CELEBRATING CULTURAL RESILIENCE AT RVAC

By Contributed

This month, the Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre presents an extraordinary exhibition that delves into the heart of Indigenous art forms and cultural resilience. Titled "Cultural Resilience: A Journey Through Art," this event brings together four talented artists whose works offer powerful insights into their unique perspectives and experiences.

Pat Bruderer, also known as Halfmoon Woman, from Nakusp, B.C., is one of the featured artists. Bruderer's art is truly exceptional as she creates intricate designs using her teeth on various mediums. Known as birch bark bitings, these imprints reflect the artist's life and heritage, paying homage to her roots in Churchill, Manitoba, and her maternal connections to Southend Reindeer Lake and Pukatawagan. Bruderer aims to raise awareness of the historical and ongoing issues faced by Indigenous communities through her art.

Joining the exhibition is Shirley Liu, hailing from Golden, B.C.

Willow Hopkins, all the way from Montreal, Quebec, brings a diverse range of artistic expressions to the gallery.

Hanna Dotzenroth, an artist from Beaumont, Alberta, presents visually stunning pieces that inspire wonder and introspection.

The exhibition opens its doors on June 8, starting with a soft opening from 2 pm to 5 pm. During this time, visitors can explore the gallery while sipping tea, immersing themselves in the beauty of the artwork. Following the soft opening, a social event will take place from 5 pm to 8 pm, providing an opportunity for art enthusiasts to engage with the artists and celebrate the cultural resilience depicted in the exhibition.

In solidarity with the main gallery artist, the event organizers have decided not to serve alcoholic beverages during the opening. This decision acknowledges the harm caused by alcohol to Indigenous communities and reflects the gallery's commitment to creating a respectful and inclusive environment that honors and celebrates cultural resilience.

The paranormal, trees, and tall tales of the Basin are just three of the topics tackled in season two of The Headwaters: Stories from the Source.

Brought to you by Columbia Basin Trust and hosted by Kootenay Mountain Culture Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief Mitchell Scott, season one of The Headwaters was a huge success, amassing more than 10,000 downloads.

“People told us they really loved hearing these stories about where they live,” says Scott. “So we headed back out on the road for another year, and we gathered more.”

Each episode is based on a theme, which is written, produced, and recorded in the Basin using journalists, writers, musicians, and designers exclusively from the region. Three new episodes were released this morning, and one episode a week will drop throughout May and June.

“We know the love that people feel for the Columbia Basin region, so it’s no surprise that unique stories that celebrate the incredible people and places here are proving to be a hit with them, too,” said Delphi Hoodicoff, Director, Communications, Columbia Basin Trust. “We’re excited to launch this second season, which will once again share stories about what makes this area such a great place to live, work and play. Thank you to Kootenay Mountain Culture Magazine and all those who have helped make the podcast a success.”

The first three episodes of The Headwaters are now available at headwaterspodcast.com or wherever you listen to podcasts. Watch for new episodes weekly and follow the podcast on Instagram at @ headwaterspodcast.

By Contributed

Cmh Mourns Loss Of Heliskiing Pioneer Leo Grillmair

Leo Grillmair, co-founder of CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures and a pioneer in the heli-skiing industry, passed away on May 1, 2023, at the age of 92. Grillmair, known for his charismatic personality and love for the mountains, succumbed to injuries sustained from a skiing accident a few weeks prior. Surrounded by family, he departed with the mountains he cherished standing watch outside his hospital room.

Grillmair, a plumber by trade and a mountaineer at heart, played a crucial role in establishing CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures, the world's first and largest heli-ski operator. In 1951, he convinced his childhood friend Hans Gmoser to join him on a journey from Austria to Canada, where they built a guiding business and explored the Rocky Mountains together.

Together, Grillmair and Gmoser grew their venture into the renowned company CMH is today, pioneering routes in the Rockies and shaping the heli-skiing industry. Grillmair's contributions extended beyond heli-skiing as he made the first Canadian ascent of Mount Alberta, climbed new routes on Denali, and co-founded the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides.

CMH President & COO, Rob Rohn, remembers Grillmair as a pioneer with an irreverent touch and a fearless mindset. Grillmair's and Gmoser's exploration of the Bugaboos, along with a suggestion from a ski touring client, led to the birth of heli-skiing and CMH.

For 22 years, Grillmair served as the Area Manager and lead guide of the Bugaboos, overseeing lodge construction and entertaining guests with yodeling and storytelling. His energy, physical prowess, and faith in guests earned him immense respect.

Leo Grillmair's legacy is intertwined with CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures and the heli-cat industry. CMH and the mountain community owe their livelihoods to Grillmair and Gmoser, whose dedication paved the way for countless guides and skiers.

CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures mourns the loss of Leo Grillmair, a man who made things happen and left an indelible mark on Canadian skiing and mountain history.

In anticipation of GoByBike Week, the Province of British Columbia is introducing rebates to make the purchase of eligible new e-bikes more affordable, encouraging commuters to embrace pedal-assisted transportation.

"By offering rebates and tailoring them to income, we aim to make e-bikes and clean transportation more accessible and affordable for all," stated Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.

Starting from June 1, 2023, rebates will be available to B.C. residents aged 19 and above, based on their income level. Rebates will range from $350 to a maximum of $1,400. Unlike previous programs, the rebate does not require scrapping a car. With an investment of over $6 million, the province's rebate initiative will enable up to 9,000 individuals to reduce the cost of purchasing an e-bike. The Scrap-It Society will administer the rebate program.

"E-bikes bring a new dimension to everyday travel, even in rural communities," said Michael Koski, executive director of the BC Cycling Coalition. "For those facing car affordability challenges, this funding expands access to an affordable, efficient, and ecofriendly transportation option. E-bikes make cycling accessible to a wider range of people, improve personal health, and benefit smaller communities by enhancing mobility."

The province has partnered with HUB Cycling to provide the Streetwise Cycling Online program, along with in-person courses across the province. These training programs focus on building essential bike-handling skills such as hand signals, balance, and maneuvering.