doing.” said Curtis Toneff, head coach for the Merritt Centennials. “While prepar ing for a season, they are doing this work six to eight hours a day, in the heat, it’s pretty remarkable.”

In preparing for their upcoming season, the Lancers were given access to the arena to run their training camp at night. The Centennials were invited to come in and watch the team practice.

“I want our players to see what the col lege level practice is all about and educate them on what it takes to get there,“ said Toneff.

NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

The University of Windsor Lancers

Men’s Hockey team completed their mission in the Nicola Valley on Sunday, September 4. The team helped rebuild four properties across the surrounding First Nations in Merritt. As part of their mission, the Lancers have also collabo rated with the Merritt Centennials to host their Lancers Hockey Academy and their Lancers Against Bullying presentation at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena.

From Tuesday, August 30, to Thursday, September 1, the Lancers ran their skills camp at Merritt’s local arena. With the

help of FNES, kids from the surround ing Indigenous communities were able to experience top level hockey training from a university-level program.

“I can tell you that anyone fortunate enough to go on the ice with our coach ing staff is going to love it,” said Kevin Hamlin, Head Coach of the Lancers.

The Lancers coaching staff boasts years of experience playing hockey in the NHL, a level many young players aspire to reach in the future. Roughly 20 kids attended the camp each of the three days. There were three members of the Lancers coaching staff, two players from the Lancers roster, and four players from the Cents assisting with the clinic.

Hamlin mentioned that the program has been running for eight years which speaks to the relevance of the issue as kids and young adults still face it today.

“As a principal for 17 years, I can tell you that bullying happens everywhere,” he said. “No matter what socio-economic sta tus you come from. Whether you are rich or poor, it doesn’t matter.”

The success of the presentations have led to the development of other programs done by the team: ‘Lancers Shut Out Domestic Violence,’ which tackles the identification, intervention, and prevention of domestic violence, and ‘Skate Against Hate’, the Lancers’ anti-discrimination program.

“I think it’s amazing what they’re

“Our guys, most of the time, are think ing about NCAA Division 1, whereas this is USport, which I argue can be just as good or better. I want our guys to soak it up because this just serves as another option for them.”

The Lancers spent 10 days in the Nicola Valley for their mission. This type of trip is not new to the hockey club as they have done other outreach missions in the past. One of which were multiple trips taken down to New Orleans to help some people recover from the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina.

“This experience for us has been life changing,” said Hamlin. “It’s been a tre mendous educational experience from our first day here where we visited the Kamloops residential schools and heard some stories of survivors and walk those grounds. We hope now with this education that we can go back and educate others.”

Highlights from the 2022 Terry Fox Run in Merritt

close to 42 kilometres daily through Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, and Ontario. Fox stopped in more than 400 municipalities to share his message and raise awareness of cancer. After raising $1.7 million for research, Fox was forced to stop his mara thon outside of Thunder Bay, ON, after cancer was discovered in his lungs. He died in B.C. just nine months later.

“Personally, I have lost 8 people in my family to cancer, with three more diag nosed with nonlife threatening cancer,” said Merritt Rotary Club President Leslee Lucy.

the circuit multiple times if they wished to run for a longer distance.

While final numbers are still being calculated, many attendees pledged their monetary support to ongoing cancer research initiatives in Canada. The Terry Fox Foundation has raised over $850 mil lion since the first iteration of the run, Fox’s original Marathon of Hope.

REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Over 100 Merrittonians gathered to participate in the annual Terry Fox Run, marking the annual act of charity in a new location. Participants gathered at 8:30AM

on September 18 to complete the run, a short 1.5km circuit through Rotary and Central Parks. The event was organized by the Rotary Club of Merritt, and looks to raise money for cancer research in Canada.

Terry Fox began his nationwide Marathon of Hope in 1980, running

“So, the Terry Fox Run hits me in a very personal place. Anything we can do to advance cancer research is something I want to be part of, and Terry Fox was such a hero in my eyes.”

While the run usually features a much longer route beginning at Voght Park, this year’s event had a shortened route in an alternate location due to the impact of the November 2021 flooding event. Participants were encouraged to complete

“The battle with cancer is very difficult to deal with, and to run 5373 kilometres at the same time is absolutely mind bog gling. The other part of the run is the Fox family, the support they showed Terry, and his legacy is heart warming and to keep it going for 40 plus years is very inspira tional,” added Lucy.

The Merritt Centennials also partici pated in the run, along with another team of jersey bearing individuals found in the family of Donald Gray, an 88 year old Merritt resident who completed his 42nd Terry Fox run this year.

For more information on the Terry Fox Run, along with other initiatives of the Rotary Club of Merritt, visit www.rota rymerritt.com.

Izaiah Reyes

Merritt resident Donald Gray was one of the participants in this year’s Terry Fox Run, marking his 42nd annual run along with a number of other participants. Marius Auer/Herald

Lancers players give their Lancers Against Bullying (LAB) presentation prior to their Lancers Hockey Academy. Izaiah Reyes/Herald

Marius Auer

COMMUNITY

Sights from the Bike Park Jam at Rotary Skills Park

Izaiah Reyes NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Breathebikes, in collaboration with the Merritt Mountain Bike Association, hosted their first ever Bike Park Jam at Rotary Skills Bike Park back in September 18. The event was dedicated to the young park riders who have consis tently attended the hosts’ volunteer

clean up sessions at the park.

The event had kids gathering for a session at the newly cleaned park. Travis Fehr, owner of Breathe Bikes was at the park providing free hamburgers for the attendees.

Also present were MMBA President Jordan Pinto and Luke Beers, the man responsible for the park’s face

lift a few years ago.

The event con cluded with the announcement of the winner for the 2022 Radio Asura Pro Dirt Jump, which has a ticket price of $1499. Overall the event was a success which may lead to similar initiatives going forward.

CONTAIN-IT STORAGE

1750 Hill Street

Phone: 250-315-3000

THE CHURCHES OF MERRITT WEL COME YOU

Crossroads Community Church

2990 Voght St. • 250-378-2911

Service 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

Service 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

Service Times: 2nd and 4th Sundays only 10:00 a.m.

Trinity United Church Corner of Quilchena & Chapman • 250-378-5735

Service Time ever y Sunday 10 am

Somang Mission Community Church (SMC) 1755 Coldwater Ave. (The Cadet Hall) Sunday Service Time: 4:00 pm • 250-280-1268

Nicola Valley Evangelical Free Church 1950 Maxwell St. • 250-378-9502

Service Time: Sundays 10:00 a.m.

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

Lancers players give their Lancers Against Bullying (LAB) presentation prior to their Lancers Hockey Academy. Izaiah Reyes/Herald

make

PLEAS

Brian Cave

Sept 27, 1946 Sept 4, 2022

WSPAPE R

The family of Brian Cave is sad t announce his passing on Sunday, Septem 4, 2022 in Merritt, BC at the age of 75.

Brian loved his life in Merritt He started his first tire store there in the mid to late 70s He went on to have a gas station, a muffler shop and a used car lot He was always kind and honest with his customers.

His passion was vintage cars The one he loved the most was his Avanti In his last years his little yellow truck and matching trailer was his pride and joy He loved to talk about cars

He was a member of the Merritt Flying Club, Merritt Stock Car Club and the Nicola Valley Cruisers He loved his wide circle of friends and family and getting together and telling stories

You will be missed, but never forgotten. Love you Dad

CURRENT JOB OPPOR TUNITIES

POSITION

JOB CODE CLOSING DATE

Temporar y Education Assistant 3336407 Open until filled

Merritt Central Elementar y

Temporar y Education Assistant MSS 3336417 Open until filled

Fir st Nations Suppor t Worker 3259682 Ongoing

StrongStar t Coordinator 3256009 Ongoing

Relief Education Assistant 3259613 Ongoing

Noon Hour Super visor Mer Bench Elem 3322609 Ongoing

Hot Lunch Program Coordinator MBE 3272011 Ongoing

Noon Hour Super visor Collettville Elementar y 3179253 Ongoing

Relief Clerk Typist 3256003 Ongoing Relief Custodian 3259601 Ongoing

Relief Bus Driver 3255978 Ongoing

William Bruce McLeod

July 11, 1959 September 21, 2022

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our loved one Bruce McLeod.

If you have it in your heart to make a love offering, please send to atoner83088@gmail.com or P.O Box 1566 Merritt, BC V1K1B8

At this time if you have any photos of our loved one that you would like to share with the family, please send them privately by email to atoner83088@gmail.com Fire and Service will be held at Hank Charters home 9080 Long Canyon Road. Prayers at 7 pm September 27 Funeral service 10 am September 28

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Land

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91, KDYD, north of Ranchland Road in Merritt,

FLNRORD invites comments on this application, the Lands File is 3413654. Written comments concer ning this application should be directed to the Senior Land Officer, Thompson Okanagan, FLNRORD, at 441 Columbia Street, Kamloops, B C V2C 2T3 Comments will be received by FLNRORD up to date FLNRORD may not be able to consider comments received after this November 1, 2022 Please visit the website at http://comment.nrs.gov.bc.ca/ for more infor mation.

Be advised that any response to this advertisement will be considered part of the public record. For infor mation, contact the Freedom of Infor mation Advisor at FLNRORDs’ office in Region of British Columbia