The Green Gazette - September /October 2016

6/ Pokémon Go: Chasing reality There is a well-known statistic that says today most kids can name 1,000 corporate logos but can't identify 10 plants and animals found in their own backyards. Given the headlines and statistics like these, Nintendo‘s release of the Pokémon Go app has created quite a stir. - by Jessica Kirby 7/ Craft Beer: Art meets flavour If you are like me, you don‘t need more reasons to drink craft beer. You already appreciate its smooth, frothy goodness; its robust and diverse flavour variety; and, its extensive list of health benefits. - by Jessica Kirby 10/ Green Business Feature: Big Canyon Rafting and Fraser River Raft Expeditions Protecting and preserving the environment is a top priority for wilderness-based businesses, and Big Canyon Rafting in Quesnel and Fraser River Raft Expeditions in Yale are no exceptions.

- by LeRae Haynes 19/ The Future of Death As of 2015 the world population sits at approximately 7.3 billion people, and is estimated to be 8 billion by the year 2024. The ecological impact of a deceased human body, including how we as a society prepare and dispose of it, is exorbitant and unsustainable. - by Patrick Taylor 21/ National Forest Week Each year forest practitioners and communities across Canada celebrate National Forest Week, an initiative that invites the public to learn more about forests and how they contribute to our livelihood. - by Natalie A. Swift

23/ Restorative Justice: An alternative that works Giving people a chance to turn their lives around and connecting them to their communities is at the heart of a growing, successful program in Williams Lake.

- by LeRae Haynes

Publisher / Editor-in-Chief Lisa Bland Senior Editor Jessica Kirby Contributors David Suzuki, LeRae Haynes, Margaret-Anne Enders, Ray Grigg, Patrick Taylor, Jasmin Schellenberg, Terri Smith, Oliver Berger, Jessica Kirby, Brandon Hoffman, Bill Irwin, Angela Abrahão, Ron Young, Devon Chappell, Thomas Schoen, Pat Teti, Natalie A. Swift, Sharon Taylor, Dr. Joseph Moskowitz, Lisa Bland, Jenny Howell, Venta Rutkauska, Kristin Lehar Advertising Lisa Bland Creative Directors Lisa Bland / Casey Bennett Ad Design Jill Schick, Rebecca Patenaude, Leah Selk Published by Earthwild Consulting Printing Black Press Ltd. Cover Photo Upper Chilcotin River, Big Canyon Rafting. Photo: Tyler Dinsdale Index Photo Brianna Van De Wijngaard, Puddle Produce.

Photo: Jana Roller Photography

www.thegreengazette.ca info@thegreengazette.ca TheGreenGazette is published by Earthwild Consulting. To subscribe email info@thegreengazette.ca or visit our website at www.thegreengazette.ca © 2016 all rights reserved. Opinions and perspectives expressed in the magazine are those of authors, and do not necessarily represent the views of the ownership or management. Reproduction in whole or part without the publisher‘s consent is strictly prohibited.

14/ Meet Your Local Producers: Cariboo Growers Farmers Co-op Store Celebrating its seventh summer season of operations, Cariboo Growers Farmers Co-op would like to showcase some of the local producers who grow organic produce for the community in and around the Williams Lake area in the beautiful Cariboo country. - Submitted by the Cariboo Growers Co-op

05/ Publishers Note: Nourishing Soup - by Lisa Bland 05/ Celebrating World Animal Day - by LeRae Haynes 7/ Out of the Ashes: Helping Romero Banjos rise again - by Brandon Hoffman 8/ TRU‘s Applied Sustainable Ranching: Proclamation awarded - by Angela Abrahão 8/ Cariboo Regional District/Transfer Stations 11/ Protecting the Great White Sturgeon: Giants Among Us release next year - by LeRae Haynes 12/ All is Not Well with Salmon Farming - By Ray Grigg 13/ On the Fraser River with the Sustainable Living Leadership Program (SLLP) - by Oliver Berger 15/ Water and Conflict - by Jenny Howell, CCSC 16/ Strength in Superfoods: Food choices for a Good Morning - by Devon Chappell 16/ Plugging Drum & Bell Tower‘s Existential Qualifier - by Brandon Hoffman 17/ First Nations Trail Development: Sustainable economic development & healthy living - by Thomas Schoen 17/ Raising Amadeus - by Terri Smith 18/ Off-grid Solar Energy System: Part II - by Ron Young

23/ In Pursuit of the Perfect Lawn - by Terri Smith 24/ The Wolf and the Lamb on the Path of Peace - by Margaret-Anne Enders 24/ Letters: Railway Ties Burning in Williams Lake 25/ Confessions of a Farmer: Fighting despair with hope and potatoes - by Terri Smith 25/ Skywatch - by Bill Irwin 26/ Five Rivers Crematorium: Helping you say goodbye in the most meaningful way - by LeRae Haynes 26/ Positive Impact of the BC Elders Gathering: The ripples continue - by LeRae Haynes 27/ Walking and Eating in Tuscany - by Pat Teti 28/ Revolutions in the Beat - by Venta Rutkauska 30/ Compassion: The heart of the golden rule - by Sharon Taylor 31/ Cultured Delights: Fermenting foods for optimal health - by Kristin Lehar 32/ National Toxicology Program on Cancer Risk from Cellphone Radiation - by Dr. Joseph Moskowitz 33/ Calendar of Events: September/October 2016 35/ Nourishing our Children - by Jasmin Schellenberg

A group of kids in Boitanio Park recently enjoyed a lively, interactive presentation about pet care by an SPCA community council volunteer. Photo: LeRae Haynes

Lisa Bland Publisher/Editorin-Chief

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all is here, bringing with it a turning inward of expression and reflections shifting with the season. For me, fall isn’t about boots and sweaters and pumpkin spice lattes, but a time I am most pulled into nature’s beauty. As summer subsides, the last celebration of colours and harvest fruits and vegetables remind me what I’m grateful for. Rich smells of decaying leaves and earth bring back memories of outdoor fieldwork seasons walking through forests, swimming in rivers, or venturing out on dark rainy days to pick wild mushrooms on Haida Gwaii.

Returning home after a cold or wet day to a crackling wood stove and warm soup is a pleasure of the season arising from necessity, which is all the more reason, it seems, to cherish the moment in our modern times of every excess. In fall I spend more time contemplating what sustains me. Making soups is one of my favourite ways to express gratitude for and celebrate a beautiful harvest, mindful of the summer energy that went into the vegetables, becoming warm nourishment for the body and spirit. The Cariboo has no shortage of incredible local foods. Here is one of my favourite fall soup recipes.

Beet soup. Photo: Jason Holmberg/Flikred!

Nourishing Tomato Beet Soup Ingredients 2 Tbsp coconut oil 2-3 large onions, chopped 4-6 fresh garden tomatoes, chopped or frozen 2 cups homemade chicken, veggie, or beef stock 3-4 large beets, grated 5-6 carrots, grated Meat option: leftover shredded chicken or lean turkey sausages, cooked and sliced Salt to taste Method Sautee onions on low heat in coconut oil until soft. Add tomatoes and simmer on low for 20 minutes. Add stock, beets, and carrots. Simmer 20 minutes. Add optional shredded chicken or sausage pieces. Simmer 10 minutes. Top with plain yogurt, and blend if desired. Garnish with fresh dill.

Enjoy!

By LeRae Haynes

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think the world is a much, much better place with animals in it. (I hope they think the same of us.)

Not that animal lovers really need an excuse to celebrate animals, but World Animal Day on October 4 is a truly wonderful reminder of how lucky we are to have them in our lives and on our planet— not to mention how important it is to protect their environment and the habitat, and if they’re pets, how important it is to care for them and teach our children to do the same.

Helping heart I‘m fortunate to know a lot of truly passionate animal lovers, and to volunteer to help with humane education on the SPCA community council. This council is a group of people dedicated to speaking for animals, protecting their rights, and helping to shape policy for their future.

One of the things you‘re supposed to do if you‘re helping with humane education is make kids aware of what it takes to be a responsible, loving pet owner, and teach them what their pets need and deserve from them the most.

So, because I get to play music with kids a lot, I decided to take the easy way out. I read the BCSPCA curriculum, talked to vets, vet techs, the community council, and our SPCA shelter manager, took the top 10 things they said, and wrote a song.

And of course, top of everybody‘s list, the very first thing everyone said was spay and neuter. In the song I called it the ‗snip‘ and the ‗clip.‘ It‘s the very first line, and when I teach it to kids, we always talk about what it means and how important it is. I‘ve had kids as young as five know what spay and neuter means. ―It‘s where, um, your vet does something so nobody keeps having kittens!‖ one young lad told me.

This song has been taught to over 800 kids, was made into a single, and sells at the shelter as a little fundraiser. It was the reason I was invited to join a Canadian Animal Assistant Team (CAAT) group last year and travel to a remote coastal village to do shots, spays, and neuters all weekend. Well, the vets and techs did the snips and the clips and I hung out with kids, playing games, singing songs,and doing crafts. It was a lifechanging, unforgettable, inspiring experience.

Animal family I am always delighted to meet people with powerful bonds with their animals— people whose lives have been changed forever because of the gift of an animal in their lives.

I chatted recently with a wonderful young woman whose life is enriched and fulfilled because of her two dogs, and who

simply cannot imagine life without them.

She once told me some of the best dog stories I‘ve ever heard—the way she told them, I laughed so hard I fell off the park bench in a dog park.

Christina Roderus said from the moment she first saw her small dog, Dio, they were inseparable. ―Dio is so sensitive to me,‖ she said. ―If I‘m anxious he‘s the one sitting by my side because he knows I‘m upset. You don‘t communicate with animals like you do with people. They don‘t understand words: they understand body language and energy. I actually think it‘s a very spiritual relationship.‖ When Dio was about six years old Roderus and her husband Mur adopted a large breed puppy into their family, much to Dio‘s consternation. ―When I was home with the dogs, Dio would sit on the couch refusing to look at me, quivering, shaking, and he even got tears on his face,‖ said Roderus. ―I was miserable and cried for a week. I felt so guilty.‖ She said her husband started taking videos of the dogs, showing that they played together all day and had a wonderful time when Christina wasn‘t there. ―I can‘t imagine only having one dog now,‖ she said. ―When they play and Dio‘s on the couch, Letti puts her front paws on the couch and Dio uses his whole body to fight with her head. He gives it 110 per cent, and she just uses her paw to shove him down the crack of the couch.‖ New life For Williams Lake SPCA shelter manager Liz Dighton, every day is Animal Day. ―The greatest satisfaction in my job is seeing an animal come from a less-thandesirable situation and placing them in fabulous family homes,‖ she said. ―They may have come from abuse or neglect, or from people with sudden life changes who can‘t care for them anymore; it‘s huge for me to see the difference we can make in these animals‘ lives. Their health improves and their personality starts to shine. Everything changes.‖ Last year the Williams Lake shelter had almost 1,200 animals come in the door and had a total of 764 adoptions (both local and transfers to the Lower Mainland). They also reunited 117 animals with their owners. This year so far they‘ve already had nearly 900 incoming animals and 583 adoptions, with 101 animals reunited with their owners. ―It‘s always about the animals and how we can help them,‖ she said. ―Humane education for kids is the biggest thing. Teach a child and you‘ll change the world.‖ LeRae Haynes is a freelance writer, song writer, community co-ordinator for Success by 6, member of Perfect Match dance band, and instigator of lots of music with kids.

By Jessica Kirby, Senior Editor of TheGreenGazette

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here is a well-known statistic that says today most kids can name 1,000 corporate logos but can't identify 10 plants and animals found in their own backyards.

This speaks to a vast chasm between people and the natural world that has become progressively wider over the last decade.

According to Richard Louv’s book, “Last Child in the Woods,” lack of nature in the lives of children links to a rise in obesity, attention deficit disorder, and depression, and a report from Parks Canada says only 15 per cent of Canadians meet the recommended daily amount of exercise, less than nine per cent of which takes place outside.

Given the headlines and statistics like these, Nintendo‘s release of the Pokémon Go app has created quite a stir. Users with depression, social anxiety, o besity, and other activityrestricting illnesses claim the game has inspired them to venture outdoors and get their bodies moving.

For anyone who missed it, Pokémon Go is an augmented reality game app downloadable to virtually any hand-held device, that has users walking around ―capturing‖ virtual Pokémon characters from locations in the real world. Positioned in nearly every neighbourhood, at points of interest, and, occasionally, on private property, the Pokémons available for collection are of various kinds and it takes different methods and strategies to catch them. At the moment, the Pokémon Go app is expected to beat Twitter in downloads by the end of the year.

So, what exactly is the deal with Pokémon Go and its purported physical and mental health benefits? Is it true salvation for people in need of an inspiring, creative, and super cute lure, or is it further distancing us from the reality of nature?

Consider Marilyn Wei, MD‘s article in Psychology Today, which says, ―the use of virtual and augmented reality technology in medicine to improve psychological and physical health is not new and has an emerging role in the treatment of many disorders. Virtual reality games are currently being used and researched to treat depression, anxiety, and PTSD, as well as to alleviate pain, and even to improve rehabilitation after strokes.‖

In essence, augmented realty blends elements of reality with fictitious elements to help overcome certain disorders like phobias, phantom pain, and social anxiety.

Wei says research into the efficacy of games like Pokémon Go in treating mental health disorders is not yet proven, though augmented reality is becoming a proven method in many medical treatment cases.

While it may be to soon for conclusive research, Wei says there are some promising benefits worth mentioning. For one thing, it is fun and easy to play. It downloads in seconds and users can get started after a ten-minute primer on the basic rules and functions. Tapping into a basic tenet of cognitive behavioural therapy called ―behavioural activation,‖ the incentive to go outside and be active may begin a positive feedback loop in which users do something healthy, thus feel more inspired to pursue healthier lifestyles. Part of Pokémon Go involves capturing ―eggs‖ that only hatch after the user has walked certain distances—another feature users say has inspired them to keep moving.

The game is immediately engaging with a clear structure, levels to achieve, and at tai n ab le goals. These are all attributes of strategies that keep people with low energy and fatigue motivated.

In particular, achieving levels and short, accessible goals promotes feelings of effectiveness and success. Besides the personal fulfillment proponents claim, the neutral but inclusive nature of the game as a conversation subject eases social anxiety and promotes conversation. By far the most common feedback from people enjoying Pokémon Go for what they consider therapeutic benefits is that they are talking to people for the first time since feeling isolated by illness or social anxiety.

When you look at the downside of Pokémon Go, it is easy to point at the headlines for proof the game is a disaster in social functioning. People are walking off of cliffs, driving while hunting, leaving their children alone unattended, violating others‘ privacy, and luring people to random places to random places to play and then robbing them. However, these are slippery slope excuses—the same ones that say having harm reduction programs will encourage drug use and violent movies create serial killers. Truth be told, people who are willing to commit crimes, violate privacy, and practice unsafe lifestyles are going to do that regardless of whether a video game provides more opportunity for these behaviours.

The reality is, the biggest risks associated with Pokémon Go or any gamingmodelled app are the continued disconnection from nature, the change in brain func-

Photo: Stefan Schweihofer, Pixabay

tion that occurs in an instant-rewards type environment, and the lack of grounding in reality and reality-based interactions.

To play the game, users may be outside, but they are still connected to and distracted by technology. The Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle research institute recommends limiting all screen use to two hours or less per day, and the negative effects of excessive screen time are well documented. Canadian health resource Screen Smart says children‘s brains develop according to use, and neuroscientists have discovered some basic differences in how some young people think, compared to adults. ―With an average 8.5 hours of daily screen stimulation, the b r a i n becomes wired to multitask and process visual information rapidly,‖ says Screen Smart‘s website.―The mind comes to expect excitement and instant gratification. Young people are spending less time interacting with others face to face, and doing slower, more demanding activities, such as reading or playing board games. Not surprisingly, the areas of the brain responsible for social skills and deep thinking are not as well developed.‖ The reference to instant gratification is important because research indicates the connection between this and dopamine receptors in the brain. Dopamine is responsible for pleasure seeking and instant gratification contributes to an endless loop in which ―seeking‖ outweighs ―liking‖ or satisfaction, a sensation created by a less powerful brain chemical. In other words, the same instant gratification that can help a person feel motivated and accomplished can be habit forming and, most importantly, leave a significant void when the

source of instant gratification is inevitably removed.

The game takes people out of reality into a blended state of fiction and fantasy that can be perfectly safe in many cases, but exacerbating for people suffering with certain mental health conditions—not just those involving psychosis, but also, any kind of emotional status where avoiding the reality of feelings and actions is typical. Users are constantly in a state of distraction and low-level distress as they seek and find elusive objects. This heightened state of stress can be detrimental, particularly in people susceptible to emotional upset.

Despite giving users something to talk about, Pokémon Go is a game that requires attention to the device and not on other people. Whether the long-term social benefits will stand as a benefit remains to be seen.

And of course, there remains the deepening disconnect between people and the natural world. If it takes fictional characters to draw people out of the house, what becomes of excitement about plants and animals and being truly, genuinely committed to a healthy lifestyle? At this point, without conclusive research into the specific efficacy of Pokémon Go and other augmented reality games, we can only speculate, look at research into similar phenomenon, and make a wholesome plan to game in moderation, if that is the lifestyle we choose, or better yet seek fulfillment in simplicity and in the raw honesty of reality. ―We have such a brief opportunity to pass on to our children our love of this Earth, and to tell our stories,‖ says Louv. ―These are the moments when the world is made whole. In my children's memories, the adventures we've had together in nature will always exist.‖

By Jessica Kirby

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f you are like me, you don’t need more reasons to drink craft beer.

You already appreciate its smooth, frothy goodness; its robust and diverse flavour variety; and, its extensive list of health benefits. If you are like me, you spend a good deal of browsing time in the craft singles section of the beer store and are game to try new styles and flavours. You might be lured by interesting label art, a cool story about the microbrewery’s roots, or a fascinating list of ingredients (cardamom? really?). Most importantly, you approach craft beer drinking like the indulgence of any wonderful food—as part of your overall diverse and healthy refreshment selection, with passion and curiosity, and in moderation.

Craft beer is made in smaller batches and each is made unique by a vast range of flavours ranging from citrus and spice to coffee and chocolate. According to the Brewers‘ Association of Canada, a craft or microbrewer produces less than 250,000 hectolitres of beer each year—a hectolitre equals two kegs or 12 24-packs.

When you check the numbers, Canadians are drinking less but higher quality beer overall. Though we enjoyed more than 22 million hectolitres in 2014, general consumption was down six per cent between 2014 and 2015, says Beer Canada. But, in BC craft beer sales were up 38 per cent and craft beer sales have tripled on Ontario since 2002, remaining on a steady 10 per cent annual growth trajectory. At the moment, Newfoundland tops the per capita consumption rate at around 78 litres per person annualy. At the same time, sales by large domestic breweries have flattened. As of 2015, 640 licensed breweries were creating bubbly goodness in Canada, representing a 108 per cent increase since 2010.

So, we know Canadians love beer and they are shifting their tastes to more specific, discerning, and adventurous types and

Craft beer samplers.

Photo: Quinn Dombrowski/ www.quinndombrowski.com

styles. But why? What are we finding in those artsy cases and fabulous flavour concoctions that is holding our rapt attention?

Many things: Just look at the ingredients. Most beer takes just four standard items: water, grain, hops, and yeast. There is a good chance your friendly neighbourhood micro brewer is sourcing these locally or as close to home as possible, and there is virtually no chance he or she won‘t have a unique angle to his or her process, or answer all your questions about what makes the product healthier than the large scale alternative. Most importantly, let‘s consider what is not going into microbrews: corn syrup, propylene glycol alginate, caramel colouring, a host of synthetic preservatives.

Health benefits. Although wine often gets all the attention for being a ―one a day keeps the doctor away‖ kind of refreshment, beer is no slouch either when it comes to health benefits. Roughly 84 different studies attest to the health benefits of craft beer

By Brandon Hoffman

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n June 5, Horsefly musicians and banjo builders Pharis and Jason Romero awoke to find their banjo shop in flames. Before long it had burned completely to the ground, consuming not only the J Romero Banjo Company, but an assortment of rare and vintage instruments, boutique microphones, and boxes upon boxes of the duo’s band merchandise. In interviews with the CBC, Pharis sounded amazingly upbeat about the whole debacle. By the time of the fire, the Romeros had just finished demolition of their house, and had barely begun construction of a new one. The sudden erasure of the shop from their property made it look like the otherwise pristine corner of Horsefly, BC had suffered an aerial assault. But the kids are safe, and for the most part the damage was covered by insurance, so as positive as ever the pair work towards rebuilding.

It‘s nothing short of inspiring to see Phar and J make the best of a complete freak accident that could have potentially devastated them financially, not to mention spiritually. Just as inspiring is the outpouring of support from the community that surrounds them. We‘re not just talking

Romero’s home construction in progress.

Photo submitted by Pharis Romero

about neighbours and family, but a network of friends and collaborators that spans the globe.

Almost immediately after the news broke on social media, the Romeros found floods of donations in their Paypal account.

Pharis‘ sister and fellow songstress Marin Patenaude promptly organized a benefit concert in Vancouver, attracting the likes of Tim Readman, John Reischman, John Miller, Barney and Dustin Bentall, the Burying Ground, Viper Central, Jenny Ritter, and many more to come play.

But personally, what I find to be the most awesome display of support for the

including decreased risk of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, heart disease, arthritic conditions, diabetes, Alzheimer‘s, poor cognitive functioning, osteoporosis, and weight gain. Beer has a high B12 and protein content, compared with wine, and hops contain xanthohumol, which has been known to have important anti-cancer effects in the liver and colon. The key, of course, is moderation and an otherwise healthy lifestyle, so don‘t throw down those veggies for an all-hops diet just yet.

Get local. With nearly 700 options in Canada, it is hard to get in the car and drive very far without running into a microbrewery. This, of course, means craft beers are fresh, include premium ingredients, and are fuelled by mad passion. Drinking craft beer means supporting local business and your local economy, and most craft brewers will invite you in, show you the ropes, and answer questions, time providing. How great is that?

Sustainability rules. The Canadian beer industry has an excellent environmental record, with a 99 per cent return rate on recyclables. Because craft brewers are small businesses they are in control of their operations and recognize the ethical and financial benefits of sustainable practices. Most small brewers find something useful to do with their by products, from composting to giving spent grain to farmers, invest in equipment or practices that reduce resource consumption and energy use, and offer growler or keg refills to reduce packaging.

Kn ow y ou r beer. Big brewing companies can be sneaky, being vague about where they are produced, marketing irrelevant features

like temperature, and claiming ―craft‖ brands that are simply a separate brand marketed independent from the giant mother company. Craft brewers wear their hearts on their sleeves—and their stories on their bottles. If you wish to know exactly where your brew comes from, what is in it, and why its maker took the path to frothy goodness to begin with, go with a craft brew.

Beautiful beginnings. There are so many types, flavours, tastes, combinations, and possibilities, craft beer is an art and a hobby on its own. For one thing, there is much to talk about. Craft beer tastings complete with thoughtful food pairings are a wonderful way to bring people together.

How many macro brews can inspire conversation about the flavours and undertones, or even the label art? Beer and cheese pair well together, and a little internet research can drum up some amazing beer and cheese tasting party ideas—we host one twice a year on the summer and winter solstices.

This is really only the beginning. If you‘re like me, you‘ll know seasonal flavours like pumpkin and Christmas spice, the adventure of trying unusual flavours like kelp, hazelnut, and lunar meteorite dust, and the joy of bringing friends together to sample these delights are enough to inspire many years of happy, passionate craft beer tasting. Enjoy and indulge in the adventure!

widely loved Cariboo institution came out of Quesnel BC‘s Barkerville Brewing. The team already had a fire-related specialty beer slated to release for summer 2016 in commemoration of the Barkerville fire of 1868. Upon the news of the Romeros‘ loss, the brewery rebranded the seasonal white rye IPA as a fundraiser to ―help Romero Banjos rise.‖ I caught up with Barkerville Brewing‘s Nolan Foster to talk about the project.

Out of the Ashes is a small run of hybrid beer distributed exclusively to Quesnel, Williams Lake, and Prince George. Only two pallets of the beer were distributed.

Very quickly they were scooped up by Cariboo liquor stores, and almost as quickly the bottles started flying off the shelves.

It took very little prompting for Foster to nerd-out about the beer.

This is Barkerville‘s first ever hybrid beer, crossing three distinct styles into one delicious brew. Out of the Ashes borrows spiciness and the finish of rye malts, the citrusy snap of west coast hops, and a pep-

pery coriander flavour characteristic of Belgian yeast. ―Troy [Rudolph; brewmaster] excels in the Belgian style, and we‘ve only ever put out one Belgian style,‖ said Foster, referring to the White Gold Witbeer.

Ten per cent of the brewery‘s proceeds from the beer goes towards the rebuilding of the J Romero Banjo Shop. Nolan expects this to work out to $800-1000 when it‘s all said and done.

So download the Romeros‘ Juno Award -winning album, A Wanderer I’ll Stay, and pick up a couple bottles of Out of the Ashes on your way home. Not only are you setting yourself up for a mighty fine evening of music and beer, you‘re helping the lovely and inspiring family get back on track.

D

Ray Sanders, executive director for Thompson Rivers University, Williams Lake Campus, receives proclamation from Minister of Agriculture, Norm Letnick. Photo: Angela Abrahão

By Angela Abrahão

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hings happen often when we’re not paying attention, mostly because, well, they are just part of life. Here, ranching in our small part of the world is life, filled with hayfields and cows, where there are things like calving season and haying season, and in all the other times in between, things are happening. Sometimes really important things happen in between those times, like the time early this spring when life pushed through the mundane and a seed that grew from the people of the Cariboo came to life.

Earlier this year on BC Beef Day, May 18, the Province awarded Thompson Rivers University‘s Applied Sustainable Ranching Program a Proclamation distinguishing the program as the first of its kind in British Columbia and praising the efforts of the university and the industry advisory board that co-created the program. Program directors Jill Watt and David Zirnhelt, advisory board members, and students from the Applied Sustainable Ranching Program were invited to a meeting with ministers including the Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick and the Minister for Advance Education Andrew Wilkinson along with MP Donna Barnett and MP Coralee Oakes.

No big deal, just another warm spring day in Victoria at BC Beef Day with the ministers. The ranchers back home in the Cariboo were putting in the gardens, collecting eggs from expectant hens, checking on newborn calves, harrowing hayfields, drinking strong coffee in kitchens across the Cariboo. Barns were being built, spring was arriving early. Students were finishing up beef marketing assignments, handing in papers on ranching enterprises, thinking about habitat, watersheds, and predator management. Calves and lambs were arriving or had already arrived.

Dr. Ray Sanders, executive director at Thompson Rivers University - Williams Lake Campus, accepted the proclamation, and the BC Beef Day Barbeque commenced. In the press release Thompson Rivers University president Dr. Alan Shaver said, ―Thompson Rivers University is proud to be expanding our role in the future of Ranching in BC. Two of our strategic priorities are to increase student success and to support the economic and cul-

tural sustainability of our community partners. Our industry advisory board in Williams Lake has championed the need for this program, which will contribute to the student success and help sustain the fabric of the region.‖ Sometimes we don‘t fully appreciate what we have, things like growing up eating beef from the ranch down the road. For me I only realized it when I moved out on my own to one day find myself staring down the meat isle at the grocery store wondering what the strange Styrofoam package with the bright red meat has to do with real meat. At home that wholesome food from the farm down the road always came neatly wrapped in familiar brown butcher paper. The fabric of our region.

It was cool to go to the legislature, walk the halls, watch meetings from the gallery, be served some BBQ from Lieutenant Governor General Judy Guichon, a rancher herself might I add. Far and away, beyond all the other memories I have of this historic trip, I will never forget what it was like to walk through the legislature, a gaggle of students with David Zirnhelt and see the reactions of other people, people who remembered him from when he sat in that office. He made a difference. Every single person wanted to say hello. I felt proud.

Sometimes we can‘t take in the big picture until we are looking at it from a different perspective. These ranchers are our neighbours, and whether we realize it or not our neighbours have an impact on the world around us. I‘m proud of the students I get to study alongside and the instructors that come and teach us what they know and the passionate people in the background who are making this happen. Proclamations are really great, but the people are even better. If that‘s the fabric of this region, count me in.

Angela Abrahão lives in Horsefly and frequents a farm in Brazil and a sugar cane co-op where they produce ethanol, sugar, and energy. Angela is a herbalist, writer, and permaculture designer for the love of it and is a founder and digital marketing analyst for a computer software incubator. She is currently taking the Applied Sustainable Ranching program at TRU and you can follow along at www.ranching.school or on Facebook.

o you know where your waste goes? Better yet, do you know how you can help your transfer station run more efficiently and cost effectively? The Cariboo Regional District (CRD) would like you to join in being waste wise.

The CRD operates 18 transfer stations and hauls the collected waste to regional landfills. Hauling costs have historically accounted for the majority of costs at these sites. In 2013, the CRD began to implement the region‘s updated Solid Waste Management Plan, which included converting nine of the busiest transfer stations to controlled sites and changing the type of collection and hauling systems used. The new operations have reduced hauling costs by up to 70 per cent, improved overall site management and provided access to household recycling.

While these changes have helped rural refuse transfer stations run more efficiently, your waste choices also have a big impact on the cost-effectiveness of these sites.

An important part of being waste wise is taking your waste to the right place. Marshalling yards for wood waste and metals are provided at most CRD transfer stations as disposal options for clean wood waste and recyclable metals. Unfortunately, many items left in these areas are not acceptable.

Unacceptable materials like used oil, batteries, and electronics add clean-up costs to the sites as well as contaminate the yards and place the environment at risk.

Additionally, rural transfer stations are intended for residential household waste and small amounts of demolition, construction, and locally-generated commercial waste. Large quantities of demolition, construction, or commercial waste need to be taken to a regional facility (South Cariboo Landfill, Williams Lake Landfill, or City of Quesnel Landfill).

In order to maintain non-controlled rural refuse sites, the CRD relies on the public to use them properly. Currently, the CRD is assessing whether some of their transfer sites can remain non-controlled or

if they will have to be controlled in the future. Public meetings have been held in a number of communities and have been received positively. Unfortunately, though, there are still some users who abuse the sites. You can help by reporting incidences of abuse and offering advice to users who look confused at the transfer stations.

We all have the ability to change our waste handling habits for the better. Join the Cariboo Regional District this year to become waste wise and make a difference. Learn more by following us on Facebook at facebook.com/ caribooregion, visiting us online at cariboord.ca, or looking for our waste wise articles in your local paper.

If you are unsure of where to dispose of certain materials, please call the CRD‘s Environmental Services department to find out at 1-800-6651636 or (250) 392-3351. If you would like more information on your local site, email talktrash@cariboord.ca and include the name of your local transfer station in the subject line.

For more information on the Waste Wise Program call (250) 398-7929 or find details on Waste Wise activities and events at ccconserv.org.

(Left) Fraser River Raft Expeditions on the Lower Fraser River. Photo: Fraser River Raft Expeditions (Right) Chilko and Taseko River Junction, Big Canyon Rafting. Photo: Dave Prothero

By LeRae Haynes

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rotecting and preserving the environment is a top priority for wilderness-based businesses, and Big Canyon Rafting in Quesnel and Fraser River Raft Expeditions in Yale are no exceptions. But for both of the owners, that priority is also intensely personal. ―Our business was affected when the Mt. Polley Mine breach happened,‖ said Julie Dinsdale from Big Canyon Rafting, who owns the company with her husband, Tyler. ―It was the beginning of our peak season and there was a lot of uncertainty.‖ ―We feel very strongly about this. We‘re supportive of the Tsihlqot‘in National Government (TNG) in the Prosperity Mine issue. It would have impact all the way down the line: all the waterways and rivers. We contributed to their court battle and expect to continue to do so,‖ she added. ―This area is a place we enjoy as a family, and this is very real to them and to all of us.‖ She added that rafting is more than the thrill and excitement of hitting big white water sections. ―You get a real feel of the pace of a river,‖ she said. ―You can explore mountains and sand dunes—see it all from the river‘s perspective. It‘s complete wilderness; you sometimes see First Nations dip netting and you see lots of wildlife. You go back in time a bit.‖ It‘s important to never leave a footprint behind, she said. ―We collect all waste and garbage, haul self-contained toilets with us, and comb the camps really well when we leave: go the extra mile and leave no trace.‖ On extended trips they separate out all recyclables and organics. They buy as much local food as possible and reuse all dishes and utensils. ―Rafters are happy to see that we take these steps,‖ said Dinsdale. ―They‘re very supportive.‖ They have guests from across BC, places across Canada, Europe, the Netherlands, the US, Australia, New Zealand, and Israel. ―What I want people to take away with them when they raft with us is a passion for rivers, for aquatic life, for wildlife,‖ said Dinsdale. ―I want them to know how important fish are to eagles and bears; I wanted them to have a magical glimpse and want to do this again.‖ Sue and Darwin Baerg, owners of Fraser River Raft Expeditions, funnel their passion for preserving rivers and the wilderness

for preserving rivers and the wilderness around them into research and education as well as multi-day trips.

Fraser River Raft Expeditions focuses on environmental education and ecological studies that really make a difference. One of the company‘s longest-standing guides, Shane Turnbull, said, ―We‘ve been around.

The trips we do have more value than just a white-water-thrills type of outfit, though we do plenty of that as well. We‘ve been voted into the Fraser River Hall of Fame, which says something,‖ he explains. ―We don't just offer one-day tourist trips but customized trips and those for specialized interest groups that need to be on the river for different reasons,‖ said Sue Baerg. ―In the last few years we have worked in many fields including the environmental, fisheries, railway, construction, and film,‖ Baerg explained. ―Past clients have included environmental consultants, fisheries clients and biologists, surveyors, seismic engineers, bridge construction crews, hazardous material response companies, railways, and professional divers.‖ There is still a lot to learn about the mighty Fraser River. Some of the Fraser River Rafting expeditions have been with a team of scientists and fluvial geomorphologists from multiple universities looking at how gravel moves in the Fraser. During the Gold Rush in the late 1800s, huge amounts of gravel were deposited in many locations in the upper reaches of the Fraser River from placer mining. Scientists are conducting an in-depth study trying to determine how the gravel load moves through the river, how much the river carries, and if the gravel load already in Chilliwack is actually from the gold rush. ―The scientists spend a lot of time looking at computer screens rather than looking at the scenery,‖ said Baerg.

She explains that Fraser River Rafting Expeditions also participates in collaborative trips with other rafting companies. ―It‘s a small industry and we all have to work together to maintain its integrity.‖ ―We just did a collaborative nine-day trip for a rancher from the 100 Mile area who gifted his 93-year-old mother with a trip. She always wanted to travel the river, and he made it happen for her.‖ Fraser River Rafting Expeditions also takes a lead role in an annual Rivershed Society of BC three-week education pro-

gram, which focuses on salmon, stewardship, and sustainability. They take participants by raft, canoe, and on foot 1,200 miles down the Fraser River. Baerg said it‘s always nice to be on the river travelling and camping, becoming a little community floating down the river.

In addition to offering one- to nine-day trips, on the Fraser and other local rivers, Fraser River Rafting Expeditions also collaborates on the FraserFest program with the Rivershed Society of BC and offers two days of rafting from Lytton to Boston Bar, and Boston Bar to Yale (through the Hells

Gate) in early September. ―We‘re bringing First Nations Elders from nine bands out onto the river from Spuzzum to Spences Bridge as part of FraserFest,‖ said Baerg. ―Some of the elders haven‘t been down the river for a long time, and remember many of the areas. They requested more whitewater trips through Hells Gate as well. ―What we do is simple: we get people on the river so they understand the river better, look at it differently, and get a passion for it,‖ she continued. ―On the river it‘s a different world.‖

(L) Robert Morberg and Rick Hansen, avid fishermen, are supporters and protectors of the Sturgeon, which can be as old as 150 years. Photo: Vanessa Morberg (R) Kolby Croswell and Doug Mooring, nephew and friend of documentary film maker Robert Morberg, enjoy an up-close and personal moment with a Great White Sturgeon at the Fraser River. Photo: Robert Morberg

By LeRae Haynes

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ocumentary film maker Robert Moberg has focused on the Fraser River, Rick Hansen, and a unique species of fish for a feature-length film to be released in 2017. Giants Among Us: Rick Hansen and the Great White Sturgeon will highlight these incredible fish, some of whom may be 150 years old, as well as the importance of preserving and protecting their habitat.

Rick Hansen, friend of Moberg, avid fisherman, and founder of the Fraser River Sturgeon Preservation Society, will be invited to a screening of the film in Williams Lake. One of the people interviewed in Giants Among Us is Mark Angelo, founder of World Rivers Day. ―In the film, I‘m tying in the fact that a sturgeon alive today could have been a hatchling swimming in the Fraser River 150 years ago,‖ Moberg said. ―Every week sports fishermen catch sturgeon in the lower Fraser that are 10 feet long or longer; they can grow over 15 feet long.‖ He explained that people think they‘re a bottom feeder, but they swim mid-current. ―One was found with six full-size sockeye salmon in its stomach. They have no teeth—have a giant suction mouth that sucks up fish. They can swim Hell‘s Gate in full flood season,‖ he added. ―People come from all over the world to fish for them in the Fraser River on a catch and release program. They‘re pit tagged to

keep track of them, and because of that they‘re heavily researched.‖ Moberg‘s first feature film was Bighorns at the Junction; he has also done short films, including safety videos for helicopter companies, and is currently working on a short film with the National Film Board.

He also does an occasional freelance job with CBC, and when the big breach at Mt Polley Mine took place last year it was his film used on TV. ―We flew out by helicopter and saw the torrent of muck flooding into Quesnel Lake. ―We need to do everything possible to protect our wilderness and our rivers,‖ he said. ―The only reason the Fraser has never been damned is that it‘s too silty. That‘s a wonderful thing. It‘s a river worthy of respect.‖ He works on projects as part of a team with his wife, and recently did part of the Fraser River stretch with the BC Rivershed Society‘s Sustainable Living Leadership Program, filming some great footage for Giants Among Us. ―Part of the film is about individuals banding together to raise awareness and conserve the river,‖ he explained. ―What appeals to me about the sturgeon is their age, the fact that a fish can outlive a human being. They‘re a mystery: something that lives so long. What do they know that we don‘t, in the dark depths of the river where you can‘t see your hand in front of your face?‖ Moberg said they went with Rick Hansen and caught some sturgeon six or seven

feet long. ―When you touch them it feels like a privilege, and you realize that preserving their habitat is incredibly important.

They could have been 70 years old and look like a prehistoric shark. Up close their eye is very interesting, to say the least,‖ he added. ―They were almost extinct, which would have been an unforgiveable terrible loss.‖ He said that conserving our rivers matters. ―We all rely on the watersheds; the Fraser River is a huge one and it has to be looked after.

―I‘ve always been an avid outdoor enthusiast. I lived a long time in Vancouver and Edmonton and when I came back to visit, I found the wilderness beautiful and refreshing. I started seeing the fragility of our wild spaces and was able to tie this lifelong love with another passion: film making,‖ he continued. ―My dream is to continue to make films that keep me in the wilderness.‖ LeRae Haynes is a freelance writer, song writer, community co-ordinator for Success by 6, member of Perfect Match dance band, and instigator of lots of music with kids.

By Ray Grigg

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between 2007 and 2009, killing millions of salmon, costing the industry $2 billion, and shocking Chile‘s economic and social structure. Heavy antibiotic use is now promoting drug resistant super-viruses.

The latest disaster for Chilean salmon farms has been a toxic algal bloom. The ―red tide‖ has poisoned about 2,000 kilometres of coast, killed uncounted tonnes of wild fish, contaminated shellfish, and been fatal to both people and marine mammals. The environmental catastrophe has stimulated riots and allegations of criminal wrongdoing. Chilean biologists are implicating the salmon farming industry in the spread of the bloom because the supply of fecal nutrients beneath the many open net-pens promotes algal growth, and because more nutrients were added when about half of the estimated 100,000 tonnes of dead salmon were left to rot in the sea. An additional 150 million farmed salmon are now at risk from further algal blooms, the recurring ISA virus, and the ongoing sea-lice epidemic.

Meanwhile, in British Columbia, tonnes of farmed salmon in Clayoquot Sound and other facilities have died from toxic algal blooms and low oxygen conditions. Uncontrollable sea-lice infections are requiring hydrogen peroxide baths, piscine reovirus is now epidemic in farmed fish, HSMI (heart and skeletal muscle inflammation) has been found, ISAv and many other viruses threaten, First Nations are issuing eviction notices to the industry for trespassing in their unceded territories, and scientists – the accumulating evidence suggests – are getting closer to linking salmon farms with transferring viral infections to wild salmon.

In summary, salmon farming is an industry under threat.

ll is not well with salmon farming.

The industry presents a front of confidence and optimism but behind the public relations image is a reality of threat and fear. The situation in Norway, the country from which the industry spread to Scotland, Chile, and Canada's East and West coasts, is an indicator of the direction the industry is heading.

In Norwegian salmon farms, viral diseases are proliferating and sea lice are developing resistance to the pesticide of choice— emamectin benzoate (aka SLICE). With increasing frequency, sea lice-infected farmed salmon must now be bathed in a hydrogen peroxide solution to cleanse them of the parasite. This is also becoming the practice in Chile, Nova Scotia, and BC. Once allowed for use in Canada only through the Emergency Drug Release Program as a treatment of last resort, SLICE became a routinely applied chemical in June 2009. It is now becoming ineffective.

Although escaped farmed Atlantic salmon do not seem to be a major problem in BC where they are not native, in Norway and Canada‘s Maritimes their damage to the native Atlantics may be serious and irreversible.

The Norwegian Institute for Nature Research recently tested 20,000 Atlantics in 147 Norwegian rivers and found that, in 109 of these rivers, up to 50 per cent of the wild fish and up to 42.2 per cent of their genes were altered by interbreeding, a genetic contamination that could impair the viability of the wild fish..

This would be a serious threat to wild Atlantics in Canada‘s Maritimes.

In Chile, which does not have native salmon, about 20 per cent of farmed fish are once again dying from an outbreak of the infectious salmon anemia virus (ISAv), the Ray Grigg publishes a weekly environmental disease that spread throughout its industry newspaper column, “Shades of Green‖ in BC.

Help Fin build support for ending open net fish farms and transitioning to closed containment.

Sign and Share Petition E-463 Sign the petition to the House of Commons, E-463, calling for the adoption of Bill C-228.

Visit: www.petitions.parl.gc.ca/en/petition/ details?petition=e-463 Contact Your MP Show your support for C-228 by writing to your Member of Parliament. Find your MP at www.parl.gc.ca.

Visit Our Website www.findonnelly.ndp.ca/save-west-coastwild-salmon Join Our Campaign www.findonnelly.ndp.ca/protect-west-coastwild-salmon The Problem: Open Net Salmon Farms Canada, Norway, Chile, and Scotland have all suffered impacts from their salmon farming industry leading to declining wild populations and aquaculture collapse. Problems include: • Diseases and parasites spreading to wild salmon • Feces and waste feed damaging ecosystems in the form of harmful algal blooms • Escaped farmed salmon in the wild population Historically in British Columbia, Fraser River salmon runs topped over 100 million.

Now, a run of 20 to 30 million is considered exceptional.

The Solution: Closed Containment Closed containment systems involve a barrier between wild and farmed salmon, eliminating some of the most negative impacts of open net cage salmon farming and significantly reducing others. The benefits include: • Removing the threat of disease and parasites • Protecting marine ecosystems • Complete separation of farmed salmon from wild salmon • Reducing the need for antibiotics and chemical treatments in raising fish • Profitable and sustainable operations Bill C-228: How It Helps C-228 prohibits the creation of new open net fish farms on the West Coast and instructs the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and Canadian Coast Guard to introduce a transition plan to move the existing open net farms to closed containment.

We need to save wild salmon. West Coast commercial salmon fishing employs 1,400 and brings in $102.3 million; recreational fishing employs another 8,400 and brings in $325.7 million. Fishing fuels a $782.9 million wilderness tourism industry with 40,000 employees (26,000 full-time).

Salmon feeds communities, and at-risk species like orca whales, eagles, and bears, with protein and other nutrients. Salmon is an integral part of First Nations‘ economy, diet, and culture.

(Left) Having fun and enjoying the sights and sounds of the Fraser Canyon, south of Sheep Creek Bridge.

(Right) Oliver and the SLLP participants at McDonald Beach Park in Richmond, BC on our last day before paddling into Jericho Beach.

Photos: Oliver Berger

By Oliver Berger

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his summer I was fortunate enough to join The Rivershed Society of BC (RSBC) and 11 other fantastic individuals on a journey down the Mighty Fraser from headwaters to mouth. Each participant came with camping gear, a sustainable project for their home community to work and build upon, and an open mind. We had three to four facilitators who educated and inspired us in this beautiful open-air class room teaching about the importance of healthy river sheds and the human impacts on the environment throughout them. Along route we met many more people from other communities, hearing about their local challenges and successes, traditions, and sustainable ways of life. Some days they even joined us on our vessel, raft, or voyageur canoe, providing a new point of view as well as some outstanding networking opportunities for the participants.

This year our posse was extra amazing; I have never felt so much positivity and encouragement in one group of people.

Everyone had premier respect for Mother Nature and all her amazing individuals.

From life experience levels of 20–55 came vast amounts of knowledge, patience, understanding, and eagerness to learn. Combine that with floating down a constant flow of energy approximately 1,400 km in length, which absorbs 1/4 of the province‘s rainfall through her vast watershed, and you seriously only have one opportunity... to grow!

Camping under the bright stars and sometimes rain, we soaked in every bit of eagle, blue heron, big horn sheep, cliff face, hoodoo, rapid, lake, mountain, forest, tundra, rock, and waterfall we could. However, the journey was a whole lot more because of the beautiful individuals I got to share it with.

So we had David from Vancouver, who is the bestselling author of Vancouver Tree Book, founding executive director of a nonprofit group called Tree City, and an active member of the Strathcona Community Garden in East Vancouver. Dubbed our Captain Blackstrap, whilst discussing a bottle of molasses at length, he was always full of wit and sarcasm. Using his journalist background, he plans on writing articles about the SLLP program for Destination BC and international magazines, and perhaps may even be inspired to write another book.

Also joining us was Quesnel-born Candice, who spent some time as a conservation advisor for the Federal Minister of Environment and is now currently living in the Tatlayoko Valley working on independent conservation consultant projects. In her extra time, she is a counsellor specializing in wilderness therapy and dance/movement therapy. She always displayed a genuine concern for our group members, making sure everyone was well taken care of. Candice plans on using her background along with the energy from her newest local setting to find better ways to protect the Fraser River Basin, focusing first on the section between Xat'sull and Lillooet.

Simran of Williams Lake, but currently studying medicine in Prince George, shared her amazing smile and constantly reminded our group of proper politeness, through leading by example. Joining the Health Care and Travelling Roadshow next year, which will, conveniently, be coming through the Cariboo, she will find ways to integrate environmental concerns with the medical system, such as combining Healthy Body-Healthy Planet perspectives, and researching current issues and concerns within the system.

Simon, originally from Poland and now in Victoria, is a manager in the Corporate Services Branch of the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training. He added valuable points of view to our discussions, as well as some timely logical truth to our group‘s sarcastic banter. He hopes to create a round table discussion between environmental groups within BC, to find out what the most common concerns are and how to tackle them.

From the Coquitlam area, a river ecosystem technician, the adventurous soul and clerk of the group, was John. He spends most of his time right on the Coquitlam River working on the salmon fry remuneration project. Master of creating inukshuks, in quick time I might add, he plans on taking his creative skills and combining them with his river knowledge into ARTicipation.

Using large murals and arrays of colours of paint, hopping from festival to festival, he uses art and the freedom of the brush to educate people of all ages about environmental wonders and concerns.

Also from Coquitlam, born in The Czech Republic, was Petra ... aka Czech Momma. At Simon Fraser University she is studying environmental sciences as well as biology. She was a keen learner on the journey sponging up all she could from everyone we met. Her project involves going to

classrooms educating students about the SLLP and the environment. Petra will also be compiling a list of avenues for keeners who want to help promote sustainability within their communities.

Hailing from Port Coquitlam, a project co-ordinator for a design-building contract company called LNS Services and the grand singing voice of the group, keeping the paddle beats going, was Megan. Her passion for waste management has led her to start researching and proposing ways for her community to control cigarette butt waste through available recycling programs and marketing campaigns. Hear, hear!

A young man named Orion, whose flexibility and energy were contagious, also joined our team. Recently moved back to Vancouver from Toronto, he has a past in Jujitsu and is a well acknowledged gymnastics coach. Also dabbling in the film industry, he will combine that passion with his love for nature and create a promotional video for the SLLP, showing potential participants how humans can connect with nature and how we can learn from her.

A facilitator in training, born in Bella Coola and currently living in Deep Creek, was Orden. This being his third year down the river with the SLLP, he helped participants with their sustainability projects and patiently assisted in herding us cats to the places we needed to go. He is an amazing educator on First Nations history on the Fraser River and told great stories around the campfire. He plans to continue to grow his facilitation skills with the SLLP. Another facilitator, originally from North Vancouver and now residing in Haida Gwaii, was Jacquie. This was her fifth year on the river, and unfortunately for the SLLP, it will be her last. She is an outdoor educator and used her experience in assisting the participants with their projects goals and plant identification studies, and if we were lucky enough she serenaded us to sleep with her beautiful voice and guitar skills. Jacquie has an online book of her stories from the Fraser River, The River Home, and hopes to work on an updated hard copy over the upcoming winter.

Last but not least is our senior trip leader, Doug. Currently an elementary school teacher in Vancouver, he has an extensive background in environmental activism, is an avid forest protector, has a serious degree in tarpology, and is an amazing educator of the outdoors. He has led SLLP participants through the river journey for 13 runs so far and has become an integral part of the program, an expert expedition-camp

leader and, I am sure now, a very patient man with a mild case of selective hearing.

Mr. Fin Donnelly swam the length of the Fraser River, once in 1995 and once more in 2000, to raise public awareness about the importance of the largest river in BC, the importance of the salmon to the peoples and ecosystems of the land, and the importance of living sustainably to preserve this amazing rivershed we live in. He is currently an MP for the Port MoodyCoquitlam riding, the NDP‘s Critic for Fisheries, Oceans and Canadian Coast Guard, co-founder and chair of the RSBC, and a worthy advisor for the SLLP. Fin periodically joined us on the trip, dipping the paddle in the river every once in a while and answered many of the questions we had. He leads much of the fundraising for the program through the FraserFEST celebrations in BC, which he spent most of this year‘s journey focusing on.

Now with all this extra support I can dive straight back in, waste deep of course, into continually improving waste management and education in our Cariboo region.

I've got a new skip in my step with some exciting plans taking shape. Do not worry; I am sure Lisa will give me room to write about them later.

What a team. I will always think back to the wonderful memories I shared with my new river family, they will always reside in my heart. What we learned in those 25 days is indescribable, the knowledge we have gained is unsurpassable, the power we have now collaboratively tapped into, we must use. We have all made a commitment to our riversheds and to ourselves-to make time-to take care of what is important and assist each other in our project goals. When we work together as a team, as a community, we can accomplish so many great things.

The tasks of the world can feel daunting for one person, but as a collective many hands make light work. Anyone who's ever been at the stern of a 34' voyageur canoe with 12 people paddling in unison in front of you can attest to the power of teamwork!

To find out more about this epic journey, how you can help, how you can join, or to see how all of our projects are progressing you should visit www.rivershed.com.

Save the Fraser!

Born in Williams, Oliver has a 35-yr degree in life, his schooling being venturing throughout the world on a quest of always learning new things. His priorities now include dedication to and education about waste management.

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elebrating its seventh summer season of operations, Cariboo Growers Farmers Co-op would like to showcase some of the local producers who grow organic produce for the community in and around the Williams Lake area in the beautiful Cariboo country.

The Cariboo Growers Farmer Co-Op Store opened its doors in April, 2010 with one goal in mind: to provide the community of Williams Lake with delicious locally sourced and organically grown produce. The store is a not-for-profit co-operative owned by the very same local ranchers and farmers who sell their produce there. As a community co-op, the purpose is to link local consumers with local producers to provide broader access to local foods on a yearround basis. All of the producers practice organic growing methods, without the use of GMOs or non-organic chemicals. They carry certified organic local produce, fruit, meats, honey, cheese, preserves, bread, and other local products such as Cookie Break snacks, Rodear Beef Jerky, juice, and a variety of other organic staples such as seeds and nuts.

Open all year long, find the current store hours (or sign up for the weekly "What's new at the Co-op this week") online at www.cariboogrowers.ca, through the Facebook page, or call (778) 412-COOP (2667).

Debbie Irvine of Springhouse Gardens with one of her steers. Photo: LeRae Haynes

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ebbie Irvine of Springhouse Gardens started her farming career in 1991, operating an 80 -acre commercial vegetable farm in Abbotsford. After moving to the Cariboo in 2007, Debbie decided it was time for a change and started her ¼-acre market garden using organic and sustainable methods. Six years later, Springhouse Gardens expanded by introducing smallscale grass fed beef farming. Her beef is grass fed and hay finished, with no antibiotics, GMOs, or hormones. ―I raise them with respect,‖ she says. ―For minerals and vitamin supplementation they have mineral salt blocks and kelp meal. For treats they get alfalfa cubes, cut up carrots, and potatoes, and during the

Tomato greenhouse at Franks Plants and Produce in Horsefly. Photo: Carla Bullinger

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rank Wijma of Frank‘s Plants and Produce has been greenhouse farming in the Cariboo since 2008, after eight years of working in a commercial greenhouse on the coast. Frank enjoys producing mainly seedlings and bedding plants to sell to local gardeners, providing them with tried and tested local varieties that are best suited to the Cariboo‘s particular climate. After working in an office for many years in the North West Territories, Frank realized his true passion was experimenting with and

producing delicious sustainably grown produce, and returned to school to receive his horticulture diploma. By growing a variety of different vegetables and produce, Frank can experiment with different techniques and methods to grow his knowledge and keep him interested. Frank believes firmly in local food, and enjoys selling his seedlings and bedding plants to give others the gift of growing and producing their own food. Frank‘s produce can be found at the Co-op, the farmers‘ market, as well as at his own location in Horsefly.

summer whatever is available from my market farm.‖ Debbie believes strongly in soil stewardship and our responsibility to the land and its preservation. In addition to only using organic growing methods (without the use of harmful chemical herbicides and pesticides), she uses a system of crop rotation, composting, cover cropping, and avoid over grazing to ensure the land remains fertile and will be arable for generations to come. Throughout the season, Debbie sells her produce at the co-op, offers a box-a-week program, and loves to have people visit her farm and meet her herd.

uddle P r o duce is W i l liams Lake‘s very first urban farming project; by utilizing donated backyards and unused city space Brianna Van De Wijngaard has created her very own market garden spread far and wide across the city. Puddle Produce grows Photo: Casey Bennett leafy greens such as kale, lettuce, arugula, root veggies, and micro greens, which is given in part to those residents who have given her their properties to farm, as well as to the Co-op, her box-a-week, and the local farmers‘ market. Brianna first fell in love with farming while working on a farm-stay after university in 2011. Since then she became hooked and has spent countless hours researching, learning, and experimenting to hone her craft. Brianna uses her urban farming as a means to show people in town how to best put their lawns and land to use.

Puddle Produce recently received a $5000 award from the Market Gardener's Toolkit—a crowdfunded documentary about tools and techniques for a profitable, human -scale market garden without the use of heavy machinery. See film here: www.possiblemedia.org/marketgardener/ Contestants were required to submit a video about their project and share their progress. See Brianna‘s video here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFOCTjpdwCo In the 2017 season Brianna will be operating a farm in the Soda Creek Region.

Rob Bursato plowing Mackin Creek Farm fields with traditional plow. Photo: R. Borsato

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ackin Creek Farm has been a staple of the Cariboo farming community for 30 years, situated just above the Fraser River in the Soda Creek area (equidistance between Williams Lake and Quesnel). Owned and operated by Cathie Allen and Rob Borsato, Mackin Creek Farms produces a variety of organic market vegetables, carrots, onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, and really anything that can grow in the unique Cariboo climate. Neither Cathie nor Rob came from farming

backgrounds; however, both having fond memories of working in the family garden, they chose to ―come back to the land.‖ They grow certified organically not only for the quality and flavour organic food provides, but also to ensure the longevity of the soil and land they care for so diligently. They chose to join the Co-op to support and encourage other producers in the area, to help new growers just finding their feet, and to offer the local community easy access to raw organic food.

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erched on a narrow strip of benchland overlooking the Fraser river, Fraser bench Farms has been producing sustainable fruit and vegetables for the past 30 years. The area itself sits in a small warm microclimate, allowing Linda Archibald and Charlie Brous to grow unique produce that farmers at higher altitudes cannot. Fraserbench grows a wide array of produce on a small scale, such as onions, pickling cucumbers, fresh beans, delicious raspberries, as well as tart pie cherries, prune plums, and apples from their small orchard. They also produce unpasteurized frozen apple juice and apple cider vinegar. Sustainable practices are very important to Linda and Charlie as firm believers of soil stewardship. ―Sustainable growing practices create soil that is rich in Linda and Charlie Archibald of Fraserbench Farms. micro organisms and nutrients,‖ Photo submitted by Linda Archibald. they say.―The farmer does not rob from another part of the Earth to feed the garden. The food produced has maximum ranch in the 1960s. As a retired high school nourishment and minimal contamination. science teacher, Linda has always taught When the soil is cared for and nourished, the importance of local and sustainable the plants that grow in it are healthy and food to her students, and always had an experimental garden growing somewhere able to ward off many pests and diseases.‖ Charlie grew up in the foothills of the to show others what could be grown in the Sierras in California, and spent his early Cariboo with a little bit of imagination years ranching and leading mule pack (including a large plastic covered pyramid trains laden with supplies to the high ―greenhouse‖ in Anahim Lake). camps in Yosemite National Parks before moving to the Cariboo and starting his own

Slow Train Farm produce market stand. Photo: Stephanie Bird

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low Train Farm, found near McLeese Lake, is a true homestead built from raw earth by Mike and Stephanie Bird. After starting to build their house in 2006 using a traditional style commonly known as cob, they also began tending and harvesting a small garden to feed their family. Before the two of them met teaching in Haida Gwaii, Mike worked on various organic farms after university and fell in love with the Cariboo while working on the Springfield cattle ranch. It was also during this time he developed his own philosophies around soil sustainability

tainability and his responsibility to the land.

Having grown up spending summers on her grandmother‘s farm in Nova Scotia, as well as WWOOFing, (Willing Workers On Organic Farms) Stephanie chose this way of living—with integrity and responsibility to the land they hope to pass down to their children. Slow Train Farm now produces a large array of certified organic vegetables, mainly focusing on greens such as lettuce, arugula, and Swiss chard. Their produce can be found at the Co-op as well as farmers‘ markets all over the Cariboo, from Quesnel to Williams Lake.

By Jenny Howell, CCCS

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t is interesting to see the different strategies we all take to cope with the news stories of more and more struggling people worldwide in increasingly desperate situations. Some of us switch off, don’t listen to the news, and pretend it isn’t happening, or at least has nothing to do with us. Others rush to help—either in person or by fundraising for the latest disaster.

Then there‘s most of the rest of us, somewhere in the middle of the bell curve.

We send off our modest donations to the Red Cross, sign petitions, feel terrible and helpless about what others are going through, are thankful it isn‘t us or our family, and then carry on with our comfortable, safe lives. After reading a comment on a news site mocking Obama for linking ―everything to climate change including the Syrian refugee crisis,‖ and given the wildfires around Fort MacMurray and the world attention on the Paris climate summit last year, the timing seems right for an article on the story of how climate change and water scarcity are weaved into present and coming human migrations and conflicts.

So first, to look at Syria‘s situation more closely. While it is more complicated than blaming everything on climate change, water scarcity added to an already volatile situation. For four years before Syria‘s civil war, there was a drought, affecting 1.3 million people (at the time, the population was about 22 million; now it is down to 16 million). This led to crop failures and a loss of 85 per cent of livestock in some areas. The drought further exacerbated the ongoing issue of Turkey‘s 40year dam and hydro-power construction projects, which have reduced water flows into Syria by 40 per cent (and also interestingly by 80 per cent to Iraq). Villagers were forced to leave their homes and headed to cities, increasing tensions and unemployment among young men and adding to already difficult situations there.

The rest is playing out in the news daily: continual conflict driving people from their homes, taking unimaginable risks with babies, elderly, and disabled family members towards an unknown and precarious future. Then to the receiving side. Poorer European countries faced with shores full of exhausted refugees, starting off sympathetic and (mostly) willing to help. Now more than overwhelmed, the tone is changing; dying refugee children no longer elicit as much sympathy, while compassion fatigue firmly settles in. Politics have begun to polarize as areas of resentment and anger against immigrants begins to set in, allowing far right politicians to rise in Europe (and elsewhere) and increasing the potential for more conflict as the cycle of blame continues.

Water is inevitably going to affect the geopolitical landscape, even more than it currently does, in the future. The direct implications of droughts and floods are

An abandoned ship in the former Aral sea in northern Kazakhstan.

Photo: P. Christopher Staecker

easy to understand as when land fails to produce, and people get hungry and thirsty and have to move somewhere else, often where they may not be welcomed by the current occupants.

Closer to home, here in North America, the Ogalalla aquifer that supplies large areas of eight American states only recharges at 10 per cent the rate it is being withdrawn from. The water that filled it came from the last glaciation and once it has gone, it‘s gone. We‘ve heard the stories of severe drought in Southern California—the Los Angeles basin has enough water to support a population of two million. It is currently home to 20 million people (for context, the population of all of Canada is only 35 million).

Then there is the rise in sea levels that will have huge impacts on which cities remain liveable—440 American cities apparently will be underwater by 2100 if we don‘t seriously cut carbon emissions. Consider also that 40 per cent of the world‘s population lives within 100 km of the ocean. Where will these people go when their aquifers, rivers, and lands are contaminated with salt water from the approaching ocean? What stories will we be watching on the news then?

So Obama and many other informed and educated academics are likely right to point out that climate change has contributed to the Syrian crisis. The point is that weather patterns are changing worldwide and affecting populations and ecosystems everywhere, not only distant people in the news. Here in Canada, climate change has contributed to the pine beetle epidemic, lower snow packs and water shortages, stressed salmon in warmer rivers, increasing rates of forest fires, and increased flooding. In human terms this affects people‘s homes and livelihoods.

So maybe it is time to stop quibbling about whether one event or another is caused by climate change, but instead recognize that these events with real human impacts are undisputedly increasing in number worldwide. We are now in the situation of lurching from crisis to crisis.

This will only continue to get worse without tackling climate change issues head on, which is imperative if we want to improve our chances for any kind of future geopolitical stability.

For more information on Water Wise or Waste Wise and any of our school and community programs, contact the CaribooChilcotin Conservation Society at sustain@ccconserv.org or visit the website at www.cconserv.org.

By Devon Chappell

help make the difference, but it is up to you and only you, to have and hold a love of life and breath.

Wake up, walk, run, feel the sun, smile, and yodel with excitement that you are alive!

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ach and every day of our lives, we rise with the sun, open our lids, and embrace the morning.

There are certain times when the mind reflects awkwardly on one’s life.

Those mornings when we are suffering from poor thoughts about not accomplishing enough, or find ourselves buried under blankets with sore muscles. Days like these are awful! We wake up groggy after setting the alarm only to sleep through it by hitting the snooze button for an hour.

Sometimes, the morning seems even worse when we have no ambition, no motivation, or perhaps are hungover and resent having to get up. These mornings can make one question: “Why do I feel like this?”

To begin each day so heavy, while longing to feel light, truly does wear on a person. For individuals who can relate to this, would it be in your best interest to make a few better choices so that your first impression on the day is bright eyed, smiling, breathing deep, and literally jumping out of bed laughing and dancing? Not every situation is similar for everyone, but those who give a damn may want to generate a great feeling of liveliness and express only happy thoughts and sweet serenity.

Now, it‘s not all butterflies and puppy dogs when it comes to making your days more vibrant and full. It takes a complete lifestyle arrangement with certain healthy patterns and an insatiable yearning for growth.

Of course, clean eating and drinking will

Laird Hamilton’s Supercharged Kahuna Coffee Ingredients 1 Tbsp grass-fed butter 1 tsp coconut oil 1 tsp red palm oil 1 tsp MCT oil (medium chain triglycerides) 1 cup hot coffee Method Blend ingredients up or just scoop oils in and feel energized and full!

Second only to a big glass of distilled or spring water, I believe fruit salad is the best way to start the day. Fruit helps create a nice assortment of digestive flora to aid digestion (it‘s especially great to have fruit before any cooked food). Either prechopped and tossed into the fridge for easy morning eating, or blended into a smoothie with scoops of your favourite superfoods such as maca (life enhancer) or chia seed (these two will both thicken up the smoothie), spirulina (protein), cacao (antioxidant), chlorella (chlorophyll), goji berry (anti-aging), wheat grass (rich in enzymes), or whatever tickles your fancy.

Be sure when you are using one of these special ingredients that it doesn‘t feel like a chore. If you are eating these helpful ingredients because you want to, rather than because you have to, it really does make a difference. When head and heart, vibrant body and essential blood are all positively engaged whilst ingesting specific foods, your overall health and well-being will greatly improve.

Rather than speaking of a specific superfood, I am using this article to reflect on previous superfood topics and keep ya‘ll on the tips of your toes and taste buds. So

By Brandon Hoffman

W

illiams Lake has a pretty small music scene. Given that I play music with one Brent Morton (aka Drum and Bell Tower) all the time, and even played a small part in the making of his new album, reviewing said album might be a slight conflict of interest. So make no mistake, this is not a review. This is a straight up plug. That said, it would not be in my best interest as a music promoter living in a small town to push anything I didn't believe in 100%. I wouldn’t feed you any lies.

On July 28, 2016, Drum and Bell Tower released the nine-track EP Existential Qualifier on his bandcamp page for $7.

Five of the tunes have lyrics, and the remaining four are instrumentals. On the surface it‘s completely divergent, showing completely different sides of Morton‘s musicality from song to song. But lyrically speaking the tunes click together into a poignant and unwavering whole.

Previous D&BT albums have typically explored a particular palette of instruments and sounds, giving each of them an indi-

here are a few recipes incorporating the lot of them.

vidual flavour (personal favourites probably being Scratch Out Your Name or Out Of The Time). Tracks on Existential Qualifier, however, bounce from acoustic guitar folk jams and electronic beat-heavy noisescapes, to sludgy synth driven prog anthems. The songier songs fit together aesthetically a bit closer than the instrumentals. They‘re glued together by massive sprawling choruses, and layers of gritty guitars and synths.

Morton notes that there was a real sense of urgency in the production of the

Chocolate Avocado Pudding (makes: 4 small portions or 2 decent ones, 271 calories) Ingredients 1 ripe avocado 1 cup almond milk or coconut cream 1 ripe banana 1/4 cup raw cacao powder 2 Tbsp maple syrup 1 tsp lemon juice zest of orange (optional) Method Place ingredients in a blender or Vitamix, or feel free to use bare hands and a whisk to whip together until creamy. Plop into a bowl and let chill in the refrigerator for one hour. Serve. Try as a dip for fresh fruit, on granola, or simply enjoy.

What‘s everyone‘s favourite part and fondest memory of October? Pumpkin pie of course! Try something out of the ordinary and try a raw pumpkin pie recipe for a change. Have fun, and don‘t be afraid to alter the recipe.

Raw Pumpkin Pie (1 pie, 8 servings, 302 calories) Ingredients Crust:

album, as he and his partner Ciel were expecting a child and this was one last kick at the can before launching into parenthood.

The bulk of the record was recorded in around a week (!). That urgency may or may have not contributed to the mix-tape feel of the record, but it certainly gave a sense of spontaneity felt throughout.

And still, the radically different tangents are subtle and complementary. While the instrumental track ―Existential Pacifier‖ might be a bit sappy for my liking, I‘d let him get away with it. It‘s proof that the hard rockin‘, hard lookin‘ philoso-punk is actually a bit of a softy.

The thread that ties the whole record together are the lyrics. The album starts with a quote from the article ―Learning How to Die in the Anthropocene‖ By Roy Scranton: ―If by setting one‘s heart right every morning and evening, one is able to live as though the body is already dead, one gains freedom in the way.‖ In the record‘s liner notes on bandcamp, Morton expands on this line, which proves to be a central theme of the whole record: ―...I‘ve [...] been released somewhat from stress and worry by just reminding myself that it is already over…and every day from this

1/2 cup raw almonds 1/2 cup raw cashews 3/4 cup pitted dates (about 18 small) 1/2 cup raisins 1/4 cup raw, unsweetened, shredded coconut 1/4 tsp sea salt Filling: 1 small pumpkin (peeled and seeded and cut into small chunks) 10 pitted dates 1 medium banana 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp nutmeg 1/4 tsp ground cloves 3 Tbsp organic coconut oil 1/4 cup raw, unsweetened, shredded coconut for topping Method Place crust ingredients into a food processor and process for about a minute or until a crumbly mixture forms. Get a nineinch pie pan, glass if available, coat with coconut oil, then fill pan with your ―dough.‖ Firmly, yet gently, spread mixture with fingers along base of pan and up the sides to make a nice shell. Let that sweetness chill in the fridge.

Blend all filling ingredients except coconut until it reaches a smooth texture.

Take your piecrust out of the fridge and fill with filling mixture. Sprinkle shredded coconut on top and toss into the fridge for a few hours. (You can also roast the shredded coconut in a frying pan for a nice flavour, even though it wouldn‘t be considered raw anymore.) Enjoy!

Devon Chappell is something of an impressionist with therapeutic hands. He holds a focus on what is real when it comes to food. He has a personal interest in nutrition and art and when he is in his element, Devon brings nature to the kitchen.

on will offer, until the collapse, more moments of tenuous pleasure and joy—the like of which bring with them that opposite reality of suffering and sadness, but of which I happen to have landed, through some cosmic fluke, on the pampered end.‖ Although focusing on death (both literal and otherwise), and taking a lot of inspiration from the complex emotions following the loss of a close friend, the record has a strangely uplifting tone. The song International Anthem (my personal favourite on the album) evokes a feeling of love and community in a potentially overwhelming world, reminiscent of Cormac McCarthy‘s The Road. If it seems like I‘m making a lot of bookish comparisons, this isn‘t accidental. There are a lot of big ideas in the handful of lyrical songs on the record, and the instrumentals give the listener a chance to meditate on them for a minute.

If you‘re new to Drum and Bell Tower, definitely also try out the records Scratch Out Your Nameand / or Out Of The Time.

But regardless, give Existential Qualifier a spin: drumandbelltower.bandcamp.com

By Thomas Schoen, Chair, CMBC

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rail recreation, including hiking, trail running, horseback riding, and particularly mountain biking, is growing in popularity throughout British Columbia. Numerous communities throughout the province, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, are investing significantly in trails as a means for enhancing the liveability of their communities and to attract and retain residents. In addition, trail recreation and tourism are also growing and providing exciting new opportunities for economic development.

The development of trails can have a significant impact on the health and well-being of communities. Trails make a significant contribution to community development, creating opportunities for healthy active living, recreation, and connection to nature.

Many communities and First Nations communities, in particular, are deeply con-

cerned for the health and well-being of their membership and are keen to create new opportunities for recreation and to support their membership to engage in healthy active living.

Trails have always been an important element of the indigenous economy and they play an important role in asserting a presence on the land and for upholding Aboriginal Rights & Title.

In many rural First Nation communities, trails are often left out of the community planning process resulting in few opportunities for recreation and active transportation. Quite often, the only options are along roadways, which are often dangerous and undesirable for use from a recreational perspective. The Soda Creek Indian Band (Xats‘ull First Nation) started the process of trail development in 2104 by engaging with the Aboriginal Youth Mountain Bike Program (AYMBP). The AYMBP delivered a number of workshops and riding clinics and the

By Terri Smith

W

hy did I think Amadeus needed a goat family? He doesn’t. And we certainly do not. I read (and stupidly took to heart) that a goat can get used to anything so long as there is another goat around. But whoever wrote that helpful bit of advice was making the assumption that the goat in question actually knows that it is, in fact, a goat.

Amadeus doesn‘t know this. He doesn‘t know a lot of things. Like how to walk without falling over, or how to scratch his head on the fence without falling over, or how to eat the top leaves from the raspberry bushes without falling over, or how to do anything at all without falling over. And the other goats are entirely less than helpful. They‘re mean to him. I thought perhaps with a smaller herd, and the fact that they seem to be upset every time he is more than a few yards away they might learn to accept him.

They haven‘t. They go out of their way to head butt him. And then, of course, he falls over.

With his mother and brother acting so violently towards him (and only him; they are alright with other goats) it seems odd that they should care when he wanders away from them. I think the reason they get upset when he does, however, is the herd instinct that tells them there is safety in numbers.

Unfortunately, I also think this instinct tells them that should a predator appear there is safety in having an awkward kid who falls easily close by so that he can be eaten whilst they escape. `I do love these other two goats. Othello is Amadeus‘ brother but was born a year earlier. He is what Amadeus would have been like had he been healthy. But, alas, instead, he is Amadeus‘ opposite in almost every way. For one thing, he has a beautiful, shiny, black coat, whereas Amadeus‘ white

Henrietta and Othello. Photo: Terri Smith

fur tends to be a bit dull. He is almost twice Amadeus‘ size and is incredibly agile. He is confident, graceful, and has never headbutted a human as he does not make the mistake of thinking that he is one. Like Amadeus, he is a wether (a castrated male goat), yet unlike Amadeus, he has strong protective instincts, and is always alert to possible threats. Amadeus is never alert to possible threats. He manages to make his own existence a very probable threat on a daily basis. For instance, when given the choice between taking a direct route somewhere over flat ground and taking a route that is twice as long and requires walking over a pile of fence posts, navigating between boulders, and stumbling over a roll of wire, he will invariably choose the latter.

Though his choice may have something to do with trying to avoid his family.

I don‘t want to sound desperate, but if any caring readers out there know of a good home for two lovely pet goats, please do let me know before it‘s too late. Amadeus and I can be found on his facebook page: Amadeus the Goat, or emailed at roads.end.csa@gmail.com.

Terri Smith is a non-certified organic vegetable farmer in the Cariboo. She is passionate about writing, art, goats, and feeding good food to good people. She believes in following your heart, living your dreams, and taking care of the planet.

Xats’ull First Nations Trail Crew, Kyle (Yr. 2 Soda Creek Trail Crew). Photo: John Wellburn

community decided to move forward with a large-scale trail development project. In 2015, a crew of local trailbuilders worked on a trail near Deep Creek and in the summer of 2016 started construction of a trail that will run from Blue Lake to the Xats‘ull Heritage Village.

While constructed as a multi-use trail, it features many challenging and fun technical trail features for mountain bikers.

In 2015/16 the Aboriginal Youth Mountain Bike Program delivered a number of ride clinics and trail-building workshops in our region: The Williams Lake Indian Band, Yunesit‘in First Nation, Xeni Gwet‘in, and the Redstone First Nation all participated in the program.

Trails connect us as a group of hikers and riders, they connect us with wildlife and with nature. Trails get us away from our electronic devices and our desks, they expose us to the elements, and they let us see the world around us in all its beauty. Now more and more, trails connect us as people and bring First Nation‘s builders and nonAboriginal trail users together… And that‘s a great thing to see happening!

Thomas is a McLeese Lake resident since 1993, who runs a trail planning and building company. He works as the ED for the Central Interior Regional Arts Council and volunteers on a number of regional nonprofit boards.

By Ron Young

I

n part one of this article I discussed various topics including Solar Availability, Types of Mounting, Length of Wire Run, and Charge Controllers. The remaining two major components of your off-grid system are Inverters and Batteries.

INVERTERS An inverter is a device that takes the stored battery power and changes it from DC (direct current) to AC (alternating current). AC is required for all your conventional household appliances and is what you get from the utility (BC Hydro). In the early days of off-grid systems, it was common to use DC appliances because inverters were very expensive. DC light bulbs are still available as are some other things, primarily supported by the RV industry.

These days, inverters have come down dramatically in price and gone up in features so it really only makes sense to outfit an off-grid home with AC appliances, just like an on-grid home. The other consideration here is the cost of DC appliances is much higher. For example, a DC light bulb can cost $30–$50, if you can find one, versus the most efficient AC LED style light bulbs that you can buy for $15 or less. The exception to this rule is when choosing offgrid refrigeration and water pumping systems. Both of these appliances are heavy power users and a direct connection to the batteries can insure continuation of services if the inverter fails as well as giving you an increase in efficiency by not going through the inverter.

There are several different types of inverters and it‘s important to understand the differences so you are comparing apples with apples. The type of power output by an inverter can be sine-wave or modified sine-wave (square wave). This refers to what the power curve looks like on an oscilloscope. A sine-wave inverter gives much cleaner power, much like what you get out of the wall in an on-grid home.

Sine-wave power is best for the many types of electronic devices we use today including computers, stereos, phones, etc.

A mod-sine wave inverter is a rougher form of power that can cause noise and interference on some devices and although they are a little less expensive it is better to choose sine-wave except for the most basic applications. Nearly all of your big box store inverters are mod-sine because they are aiming for bargain prices.

Most inverters for serious off-grid applications are inverter/chargers. The inverter/charger has a built in three-stage charger that is designed to optimize the charging of your batteries. If you do not have an inverter with a built-in charger you will need to buy a separate three-stage charger to do the job. If you use just an automotive charger you will only be charging your batteries to about 80 per cent of

their capacity and this will result in sulphation and overall degradation of your batteries, shortening their life considerably.

The inverter is the brain of your system and it‘s important to understand the capabilities of the models you are considering.

Modern day inverter/chargers should have a comprehensive monitor that will allow you to see how much power is being used, the state of charge of the batteries, access to the set points for battery charging, and some ability to log errors and faults should they occur. You may also want the ability to automatically start your generator when the batteries are depleted and view the status of the system online if you are away from your off-grid home. Lightning arrestors are an important option to consider for both the AC and DC lines to and from the inverter.

BATTERIES I have discussed batteries in previous articles in this space and while the inverter is the brain of the system the batteries are the heart and worth serious consideration.

Batteries come in many sizes and types and your selection of batteries is in many ways the foundation stone of your system. While price is always a prime consideration it shouldn‘t be the principal decision making point. Batteries are the single most expensive component because they are consumables and have a given life span so you should consider the long view including the overall cost of batteries over the lifetime of the system. Another question you need to answer before making your battery choice is how much maintenance are you realistically willing to perform. There are many new battery technologies available but only a couple of them make any sense for most of us due to cost. Lead acid batteries, while requiring the most maintenance, are also still the best bang for your buck. The maintenance requirements for lead acid are not onerous but need to be performed regularly such as adding water, checking specific gravity readings of electrolyte, equalizing the batteries on a regular basis, and keeping the contacts clean and tight. The equalizing function is basically a controlled overcharge performed by the inverter or the charge controller; you just press a button and the device does the rest.

Equalizing dissolves built up sulphates and prevents the battery capacity from diminishing due to increased resistance.

One of the best tools for lead acid battery maintenance is a refractometer, which is used to check the specific gravity of the electrolyte (the combination of water and acid inside the battery). The optimum specific gravity of lead acid batteries is 1.26, which can be read by taking a single drop sample and putting it on the refractometer prism. As batteries discharge the specific gravity will drop and below a reading of 1.20 the battery needs to be fully recharged. You can‘t rely on battery voltage to give you an accurate understanding of battery state of charge because a badly sulphated battery can still have a high voltage.

If you are averse to battery maintenance, then you should consider another battery technology such as AGM (absorbed glass mat) or li-ion (lithium ion). The cost for AGM batteries is about 70 per cent

Ron Young uses a refractometer to test specific gravity in a battery.

Photo credit: earthRight Solar

higher than lead acid batteries so a significant difference but they are virtually maintenance-free and can be located in areas without ventilation as they are sealed batteries and no off-gassing or sulphuric fumes to worry about.

Li-ion batteries are pretty interesting but still impractical for most off-grid applications. Elon Musk of SpaceX and Tesla Automotive fame is making a sealed battery pack of li-ion batteries but it requires specialized hardware interface that puts the price out of reach for now. Other li-ion sources are available from several manufacturers but given that these types of batteries require sophisticated battery management components (built in electronics) and can have failures resulting in serious damage to property and persons the jury is still out on these. Li-ion is definitely an on the horizon technology to watch but having

seen the experience of people with hoverboards in recent news stories we want to exercise caution for now.

From a recent Stanford study: ―Overheating (li-ion) batteries to 150 degrees Celsius or higher – whether by shorting, overcharging, or subjecting them to a variety of other abuses – triggers exothermic reactions that can result in catastrophic explosions and fire...‖ Ron Young is a renewable energy professional that designs and sells solar, wind, and micro-hydro systems. He operates the earthRight store in Williams Lake, BC and can be reached at info@solareagle.com check out the Facebook page at earthrightsolar.

Copyright Ron Young 2016

By Patrick Taylor

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s of 2015 the world population sits at approximately 7.3 billion people, and is estimated to be 8 billion by the year 2024. This figure is staggering when considering it will have quintupled from the 2 billion documented in 1927. This increase in the global population has led to many crises and significant strain on the planet. Our ecological footprint does not stop at the grave, however. The ecological impact of a deceased human body, including how we as a society prepare and dispose of it, is exorbitant and unsustainable.

The Urban Death Project, founded by Katrina Spade as the thesis for her masters of architecture at the University of Massachusetts Amhurst, is a modern, ecologically -driven, compost-based renewal system for the environmentally conscious burial.

Through the use of crowd funding, Spade has raised over $91 thousand to further her research, demonstrating how truly important this project is to society. Some major US cities have also shown interest in adopting and constructing this project, including Los Angeles—a major metropolitan centre where an average 165 individuals die within the county limits each day, resulting in 60,000 bodies each year.

Dramatic increases in property value make space and associated burial costs increasingly expensive, and traditional burial with a headstone is becoming unrealistic for a large portion of the planet. In the United Kingdom, the average burial plot is currently priced at 3,900 pounds, with a projected 40 per cent growth. Other countries have already reached this dilemma; with spikes in population (and death) there is a burgeoning demand for space that is simply not available. The island nation of Singapore has placed restrictions on graves, meaning that a grave may only be occupied for up to 15 years. Though perhaps viewed as an apathetic approach to the burial of the dead, this reflects a growing fear and reality of our geographical restraints. ―Traditional Burial,‖ as it is called in the funeral industry, describes the process of embalming, making up, presenting, and burying a body in a lead-lined casket. The industry standard of only burying coffins if they are lead-lined to maintain the structure has no hygienic or safety reasons; all traditional cemeteries require it because unleaded coffins can result in uneven ground, causing difficulty with mowing the grass. This is an exceptional example of society putting ease over sustainability and safety.

Embalming is a harmful process for the body, the planet, and the professionals who perform the process. Embalming consists of draining all the fluid from a deceased body and replacing them with a formaldehyde compound to chemically preserve the body. This process leaves the body filled with hazardous material and heavy metals such as mercury and lead, and high levels of fluoride and other compounds accumulated over the lifespan.

One of such chemicals is besphenol A, more widely known as BPA—a material hardener and synthetic estrogen found in the lining of canned food and some plastics that has been found in 96 per cent of Americans above the age of six. Artist and avid practitioner of decompiculture, Jae

Image courtesy of www.coeio.com/

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Mushrooms (above) break down material by emitting enzymes and can consume a large variety of food sources.

Some mushrooms create relationships with and deliver nutrients to plant roots.

The process by which mushrooms remove or eliminate toxins from the environment is called mycoremediation.

Mushrooms break down toxins in two ways: With organic toxins, mushrooms break down molecular bonds, thus neutralizing toxins or breaking the toxins into simpler, less toxic chemicals In other cases, such as with heavy metals, the mushrooms bind the toxins through a process called chelation and in turn make the toxins innocuous.

Source and image: www.coeio.com/

Rhim Lee speaks of this and 219 other toxic pollutants found in the human body, comprising of pesticides, heavy metals, and other inorganic material—5,000 pounds of mercury is released into the atmosphere each year from the cremation of dental fillings alone.

Individuals such as Katrina Spade and Jae Rhim Lee have set out to create a new way of looking at death and dying, as well as preserving and protecting the earth.

Their work links closely with ―decompiculture‖—a term coined by Timothy Myles of the Urban Etymology Program at the University of Toronto. He describes it as followed: ―Decompiculture is the growing or culturing of decomposer organisms by humans. The term is intended to establish a contrast with the term agriculture. In effect, agriculture is human symbiosis with select organisms of the herb-herbivore-carnivore food chains comprising the live plant food web. Decompiculture, in contrast, is human symbiosis with organisms of the decomposer food chains comprising the dead plant-based, or plant cell wall-based detrital food web.‖ ―Decompinauts‖ (also coined by Myles) use this concept of human/organism symbiosis as the basis of their work. They are

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The Urban Death Project is developing Recomposition, a compost-based renewal system. At the heart of the system is a three-storey core, within which bodies and high-carbon materials are placed.  Over the span of a few months, with the help of aerobic decomposition and microbial activity, the bodies decompose fully, leaving a rich compost.  Recomposition is not simply a system for turning our bodies into soil. It is also a space for the contemplation of our place in the natural world, and a ritual to help us say goodbye to our loved ones by connecting us with the cycles of nature.

Source & Image: Courtesy of Urban Death Project: www.urbandeathproject.org/ focused on discovering or engineering a simple and effective way to decompose bodies quickly with the aid of bacterium and plant-based detrital. The basic premise has already begun, with a larger awareness for the dangers of traditional burial and an emergence of more ―natural‖ burial options.

Lee is creating an efficient and ecologically sound method of burial, the infinity mushroom. She is bioengineering a mushroom from a selection of other stains of fungi to manufacture a new strain specifically bred to decompose the human body and filter out the toxins. Lee has chosen to work with fungi because it is the only living organism to actively benefit from human remains. Though others have taken this model of burying a body with a plant to feed off it, continuing the circle of life, Lee said if a tree did in fact grow it would be in spite of the body, as the pollutants found in a corpse are detrimental to plant growth.

The future of the death movement is being pioneered by impassioned individuals and a tightly knit group of forward thinking outliers including Lee‘s Decompiculture Society, and the inexhaustible work of Caitlin Doughty and her Order of the Good Death, which is spreading death positivity and informing the public about the

Image: www.coeio.com

The Infinity Burial Suit (above) is a handcrafted garment that is worn by the deceased. The suit is completely biodegradable and was co-created with zero waste fashion designer Daniel Silverstein.

The Infinity Burial Suit has a built in bio-mix, made up of two different types of mushrooms and other microorganisms that together do three things: aid in decomposition, work to neutralize toxins found in the body, and transfer nutrients to plant life.

The end result of being buried in an Infinity Burial Suit is that bodies are transformed into vital nutrients that enrich the earth and foster new life.

The optimal depth for the suit to be buried is a depth of four feet for the mycelium. Options for burial include traditional cemeteries, green cemeteries, private land, and conservation burial lands depending on the region.

Suits should be available for purchase later in 2016 at a cost of $999.

Watch, My Mushroom Burial Suit Ted Talk by Jae Rhim Lee at: www.ted.com/ talks/jae_rhim_lee?language=en For more info visit: www. coeio.com/ reality of the funeral industry. Though mainstream society has been slow in accepting and adopting these alternate death practices, and governmental and private intervention has created legislative barriers, I firmly believe this is the future of death.

With an increasing population and the current strains on the ecosystem, the future of death must be one of carbon neutrality and a green burial.

When once the custom was to create massive monuments and mausoleums to remind generations to come of their life and accomplishments, the focus is beginning to shift as we seek to return to nature and leave this planet without a trace. Memory Forests made of decomposing seedpods may be a romantic and cathartic expression, but the reality is more likely to be communal composting and human-eating mushrooms. Regardless of what comes to be, the future is one of ecological integrity and a more natural experience with death.

Patrick Taylor was born and raised in Williams Lake and now lives in Victoria where he is studying sociology and technology in society at UVic. His interest lies in our complicated relationship with death and dying, and the future of the death and funeral industry.

By Natalie A. Swift

E

ach year forest practitioners and communities across Canada celebrate National Forest Week, an initiative that invites the public to learn more about forests and how they contribute to our livelihood.

This year’s festivities are taking place September 18 to 24 under the theme, “True North, Strong and Green: Celebrating Canada’s Forests.”

With 348 million hectares of forest in Canada there is, literally, a lot to celebrate.

Internationally, this expanse represents 9 per cent of the world‘s forests, 24 per cent percent of the planet‘s boreal forests, and the third largest forest-area after Russia and Brazil. These forests are critical to our well-being, as they provide essential ecological services, such as water and air purification, nutrient cycling and carbon storage, soil stabilization, and habitat for a diversity of species. In addition to this, forests support our recreational, cultural, traditional, and spiritual needs and supply us with timber, food, and fuel. Of course, there are also those that directly rely upon forests for employment and others who build their livelihoods from secondary industries. Indeed, our lives are so inextricably entwined with that of forests that it is entirely natural for us to link forests with our sense of national identity.

However, forests also kindle vital debates that challenge us to examine how we relate with the land and one another.

Among other topics, these debates wrestle with questions such as: who has authority to make decisions concerning the planning and management of forestlands? What worldviews – beliefs and values – inform decision-making and how are decisions made?

These questions are at the core of disagreements over forest use and the way in which we answer them reveals a great deal about how we understand the constitution of our country. According to the Oxford dictionary, this word – constitution – has at least two meanings that come into play when making decisions about forest use.

The first definition that is likely to come to mind is the one that refers to a ―body of fundamental principles or estab-

An artistic rendition of a reading about Gitksan legal order, law, and legal theory. Image produced by Natalie A. Swift while studying Indigenous law at the University of Victoria.

lished precedents according to which a state or other organization is acknowledged to be governed.‖ For many individuals, this definition alludes to the founding document of Canada, the Constitution Act (or British North American Act) of 1867.

Or we might think of the patriated Constitution Act of 1982, which, among other things, actuated Canada‘s independence from the United Kingdom and introduced Section 35, a provision which recognizes and affirms Aboriginal and treaty rights.

However, most Indigenous groups never signed the Constitution at the time it was created. In British Columbia, this has spurred Indigenous leaders to challenge the Province‘s claimed jurisdiction over and ownership of forestlands. These challenges have advanced our understanding of Aboriginal Rights and Title in Canadian law as case after case – many of which have been triggered by provincially-approved forestry activity – move through the Supreme Court of Canada. These cases have certainly challenged how we make decisions concerning forestlands, ultimately resulting in the adoption of new practices. They also challenge us to

think critically about the legal structure that guides our decision-making, as these cases are argued within a framework that has arisen from a European legal tradition and makes use of concepts that are foreign to Indigenous law—a form of law that is rooted in Indigenous societies and that is distinct from Aboriginal law, which is rooted in the Canadian constitution. In turn, these cases also provide an opportunity to consider the different ways our legal framework(s) might evolve to expresses how we interpret our national identity.

This brings us to the second definition of the term constitution, which refers to the ―composition of something.‖ What is the nature of Canada‘s national identity? Is Canada a nation made in the image of European values? Or is it, as Canadian philosopher John Ralston Saul argues, a Métis nation shaped by Indigenous ideas?

Or perhaps it is something else? The point being that (among other considerations) how we understand our identity will impact how decisions are made by Indigenous leaders, forest practitioners, and the courts concerning forest use. If we do see ourselves as a nation shaped by Indigenous ideas, do all those involved in decisionmaking concerning forests see Indigenous law as law and have an understanding regarding how to engage with it?

The short answer is no. Although Indigenous communities are working diligently to revitalize their governance systems and laws, there is a need for legal professionals and forest practitioners to familiarize themselves with Indigenous laws in order to engage respectfully with them when making decisions concerning forest use. The need for legal professionals to learn about Indigenous law has already been explicitly articulated in the Calls to Action presented by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada.

Although explicit Calls to Action have not been directed at forest practitioners, there are calls for those in the public service and corporate sector – where forest practitioners are employed – to become educated regarding Indigenous law.

The Calls to Action developed by the TRC were made to advance the process of reconciliation between Indigenous and non -Indigenous peoples in Canada. To do their part, forest practitioners will need to educate themselves regarding Indigenous law in order to make decisions concerning the management of forests in a manner that honours a national identity that is true to how we conceive of ourselves, supports the development of strong communities, and maintains the Green services that forests prov i d e .

That‘s the idea of a ― T r u e North, Strong and Green‖ that I‘ll be celebrati n g during this year‘s National Forest Week.

F o r m o r e information ing National in BC, visit

regardForestry Week bcnfw.ca.

Natalie A. Swift is a specialist in ecosystem management interested in Canadian identity and forest governance, planning, and management. She is currently a Masters of Science student in the Faculty of Forestry at the University of British Columbia and a Forester in Training with the Association of BC Forest Professionals.

Science Matters:

By David Suzuki

F

eeding more than seven billion people with minimal environmental and climate impacts is no small feat. That parts of the world are plagued by obesity while starvation is rampant elsewhere shows part of the problem revolves around distribution and social equity. But agricultural methods pose some of the biggest challenges.

Over the past half century, the world has moved increasingly to industrial agriculture—attempting to maximize efficiency through massive, often inhumane livestock operations; turning huge swaths of land over to monocrops requiring liberal use of fertilizers, pesticides, and genetic modification; and, reliance on fossil fuelconsuming machinery and underpaid migrant workers. This has contributed to increased greenhouse gas emissions; loss of forests and wetlands that prevent climate change by storing carbon; pollution from runoff and pesticides; antibiotic and pesticide resistance; reduced biodiversity; and, soil degradation, erosion, and loss.

The ―solution‖ offered by many experts is to double down on industrial agriculture and genetic modification. But doing so ignores how natural systems function and interact and assumes we can do better. History shows such hubris often leads to unexpected negative results. Others are attempting to understand how to work within nature‘s systems, using agroecological methods.

One promising development is the renewed interest in a soil-building method from the distant past called ―dark earth‖ or ―terra preta,‖ which involves mixing biochar with organic materials to create humus-rich soil that stores large amounts of carbon. In the book Terra Preta: How the World’s Most Fertile Soil Can Help Reverse Climate Change and Reduce World Hunger, Ute Scheub and co-authors claim increasing the humus content of soils worldwide by 10 per cent within the next 50 years could reduce atmospheric CO2 concentrations to pre-industrial levels.

Dark earth‘s benefit to climate is just one of its many exciting possibilities. It also enhances soils so they produce higher yields, helps retain water, and prevents erosion. It‘s more alive with biodiverse micro-organisms, making it easier for crops to adapt to changing conditions. And it‘s a good way to recycle nutrient-rich food scraps, plants wastes, and even human and animal urine and feces, rather

than allowing them to pollute soil, water, and air through burning and runoff.

Biochar is a form of charcoal made via pyrolysis—heating organic wastes in a low -oxygen environment. According to Scheub, ―If you pyrolyze organic wastes, up to 50 per cent of the carbon, which plants have extracted from the atmosphere in the form of carbon dioxide, is converted into highly stable carbon, which can persist in soils for thousands of years.‖ As well as carbon, biochar retains nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorous, and because it‘s porous, adding it to soils and compost helps them store nutrients and water.

Western scientists first studied terra preta in 1874 when Canadian-born Cornell University professor Charles Hartt and his team found patches of dark, fertile soils, several metres deep, along parts of South America‘s Amazon River where earth is normally low in nutrients and organic matter. Later archeological research determined the soils were created by human communities up to 5,000 years ago.

Scientists have since shed more light on the technique. Because the ancient practice is still employed in Liberia and Ghana, Africa, scientists from Sussex, Cornell, and other universities were recently able to compare dark earth to soils nearby where the technique isn‘t used. They found dark earth contained 200 to 300 per cent more organic carbon and can support ―far more intensive farming.‖

Cornell University lead author Dawit Solomon was surprised that ―isolated indigenous communities living far apart in distance and time‖ achieved similar results unknown to modern agriculturalists. ―This valuable strategy to improve soil fertility while also contributing to climate-change mitigation and adaptation in Africa could become an important component of the global climate-smart agricultural management strategy to achieve food security,‖ he said.

Scheub and her co-authors say the technique can be used on any scale, from home and community gardens to large farms.

Terra Preta includes instructions for creating biochar and enhanced soils, but cautions that organic wastes should be used rather than valuable forest products.

Dark earth won‘t solve all our climate problems, but combined with reducing fossil fuel use, it could make a huge difference while addressing many agriculture, food security, and hunger issues.

David Suzuki is a scientist, broadcaster, author, and co-founder of the David Suzuki Foundation. Written with contributions from David Suzuki Foundation senior editor, Ian Hanington.

Learn more at www.davidsuzuki.org.

By LeRae Haynes

G

iving people a chance to turn their lives around and connecting them to their communities is at the heart of a growing, successful program in Williams Lake.

For nearly 20 years Restorative Justice has taken cases off the court dockets, bringing offenders and victims face to face to discuss impact and consequences, with life-changing, meaningful results.

The Williams Lake Restorative Justice program is known throughout the province for its success. ―Restorative Justice is a lot more efficient than the standard court process,‖ explained volunteers Sandra Hawkins and Jim World. ―We did over 60 cases last year and have done more than 30 this year so far.

We‘re getting requested more often all the time and new members are really needed.‖ An alternative to the court system, Restorative Justice brings victims and perpetrators together to discover realistic consequences and teaching a peaceful, nonconfrontational way to solve problems. The group in Williams Lake is run effectively

by Dave Dickson from Community Policing, with Administrative Crown Rod Hawkins as advisor, and is one of the largest in the province.

World and Hawkins explained that Restorative Justice got its start in Williams Lake in1997 when RCMP officer Geordie Findlay went to get some training and get some information about Restorative Justice. ―He came back pretty excited, wanting to get a local group started,‖ said Hawkins. ―There were 10 people at the first meeting in Williams Lake, and a year later I joined. One thing that appealed to me was that my husband Rod was Crown at the time and he agreed there must be a better way to deal with people who broke the law.

―I got excited about it. At the time there wasn‘t official training available in BC; we were trained by the local Restorative Justice group that had started here the year before.‖ She said they started with shoplifting and vandalism cases, but are taking on much more complex and challenges cases now, such as prolific offenders, assault cases, and domestic cases. ―As time went on we had a fair amount of success,‖ said World. ―We put a Memorandum of Understanding together with Crown, and they started to take a look at Restorative Justice‘s success, started approaching us with more complex cases, and the program continued to succeed.‖ World explained there is a great range of age and ethnic diversity and both women and men in the group. ―People bring a lot of different skills and experience to the group,‖ he said. ―There are some with 15 and 20 years into it. ―We now have 30–40 members and five people who offerour training twice a year.

We‘re really hoping to attract new local volunteers and are offering training this fall.

By Terri Smith

H

ave you ever paused to consider why so much of our modern world is covered in small swatches of relatively useless greenery? Why we spend so much time, money, and resources growing something that does not provide us with food?

In England and France, the original lawns began as large areas around castles where trees and shrubs were cut down so that guards would be able observe the surroundings. As the climate was milder and wetter than our own, these large expanses of mixed, low-growing plants grew well.

During the 16th century, the lawn became a status symbol for wealthy landowners both because these large expanses of grass were associated with castles, but also because the amount of labour that had to go into caring for a lawn was something only the rich could afford.

Fast-forward to the New World and we find that lawns have managed to cross the ocean and have seriously grown in popularity. The Scots loved lawn bowling and golf and both games required closely cropped grass – easily obtained in a country filled with sheep – and it was the Scots who originally introduced the lawn to Canada.

As the popularity of these games spread

Photo: Refreshment_66/www.flickr.com/

over the continent, so too did the lawn.

There are other reasons why this happened, including the Industrial Revolution and the advent of the lawnmower, which arrived on the scene in 1830. But the genetically undiverse lawn as we know it can trace its beginnings to the development of the subdivisions and chemicals of the 1950s.

The idea of the ―perfect‖ lawn came about as a result of one group of develop-

Becoming a Restorative Justice volunteer is a positive experience for people of all walks of life; it opens up a whole new world of understanding people, as well as the knowledge that they‘re doing something for the betterment of the community.‖ The services Restorative Justice offers have changed. ―Dave Dickson started getting phone calls about communities in conflict, inter-agency conflict, to do mediation,‖ said world, ―and the group also started doing community sentencing forums.‖ He explained that when someone pleads guilty and the judge decides sentencing, he doesn‘t know anything about the person. ―Thanks to the new forum, a group meets with the offender, some family and friends, and someone from the justice system, and then makes recommendations to the judge,‖ he noted. ―We have a conversation before the forum; we don‘t just ask what you did, we ask what you need.‖ He added that the forum may include Mental Health, Horton Ventures, and health services; there is a lot of advocacy. ―Once all that‘s done and the group has decided the recommendations, they are given to the judge. One pertains to the offence and the second is taking care of the needs of the offender,‖ he stated. ―It‘s very similar to the Restorative Justice forum process. There‘s a premeeting with both the victim and the offender to see if they‘re willing to work with Restorative Justice. We find out who else should be invited to the circle.‖ Also new, according to Hawkins, is that Restorative Justice didn‘t used to take cases unless they were going to court. ―Now we‘re getting cases of under-aged kids who can benefit from our process: not to punish them but to teach them.

―In the past few months Jim has started attending court sessions, and if a case seems perfect for Restorative Justice, he can send them right across to Dave Dickson to fill out the forms for a circle,‖ she explained.

Restorative Justice has also recently partnered with Punky Lake Wilderness Camp, providing circle training to people from communities in the Chilcotin, Sandra added, stating they‘re hoping to get elders involved.

With Restorative Justice, what usually happens is that the RCMP or Crown recommends a circle, according to Hawkins. ―Once it gets going, so much understanding takes place between participants that victims don‘t need anything harsh,‖ she said.―Sometimes it‘s as simple as an apology. When someone has to go face to face with someone they‘ve offended and see how it impacted them, sometimes the toughest-looking character will break into tears. ―Sometimes the result of the circle, or consequences, which we call sanctions, is community projects. You've taken something away from the community and now you need to give something back to restore the balance. Another sanction is to work with elders in the community. ―It‘s a pretty rigorous process, starting with sitting across the circle from the person you‘ve offended,‖ she added. ―A reason is not an excuse, but an explanation can make all the difference in the world.‖ For more information about Restorative Justice, including signing up for training this fall, email sandra.hawkins@telus.net.

ers, the Levitts, who, from 1948-1952, built four huge subdivisions in the US to house the GIs returning from the war. They instituted the idea of uniform, weed-free lawns these homeowners were not allowed to fence but were required to maintain. This was the conformist 50s, and everyone was watching for both communism and crabgrass: those with non-conforming lawns would be suspected of non-conformist ideas as well and the soldiers who were used to things being orderly were happy to comply and keep their lawns tidy. See Ted Steinberg‘s book, American Green, for an interesting read about this confusion between morality and the perfect lawn.

Of course, along with the idea of the ―perfect‖ lawn came the industry that literally ‗made a killing,‘ selling fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. While the lawns of yore were made up of thyme, chamomile, moss, clover, etc– a genetic diversity that helped the lawns thrive in varied growing conditions with far fewer inputs– the advent of chemical herbicides in particular led to the demonizing of certain plants in a lawn.

By now everyone reading this probably knows about the benefits of dandelions.

Their deep taproots pull nutrients and minerals from deep within the soil making them accessible to other, shallower-rooted plants as well as providing the muchneeded first nectar for bees. Clover was an acceptable addition to the lawn for quite

some time, but one of the first broad-leaf herbicides had the unfortunate side effect of killing it off, so clover was soon branded as a weed as well.

The trouble with the lawns that came out of this conformist ideal is that they take so many resources. Monocultures are unhealthy. They require so many fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and water. They want optimum conditions, neither too much nor too little sun. Genetic diversity allows a lawn to thrive with relatively little human intervention. Mosses can be beautiful, and do well in the shade, whereas thymes can be soft, and fragrant and do well in dry areas. Mixes of wild grasses can enhance an ecosystem and still be beautiful without requiring the effort and poisons and wasting of water needed for the ―perfect‖ lawn.

Perhaps we ought to shift gears now before it‘s too late. Do we really want to wipe out our planet in pursuit of the perfect lawn?

For more info on genetically diverse greenery check out: www.planetnatural.com/organic-lawn-care101/alternatives/

LeRae Haynes is a freelance writer, song writer, community co-ordinator for Success by 6, member of Perfect Match dance band, and instigator of lots of music with kids

Terri Smith is a non-certified organic vegetable farmer in the Cariboo. She is passionate about writing, art, goats, and feeding good food to good people. She believes in following your heart, living your dreams, and taking care of the planet.

By Margaret-Anne Enders

W

hile visiting my parents in Alberta a short while ago, I picked up the Edmonton Journal. The world news page was filled with tragedy: a French priest is murdered while conducting mass, a shooting rampage by a teenager in Germany leaves nine dead, and the list goes on. As I continued to read, stuck in a strange state of being mesmerized yet repelled, I felt my anger rising. What good comes from knowing these things? How will this benefit society, these continual stories about brutal violence in countries far away from here? I do not wish to be callous. I know that each of the victims left family, friends, and communities in despair. Each victim was a person whose life meant something, just by virtue of being human. But where does it lead us to, in this world, if we are bombarded by such pain every day? It sends the message that violence is the norm and that none of us are safe.

How do we as humans cope in a world where there is so much bad news? Better yet, how can we return our world to some sort of equilibrium? A well-known quote comes to mind, ―There is no way to peace; peace is the way.‖ Contemplating the way of peace and visions of peace, I immediately thought of the Biblical quote, ―and the lion will lie down with the lamb.‖I confess that it has been awhile since I have picked up my Bible for a good read, so I needed to look up the reference. Imagine my surprise to find that that phrase doesn‘t even exist in the Bible. The closest phrase is from Isaiah 11:6: ―The wolf shall dwell with the lamb.‖ No matter, we can go with that.

I got to thinking about this uneasy partnership. There are many peaceful, sun-

G

ood Day,

My name is Angie Delainey and I was born and raised in Williams Lake and where my family has owned and operated a business in the downtown core for over 45 years.

I have two small children ages 2.5 and 6, one of which attends the Nesika Elementary School located in the valley near Atlantic Power's cogeneration plant.

I'm writing on behalf of my children since they are not old enough to advocate for themselves.

Currently, Williams Lake‘s air shed is at an 80% saturated state for 2.5ppm. If AP‘s permit to burn up to 50% rail ties is granted, the valley that we live in will become a science experiment with one outdated monitoring station (located at Columneetza Secondary School Campus) that does not monitor VOC emissions. There are no provincial regulations (only guidelines) on emissions, an overflowing ash landfill (AP has no plan for a new one in its application, not to mention the current ash land fill is approaching full and potentially sloughing into the Fraser River), and the risk of accumulative effects of fine

awhile in discomfort. In this journey that is peace, we are pretty much guaranteed discomfort for the questions are difficult, there are many shades of grey, and we are pushed into new and unfamiliar territory.

While holding gently these two seemingly opposite experiences of peace and discomfort, how do I go about making peace the way? How do I sit in companionship with the other in our midst? The desire for peace is not simply wanting to avoid war, but more importantly involves how to International Day of Peace is celebrated on September 21. make the world a safer place Image: Logo of the International Day of Peace Organization everywhere, in and for all internationaldayofpeace.org things. The wolf and the drenched, white-clouded images in Sunday sheep are not sitting individually; they are School classrooms across North America connected. If I am truly dedicated to peace of the lion and lamb just hangin‘ out bask- as the way, then I must recognize that it is ing in their new-found company. But I not just peace for me. Peace needs to be suspect that that peacefulness came with for all. quite a bit of trust-building. Think about Peace for all is a loaded concept, with it. What kind of self-control would a lion, far-reaching consequences. Peace calls for or wolf as it were, have to possess to snug- ethical investing, for how can I justify gle up beside its prey? And who can imag- benefitting economically when others are ine a lamb without the instinct to know that exploited for my profit? Peace means beit could be in grave danger of becoming ing aware of what I eat, the living and dinner? Are we who are lambs (and I sus- working conditions of the farmers who pect most would consider themselves to be produce my food, and the health of the the on the side of the good-guy lamb, as land on which it is produced. Peace, too, opposed to the wolf-lion-enemy who de- encourages me to purchase ethically—not vours cute fluffy creatures) being encour- simply relying on the cheapest deal, but aged to submit ourselves to dangerous caring about the working conditions of situations? Upon further reflection, it those here and abroad who labour for my proved helpful to me to abandon the whole goods, the majority of them non―good mammal, bad mammal‖ line of necessities. Peace involves trying to live thinking. When I did so, it became clear sustainably and decreasing my environthat both sides were being challenged to mental footprint. And in the true spirit of stretch beyond their basic instincts, to sit wolf and lamb dialogue, peace requires

that I try and understand the viewpoints of those who hold different opinions. It is a long road and I don‘t claim to have made it very far.

These are not easy tasks and in some ways, many ways actually, they disrupt my peace. It would be far easier to live without the knowing, the researching, the agonizing decision making. Ignorance is bliss, isn‘t it? However, if we all follow that kind of peace, we will soon find that the wolf is mighty hungry.

To stave off the appetite of the wolf, there are two critical points to remember.

First, action is most effective when partnered with contemplation. Franciscan priest Richard Rohr teaches that ―only the contemplative mind has the ability to hold light and dark together.‖ In my life, I have found that contemplative practice helps me to balance the joys of living with the inherent darkness. Nurturing my own spirit gives strength for the journey.

The other key is remembering that the path to peace is not travelled alone. The wolves and sheep that are my companions on this journey lift my spirit and help me to find a sort of peace in the midst of this, the long road to peace.

There is no reason for AP to burn ties.

We have more jobs available in the forestry sector if we transport the HOG fuel and road side wood waste. There are several other facilities that are already burning ties.

My plea is for you to consider our children and the future generations—please do not let us become guinea pigs for this project; say no and make CN rail accountable for their ties. Other rail tie companies have

plans in place as best business practices to take care of their ties from birth to death. It should never be a single community‘s problem to deal with old rail ties, especially communities residing in valley's such as Kamloops, Salmon Arm, and Prince George where permission to burn rail ties has already been denied.

Sincerely,

particulate (there is not enough science or data to take measurements).

Science tells us that VOCs will become a by-product of burning ties and in turn the become a part of our air shed, which experiences inversions from September through to May, and the VOCs will be present in the bottom ash. It is my understanding that the VOCs will be below provincial guidelines, which to me is basically saying it‘s okay to poison people a little bit. This is unacceptable. Not only will we be playing God and making decisions for future generations, but we are also risking the health of every plant and animal. As the old saying goes, shit flows downstream and that is exactly where the VOCs will go—into the soils and watershed, not to mention into the air.

This application, if approved, will become a major stain on our community.

Williams Lake will not be able to attract new doctors, new families or retirees, or business if we become the rail tie burning capital of Western Canada.

It‘s up to you, Minister of Environment, to protect our air shed and in doing so you will protect our community and the citizens who live here.

In her work with the Multicultural Program at Cariboo Mental Health Association, as well as in her life as a parent, partner, faithful seeker, left-leaning Christian, paddler, and gardener, Margaret-Anne Enders is thrilled to catch glimpses of the Divine in the ordinary and the extraordinary. To learn more about the Women’s Spirituality Circle, call (250) 305-4426 or visit www.womenspiritualitycircle.wordpress.co m or on Facebook at Women’s Spirituality Circle in Williams Lake.

Angie Delainey - Citizen of Williams Lake

that bottled water is monumentally stupid.

If there is anything I‘ve noticed about 20somethings, it‘s that they really hate being seen as stupid. I think it may have been The Lorax that helped. Maybe. We watched the adaptation of Dr. Suess‘ story one night when our helper Svenja was still here. The boys seemed to like Svenja and as she was about their age, they wanted her to like them, too. Mark‘s nephew was laughing at how the townspeople in the movie were so ridiculous as to actually buy bottled air. Poor air quality and a good marketing scheme were really all it took, (scary, right?).

Mark turned to him, ―You do realize that they‘re making a point about bottled water, right?‖ ―Ye-ah,‖ he replied, ―obviously.‖ And whether or not Mark said more to them later or not I really don‘t know, but there have not been any more plastic water bottles in our house since and that is something.

I do understand. It took me years to get to where I am now. In elementary school

we were bombarded with bad news about the planet and not given any real solutions or even cause to hope. It‘s no wonder those born a decade or so after me are so used to hearing about the hopelessness of caring for the environment that they have ceased to pay attention at all.

Also, let‘s face it: for the most part we were all pretty self-centered in our early 20s, especially if we hadn‘t left home yet.

When you don‘t yet need to take responsibility for how you meet your basic needs it‘s easy to not pay attention. When one of your biggest concerns is the fact that your Dad took your parking spot and now you‘re going to have to walk an extra 15 feet with all your gear, or that Terri rearranged the spice cupboard and now that one time you might have to make dinner for yourself your steak spice might not be where you are used to it being… well, how are you ever going to be able to expand your consciousness enough to contain concerns as large as say the lack of oxygen we will face if the oceans continue to die, or what are we actually going to do if we run out of clean water?

I keep trying to not let this article turn into a rant, but I don‘t think I‘m succeeding. You see, I thought I could easily live with 20-something-year-old boys. I‘ve had a lot of them on the farm over the years, and I‘ve taught many of them how to work, how to cook, and how to do basic household tasks, and we‘ve had great talks about the state of the world and how we can help.

But that was different. Those were boys who wanted to come and work on my farm. Not boys whose home I invaded.

Besides all of this, Mark and I are a great fit. He is excited to be turning his farm back into a farm again. We inspire each other to be creative, and we have so many plans for this place and for how we can live here as an example of an alternative/sustainable lifestyle that can actually work. We feel like we are managing to find a good balance between work and play.

And yet each week when his son comes home from his week away at work, I feel like I have failed because I do not think I

am making a difference here at all. If I can‘t make a difference in my own home, how can I ever make a difference in the world? What example am I setting?

I walk out into the garden. Angrily I shake the tears from my eyes as I kneel between the rows of potatoes Mark and I planted together in May. The smell of the morning‘s rain lingers in the damp ground, but the earth is warm beneath my bare knees and the sun is shining. I begin to feel better. I begin to know what to do.

I dig my fingers into the rich soil at the base of a plant. My fingertips touch the round surface of a new potato and I roll it out of the ground. I move on to the next plant and the next, stealing a potato or two from each. When I have enough I pull a few onions, pick a few handfuls of snow peas and some basil and dill and head to the kitchen with a jar of last year‘s homemade pickles. I put the potatoes and some eggs on to boil while Mark chops everything else into a bowl and mixes it with some mayonnaise, Dijon, and salt and pepper. The boys are outside getting ready to go dirt biking. I call to them through the window, ―do you guys want some food before you go?‖ Of course they do; they‘re boys! They come inside, a herd of buffalo up the stairs, and Mark and I sit down with them to bowls of fresh potato salad. Words may not reach them yet, but food might, and one day when they are fending for themselves and are tired of eating crappy take-out food maybe, just maybe, they‘ll start to understand.

that it gets dark earlier, so the summer constellation figures like the summer triangle tend to stick around high in the western sky.

Meanwhile, the great square of Pegasus dominates the east, carrying with it the Andromeda galaxy in its tail. It is actually visible to the naked eye and is the farthest thing away you can see. You had better get used to it, because we are going to collide with it at some point in the future, distant on the human scale, but not so long cosmologically. I don‘t know … think of the real estate opportunities!

Jupiter will be too close to the sun to see and Mars and Saturn will be grazing the horizon in the SW sky. Venus will become visible, low in the west, as winter approaches.

What do you need to see some of this stuff besides your naked eye? Most observers would agree that a good pair of 10x50 binoculars is hard to beat. Since visual observing is about perspective, getting the

lay of the land and locating faint fuzzy smudges in binoculars is the logical prelude to examining them in a telescope.

You also need star charts. Sky Safari is a wonderful app for tablets and phones and Stellarium is a free program I use on my PC. It‘s hard to beat Sky and Pocket Sky Atlas for a print starmap. I use both at night, finding the print map gives the information in different way.

The choices in telescopes has never been better, but you really need to look through some to get an idea about what would best suit your needs. No one scope does it all.

Use of cameras is exploding. They have a tremendous advantage over visual in that they can gather light for much longer periods than the eye and thus can make faint objects much more visible. I can see things in a one-minute exposure with a telephoto lens that are invisible in my 12.5" reflector naked eye—things like the Horsehead Nebula in Orion. You

also get a record of what you were looking at. Photography does not replace visual observing in my view, but is entirely complementary and certainly enlarges the total experience. Sketching has been traditionally the way that amateurs learn to observe details and is probably still the best way to learn to see.

As usual, the Bells Lake Observatory is open to showing the night sky here and I can be reached at (250) 620-0596 or irwin8sound@gmail.com.

By Terri Smith

I

try not to despair for the world. I had almost entirely recovered from the previous case of despair that led me to become a farmer.

And yet, here I am all over again, back at the edge, crying in frustrated anger as I wonder what is to become of our world.

What is it that led me back here? Did organic farming suddenly fall out of fashion? Has our ozone finally depleted beyond repair? Was that the sound of the last tree falling in the rain forest? No, not just yet. It’s living in a household that contains two 20-something-year-old boys that has brought me back to the brink.

It‘s not that they‘re not good boys; they are. One-on-one, Mark‘s son and nephew are kind, funny, and intelligent. I truly do love these boys, but they act like the destruction of our planet is just a necessary part of life and nothing to be concerned about, or inconvenienced for. It scares me that they may be a realistic sample of the next generation. Their apathy is as depressing as their antipathy. ―Hey, ya dirty hippies,‖ offers Mark‘s son as his way of saying good morning.

I cringe, ―We‘re not really hippies, you know?‖ ―What the hell are you then?‖ he asks. ―I‘m really just not into labels, actually,‖ I reply, ―Just like you shouldn‘t just call yourself a redneck…‖ ―But I am a redneck!‖ ―Aww, you don‘t need to limit yourself, though. You‘re so much more than that!‖ I laugh to show that this is a funny conversation. Around here it‘s best not to show weakness.

Baby steps: before I moved in, the recycling bin (and the yard) was always filled with plastic water bottles.(I guess I should be grateful that there even was a recycling bin, but that was Mark‘s doing, and I doubt I would have been interested in him in the first place if he didn‘t at least have a recycling bin, so I can take a few things for granted here). But we do seem to have managed to get it across to the boys

I

’m still not done bragging about the Sky Quality meter reading I got back in early May. This is a measure of sky darkness using something similar to a camera light meter.

It measured 22.05 out here at the Bells Lake Observatory, which is comparable to the darkest sites in North America. It is regularly 21.5 here when the moon is down. In the city you might get readings in the 18 range, which means you could only see stars of second or third magnitude, like the big dipper. Welcome to the Cariboo: when it‘s good, it‘s good!

This installment is supposed to cover September and October. Because it is getting dark earlier and the weather can be somewhat more settled in fall, it is the best time of year for stargazing for most folks, before winter sets in.

The westward drift of the constellations, due to the Earth‘s yearly journey around the sun, is countered by the fact

A basketful of potatoes and hope.

Photo: Mark Rupp

Terri Smith is a non-certified organic vegetable farmer in the Cariboo. She is passionate about writing, art, goats, and feeding good food to good people. She believes in following your heart, living your dreams, and taking care of the planet.

By LeRae Haynes

―We also have to know a lot about the law—we take two years of law, too, as well as grief counselling.‖ Beyond training and expertise, he said that integrity is top of his list of priorities. ―When dealing with people who are vulnerable, traumatized, in pain and grief you have to have integrity,‖ he explained. ―My primary job is to look after the deceased, but also the family.‖ A truly innovative aspect of Cariboo Chilcotin Funeral Services is the opportunity for families to have a living, beautiful tribute put in place. ―In partnership with Forests for Tomorrow (FFT), we arrange for10 trees to be planted in memory of their loved one. FFT works with the BC government to plant trees where there have been forest fires; when we opened here we decided we wanted to do something for our local area. For every cremation we donate funds to have 10 trees planted,‖ he continued. ―We‘ve done over 300 cremations here at the Five Rivers Crematorium and have planted over 3,000 trees in memory of loved ones.‖ He said one Cariboo family wanted to plant the trees themselves—a gesture that meant something to them. ―FFT gave them 10 trees and showed them where they could plant,‖ he added. ―They can go back and visit those trees and know what they mean.‖ They also offer biodegradable urns that will grow flowers or a tree when buried—a beautiful tribute to both a loved one and the environment. ―The more you can keep

from polluting, the better the world will be,‖ he said.

Supporting local business is also important, he said, explaining that 90 per cent of the caskets they sell, and the urns and markers are made locally.

The name of the crematorium came about because the birthplace of the Sikh community is a state in Northwest India known as the Punjab, translating to the Land of Five Rivers. Cremation is an important part of the Sikh sacred death ritual, and the Williams Lake Sikh community built the Five Rivers Crematorium and gave it to the City. ―What we want most from the time someone walks in the door is to help make things easier for them throughout the process,‖ said Wilson. ―We hear often from people, ‗thank you so much; you made this easy for us.‘ ―We give you a chance to say goodbye in the most meaningful way possible; we help give you peace,‖ he said. ―When you‘re grieving there‘s someone not only looking after your loved one; there‘s someone looking after you.‖ For more information about Cariboo Chilcotin Funeral Services, visit www.cariboochilcotin.ca , email info@cariboochilcotin.ca or phone (250) 392-3234.

―The impact of this Elders Gathering will benefit Williams Lake for years to come.‖ One of the many volunteers who worked tirelessly at the Gathering was Mary Forbes from the Cariboo Chilcotin Waste Wise program, and Mary Forbes from the Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society's her team of Waste Wise program and her merry band of volunteers set up recycling stations, sorted all garbage, and provided information and training at the volunteers. ―We 40th annual BC Elders Gathering in Williams Lake. Photo: LeRae Haynes contacted the organizers to see if they wanted us to help with recycling school site, stating that powerful discusat the event: consult and train volunteers,‖ sions resulted. ―Both tours were full. We she said. heard often how advanced our band is, and They ended up not just recycling and appreciation for all the activities we do consulting—they ended up doing all the here. It was so good to mingle with everygarbage at the event. They set up manned one and hear their comments and quesrecycling and compost stations, separated tions,‖ she explained. and sorted hundreds of bags of garbage and ―We had such great volunteers at the returned bottles for deposit, donating all Elders Gathering. For me, it just showed proceeds back to the Elders Gathering. that everyone can work together when they They composted over 1,000 lbs of garchoose to and can fit into each other‘s culbage at the Potato House garden. tures. The more you work together the more Her team got started the Friday before can be accomplished. It says a lot about our the Gathering began; their shortest day was small community that when the need is 12 hours and their longest was 19. ―I had there people come together.

the most amazing volunteers: Misty Schulz, Oliver Berger, Mark Goddard and a woman named Sarah whose last name I never learned,‖ Mary said. ―She came every single day and helped until she had to go pick up her kids.‖ They did recycling at every venue, every event, every meal, and sorted every garbage can. Rain soaked, they would sluice off the compost and bottle residue, fall in bed for a few hours and crawl out to do it all over again. After the volunteer dinner at the end of the Gathering, they swept the whole venue and the complex told them it was the cleanest event they‘d ever had. ―The elders themselves were so thankful and so wonderful: it was amazing,‖ Mary said. ―The Tsihlqot‘in National Government contacted me to say they were so grateful for all the work and the training we provided, and want to set up that kind of system in their offices.‖ She added that the Gathering was inspiring, beautiful and that everyone was so grateful and generous. ―I wish that all cultures would recognize their elders with joyous expression like the Elders Gathering,‖ she said. ―I would like to see all elders celebrated like this.‖

B

eing a voice for a loved one lost, as well as for the family left behind, is at the heart of Cariboo Chilcotin Funeral Services. Serving the Cariboo-Chilcotin and B.C. central coast including Bella Coola and Quesnel, they look after families on every aspect of a death, from burials, cremations, and monument sales to funeral services and celebrations of life. ―Death is a hard thing,‖ said funeral director Dave Wilson. ―Most people go through it once or twice in their lives; we go through it every day. We‘re here to make this process as easy and meaningful as possible, taking stress off the family so they can grieve in peace.‖ Cariboo Chilcotin Funeral Services opened June 2015, and from the beginning they‘ve taken time to find the best options and solutions for their clients. ―Every family is different, Wilson explained. ―We talk a while to find out about the deceased and the family and what they might want or need for a funeral service; we explain how important it is for the deceased‘s friends to come and say goodbye. ―We are as individual as the families— we take time to get to know what will work best for them when it comes to a service,‖ he added. ―We can provide a space and even a PowerPoint presentation. We work to take off the worry and stress and just let them say goodbye. That‘s why we‘re here.‖

By LeRae Haynes

T

here is still an air of excitement in the air from the 40th annual BC Elders Gathering that took place in Williams Lake this July. Williams Lake Indian Band Chief Ann Louie said she was incredibly inspired by the event, and that it was an honour to have it in Williams Lake. ―The Elders Gathering was very positive: everywhere I go people are still talking about it,‖ she said.

The Williams Lake Indian Band was the largest private contributor to the Elders Gathering this summer. The band contributed $10,000 and the Chief Will-Yum Gas Bar donated $2,000. ―Year after year a large group of our elders attend the gathering and really enjoy them – I‘ve gone to a few myself. I know the benefits of attending something so positive where you have the opportunity to share with others and learn so much,‖ she said, adding that you make new connections and meet old friends. ―Our elders are getting up in years and we have to give back to them in some way.

I have always been passionate about giving back to them; without them we wouldn‘t have what we have today. ―The grand entry is so empowering for me every time I go. I see the power that First Nations people have in this province.‖ She said that the band did tours in the Sugarcane community showing their businesses, heritage church and residential

Dave Wilson, funeral director at Five Rivers Crematorium. Photo: Casey Bennett

They even do follow up to help families with paperwork. ―We help with things like Canada Pension Plan death benefits and spousal allowances, notify all government agencies about the passing, and help with wills,‖ he noted. ―Sometimes people call me a year later to touch base.‖ The significant training and education required to become a licensed funeral director and embalmer is intensive. ―We take the same courses as a doctor does for two years. We know how every organ works, every bone, and how every disease affects a person, in order to offer the best individual and professional service possible,‖ Wilson continued.

LeRae Haynes is a freelance writer, song writer, community co-ordinator for Success by 6, member of Perfect Match dance band, and instigator of lots of music with kids.

LeRae Haynes is a freelance writer, song writer, community co-ordinator for Success by 6, member of Perfect Match dance band, and instigator of lots of music with kids.

By Pat Teti

M

y wife and I love Italy— the people, food, history, architecture, and long walks. Our idea of a perfect holiday is to wake up in a small town, have coffee, pack a lunch, spend most of the day walking trails and country roads, eat a big dinner, sleep well, and repeat. In fairness, there must be thousands of places around the world where similar experiences could be had but I’m limiting this article to an area I know.

There are many commercial multi-day guided walking tours in Tuscany that might satisfy the objectives of our ideal holiday but they are expensive. Self-guided walking tours provide detailed maps and notes but no human guide. They cost around $2,000 per person per week with double occupancy accommodation and meals. Similar tours with a human guide can be twice that price when restaurant meals are added. Cheaper commercial trips can be found but I prefer to make all the arrangements myself and skip the commercial operator entirely.

Besides being frugal, my wife and I are too independent for one of those commercial trips. We like to pick our routes, walk at our pace, and change plans on the fly.

We‘ve made several DIY self-guided trips to Italy over the years and have always had great times although not without some confusion. On one trip we used a guidebook whose title, Walking and Eating in Tuscany and Umbria, sounded perfect but whose trail descriptions and sketch maps sometimes disagreed with what was on the ground. We‘ve also had problems with the accuracy of some older paper maps due to outdated cartography. Fortunately, you don‘t need to rely on paper maps or guidebooks any more.

With free or nearly free downloadable maps, GPS receivers, tablets, and smartphones, it‘s now possible to plan your own walking routes and follow them using a handheld device. You can also book all of your Italian accommodations and train travel online. That was our strategy last fall for creating our personalized three-week walking tour of country roads south of Florence. It was our best Italian holiday ever and cost less than $700 per week per person, less air travel. That includes all accommodation, groceries, train and bus tickets, wine, beer, and a few restaurant meals averaged over our entire stay in Tus-

(Above) With fresh, exquisite ingredients, we made this meal faster than we could have been served in a restaurant.

(Right) A route we identified in Google Earth turned out to be a stone-paved Roman road. Photos: Pat Teti cany. We had two nights in a hotel in Florence on arrival, 18 nights in apartments in two small towns, and two nights in Florence before our departure.

Apartments are harder to find than hotels but they are ideal for us because we enjoy long stays, grocery shopping, and cooking. Longer stays reduce the number of days spent travelling and allow us to get to know an area better. We‘ve found that apartments cost about the same as what we would spend on a hotel or B&B but are much more spacious. There‘s nothing like coming home after a long walk and sitting down to a meal at your own dining room table at the time of your choosing. I‘d much rather cook and wash dishes than have to find, wait for, and then pay for a restaurant meal.

For us, the secrets to the perfect walking and eating adventure in Tuscany were: 1. Before the trip, pick a small town with rail or good bus service (no car needed) and a network of country roads extending in at least two different directions from town. Use online maps to find suitable country roads. Read the itineraries of companies that provide walking and biking tours online to get an idea where the nice routes are.

2. Book a furnished apartment for a week or more after confirming that it‘s within walking distance of the train or bus station.

It can be more complicated booking an apartment than a hotel because the owner or manager might not speak English but a lot can be accomplished by email with Google Translate.

3. On arrival, get basic information about the area from the apartment manager and the local IT office (tourist information).

Shop for groceries like a local. Ask when and where the local fresh market is held and find the nearest Co-op supermarket.

This and other supermarketshave a wide selection of fresh pasta, sauces, cheese, cured meat, mushrooms, bread, fruit, and vegetables. Preparing healthy gourmet meals with minimal cooking is easy with wonderful ingredients.

4. Plan walks in the evening using online maps and aerial photos. Transfer the planned route to a GPS receiver for navigation while walking.

Even though our trip was much cheaper than a guided walking tour, my wife and I realize that we are fortunate to be able to afford any kind of long distance travel.

Given the unavoidable carbon footprint of getting there, we like to minimize our additional impacts by using public transit at our

destination. We‘re also thankful for still being able to walk all day at our combined age of more than a dozen decades.

Regarding the technology, I used Google Earth on my laptop to create tracks and waypoints and a Garmin GPS receiver while walking but the same thing could be achieved with other methods. If you‘d like to learn more, sign up for my Elder College class this October.

Pat Teti was a research scientist with the BC government for 18 years and has always enjoyed making things.

***

By Venta Rutkauskas

O

n October 20, RupLoops is

coming to town. Here’s why you want to be there.

When musician and artist Rup Sidhu, aka RupLoops, first started playing music, he knew the expanse of feeling was something he needed to pursue. He‘d been writing and performing spoken word, teaching, and performing theatre, but what music offered him was something new. Within that spaciousness, he could extend the rhymes he had been crafting, encircling them with sounds both electronic and organic. He set himself up in the community of East Vancouver, where his musical compatriots taught him what he needed to know. He formed bands and developed projects with other artists and began circulating the sounds in local venues around the neighborhood.

A decade and half later, Rup‘s creative impulse reaches out like the branches of a tree. ―It‘s a many-headed snake, really,‖ claims Rup, as he is versed in the visual arts, poetry and spoken word, all types of theatre and performance, and of course, composing killer rhymes and beat-box styles. The list of collaborations on his website is extensive, so musically, you know Rup‘s got it going on. What‘s especially remarkable is his art is irrevocably paired with service, especially to at-risk youth. For as long as he‘s been involved in music and the arts, Rup has made a point of opening up the space for others to experience the soul-soothing, powerinducing, expressive arts. He‘s been involved with groups such as Power of Hope, Access to Media Education Society (AMES), and is even the co-founder of his own organization, Metaphor, which tours hip hop performances in schools, bringing hip hop, leadership, and life skills training into detention centres, schools, and Aboriginal and rural communities.

The ―school‖ of East Van is a rich landscape that nourished the social justice aspect of Rup‘s work as an artist and facilitator. It‘s a community where environmental issues merged with the uprising Indigenous rights movement, fused with resistance to globalization, and from it a hybrid grassroots artist was born. Several performance groups Rup was inspired by were tackling social issues creatively, while programs like AMES mentored Rup, offering training for his path as a facilitator. He is currently involved with IndigenEYEZ, an Indigenous-led initiative that empowers Indigenous youth through creative expression and training. He also teaches at the Sarah McLachlan School of Music in Vancouver, an organization that provides musical training to under-served and at-risk populations in Vancouver, Surrey, and Edmonton. Whether it‘s working in youth detention centres or rural communities

across Canada, Rup has dedicated himself to being in service through his art. His own experience with certain high school teachers who recognized in him a latent creativity and the need to express his inner world was formative. ―Having teachers investing in you and seeing the potential is so important,‖ Rup notes, ―so being in service to this world through creativity became a very clear route for me to take.‖ As RupLoops, all of these tangents harmonize to produce an exhilarating live performance. Accompanied by a looping station, RupLoops blends traditional and folk sounds from India, electronic music, and live instruments, and drops uplifting rhyme. The combination is infectious. It‘s really impossible not to boogie as positive vibrations swirl all around in a delicious beat. Looping allows Rup, and often members of the audience, to layer the soundscape and play with the idea of linear time as we know it. ―Looping re-examines our relationship with time and moves it into a cyclical experience,‖ he said. Rup‘s latest show is called ―The Human Radio,‖ an exploration on how we transmit messages. He delves into the relationship between anatomy, geography, culture, and how sound links with emotion… The biology of the beat!

For several days in October, Rup will be touring classrooms around our region, and is facilitating song-writing workshops for youth at Lake City Secondary. The workshops are a partnership between the Community Arts Council of Williams Lake, Canadian Mental Health Association, and Boys and Girls Club of Williams Lake, and funded in part by The Cariboo Regional District and the City of Williams Lake via the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society, to address racism in the community with creativity. It‘s been Rup‘s experience that when young people have a safe space where they are supported and given an audience, profound change can happen. ―The power of song and songwriting allow them to express what they care about and what they want to see changed in their community,‖ he said.

It all culminates on Thursday, October 20 with a live performance held at Lake City Secondary Williams Lake campus.

Circle up! Come stomp your feet! For ticket and venue info, email williamslakearts@gmail.com, or contact Venta at (250) 790-2331. Check out Rup at www.rupsidhu.com and www.ruploops.com Venta Rutkauskas is the co-ordinator for the Community Arts Council of Williams Lake (CACWL). She is an advocate and lover of the arts, and has taught drama and written plays for young children, helped co-create a gathering called Pollination, written down her dreams, and grown a baby and a garden.

She is also passionate about the healing arts.

By Sharon Taylor

Y

ou’ve heard the Golden Rule in many forms throughout your life: treat others the way you’d like to be treated. Don’t treat people in a way you wouldn’t like to be treated.

The Buddha said: Treat not others in ways you would yourself find hurtful (Udana Vargas 5.18).

The Prophet Mohammed said: No one of you truly believes until you wish for others what you wish for yourself (Hadith).

Rabbi Hillel said: What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour. This is the whole Torah; all else is commentary (Talmud, Shabbat at 31a).

Nearly all major faiths share at their core the idea that compassion – loving kindness – is a fundamental human response to the world we live in. While humans do compete for food and space, they have also learned through the years that they only thrive as a society by coming together in community, caring together for the aged and the children, and sharing resources so that more of the tribe – inter-related families – can improve their lives.

St Peter‘s Anglican Church in Williams Lake has received Anglican Foundation funding to develop an Inter-faith Circle with interested faith groups working together to strengthen the community through building compassion. Learning about each other‘s history, core beliefs, and lived faith can help us to find points of similarity, such as the idea of giving thanks for blessings received.

It can also help us find points of divergence, such as the very idea of God. Sikh, Muslim, Buddhist, Bahá'í, and Christian people are exploring these ideas together, finding it both eye-opening and challenging.

In order to start on common ground, the Inter-faith Circle has looked to Karen Armstrong‘s Charter for Compassion, a statement developed in consultation with many

faith-based groups around the world. The Charter has inspired a global compassion movement based on the belief that ―a compassionate world is possible when every man, woman, and child treats others as they wish to be treated—with dignity, equity, and respect.‖ www.charterforcompassion.org/ Compassion can be defined as the ability to see the suffering of others, and the desire to lessen that suffering through our actions.

Many people choose to show compassion for others directly: collecting and delivering food to a food bank; adopting a rescued animal; donating money towards refugee support or medical research. In Williams Lake, individual ―pay it forward‖ actions are common: someone pays for the next person‘s order in the Tim Horton‘s drive-thru; someone covers the bill for a person caught short in the grocery line up.

Some businesses take this idea a step further: internationally, coffee shops participate in the Suspended Coffee movement by accepting payment for a ‗suspended‘ coffee from customers, then offering that coffee to someone who needs it. Locally, 4Sure Bistro on Second Avenue accepts a $5 ―pay it forward‖ from customers, so the restaurant is able to offer a meal to someone who wouldn‘t be able to afford it otherwise. This way, customers support businesses offering compassionate service. http:// suspendedcoffees.com/ Kindness is the first step towards becoming a more compassionate person, but it is only the first step: recognizing that others have the same needs, rights, and desires as you do. The next step is acknowledging that others‘ needs, rights, and desires are as important and valid as yours are, and then fighting to ensure that others have equal access to safe water, or legal representation, or a system free of discrimination. The UN‘s Sustainable Development Goals lists 17 common issues, including poverty, health, education, environment, gender equity, peace, and justice that require governments,

The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals lists 17 common issues to work together to solve. sustainabledev elopment.un .org/

social development organizations, and individuals to work together to solve. https:// sustainabledevelopment.un.org/ As our understanding of the world becomes larger because we know more about places we might never see for ourselves, and at the same time smaller, because we know more about individuals we may never meet in person, our understanding of ―tribe‖ must also grow. We are not many races. We are one race—the human race. And we do not live on this planet by ourselves—our actions and inactions affect every sentient being, every living and growing organism, the very ground beneath our feet, and the air we take into our lungs. Without expanding our notion of compassion to include everything around us, we will not be able to keep what we have, never mind thrive in the future.

The Inter-faith Circle is open to anyone interested and meets every two weeks. Discussion groups are looking at Karen Armstrong‘s book, Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life, online and in small meetings.

Please contact St Peter‘s Anglican Church at wlchurch@telus.net and leave your contact information for the Reverend Keith or Kris Dobyns.

Sharon Taylor has lived in Williams Lake most of the past 35 years with her husband Rob. Together they have raised four loving and compassionate children, have taught hundreds of students in elementary school and at the university, and have been leaders in the Anglican church here and in Vancouver. Sharon now works with the Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society to help newcomers to Canada settle in the Cariboo.

By Kristin Lehar

F

ermenting foods and making various jars of pickled delights out of the abundance of produce bursting out of the garden at this time of year is probably one of my favourite things to do. The satisfaction of harvesting the fruits (and veggies) of your labour, creating delightful vegetable combinations, stuffing them in jars, and saving them for a snowy winter day is well worth the work.

People from all parts of the planet have been fermenting foods for hundreds of years. It is an ancient practice that has been somewhat neglected with the industrialization and modernization of society, but is beginning to gain more and more attention once again. Fermenting was and is an effective way of preserving fresh foods for consumption during winter months when gardens are dormant and also to ―process‖ the food rendering it safe for eating. For instance, Asian civilizations always knew that soybeans were to be fermented before they were safe to eat, hence their creation of miso, tempeh, and natto—all fermented soy products. Cassava root has been a food source in West Africa and has also always been traditionally put through a fermentation process to eliminate the poisonous natural cyanide found in the raw form.

When a food is fermented or cultured, it is essentially ―pre-digested‖ by healthy bacteria, which alters both nutritional content and flavour of the food. Lacto-fermentation being one of the most common methods is an anaerobic process in which lactic acid bacteria convert sugars into lactic acid that acts as a preservative and is responsible for the sour pickle flavour in fermented vegetables. Foods that have been pre-digested by these beneficial bacteria are extremely easy to digest and they also contain incredible amounts of healthy bacteria needed for a healthy intestine and immune system, which happens to be a huge key to the health of the entire body. Fermented foods are therefore an excellent source of probiotics sometimes even more potent that a probiotic supplement.

Sauerkraut, kimchi, cheese, chutneys, kefir, yogurt, pickles, vinegar, and kombucha—these foods do not only wonders for the body, but for the taste buds! Since the development of mass

Photo: Robert Judge//https:// www.flickr.com/photos/bobjudge/

production of foods, we have imitated the flavors of fermented foods using white sugar and white vinegar in a sterile environment. While they can be tasty, these foods have very little to offer in terms of nutrition and can so easily be created at home with garden vegetables the way people have been doing so since the beginning of time.

This is the best time of year to begin stocking up on these lovely foods as garden harvests are only getting bigger. Just about anything can be fermented and the combinations of vegetables, herbs, and spices to create your own blend of veg is limited only to your imagination! Sauerkraut – fermented cabbage – is a classic and I assure you, and if you make it yourself with a locally grown head of cabbage it may just be your new favourite food. This is how I began my fermentation ventures.

One way to culture your veggies is to finely chop or julienne root vegetables of your choice—cabbage, beets, and carrots are my favourites. Adding onions to the mix is always a good idea if you are looking for divine flavour. You may also add some kale leaves, or as I do, the thick fibrous kale

stems that are not as much fun to eat raw.

The mix should contain a greater portion of hard vegetables as the leafy greens tend to get mushy after a while, though they make a nice addition in smaller amounts. Fresh or dried herbs and spices can also be added.

Once you have your chopped vegetables in a bowl, the next step is to add salt. Salt is crucial to the first stage of the fermentation process as it inhibits undesirable bacteria growth while allowing the favourable lactic acid bacteria to thrive and do its job. Next, the mixture needs to be lightly pounded.

This action releases juices from the vegetable, which provides a liquid under which it will all be submerged in your jar or vessel of choice. Once your mixture is juicy you simply take any glass jar and stuff it full, being sure to compress the veg really well, which will further release the juice. The jar should be full of shredded veggies submerged in their own juice and is then ready to be put away into a cupboard for at least two weeks, but often, the longer the fermentation time, the tastier the kraut.

A simpler method is to pickle foods of your choice. Instead of canning your mini cucumbers with vinegar and sugar, try lacto -fermented pickles. All you require are some garlic cloves, dill, and your cucumbers submerged in a salt-water brine. Put it in your cupboard or on your counter top and watch the transformation take place. Alternatively, you can pickle baby carrots, beet slices, kale stems, or whatever else your garden may have to offer at this time.

Simple dill pickled beets you‘ll need:     

2-3 beets, washed 500ml glass jar ½ tsp salt Fresh dill 1-2 cloves of garlic

Cut the beets up in whatever way you wish to eat them. I like long sticks so you can eat them like a pickle, but diced or sliced pickled beets are awesome, too. Note that the smaller the pieces are, the faster they will ferment through. Cut the garlic into a few large pieces and put them at the bottom of the jar with the fresh dill. Add all the beets until they fill the jar about an inch form the top. Sprinkle with the salt and add water so that the beets are completely submerged. Close the jar, lightly swirl the water around to distribute the salt, and put it away for at least one week, though if your pieces are bigger it may require a longer time. I like my pickled beets fermenting for a minimum of two weeks, but pickles fermented for two months are even better!

Happy fermenting!

Kristin is a holistic nutritionist in training whose main goal is to live a simple and awesome life. She loves to inspire others to realize the power of the body and its amazing capabilities to restore and maintain health and to realize we each have the power to bring our bodies back into wellbeing. Having love for and being connected to the language of the body is the first step on the path to a thriving life and thriving planet.

By Dr. Joseph Moskowitz

O

n May 26, the N a tional Toxicology Program (NTP) of the National Institutes of Health issued the first in a series of reports that contains partial findings from their long-awaited $25 million study of the cancer risk from cellphone radiation. This report summarizes the study of long-term exposure to cell phone radiation on rats. The report on mice will be issued at a later date.

According to the report: ―Given the widespread global usage of mobile communications among users of all ages, even a very small increase in the incidence of disease resulting from exposure to RFR [radiofrequency radiation] could have broad implications for public health.‖ Overall, 30 of 540 (5.5%), or one in 18, male rats exposed to cellphone radiation developed cancer. In addition, 16 precancerous hyperplasias were diagnosed.

Thus, 46 of 540, or one in 12 male rats, exposed to cellphone radiation developed cancer or pre-cancerous cells as compared to none of the 90 unexposed male rats.

The two types of cancer examined in the exposed rats were glioma and schwannoma. Both types have been found in human studies of cellphone use.

In the group exposed to the lowest intensity of cellphone radiation (1.5 watts/ kilogram or W/kg), 12 of 180, or one in 15 male rats developed cancer or precancerous cells. In the highest exposure group (6 W/kg), 24 of 180, or one in 8 male rats, developed cancer or precancerous cells.

This latter finding has policy implications for the FCC‘s current cellphone regulations, which allow cellphones to emit up to 1.6 W/kg at the head or near the body (partial body Specific Absorption Rate or SAR).

The NTP study is likely a ―gamechanger‖ as it proves that non-ionizing, radiofrequency radiation can cause cancer without heating tissue.

The results of the study reinforce the need for more stringent regulation of radiofrequency radiation and better disclo-

sure of the health risks associated with wireless technologies – two demands made by the International EMF Scientist Appeal – a petition signed by 220 scientists who have published research on the effects of electromagnetic radiation.

Along with other recently published studies on the biologic and health effects of cellphone radiation, the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organization should now have sufficient data to reclassify radiofrequency radiation from ―possibly carcingogenic‖ to ―probably carcinogenic in humans.‖ The risk of cancer increased with the intensity of the cellphone radiation whereas no cancer was found in the sham controls—rats kept in the same apparatus but without any exposure to cellphone radiation.

In contrast to the male rats, the incidence of cancer in female rats among those exposed to cellphone radiation was not statistically significant. Overall, 16 of 540 (3.0%), or one in 33 female rats exposed to cellphone radiation, developed cancer or a pre-cancerous lesion as compared to none of the 90 unexposed females. The NTP provided no explanation for the sex difference. The researchers pointed out that none of the human epidemiology studies has analysed the data by sex.

Why did cellphone radiation significantly increase cancer risk in male but not female rats? Perhaps because glioma and heart schwannoma are less common in females. According to Microwave News (6/1/2016), the NTP report shows that among controls from past toxicology studies, males were ten times more likely to develop glioma than female rats (11 of 550 vs. 1 of 540). Also, males were twice as likely to develop heart schwannoma than female rats (9 of 669 vs. 4 of 699).

The researchers believe that the cancers found in this experimental study were caused by the exposure to cellphone radiation as none of the control animals developed cancer. The researchers controlled the temperature of the animals to prevent heating effects so the cancers were caused by a non-thermal mechanism.

One of two types of second-generation (2G) cellphone technology, GSM and CDMA, were employed in this study. The frequency of the signals was 900 MHz. The rats were exposed to cellphone radiation every 10 minutes followed by a 10minute break for 18 hours, resulting in nine

Entrance for the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the National Toxicology Program in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina Photo Source: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

hours a day of exposure over a two-year period. Both forms of cellphone radiation were found to increase cancer risk in the male rats.

For each type of cellphone radiation, the study employed four groups of 90 rats—a sham control group that was not exposed to radiation, and three exposed groups. The lowest exposure group had a SAR of 1.5 W/kg, which is within the FC‘s legal limit for partial body SAR exposure (e.g., at the head) from cellphones. The other exposure groups had SARs of 3 and 6 W/kg.

Glioma is a common type of brain cancer in humans. It affects about 25,000 people per year in the US and is the most common cause of cancer death in adults 15-39 years of age. Several major studies have found increased risk of glioma in humans associated with long-term, heavy cellphone use.

In humans, schwannoma is a nonmalignant tumor that grows in Schwann cells that cover a nerve which connects to the brain. Numerous studies have found an increased risk of this rare tumor in heavy cellphone users. In the rat study, malignant schwannoma was found in Schwann cells in the heart.

For more information about the NTP study see http://bit.ly/govtfailure.

For references to the research that found increased risk of malignant and nonmalignant tumors among long-term cell

phone users see http://bit.ly/WSJsaferemr.

The NTP report is available at http://bit.ly/ NTPcell1.

Dr. Joel Moskowitz is on the research faculty at the University of California, Berkeley, School of Public Health. He has conducted research on chronic disease prevention and health promotion for more than 30 years, authored dozens of peerreviewed health publications, and is director of UC Berkeley’s Center for Family and Community Health.

September–October 7: Williams Lake Farmers Market. Local fruits and veggies, fresh baking, arts and crafts, plants, eggs, local meat, and more. New vendors welcome. Call Beatrix at (250) 440-5759.

Monthly draws for $50 gift certificates.

Every Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Boitanio Park, Williams Lake.

September: Calling all vendors to participate the Kinikinik Christmas Market on from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kinikinik Restaurant and Store, Redstone, BC. For more info or to attend, please contact kinikinik@pasturetoplate.ca.

September 8—October 1: The Station House Gallery in Williams Lake presents: Main Gallery: ‗Possibilites' Quesnel artist Judith Desbrisay, Upper Gallery : 'Woman Inside the Man.' Open 10 a.m to 5 p.m, Mon to Sat. Call (250)392.6113 or www.stationhousegallery.com/ September 14: Briony Penn shares stories from the life of Ian McTaggart Cowan, pioneer Canadian ecologist. Briony has written an award-winning book on this early supporter of Scout Island. Scout Island Nature House, Williams Lake 7 p.m. Call (250) 398-8532 for info.

September 16: Join us in imagining a green future for Williams Lake with Guy Dauncey, eco-futurist, speaker, and author of new book, Journey to the Future. 6 p.m., Williams Lake Secondary School Auditorium. For more information call CaribooChilcotin Conservation Society. (250) 3987929. Admission by donation.

September 16: Williams Lake Film Club Film Presents, Where to Invade Next, Michael Moore. A provocative comedy where Moore figures out how to make America great again. Gibraltar Room, Williams Lake Memorial Complex. Back doors 6:30, movie starts 7 p.m. Call (250) 398-9149 for info. All proceeds got to support the local Learning Disabilities Association.

September 16—19: 2016 Unlikely Paddlefest annual event. An electric gathering of "river folk" from all over the province to Likely, BC. Enjoy some of the best paddling around! Kicks off with ―Anything that Floats Parade.‖ 9:30 a.m. Sept 16.

See: www.facebook.com/ groups/380071755490155/ for more info.

September 17: Free Swimming at Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex 1:00–4:30 p.m. Sponsored by Burgess Plumbing, Heating & Electrical, Call (250) 398-7665.

September 18: Paws for a Cause, walk to fight animal cruelty, Boitanio Park, Willaims Lake. 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Fundraiser

for Williams Lake BCSPCA. To register to collect pledges contact (250) 392-2179 or www.spca.bc.ca/walk.

or call (250) 855-9333 (WEED) or (250) 243-2126. Visit: www.cccipc.ca for more info

September 23: Messy Church. For adults and children with an adult to enjoy expressing their creativity, gather for a meal, experience worship, and have fun in a church context. Free meal is served. Doors open at 5 p.m.; event runs to 7p.m. at St. Peter‘s Anglican Church on 549 Carson Dr, Williams Lake, BC. Phone (250) 392-4246, email wlchurch@telus.net, or go to: www.facebook.com/StPetersWL.

October 14: Williams Lake Film Club presents Even The Rain, with Gael Garcia Bernal - Spain, Mexico, English subtitles, drama. Gibraltar Room, Williams Lake Memorial Complex. Back doors open 6:30, movie starts 7 p.m. Call (250) 398-9149 for more information. All proceeds from films support the local Learning Disabilities Association.

September 25: Williams Lake Kidney Walk to create awareness and fundraise for the BC Kidney Foundation. Also includes face painter and bouncy house. Refreshments provided for walkers. Registration starts 9 a.m., walk from 10–11a.m, Boitanio Park, Williams Lake. Call (305) 725-0489 or email williamslakewalk@kidney.bc.ca.

September 30: Williams Lake Film Club presents The Longest Ride, dir. Nicholas Sparks, with Scott Eastwood. USA, cowboy romance. Gibraltar Room, Williams Lake Memorial Complex. Back doors open 6:30, movie starts 7 p.m. Call (250) 398-9149 for more information. All proceeds from films support the local Learning Disabilities Association.

October 1: UNBC's Quesnel River Research Centre 2016 Open House. Saturday October 1, 10a.m. to 1p.m. Likely, BC. Research will be presented on a range of topics, including work to identify how tailings released from the Mt. Polley mine tailings pond are interacting with components of the natural environment. Free admission. Call (250) 790 2031, email qrrc@unbc.ca or visit www.unbc.ca/qrrc.

October 6: Williams Lake Garden Club meeting. Everyone welcome to monthly meeting on first Thursday of the month until October. 7–9 p.m. $2 drop-in fee or $10 yearly membership. Central Cariboo Arts Centre, Williams Lake.

October 7—October 29: The Station House Gallery in Williams Lake presents: Main Gallery: Karl Mattson 'Hinterlands', Upper Gallery : Brian Garten with Mariah and Madison Schactel/Garten 'Generations'.

Open 10 a.m to 5 p.m, Mon to Sat. Call (250) 392.6113 or visit: www.stationhousegallery.com/.

October 14: Invasive Plant field trip tour and AGM. Full day local invasive plant field tour in and around Williams Lake. Complimentary lunch. Free event for everyone with an interest in invasive plants.

Please RSVP by Oct 7th to info@cccipc.ca

October 16: Harvest Walk, Run, or Bike, 11 a.m. Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex, Williams Lake. Call (250) 398-7665 for more information.

October 16: Free Swim at Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex, Williams Lake. 1 –4:30p.m. Sponsored by BC Lions Club.

Call (250) 398-7665 for more info.

October 18: Making your own Salve.

Learn how to identify and forage for wild medicinal plants for making salves and oils used to topical healing and relief of sore muscles. Includes demonstration on making salves and oils with wild medicinal plants.

Instructor: Karen Alphonse, Gibraltar Dressing Room, Williams Lake Memorial Complex, 7–9 p.m. $24 (1 class) Call (250) 398-7665.

October 19: Renowned humorist Lorne Elliott returns to Williams Lake to showcase his one-man show. Join us for an evening of story, song, and laughs. Opening act features the Cariboo-Chilcotin Youth Fiddle Society. Regular tickets $20, $15 for students and seniors. Tickets available at The Open Book, Kit and Kaboodle, and Station House Gallery. 7 p.m. at Gibraltar Room.

Contact williamslakearts@gmail.com or call Venta at (250)790-2331.

October 20: Vancouver based RupLoops performs live looping show The Human Radio, blending classical Indian music with blues, electronic beats, rhythmic rhymes, and beat-box. Positive and uplifting, RupLoops‘ energy is infectious. Check out www.ruploops.com. Ticket venues TBA. 7 p.m. Lake City Secondary, Williams Lake. Call Venta at (250)7902331 or email williamslakearts@gmail.com.

October 20: Tween Halloween Howl Swim, 7–9 p.m. Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex, Williams Lake. Call (250) 398-7665 for more information.

October 23: Free Family Skate. 2:45–4:30 p.m. Sponsored by BC Lions Club. Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex, Williams Lake. Call (250) 398-7665 for more info.

October 27: Green Smoothies with Wild Edibles: Learn to identify wild edibles including weeds, fruits, and greens for their nutritional benefits. Practical guidance to plant foraging, identification, and harvesting and preparing wild edibles from our area. Instructor: Karen Alphonse. Gibraltar Dressing Room, Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex, Williams Lake. 7–9 p.m. $24 (1 class) Call (250) 398-7665.

October 28: Williams Lake Film Club presents Boy. New Zealand, dir. Taika Waiti (Maori), comedy. Gibraltar Room, Williams Lake Memorial Complex. Back doors open 6:30, movie starts 7 p.m. Call (250) 3989149 for more information. All proceeds from films support the local Learning Disabilities Association.

October 30: Hotel Transylvania Skate. 1– 4:15 p.m. Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex, Williams Lake. Call (250) 3987665 for more information.

October 31: Halloween Fireworks, Stampede Grounds, Williams Lake. 7:15 p.m.

Bonfire, 7:45 p.m. Fireworks. Call (250) 398-7665 for more information.

Williams Lake Wanderers We will leave the Sam Ketcham Complex at 9:00 a.m., so come around 8:45 to get organized. We always begin our outings from there on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, so you can fill out a membership form and pay your $10 annual fee if you wish to become a member. Once you're a member, you will receive emails with schedule and schedule changes.

Schedules and updates are also on Facebook.

September Schedule September 6 – Kitchen Lake Trail (Lac la Hache) – extended day September 7 – Dugan Lake kayak/canoe or walk (Horsefly Rd.) September 8 – Till Meadow hike (Meldrum Creek Rd.) – shuttle required.

September 13 – Old Cabin bike (Esler area) September 14 – Pulver Meadow walk (off Range Rd. near airport) September 15 – 108 Heritage site bike or walk – extended day September 20 – Bull Mtn. Forestry Trail hike September 21 – Friesen Road & area bike (Fox Mtn.) September 22 – Big Lake kayak/canoe or walk in the area September 27 – Deer Trail hike (off Woodland Drive) September 28 – Xat'sull Trail hike (from Band Office on Mountain House Rd.) September 29 – Toosey Grasslands bike (off Farwell Canyon Rd.) – extended day All activities subject to change according to weather conditions, so keep an eye on your email/Facebook daily.

Members' Breakfast Social before the Bull Mountain hike on September 20, everyone is invited to a no-host breakfast at The Gecko Tree Café.

Your Green Shopping Directory

Distribution Details

Green Locations TheGreenGazette can be found in print at the fine locations below, as well as online at www.thegreengazette.ca or by subscription .

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Bean Counter Bistro & Coffee Bar, 250 305-2326 180B 3rd Ave. North, Williams Lake Organic Coffee, Fair Trade, Local Foods

The Hobbit House, 250 392-7599 71 First Ave. South, Williams Lake Juice Bar, Natural Products, Essential Oils, Teas, Crystals, Gemstones, and more.

Big Bear Ranch, 250 620-3353 Steffi, Florian, and Rainer Krumsiek Grass fed & grass finished beef and lamb, pasture raised heritage pork. Animal Welfare Approved. www.bigbearranch.com

Potato House Sustainable Community Society 250 855-8443 or spuds@potatohouseproject.com In an age of apathy and a sense that change is all talk and no action, The Potato House Project is a friendly bastion of doing, sharing, learning and playing. Call us with your ideas and to find out ways to get involved.

Canadian Tire, 250 392-3303 1050 South Lakeside Dr., Williams Lake Recycling Initiatives, Renewable Energy Solutions, Organic Cleaning Products: Blue Planet, Green Works, Method, Nature Clean, Seventh Generation Cariboo Growers Coop, 778 412-2667 3rd & Oliver St., Williams Lake. 100% Natural & Organic Foods, Non-Profit Farmer’s Coop

Scout Island Nature Centre & Williams Lake Field Naturalists, 250 398-8532 www.scoutislandnaturecentre.ca www.williamslakefieldnaturalists.ca 1305A Borland Rd, Williams Lake Nature on the city’s doorstep. Bird sanctuary, arboretum, trails, Nature House, natural history programs for children and adults.

100 Mile House Donex Visitors Centre Chartreuse Moose Higher Ground Nat. Foods KFC Nuthatch Books Rise & Grind Coffee House Safeway Save-On-Foods A&W 108 Mile House 108 Mile Mall 108 Mile Supermarket 150 Mile House 150 Mile Mall Husky Station Marshall‘s 150 Mile Store Alexis Creek Alexis Creek General Store Anahim Lake Anahim Lake Trading Mclean Trading Bella Coola Coast Mountain Lodge Kopas Store Moore‘s Organic Market Valley Inn & Restaurant

Cleanway Supply, 1-800-663-5181 275 South MacKenzie Ave., Williams Lake Organic Cleaning Products

Smashin’ Smoothies, 778-412-2112 102-41, 7th Ave North, Williams Lake Juice, Smoothies & Expresso Bar Fresh, Organic, Whole Food.

Day Spa Champagne, 250 305-1249 124A North Second Ave., Williams Lake Quiet, relaxing, personalized atmosphere. A Zen experience. Four Types Massage, Reflexology, Manicures/Pedicures & More.

Sta-Well Health Foods, 250 392-7022 79D 3rd Ave. North, Williams Lake Organic Foods, Water Distillers, Natural Medicines, Emergency Freeze Dried Foods.

Dog Creek Mount View Handy Mart Red Dog Pub/Liquor Store

Williams Lake Food Policy Council, 250-302-5010 GROWING THE SEEDS OF CHANGE! www.facebook.com/WLFPC foodpolicycouncil@hotmail.com. Building a strong local food economy and promoting a healthy and sustainable community

Horsefly Clarke‘s General Store Post Office Horsefly Hardware Horsefly Service Station

Debbie Irvine B.Sc. (Agr.) RHN Registered Holistic Nutritionist 250-392-9418 or springhousedebbie@thelakebc.ca SPRINGHOUSE GARDENS - Organically grown market garden veggies; Grass fed/ finished beef - no hormones, no GMOs. Enquiries welcome. earthRight Solar, 1 877 925-2929 3rd & Borland, Williams Lake Renewable Energy Solutions, Eco-Friendly Products, Composting Toilets

Williams Lake Water Factory, 250 398-5201 Pure Bottled Water. Home & Office Delivery.

955 S. Mackenzie Ave, Williams Lake, BC. Come see us on Toonie Tuesday!

Big Lake Big Lake General Store Clinton Clinton Coffee House

Hanceville Lee‘s Corner Store

LacLaHache Race Trac Gas Lac La Hache Bakery Red Crow Cafe McLeese Lake Deep Creek Service Station The Oasis Motel Cafe Nimpo Lake Nimpo Lake General Store

Flying Coyote Ranch, 250 296-4755 Ingrid Kallman and Troy Forcier Grass-fed Angus beef No shots, no hormones, organic fertilizer By the quarter or side, hamburger .

Prince George Ava Maria Gifts and Health Foods Books and Co. University of Northern BC College of New Caledonia

The Gecko Tree, 250 398-8983 54 N. MacKenzie Ave. Williams Lake Serving healthy, local foods

Quesnel The Green Tree Barkerville Brewing Bliss Cafe Booster Juice Carryall Books Holistic Health Care Clinic Karin‘s European Deli Granville‘s Coffee Shop Quesnel Bakery Quiznos Safeway Save On Foods Tourism Info Center

Halls Organics, 250 398-2899 107 Falcon Rd. (North Lakeside), Williams Lake Indoor and Outdoor Organic Gardening Products, Alternative Traditional Products, Teas anHerbs, Hemp Body Products

Redstone Kinikinik

Contact us today to list your Green Business - info@thegreengazette.ca or lisa@thegreengazette.ca

Williams Lake Adorn Naturally A&W All-ways Travel Amanda Enterprises Barking Spider Mtn. Bikes Bean Counter Bistro Beaver Valley Feeds Blocks R Us Body Connection by Joe CanWest Propane Cariboo Growers Coop Cariboo Ski Community Futures Concrete Fitness Conservation Society CJ‘s Restaurant CRD Library Creative Scissor Dairy Queen Dandelion Living Day Spa Champagne earthRight 4 Sure Bistro Greyhound Bus Stop Haines Office World Handi-Mart Joey‘s Grill KFC Halls Organics Integrated Elements Clinic The Hobbit House Husky Restaurant Karamia‘s Donairs Kornak & Hamm Pharmacy The Laughing Loon The Legion Manna Cafe Margetts Meats McDonalds New World Coffee Oliver‘s Bar & Grill Porky‘s Deli Quality Tax Solutions Red Shred‘s Bike & Board Shed Rona Home Centre Safeway Save-on-Foods SBL Liquor Store Scout Island Nature Center Senior Citizens ActivityCenter Shopper‘s Drug Mart Spa Bella Station House Gallery Sta-Well Health Foods Subway Taylor Made Cakes The Gecko Tree The Open Book Tim Hortons Tourism Info Center Trattoria Pasta Shoppe Thompson Rivers Univ.

Tsilhqot'in National Gov`t Walmart Williams Lake Physio WL Veterinary Hospital Williams Lake Water Factory *please note that we are in the process of revamping our distribution process to better serve our clients. If TheGreenGazette is not being displayed at any of the above locations please contact us so that we may rectify the situation.

By Jasmin Schellenberg HEALTHY SNACKS AND WHY Deviled Eggs Ingredients 12 eggs 6 Tbsp olive oil or mayonnaise 4.5 Tbsp vinegar 2 Tbsp mustard (or more to taste) salt pepper parsley Method Hard boil a dozen eggs. Take off the shell, cut in half, and take out egg yolk. Put yolk into a bowl and mix with remaining ingredients. Mix fill into a plastic bag, cut a small corner off the bag, then press the mixture into egg halves. Use organic ingredients when ever possible. These are easy to prepare and have them ready when your hungry kids come home from school. A nice change from sweet treats.

NUTRIENT DENSE MEAL Filled Peppers Ingredients 3 large green peppers, cut in half length wise, seeds removed 500 gr hamburger 100 gr bread, cubed and soaked in ¼ cup warm milk or 100 gr mashed potatoes 2 eggs 1 onion, finely cut up parsley salt pepper Method Squish excess milk out of bread crumbs.

Mix all ingredients together and divide into six portions. Fill pepper halves. Oil a casserole dish. Add 1 cup of water into dish and place peppers into it. Bake for 30 minutes in preheated oven at 350 degrees F. Serve hot with baked potatoes. Also great cold.

Enjoy!

MYTHS UNVEILED Many toxic substances are found in one common food ingredient!

They include: oxalic acid, plant estrogens, goitrogens, phytates, protease inhibitors, oxalates. Hemagluttens, thyroid depressing compounds, and potent enzyme inhibitors.

Most North Americans eat it everyday.

Over 170 scientific studies confirm the harmfulness of this ingredient. It can cause infertility, immune system disorder, digestive distress, heart disease, accelerated risk of cancers, thyroid dysfunction, ADD/ ADHD, and loss of sex drive.

It is one of the top eight allergens, containing 16—30 allergenic proteins, and many experts believe it will soon belong in the top four. It is found in more than 60 per cent of processed and packaged food and nearly 100 per cent of fast foods. Ground beef patties can contain up to 30 per centof this ingredient.

Food served to prisoners contains up to 70 per cent of this ingredient.

It is also used in home insulation, erasers, car foam insulation, cardboard adhesive, crayons, modelling dough, carpet backing, paint stripper, stains, sealers,

waxes, biodiesel, fertilizers, fungicides, candles, plastics, cloth fiber, and in insecticides. Some feed it to their infants, which can cause puberty in girls as early as age three giving them the equivalent of five birth control pills a day.

Only four countries (Germany, Israel, France, and the British) warn parents not to feed this ingredient to their babies and children.

So what is it?

Soy! How is it labelled?

Soy protein isolate, soy flour, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, textured vegetable protein, soybean oil, vegetable oil, and tofu.

Confused About Soy? Soy Dangers Summarized: • High levels of phytic acid in soy reduce assimilation of calcium, magnesium, copper, iron, and zinc. Phytic acid in soy is not neutralized by ordinary preparation methods such as soaking, sprouting, and long, slow cooking. High phytate diets have caused growth problems in children.

• Trypsin inhibitors in soy interfere with protein digestion and may cause pancreatic disorders. In test animals, soy containing trypsin inhibitors caused stunted growth.

• Soy phytoestrogens disrupt endocrine function and have the potential to cause infertility and to promote breast cancer in adult women.

• Soy phytoestrogens are potent antithyroid agents that cause hypothyroidism and may cause thyroid cancer. In infants, consumption of soy formula has been linked to autoimmune thyroid disease.

• Vitamin B12 analogs in soy are not absorbed and actually increase the body‘s requirement for B12.

• Soy foods increase the body’s requirement for vitamin D. • Fragile proteins are denatured during high temperature processing to make soy protein isolate and textured vegetable protein.

• Processing of soy protein results in the formation of toxic lysinoalanine and highly carcinogenic nitrosamines.

• Free glutamic acid or MSG, a potent neurotoxin, is formed during soy food processing and additional amounts are added to many soy foods.

• Soy foods contain high levels of aluminum, which is toxic to the nervous system and the kidneys.

The above soy dangers and our Myths & Truths About Soy are available in our Soy Alert! trifold brochure for mass distribution.

Find more about soy at www.westonaprice.org/soy -alert or www.thewholesoystory.com A WALK THROUGH YOUR PANTRY: GET RID OF: Processed foods. Check ingredients labels.

REPLACE WITH: Fresh, organic whole ingredients for cooking your meals.

Brought to you by Jasmin Schellenberg Inspired by and resourced from www.westonaprice.org For ―Nourishing our Children‖ newsletters of the past v i s i t : www.thegreengazette.ca