The Green Gazette - June /July /August 2017

6/ Canada Parks Day – Discover and revel in the nation’s bounty It‘s no longer a secret, a little-known fact, or exclusively the business of those living isolated on a mountain top. The facts are firmly in place: being outside is good for you. Time in the wild, among trees, and near water changes your brain chemistry.

- by Jessica Kirby 8/ Long work hours don’t work for people or the planet In 1926, US automaker Henry Ford reduced his employees‘ workweek from six eight-hour days to five, with no pay cuts. It‘s something workers and labour unions had been calling for, and it followed previous reductions in work schedules that had been as high as 84 to 100 hours over seven days a week.

- by David Suzuki 14/ Culture Week in Nemiah Valley a 30-year Tradition For the past 30 years, Naghtaneqed School in remote Nemiah Valley has held a culture week in mid-May that involves all the children in the school and many elders and volunteers in the community.

- by Sage Birchwater

16/ Agriculture Part 3: Realigning the culture of modern farming The context for this, the third of three articles for TheGreenGazette, is, how do we try to feed the world that, through industrialization and urbanization, is challenged to distribute our abundance? - by David Zirnhelt 28/ Green Business Feature: Miss White Spider Arts — Bringing peace and inspiration Miss White Spider Arts is a new, fluid, creative, and versatile business that offers an incredible range of products and experiences for customers. Artist owner Al-Lisa provides an educational focus that is global, positive, unique, and inspirational. - by LeRae Haynes

Publisher / Editor-in-Chief Lisa Bland Senior Editor Jessica Kirby Contributors David Suzuki, LeRae Haynes, Margaret-Anne Enders, Jasmin Schellenberg, Terri Smith, Jessica Kirby, Guy Dauncey, Bill Irwin, Jennifer Clark, Ciel Pantenaude, Diane Dunaway, Sharon Taylor, Lisa Bland, Venta Rutkauska, Oliver Berger, Tera Grady, David Zirnhelt, Leah Selk, Veronica Meldrum, Kristin Lehar, Julie Fowler, Olga Sheean 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 www.123rf.com / Image ID: 61622765 Copyright : Galyna Andrushko Index Photo www.123rf.com / Image ID : 66131310 Copyright: Anna Bizoń

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 © 2017 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.

21/Island Mountain Arts Celebrates: 40 years of Art in the Cariboo Island Mountain Arts is excited to kick off its 40th anniversary season in Wells. The organization, which began with a Summer School of the Arts in 1977, always had a big vision, looking to places like the Banff School (now Banff Centre) and Emma Lake and thinking: ―Why can‘t we do this this right here in the Cariboo?‖ - by Julie Fowler

6/ The Complexity of Ego - by Ciel Patenaude 7/ Rocky Mountain Books Announces Fall 2017 Titles 8/Arts on the Fly Music Festival 10/ Grounded Balance - by Leah Selk 12/ Sawmill Training for Yunesit‘in Community - by Veronica Meldrum 13/ Bee Audacious: Gathering—Part 2 - by Diane Dunaway 15/ Curbside Recycling Contamination - by Tera Grady 16/ Cariboo author Heidi Redl releases book, A Quiet Roar 17/ No Time Left to Waste: The rise of compostable trash - by Oliver Berger 18/ BC 2030 - Doing All the Good We Can - by Sharon Taylor 19/ Cariboo Growers Co-op: Fresh and delicious food choices all year long 22/ Williams Lake Art Walk - by LeRae Haynes 23/ In Love with Stuff: Sharing with Your Community - by Jennifer Clark 23/ Performances in the Park 2017

24/ Soundscapes: The radical act of listening - by Venta Rutkauskas 24/ Raising Amedeus - by Terri Smith 25/ Going in Circles - The Walk of the Labyrinth - by Margaret-Anne Enders 25/ First Nations Sign Health Care declaration 26/ Confessions of a Farmer: Solstice on the Farm - by Terri Smith 26/ Mindful Eating - by Kristin Lehar 27/ Green Business Feature: Green Sisters - Award winning natural health and beauty products - by LeRae Haynes 29/ Summer Soothers: Au naturale - by Jessica Kirby 30/ Nature Club - by LeRae Haynes 30/ National Aboriginal Day - by LeRae Haynes 31/ Electro-sensitivity: Exposing the deeper truth of who we are- by Olga Sheean 32/ Canada - The next 150 years - by Guy Dauncey 32/ Skywatch with Bill Irwin 33/ June/July/Aug 2017 - Calendar of Events 35/ Nourishing our Children - by Jasmin Schellenberg

By Lisa Bland Publisher/ Editor-in-Chief

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his summer marks the fifth year since I started running TheGreenGazette, and looking back to the summer of 2012, and 32 issues later, I can‘t believe how much has happened and how quickly time has passed. It‘s been a fast-paced and rewarding journey of being immersed in community, collaboration, stories, and the evolving narratives of the people, places, and issues in our region, and the larger world.

I often joke about each issue being a birth process—painful, transforming, exciting, and filled with unknowns. Somehow each issue makes it to press in time, and despite the challenges, the writers, designers, distributors, volunteers, technical support, advertisers, and behind the scenes GreenGazette team willingly climb back on the horse for the next ride through the changing seasons. It‘s rewarding to work with so many great people, and despite a certain amount of grumbling due to late nights or missed deadlines, I‘m still glad to be a part of a creative, determined collective

By Trevor Melanson

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s Canadian clean energy companies look to sell their solutions abroad, it‘s clear who‘s buying.

New analysis from Clean Energy Canada shows the world‘s three largest electricity markets – China, the US, and India – were collectively responsible for half of global clean energy investment in 2016, which totalled C$348 billion.

China alone has invested over half-atrillion dollars in clean energy in the last five years, with no plans to slow down— even as US President Donald Trump takes aim at Obama-era climate policies.

India is also emerging as a major destination for clean energy investment, as it pursues a goal of delivering 175 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2022—a tripling of capacity relative to 2015, and more capacity than exists in Canada from all sources of power.

This global marketplace is a major economic opportunity for Canada, a country well-positioned to develop and export clean energy technologies and services. That fact was underscored in the federal budget released last week, which prioritized investing in clean energy innovation.

Such are the conclusions of ―The Transition Takes Hold,‖ the latest report in Clean Energy Canada‘s annual Tracking the Energy Revolution series, which analyzes clean energy market trends.

The report also highlights other significant recent developments:  While total clean energy investment fell from a record-setting level in 2015, the amount of renewable electricity capacity added in 2016 rivalled 2015 as clean energy technology costs continue to fall.  The solar industry created one out of

that cares about each other and strives to do their part to make the world better.

Since 2012, TheGreenGazette has almost doubled in size from 20 to 36 pages, and publishes 40 + articles each issue.

Many of our writers have been with us since the beginning and continue to offer wonderful stories about their inner thoughts, lives, and adventures. Advertising continues to increase as the paper becomes more visible, and we continue to print more issues, which are distributed throughout the Cariboo Region including Prince George, Quesnel, Bella Coola, the Chilcotin, Horsefly, Lac La Hache, 100 Mile House, and beyond. Our extensive website hosts a local calendar, a green collective of local businesses, and pages for each article cross-posted with Facebook throughout the time span of each issue. Each issue, we cover a Green Business Feature story to highlight a business in the Cariboo Region. To date we have published stories on over 30 businesses. It‘s encouraging to experience TheGreen-

The solar industry created one out of every 50 new jobs in the US last year, while wind turbine technician is America‘s fastest-growing occupation.  There were 6.7 million clean energy jobs worldwide in 2015.  Canada is well-position to take advantage of clean energy‘s global demand.

Five Canadian clean energy tech companies cracked the 2016 Global Cleantech 100 List.

Between 2015 and 2025, the International Renewable Energy Agency projects generation costs for onshore wind to fall another 26 per cent, while offshore wind generation costs fall 35 per cent and utilityscale solar PV costs drop 57 per cent. ―The clean energy transition now appears irreversible,‖ said Merran Smith, executive director, Clean Energy Canada.―In developed and developing countries alike, fossil fuels are being beat out by renewable power that is clean, increasingly costcompetitive, and a source of economic opportunity. ―China, India, the U.S. and Europe are actively seeking clean energy solutions, and Canada is well-positioned to deliver them with some of the world‘s most promising clean energy technology companies.‖ Dan Woynillowicz, policy director, Clean Energy Canada, said many renewables are competing with fossil fuel alternatives, creating new jobs and cutting pollution, thanks to falling technology costs, which are projected to keep dropping. ―As President Trump decides how to approach clean energy, he will no doubt be informed by two key metrics: the opinion of his supporters and what the sector means for jobs,‖ said Woynillowicz. ―On both counts, the odds are in clean energy‘s favour.‖ 

Gazette growing, and to know that being 'green' isn't as hard as it might seem.

This spring, on Earth Day, April 22, in collaboration with the local CaribooChilcotin Conservation Society and supported by the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society, TheGreenGazette and friends hosted an Earth Night celebration and fundraiser with a fantastic line-up of entertainment, musicians, and generously donated silent auction items from local businesses. It was a beautiful evening made possible only through the efforts of a collective of friends and community volunteers, and it reminded me of the necessity of taking time out to celebrate and appreciate one another while we‘re advocating for a better world.

Community is the place where things happen—and where our ideals are made real. There‘s a lot happening here in the Cariboo, and the stories that people take the time to write represent just a tiny fraction of the stories that are out there. We can never know the difference our stories and words

might make. I think of sharing our ideas and stories like planting seeds and we don‘t know how others might be inspired or what can grow from sharing a part of our lives and inner worlds. Community can offer opportunities to learn, teach, and be seen.

They can be the space where we return to when life gets too overwhelming and disconnected. In the places where we know one another by name, there is strength in diversity.

Each issue of TheGreenGazette is made possible because of all of us that collectively make a 'we'—contributing articles and ideas, working behind the scenes to keep things running, helping to distribute, promoting businesses and services, staying engaged as a readership, and contributing support, encouragement, and collaboration.

Thank you for your part in helping make our region diverse, vibrant, caring, and more sustainable. Collectively we make a difference and our voices together represent the world we want to create for the future.

TheGreenGazette has new 'Green is the New Black' T-shirts available through order via emailing info@thegreengazette.caor on our website at www.thegreengazette.ca.

What does the saying mean? We each have different ideas about it. With the BC election results just in as I write this, and a minority Liberal government with Greens holding the balance of power, we might just find out what it means!

By Jessica Kirby, Senior Editor of TheGreenGazette

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t‘s no longer a secret, a little-known fact, or exclusively the business of those living isolated on a mountain top. The facts are firmly in place: being outside is good for you. Time in the wild, among trees, and near water changes your brain chemistry. It elevates mood, is a great excuse to exercise, and measurably reduces the risk of all kind of illness from diabetes to cancer. The trouble is, we don‘t take advantage nearly enough and time in the outdoors is on the decline. However, Canadians are fortunate to have access to miles and miles of protected wilderness and parkland, and thanks to Parks Canada‘s ever-evolving mandate, it is easier and more welcoming than ever to set foot in a lifestyle that includes ample time in the endless bounty of Canadian wilderness.

The third Saturday of every year, Canada marks Canada Parks Day and communities across the country host activities aimed at enticing people to visit parks and historic sites near or far. Fun, family-focused activities are meant to show participants that being outside and experiencing Canada‘s protected outdoor spaces is valuable, easy, and rewarding. At the same time, they highlight why parks are important and the crucial role they play in protecting habitats for at-risk and other species, maintaining healthy and resilient ecosystems, and connecting people with the natural world.

Canada‘s national park system has been an iconic part of Canadian culture for over 100 years. It includes 42 national parks, 167 historical sites, four national marine conservation areas, and even the gravesites of former Canadian prime ministers. Parks Canada runs on a staff of more than 4,500 people, including wardens, interpreters, tour

By Ciel Patenaude

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gos have a pretty bad image.

Thanks to Freud and his buddies in the therapy realm combined with some intense uberoneness-focused spirituality amplified in the 1960s (and today), most of us are perplexed by the existence, importance, and meaning of our egos, and are quick to judge them as creations of a less spiritually -aware soul. Even the mention of them in casual conversation is usually done deridingly, as though involvement of the ego in anything we do is implicitly bad.

But this is not true in the least.

The ego is an essential part of being human, and is absolutely necessary if we are to fully understand and live from our individual state and collective oneness-ness, allowing us to reach an enlightened state of awareness. It is through the ego that we express and understand our individual humanity, articulating the particular quirks or inclinations we were each born into this life with, and knowing ourselves to be important, perfect, and unique expressions of life.

Beautiful Moraine Lake in Banff National Park.

Photo: 123rf.com. Copyright: Galyna Andrushko Id 44231383

ple, including wardens, interpreters, tour guides, historians, and scientists, and oversees 377,000 square kilometres of mountains, grasslands, forests, waterways, and tundra. Its funding fluctuates budget to budget, but its core financial health rests at about $690 million annually.

Parks Canada oversees this system with a mandate ―to protect unique examples of Canada‘s cultural and natural landscapes and present those to Canadians—including future generations.‖ The park system was developed back in 1885 with a 26-square-kilometre protected area in Banff, Alberta. Claire Campbell, editor of A Century of Parks Canada, said the area was deemed a park to create a tourist destination close to the Canadian Pacific Railway and take advantage of the economic potential of the area‘s hot springs.

By 1911, Canada had a handful of national parks and created the Dominion Parks Branch to oversee them—over the years this agency has undergone many name changes, and is currently called Parks Canada Agency.

Campbell, who is also an associate professor of history at Dalhousie University in Halifax, said Parks Canada‘s evolution has involved increases awareness of environmental concerns, beginning in the 1960s with critique from the academic community and feedback from the general public, which ―focused attention on the detrimental impact of human activity,‖ she told the CBC in an interview from 2015.

According to Campbell, ―the shift from presentation to protection gained momentum for several decades before culminating in the Panel on Ecological Integrity of Canada‘s National Parks in 1998.‖ The Panel investigated the environmental health of the country's parks and determined almost all of them were facing ecological threats due mainly to pollution and loss of habitat, she told the CBC. The Panel‘s final report marked the turning point from presentation to protection and in 2000, Canada‘s National Parks Act officially changed Parks Canada‘s mandate.

Since then, the agency has grown successfully in its education, preservation, and habi-

Beyond the limited perspectives of a single consciousness, it is the larger awareness of spirit and connection that allows us to find joy in the fact that we‘re part of something far larger than ourselves. We are both singular and unified, and this is the wonderful paradox our souls and minds seek to resolve: of thinking yourself incredibly important and marvelous, but then… just some relatively insignificant part of the magnificent, massive whole. A human being is both individual and collective, and we need appreciation of both expressions to feel grounded, confident, and aligned.

It is whether we develop our ego out of fear and resistance or out of love and personal preference that is the question. An ego built from resistance (called the ‗neurotic ego‘, and focused on avoiding what we don‘t like or don‘t want) acts as a barrier between us and the world, preventing the light and wisdom surrounding us from getting in while simultaneously preventing us from accessing and articulating our own inner power.

An ego that is built of love and personal awareness (the ‗healthy ego‘), on the other hand, acts as a selectively permeable mem-

brane that allows us to feel important as an individual while still staying open to the perspectives and larger truths of the universe that surrounds us.

Both these perspectives must be developed and appreciated if we are to understand our existence; we must come to love and understand our individual ego state just as much as we have to seek to understand the connections we share with everything. Too often in spiritual searching we lean towards releasing our individual, ‗egoic‘ selves in favour of the big spiritual ideals, a choice that seems logical yet is extremely damaging in the short and long term.

So how do we create a healthy ego? It is perhaps because this process is so complicated that so many choose to bypass it, I suppose. Extracting ourselves from our ‗neurotic ego‘ (which is created through wounding in early childhood, primarily) and intentionally creating our ‗healthy ego‘ is a job often best done with a spiritual counselor—someone who has travelled this road already and can assist our journey.

But we can all start by asking a very simple yet complex-to-answer question right here:

tat and species reintroduction programs. It has also become more progressive in its cooperative practices, working with First Nations to establish appropriate park boundaries and preserve and protect cultural sites and heritage.

Today, Canadian parks range in size from nine square kilometres (St. Lawrence Islands National Park, Ontario) to nearly 45,000 square kilometres (Wood Buffalo National Park in Alberta and the Northwest Territories) and in popularity—Banff National Park saw 3.13 million visits in 2015, whereas Tutktut Nogait National Park, located 170 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, sees about 12 per year, said an article written by the CBC. Overall, however, the number of national visitors has dropped from 22.4 million in 2001 to 20.7 million in 2015, said the same article. Andrew Campbell, director of general visitor experience for Parks Canada told the CBC one of the main reasons for the decline is a lack of basic outdoors skills, especially among those who live in urban areas.

Parks Canada is again shifting its programming to meet Canadians‘ changing habits and demographics. Learn to Camp programs invite families to learn the basics like pitching a tent and cooking over a fire, and reaching out to new Canadians means advertising through ethnic media outlets and creating areas to accommodate large groups for those who prefer to gather in large numbers over doing so in an isolated campsite for a single nuclear family, Campbell told the CBC. ―The goal is to have ‗everybody feel that these treasured places – that either tell our history or show our nature – are ones that every Canadian feels are a part of them,‖ he said in the article.

This year, Canada Parks Day falls on July 15. It is a beautiful time of year to create space in nature, visit these essential parts of Canada‘s history and heritage, and appreciate them as areas rich in both human history and the bounty wilderness offers. How will you celebrate?

What do I need?

In merely the asking of this question we will – subconsciously at first – crack open our egoic selves and bring conscious attention to what it is that our unique souls are asking for in this lifetime. We will begin to really listen to our inner selves in a way that we have not, perhaps, done so far, and start the process of honoring our individual expression of spirit.

It does not seem logical that we would be born as human beings with different brains and sensations and insights so that we could obliterate our individual part to play and dissolve into the universal spiritual puddle. Each of us – and the gifts and insights we carry – are necessary to the whole, and our work here is learning to articulate and live out those truths.

Ciel Patenaude is an integrative health & shamanic practitioner based in Williams Lake, BC. A highly trained and naturally gifted intuitive healer, Ciel holds a BSc in Biology, an MA in Integrative Healing, and is a certified yoga teacher & wellness coach.

Rocky Mountain Books is pleased to announce our list of titles for fall 2017, including these great new books on mountain culture, outdoors, and the environment: Mountain Culture Art of Freedom: The Life and Climbs of Voytek Kurtyka by Bernadette McDonald.

A profound and moving biography of one of the international climbing world‘s most respected, complicated, and reclusive mountaineers.

Honouring High Places: The Mountain Life of Junko Tabei by Junko Tabei, with Helen Rolfe.

A collection of personal stories and reflections based on the memoirs of Junko Tabei, the first woman to climb Mount Everest and the Seven Summits.

Environment Carbon Play: The Candid Observations of a Carbon Pioneer by Robert Falls.

An insider‘s look at the complex, inspiring, and surprisingly entertaining world of international negotiations, technology, and diplomacy relating to the carbon industry, environmental management, and climate mitigation.

The Hard Work of Hope: Managing the Global Crisis at the Nexus of Water, Food, Energy, and Biodiversity in a Changing Climate by Robert William Sandford and Dr. Jon O’Riordan.

The Climate Nexus (RMB, 2015) analyzed and explored the economic and social realities facing water, food, energy, and bio-

diversity. The Hard Work of Hope continues this narrative and seeks to develop effective solutions to the growing urgency for global action on climate change.

Days of Rivers Past: Reflections on British Columbia‘s Recreational Steelhead Fishery by Robert Hooton.

Personal and professional thoughts on some of British Columbia‘s iconic steelhead rivers, along with considerations on the possible futures these streams face in an era of declining habitat, recreational pressure, and a changing climate.

Outdoor Recreation Backcountry Avalanche Safety: A Guide to Managing Avalanche Risk (Revised and Updated) by Tony Daffern.

Essential reading for all outdoor enthusiasts who venture into mountainous terrain where avalanches are common.

Full details, cover images, and interior samples can be found at https://bnccatalist.ca/ viewcatalogue.aspx?id=19022.

Science Matters: By David Suzuki

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n 1926, US automaker Henry Ford reduced his employees‘ workweek from six eight-hour days to five, with no pay cuts. It‘s something workers and labour unions had been calling for, and it followed previous reductions in work schedules that had been as high as 84 to 100 hours over seven days a week.

Ford wasn‘t responding to worker demands; he was being a businessman. He expected increased productivity and knew workers with more time and money would buy and use the products they were making. It was a way of spurring consumerism and productivity to increase profits—and it succeeded. Ford, then one of America‘s largest employers, was ahead of his time— most workers in North America and elsewhere didn‘t get a 40-hour workweek until after the Second World War. Since standardization of the 40-hour workweek in the mid-20th century, everything has changed but the hours. If anything, many people are working even longer hours, especially in North America.

This has severe repercussions for human health and well-being, as well as the environment.

Until the Second World War, it was common for one person in a household, usually the oldest male, to do wage work full time. Now women make up 42 per cent of Canada‘s full-time workforce. Technology has made a lot of work redundant, with computers and robots doing many tasks previously performed by humans. People get money from bank machines, scan groceries at automated checkouts, and book travel online. Many people now spend most or all of their workdays in front of a computer.

Well into the 21st century, we continue to work the same long hours as 20th century labourers, depleting ever more of Earth‘s resources to produce more goods that we must keep working to buy, use, and replace in a seemingly endless cycle of toil and consumerism.

It‘s time to pause and consider better ways to live.

Like shifting from fossil-fuelled lifestyles, with which our consumer-based workweeks are connected, it would have

been easier to change had we done so gradually. In 1930, renowned economist John Maynard Keynes predicted people would be working 15-hour weeks within 100 years. We‘re clearly not on track to achieve that. As we reach the combined tipping points of overpopulation, resource overexploitation, environmental degradation, and climate change, we may no longer have the luxury of taking our time to make necessary changes.

Rather than reducing work hours to spur consumerism, as Henry Ford did, we must reduce both. We have to get beyond outdated notions and habits like planned obsolescence, excessive packaging, and production of too many unnecessary goods.

The UK think tank New Economics Foundation argues that a standard 21-hour workweek would address a number of interconnected problems: ―overwork, unemployment, over-consumption, high carbon emissions, low well-being, entrenched inequalities, and the lack of time to live sustainably, to care for each other, and simply to enjoy life.‖ It points out, ―the logic of industrial time is out of step with today‘s conditions, where instant communications and mobile technologies bring new risks and pressures, as well as opportunities.‖ Economist David Rosnick, author of a 2013 Center for Economic and Policy Research study on work hours and climate change, argues that reducing average annual hours by just 0.5 per cent per year through shorter workweeks and increased

T

housands (if not millions) of emails and phone calls later, we are finally ready to announce the lineup of Arts on the Fly's 2017 summer festival. Not one to shy away from diversity (or exaggeration), this may be the widest assortment of musical styles for an Arts on the Fly to date.

Without further ado: Bluegrass: Two of Vancouver's premiere bluegrass bands will be holding it down at this year‘s festival. You may have caught the banjoguitar-bass virtuosity of the Devon Wells Trio at the Medieval Market this past winter. They happened to be in the neighborhood touring a brand new record and stopped in to Williams Lake to deliver a mind-blowing afternoon set. Joining the trio is the renowned Viper Central. Mainstays of the Rio Theatre‘s East Van Opry, these cats deliver a mix of Canadian roots, traditional American Bluegrass, Métis, Country, Rockabilly, and Old-time music.

Roots: For the sake of saving space, allow me to pack a huge swath of roots influenced artists into this single category. These artists borrow from roots, rock, folk, country, and any of those styles that blend earthy acoustic instrumentation with bootstomping electrified rhythms. Artists include: Khari Wendell McClelland, Lydia Hol, Twin Peaks, Kym Gouchie, Wooden Horsemen, Real Ponchos, Robbie Bankes, Rusty Ford, Sarah Jane Scouten, Marin Patenaude, Leathan-

Photo courtesy of Arts on the Fly

Milne, Colin Easthope, Frontal Lobotomy, Big Fancy, Rowan Dolighan, Malcolm Jack, Molly Lamb, James Green, M Lund, Jenny Robert, and more.

Rock: If you lean towards the heavier end of the spectrum, we have you covered. Rock acts include Sam Tudor (that‘s right; he‘s a rock act now), Sundown Spell, DebraJean and the Dreams, Drum and Bell Tower, Cole Patenaude Band, One Below, Kitty and the Rooster, Red Monkey Black King, and more.

Jazz: Company B Jazz Band will be back at Arts on the Fly due to extreme audience demand. We are also ecstatic to have Pugs and Crows return. Two exceptional acts we are stoked to welcome for the first time are Mngwa and the Gabriel Palatchi Trio. Gabriel Palatchi Trio made a huge impression on the BC summer festival

scene last year, when they absolutely blew the roof of ArtsWells with two high energy sets of dance-oriented jazz music. The trio blends Latin jazz, west coast hip hop, and virtually every other variety of dance music, with an intensity that gets your blood pumping, and the floorboards bouncing.

Vancouver‘s Mngwa mesh cumbia, afrobeat, reggae, and hip hop, with a beat that doesn‘t quit. Also, they sing in four languages.

As if that wasn‘t enough, we also have Wallgrin throwing down a set of her operatic future-folk music. Wallgrin (aka Tegan Wahlgren) is still among my favorite artists to play the Safety Meeting concert series. This gal is freakin‘ incredible.

Holding down the hip hop end of the spectrum are Cariboo lovelies Beka Solo and Rich Mac. Also Jesaja Class will be back to perform magic.

vacation would ―likely mitigate onequarter to one-half, if not more, of any warming which is not yet locked-in.‖ Beyond helping break the cycle of constant consumption and allowing people to focus on things that matter – like friends, family, and time in nature – a shorter workweek would also reduce rush-hour traffic and gridlock, which contribute to pollution and climate change. It could help reduce stress and the health problems that come from modern work practices, such as sitting for long hours at computers. And it would give people more options for family care. (David Suzuki Foundation employees enjoy a four-day workweek.)

A transition won‘t necessarily be easy, but it‘s time we stopped applying 20th century concepts and methods to 21st century life. Economic systems that require constant growth on a finite planet don‘t make sense. The fact that the world‘s richest 62 people now have more wealth than the poorest half of the world‘s population is absurd and tragic.

It‘s time for a paradigm shift in our economic thinking.

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. David Suzuki’s latest book is Just Cool It!: The Climate Crisis and What We Can Do (Greystone Books), co-written with Ian Hanington. Learn more at www.davidsuzuki.org.

Adult weekend passes are available now for just $60 ($55 for youth or seniors; under 12 are free). Of course, daily passes are available if you can‘t commit to the whole weekend. Purchase passes at www.artsonthefly.com, at the Bean Counter in Williams Lake, or at Clarke‘s General Store in Horsefly.

More information, including info about our famous vendor market, Kid Zone, workshops, and dance programming, is up on our website now. Follow us on Facebook at Arts on the Fly or keep an eye on the website to stay up to date.

See you on the Fly!

By Leah Selk

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Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food‖ - Hippocrates Many of you may know me as a fixture in the local arts community. I grew up as ―that artsy girl‖ among peers, went away to art schools, and returned to play a role in arts administration and in furthering the development of the arts through my employment and involvement with various area arts organizations. While the arts are still a major part of my life, and always will be, I‘m now finding myself on a new and different path going forward.

I‘ve recently enrolled in a natural nutrition diploma program, which will see me engaging with the community as a Registered Holistic Nutritionist in about two years‘ time. This is a drastic shift for me in some ways, but is also something I feel I‘ve been gravitating towards since settling back into the Cariboo nine years ago. I found myself struggling with various health issues and never finding answers, other than another prescription in my hand for drugs that would inevitably cause more health issues. It was time to start taking some responsibility for myself – mind, body, and spirit – and to consider the root causes of my problems rather than just attempting to treat the symptoms (and only creating more symptoms!) What I sought mostly, though, was empowerment.

Gardening, and an interest in food security, found its way into my life around the same time. I grew to learn the importance of organic, fresh, local, and seasonal food; of wo r ki ng wi th t he rhythms of the Earth in a glorious harmony; of finding connection, grounding, and balance in ways I‘d never thought possible; and, of pure joy and awe in watching life unfold before my eyes. Nature provides an abundance of resources – food, medicine, materials, lessons, hope – if we choose to listen, respect, and utilize them.

Like the Earth, our bodies have a remarkable capacity to heal themselves. Society has attuned us to living a high-stress and highly-processed lifestyle, almost as if it were an achievement of sorts. We all know some folks who wear their exhaustion and busyness like badges of honour.

But at what cost? We are working more than ever, while rates of cancer and cardiovascular disease continue to soar, despite being primarily preventable. It‘s certainly not too late to consider how we treat our bodies and minds, as well as the Earth, and to take preventative and proactive measures for health, happiness, and vitality.

As individuals, each of us is biochemically distinct and has unique nutritional needs. There is no cure-all, and no quickfix diet (sorry!). That Atkins diet that works so well for your neighbour may be horribly detrimental to your own health.

This is where holistic nutrition comes in, where we assess and adapt your own unique needs to fully address body, mind, and spirit, and to give you the tools you need to obtain your own sense of empowerment. Foods are extremely important, but

Leah in her garden.

Photo: Froese and Co Photography

it is also important to look at how we handle other aspects of our lives, such as stress, sleep, emotions, and relationships.

Our nature is to be healthy and happy.

Identifying what‘s causing a disturbance to our innate health and happiness is the key.

I find health and happiness in the soil.

Recent studies show that the microbes in the dirt actually help to battle depression, along with the therapy that comes with gardening itself (exercise, a sense of accomplishment, fresh air – it‘s all good).

The bounty is a blessed bonus!

Growing my own food increases those good feelings exponentially, especially when it‘s the middle of February and I‘m mixing up a crock of homemade kimchi with homegrown veggies—to me, that is nourishment and empowerment at its finest.

As we head into summer, may you be blessed with your own bounty (either homegrown or through supporting our many local growers and producers). Eating locally ensures the freshest, and therefore most nourishing and flavourful foods, and decreases our footprint by reducing excess transportation and packaging. Supporting our local economy is a good thing. Summer is also a great time to try eating in season as there is no shortage of selection and availability. Meals should consist of lots of fresh fruits and veggies, which support the need to keep cool and hydrated.

And don‘t forget to drink lots of good, clean water.

It is my hope to share this passion with the community through sharing my knowledge of building, growing, harvesting, storing, cooking, and eating a garden. May we ever keep cultivating.

Leah Selk grew up in Williams Lake and holds a diploma in Visual Arts from Camosun College and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia University. She is currently studying with the Canadian School for Natural Nutrition, and has a passion for the arts, gardening, and fermenting all the foods.

By Veronica Meldrum

T

he Yunesit‘in Government recently began training community members in the operation of a portable saw mill as part of the Forest to Frame project. This project strives to provide employment opportunities within the community by actively involving Yunesit‘in people from the ―Forest‖ stage of harvesting to the ―Frame‖ stage of constructing community buildings using beetle-attacked Douglasfir from the Tsilhqot‘in territory. ―We believe that the local forest should benefit our community,‖ said Chief Russell Myers-Ross.

When first elected, Myers-Ross knew that action needed to be taken to address the lack of housing and related housing issues in his community. ―There was no funding.

There was no ratified housing policy,‖ explained Myers-Ross. ―There was essentially no housing co-ordinator to handle the housing portfolio.‖ In addition to this, there was limited capacity within the community to assist with home maintenance.

In an effort to address these issues, the Yunesit‘in Government initiated the First Nations Construction Industry Education program. The intention of this program is to help community members obtain the skills required to construct community buildings.

So far, they have built a new health centre and are currently working on a gymnasium to accompany the school and act as a social gathering space. They have also made pro-

Anthony Billyboy, a pleased participant in the sawmill training provided by the Yunesit’in Government. Sawmill training instructor Darryl Fincham taking a lumber measurement during the sawmill training provided by the Yunesit’in Government. Photos: James Smith

gress with the housing portfolio: as of 2016, the community now has a housing policy, housing committee, and housing coordinator.

Now, the Yunesit‘in Government is training community members to manufacture wood products for their housing program. During the most recent training session, participants received hands-on instruction regarding sawmill safety and operation. ―Hands on training is always fun!‖ said Yunesit‘in participant Aaron Frank. He also believes that the Forest to Frame project will help his community—a sentiment he shares with many of the other trainees, who take pride in the wood products they have created.

―We can turn all the lumber into building houses, building schools, and pretty much building anything you can live in,‖ explained Pascal Quilt, another participant in the training.

For now, the Yunesit‘in sawmill is located at the Toosey Old School Training & Recreation Complex. This is an interim location for the sawmill as a decisionmaking process regarding where to locate the mill in Yunesit‘in is underway.

The sawmill training was developed by Darryl Fincham, a sawyer with HarropProcter Forest Products, a small sawmill operation located in the Kootenay region, and is being delivered by both Fincham and his assistant, Rami Rothkop, the mill manager at Darryl‘s workplace. The logs that

the trainees are using were harvested by the Yunesit‘in forestry crew, under the supervision of Ryan Grady, an RPF working for the Yunesit‘in Government. For more information regarding the training or the Forest to Frame project, contact Yunesit‘in Councillor Gabe Pukacz at (250) 394-4041.

Veronica Meldrum is a Yunesit’in community member who is currently in Grade 12 at Lake City Secondary School. She interviewed trainees and developed material for this article as it presented her an opportunity to practice her communication skills prior to beginning her studies at the University of British Columbia Okanagan campus.

By Diane Dunaway

I

n Part One of my report about the Bee Audacious gathering held last December in San Marin County, California, I related the experience as part travelogue. Once home, processing the conference was surprisingly challenging.

At the best of times expectations can be unrealistic; compound that with words like ―audacious‖ and the pressure‘s on. I suspect that most change is gradual and insidious. It sneaks up on you!

How, then, to relay the messages of the Bee Audacious conference with sincerity and action? There was much agreement about the state of bee and pollinator affairs before the conference. What did we accomplish? Did we simply go through the motions? Did the conference make a difference?

There‘s so much grey area in what we do as beekeepers, so many variables. Beekeeping is as much an art as a science. Recent statistics show the dropout rate is up to 80 per cent within the first two years of keeping bees. Folks come to it with best intentions that don‘t always align with the amount of time they can devote to education and husbandry. How do you broach this with a new or ―wanna bee‖ beekeeper who is super keen yet already slightly lost? As an apiary inspector, how do I tow the party line, while at the same time responsibly share themes from the conference that include survival of the fittest?

Over the holidays I mulled over what we‘d accomplished at Bee Audacious and what‘s needed to see this through. For sure things weren‘t perfect. Human nature has a way of rearing its complicated head. Unlike democratic, altruistic bees, we did observe bias creep in the focus groups; there was a hierarchy among participants, and agreement wasn‘t absolute. At times, we felt rushed. Due to this, dialogue, on occasion, felt superficial. We were reminded that even if we lost faith in the format, themes would emerge. Indeed, like honey bees we were encouraged to look at matters with the thought that our shared knowledge was equivalent to that of a super organism, a colony of bees.

As part of our connectivity, each participant departed with a signed commitment— something to enact towards the goal of sustained bee, beekeeper, and pollinator health.

Some of my assumptions were turned upside down. In agricultural extension work, we talk about Best Management Practices or BMPs. How does one integrate these when diversity in management is considered a strength? One way is in changing the phrase to: Beneficial Management Practices.

More answers came in the New Year. A friend and I decided last fall to develop an Intermediate Beekeeping course for those who had the basics down but wanted to advance their skills. Between the two of us, both Bee Masters with over 60 years combined beekeeping experience, we collaborated to distil umpteen hours of professional development through conferences, lectures, and courses.

(Left) Honey bee worker on an apricot blossom. (Right) Bee Master John Gates lifts frame with bars of grafted queen bee cells from a hive as students look on. Photos: Diane Dunaway

You‘d think putting a course together would be easy. Wrong! There‘s so much information out there, much of it contradictory. A seasonal approach seemed a sensible place to start. To get away from textbook, cookie-cutter, instructions, we endeavored to weave climate-specific experiences into the curriculum. As another layer, I included written material that invites change, like Mark Winston‘s Manifesto that sets out to challenge how we perceive our relationship to bees and how we manage them, plus Tom Seeley‘s Bee Audacious musings. Seeley‘s summary about a Darwinian approach will be published this spring in the American Bee Journal, our industry standard for research publications.

I also included Marla Spivak‘s TED Talk, ―Why Bees Are Disappearing‖ in my two introductory courses to shore up new beekeepers with a backgrounder for the inevitable queries they‘ll have from friends and family once they announce their entry into this pastime.

And as part of the delivery of the Intermediate Beekeeping course we had the opportunity to present alternatives to common practices. The Bee Audacious conference proved there‘s plenty of room for improvement in what we‘re doing. It encourages dialogue and exploration, and reminds us not to be dismissive of diverse approaches. I added a section about pollinator advocacy to the curriculum. For instance, a reminder to encourage the planting of untreated pollinator-friendly plants and trees.

At the end of March the Final Report was posted on the Bee Audacious website: http://beeaudacious.com/wp -content/ u p l o a d s / 2 0 1 7 / 0 4 / BA_Final_Reportv1.8.2opt.pdf ―The perspective that evolved during the meeting was that it is not business as usual today for bees, beekeeping, and pollination, and current challenges will require some novel solutions,‖ says the report. ―In that spirit, the conference attempted to develop audacious ideas that would not only inspire discussion among all those interested in the health and welfare of pollinators, but also respect the diverse interests and perspectives in the bee-related community.‖ In my home apiary, I continue to monitor for disease and pests, observe hygienic behavior, and look for natural resistance in my bees. Several years ago, I turned to organic beekeeping. Now it's time to step up and look for genetic traits that hold hope for sustainable, locally produced bee stock.

These, in addition to qualities like overwintering ability, temperament (set by the queen), and honey production. I intend to

make time to breed from my best bees this summer. I‘ll evaluate the offspring over time and if they‘re expressing desirable traits will eventually offer this stock within our community.

It‘s not realistic to expect every trait in one line of bees; there will always be tradeoffs. For example, the USDA identified a particularly fierce bee with extreme Varroa Sensitive Hygiene (VSH) abilities. These bees were fondly called ankle-biters, as they‘d tear apart mites from limb from limb.

However, the very same ankle-biters proved notoriously lacking in the honey collection department. Fortunately, science is working to find biomarkers that will take some of the guess work out of stock selection. This, combined with keen observations in the field, gives us hope. There will be less reliance on chemical interventions and fewer susceptible bees.

Since coming home from San Francisco in mid-December it‘s been a non-stop immersion back into bees and beekeeping— something I hadn‘t anticipated, but wouldn‘t trade for the world. Teaching demands even greater attention to detail; it makes you examine the whys and hows with a fresh perspective. I have a renewed respect for those who teach for a living.

In May, we hosted 21 beginner beekeepers along with their families and friends on our farm for a hands-on field day. I‘m acutely aware of how impressionable these students are, and how they long for black and white answers. This is balanced with the need to set them and their soon-to-be acquired bees up for success. Whether or not these individuals become lifelong beekeepers, they will be armed with an appreciation of the complexity of our little winged friends and how incredibly rewarding the gentle art of beekeeping can be.

Diane Dunaway has kept bees for over 20 years. A bee master since 2001, and apiary inspector since 2015, she’s run up to 100 colonies from her Bee Happy Honey farm in the Soda Creek Valley of the Cariboo. A believer in lifelong learning, Diane is active with bee-keen neighbourhood kids, her local bee club, and educational opportunities from afar. When she’s not chasing swarms around the countryside, Diane can be found at home with Dave – her husband of 25 years – and their menagerie of dogs, cats, horses, chickens, ducks, and donkey, Fanny.

You Can Make a Difference!

Here are ways to support local efforts and our pollinator populations:

        

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Use honey in place of sugar as your sweetener of choice.

Buy local honey and hive products at a fair market price.

Learn to love dandelions.

Add bee-friendly plants to your garden.

Differentiate between honey bees and wasps.

Provide clean water for bees and other pollinators.

Reduce lawn mowing, and setting your mower at a higher cutting level.

Advocate for bee-friendly by-laws.

Educate others about honey bee pollination; a third of our food supply needs it. Pollination is worth ten times the economic value of honey.

Don‘t use pesticides. If you must, please use fast-acting, short-residual options, and apply at dusk when pollinators are least active.

Become a beekeeper, if you can commit to a lifetime of learning and have the time.

Thank you!

David Setah and Chief Roger William teach horsemanship during Naghtaneqed School’s Culture Week in mid-May. Horse culture is a fundamental building block for youth self-esteem in the Xeni Gwet’in community. Photo: Sage Birchwater

By Sage Birchwater

F

or the past 30 years, Naghtaneqed School in remote Nemiah Valley has held a culture week in mid-May that involves all the children in the school and many elders and volunteers in the community.

This unique program initiated by Marty Solomon and June Williams in 1987 was created to preserve the traditions and cultural knowledge of XeniGwet‘in and Tsilhqot‘in First Nation in a public school setting.

Over the years, other schools from across the Cariboo-Chilcotin and other parts of British Columbia have joined Naghtaneqed for these four days of cultural immersion.

This year children from neighbouring Yunesit‘in School journeyed to Nemiah Valley to take part in the activities.

The routine is simple. After recess each morning, children sign up for a range of activities that includes beading, dreamcatcher making, rope braiding, mini drummaking, rock painting, archery, horseshoeing, horse management, smoking and preserving meat, wild potato harvesting, outdoor survival skills, traditional toy-making, Tsilhqot‘in language skills, traditional cooking, lehal stick-making, drumming, and singing.

The four days conclude with a Thursday afternoon lehal tournament.

Because of its three-decade longevity, many students who participated in the first culture weeks in the 1980s, are now parents and grandparents of students in the program today.

Jimmy Lulua was an infant when Culture Week began. This year he led the outdoor survival skills session.

He says students get alienated from the land when they spend so much time living in an urban environment and become so engrossed in their handheld devices. ―Outdoor survival skills is simply a matter of teaching kids a common sense understanding of the land,‖ Lulua says. ―We show them how and where to build a fire, where to build a good campsite, and give them pointers so they can survive in the bush.‖

Over the years XeniGwet‘in elder Eileen William has taught students how to tan deer hides. Though she didn‘t offer that activity this year, she says this is an important skill that can easily become lost if students don‘t practise it. This year she taught students how to braid rope out of haystring.

Her underlying message to students was to practice patience and finish what you start.

Aaron Plahn is a digitization technician employed by the Tsilhqot‘in National Government. He brought several handheld Android devices equipped with interactive Tsilhqot‘in language apps for the children to check out. The voice of language specialist Bella Alphonse articulates the correct pronunciation of Tsilhqot‘in words as children use the devices to play language games.

Lillian Underwood travelled to Nemiah Valley for Culture Week from Saanich on Vancouver Island with her 13-year-old daughter Asheya and 13-year-old niece, Hope. Her husband, Harvey, is chief of the Tsawout First Nation. Lillian is full of praise for the program that teaches the fundamentals of Tsilhqot‘in culture in the Nemiah Valley school.

She says the contrast between coastal traditions and those of the Tsilhqot‘in people helps broaden the perspective of the students.

A few years ago, students from Bowen Island participated in Naghtaneqed Culture Week. Then students from Nemiah Valley reciprocated and drove down to the coast to visit the kids at their school on Bowen Island.

Horse culture in Nemiah Valley remains strong. David Setah and Chief Roger William instruct the students about the fundamentals of horsemanship and how to properly look after tack and saddles. Roger demonstrates how it is safer to stand next to a horse if it decides to kick rather than further away.

David explains the different types of saddles a rider can choose—a light saddle for barrel racing and mountain racing; a heavy saddle for roping and working stock.

Both domesticated and wild horses dominate the Nemiah Valley landscape. High up on the mountainside, wild horses can be spotted. All up the valley, herds of tame

horses can be seen foraging on the flush of spring grass.

Students look forward to participating in the annual week-long horseback and wagon trip from Nemiah Valley to the Williams Lake Stampede in late June. It could be argued that this tradition is a natural offshoot of Naghtaneqed School Culture Week where age-old cultural practices have been encouraged and supported for 30 years.

Dedicated school staff, community volunteers and a buy-in by the school district

allow this unique program to continue. The positive results are very evident.

Sage Birchwater moved to the CaribooChilcotin in 1973. He spends his time freelancing, authoring books, and with Caterina, hanging out with their dog and cat, gardening, and being part of the rich cultural life that is the Cariboo-Chilcotin Coast.

By Tera Grady

R

esidents who receive curbside recycling collection have the convenience of mixing their fibre and container packaging and printed paper items together. However, did you know that foam packaging (Styrofoam), plastic bags, and glass are not allowed in curbside collection? These items need to be collected separately and taken to a Recycle BC depot. In Williams Lake, the Recycle BC depot is located at the Frizzi Road transfer station; in 100 Mile House, residents can use Gold Trail Recycling.

Recycle BC is the organization that provides depot and curbside recycling in the Cariboo. They are a non-profit organization responsible for residential packaging and printed paper (PPP) recycling throughout British Columbia. The producers of PPP, such as grocery stores, retailers, and restaurants, fund Recycle BC. This means consumers are now paying for recycling rather than taxpayers.

Local governments can partner with Recycle BC to become collectors of PPP. By partnering with Recycle BC, local governments have committed to collect PPP items as prescribed in their contract, which is the reason the contamination in curbside material concerns the Cariboo Regional District (CRD), the City of Williams Lake, and the District of 100 Mile House.

We recently completed an audit of curbside recycling in a CRD community and found that 63 per cent of households had some type of ―contamination‖ in their recycling. Contaminating items are any items not included in the Recycle BC PPP curbside program. This includes foam packaging, plastic bags, glass, electronics,

toys, hangers, pots and pans, scrap metal, clothing, food, yard waste, and pet waste.

Many people have questions about deposit beverage containers. While glass containers are always contamination, Recycle BC does not consider non-glass deposit beverage containers as contamination.

However, if deposit beverage containers are disposed of in curbside recycling, the deposit money is not recovered. The deposit money will not go towards supporting a local bottle depot, assisting a needy charity, or putting money back in your pocket.

Encorp Pacific and the Brewers Recycling Container Collection Council are the stewardship agencies who charge deposits on beverage containers. If deposit beverage containers are not returned to a depot, these companies keep the deposits. Please consider returning your deposit containers for the refund or donating them to a charity of your choice.

Do your part to put a stop to contamination in Recycle BC‘s curbside and depot recycling programs. For more information visit recyclebc.ca, visit the Recycling Council of BC at rcbc.ca or call them at 1800-667-4321 with specific questions.

Join the Cariboo Regional District by resolving to become waste wise and make a difference. Learn more by following us on Facebook at facebook.co m/ caribooregion, visiting us online at cariboord.ca, or looking for our waste wise articles in your local paper. For more information on the Waste Wise Program, call (250) 398-7929. You can also find more details on Waste Wise activities and events at ccconserv.org.

WIN A TRAVEL MUG

Email talktrash@cariboord.ca and tell us where you recycle your glass, foam packaging, and plastic bags (or how you avoid these items so you don‘t have to recycle them).

The first five emails will receive a free Cariboo Cares re-usable travel mug!

By David Zirnhelt

T

he context for this, the third of three articles for TheGreenGazette, is, how do we try to feed the world that, through industrialization and urbanization, is challenged to distribute our abundance?

I would say the solutions to a world that produces enough food, but doesn‘t get the distribution correct, lie in a complex realigning of the culture of modern farming. To do this we must delve deep into ―traditional practices‖ and ask the reductionist (breaking things down into simple and controllable with few variables being examined) science to become more holistic (looking at the many variables and assumptions within food production) in analyzing these practices as well as ―modern‖ practices.

At its simplest, the solution to the problem of having unintended consequences to the application of new technologies and products in agriculture lies in carefully gardening more and better on a finite amount of intensively managed land; and, better stewarding the extensive land base (85 per cent of farmland in Canada is pasture, not cropland, according to the 2016 census of agriculture) that needs to be kept ecologically intact where mimicking nature is the watchword.

An example of this is the maintenance of most of our grasslands in this region in natural condition: all the parts being there to allow succession to later seral (development/evolutionary) stages. In other words, if we manage, letting nature takes it course, there are no human-made obstacles to evolutionary processes. Much of the world‘s savannah and grasslands have been seriously altered but often not beyond recovery if appropriately managed grazing takes place, respecting a wide variety of species on the land. Complexity of plant communities appears to be helpful to the health of the soil and the animals dependent on it.

On the intensively managed land base with the better soils (of which we have little in BC so we need to enhance it by our cultural practices) we can add composted

T

he devastating diagnosis of an incurable, debilitating disease does not ordinarily form the starting point of a triumphant story. This, however, is a triumphant story. Heidi Redl was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2004 and immediately chose to fight the disease with the only tools available to her: sheer stubbornness and courage.

Growing up on a pioneer ranch in the rough and dusty days of the late 1960s and the 1970s, Redl learned at a young age to be self-reliant and tenacious. Life as a rancher had given her the courage she would need to bravely and persistently fight back against this chronic disease that now affects 2.5 million people worldwide.

But nothing in her previous experiences could fully prepare her to live with an equally tenacious enemy.

In A Quiet Roar, Redl shares the struggles and triumphs in her uphill battle with

Photo: Igor Stevanovic/www.123rf.com/Id 56956335

materials and soil amendments such as mined calcium, potash, and phosphorus, which are slowly released rather than using quick fix, short-lived. We can and should employ diverse cover crops, which bring up nutrients and fix other nutrients from the air.

As for our farming cultural practices, we need to treat large farms as they were gardens, thereby getting more food from less land, but paying attention to healthy soils‘ need to have their biology ―fed‖ thus allowing the fixing of 95 per cent of the plants‘ needs from ―thin air‖.

In short, we need to increase the amount of carbon stored in agricultural land. This is essentially organic matter. Soils in much of North America, certainly in BC, are low in organic matter. Topsoil can be richer by way of our cultural practices, or it can be depleted. Water storage capacity is enhanced by increasing the amount of black carbon in the soil. Close to six molecules of water will stick to every molecule of carbon.

Practices like holistic management of livestock on the land, mimicking the historical grazing of wild animals, can achieve the twin goals of more carbon and more water storage. Resting the land after grazing is important to this process.

Holism in management also has other components added to the ecological stewardship. Holism looks at people as part of the ecosystem, and importantly, as primary determinants of healthy land.

So, the people who farm must be looked after. That is the role of a good farm manager.

The farming business must be good for the farmer as well as good for the land. And to stay operating on the land the business of farming must be managed profitably without depleting the soil‘s ability to continue for generations to come (some say we must make decisions for seven generations).

Good farming is good for the people doing it and their communities. It works as a business that is profitable and the business works for the people. The cows work

multiple sclerosis. To survive, Redl must first learn to trust and rely on other people for the help she would need in the new reality of her daily life.

This compelling and honest memPhoto: Lexie Redl oir is a record of her struggle against the physical challenges of living with a progressive disease but also of the support and incredible friendships she found along the way.

Heidi Redl lives and writes with multiple sclerosis in Williams Lake, BC. Her columns and stories have appeared in Canadian Cowboy Country magazine, in the MS Kamloops Chapter newsletter, in Canadian Geographic, and in Maclean’s

magazines. She continues to write, to teach writing, and to struggle against the effects of MS in her life with the help of her husband, Tom, and her family.

The book is available at the Open Book bookstore in Williams Lake, at Books & Co in Quesnel and Prince George, and online at Amazon.ca. Paperback price: $22.95.

Visit HeidiRedlAuthor.com or Facebook at Heidi Redl Author for more information.

Heidi will be doing a book tour throughout the region including: May 24 in Williams Lake at The Open Book, 7 p.m.; May 31 100 Mile House, Nuthatch Books 11 a.m.–2 p.m.; June 1 Quesnel, Books & Co 10 a.m.–2 p.m.; June 2 Prince George, Books& Co (Voltaire Cafe) 10 a.m.–2 p.m.; and, June 6 Kamloops, Public Library 6:30–8 p.m.

for the business, not the other way around.

The farmer doesn‘t work for the cows.

All of this must be in balance. ―Happy,‖ healthy cows make good business.

Finally, we must pay attention to the human culture in farming. Culture is both our values and our behaviour. We have to pass on knowledge and skills that work for agriculture. We have to pay attention to our observation skills, as that is how traditional cultures have sustained themselves.

Science can build on our observation skills, but in the end, we have to read the land and the animals and stay skilled at that.

Technology and the impacts of technology need to be put in perspective. We have to ask the question: is new technology (or products) functional to where we want to go or is it dysfunctional? If it helps, then we should use it. We have to control technology not the other way around. Sometimes we just do something because it is possible, not because it is the right thing to do. We do have a fascination with new things (and places) and that is what leads to innovation. But practices that have stood the test of time for sustaining our population and civilization should be conserved: rotational grazing and crop rotation, for instance. Good ongoing education for farmers can help achieve critical thinking applied to our technology.

Unlike the early agrarians who believed their way was the only way (for redemption?), modern agrarians embrace the diversity of other cultures and believe that ―others‖ are compatible with a civilization that cares about sustaining this one, wonderful earth we are borrowing from our children.

David and his family ranch in the Beaver Valley where their boys have a small sawmill that supplies their Zirnhelt Timber Frame construction business at 150 Mile House. David served in government as an elected representative for 11 years, two of them serving as Minister of Agriculture in BC. He chairs the Industry Advisory Committee to the Thompson Rivers University Applied Sustainable Ranching Program.

By Oliver Berger

W

e see them everywhere.

Utensils, stir sticks, disposable cups, plates, plastic bags, and even six-pack rings labelled compostable, biodegradable, earth-friendly, photo-degradable… what does all of this mean?

From a scientific stand point, I have discovered it is important to be aware that the terms ―biodegradable,‖ ―compostable,‖ and ―disintegration‖ are not the same. The key differences between these terms are time and end result.

For biodegradation and disintegration, there is no time reference needed for decomposition or the type of physical and chemical qualities of the end product produced through decomposition. Biodegradation requires the action of naturally occurring microorganisms and the process for disintegration does not. This means that the itemis simply broken down into smaller pieces of the original material, whatever that may be.

There are two basic classes of biodegradable plastics. Bioplastics, whose components are made up of renewable raw materials like starch (eg. corn, tapioca, potato), soy, lactic acid, cellulose, etc. These materials are converted into a polymer, which gives the bioplastic product its strength. The important thing to remember about bioplastics is that they must be composted properly. An industrial or commercial composing process is required to maintain proper moisture and temperature levels to assure the process is completed with accuracy.

The other class of biodegradable plastics contains components that are made up of petrochemicals containing biodegradable additives which enhance in the decomposition process. These fall into the disintegration category, or ‗photo-degradable,‘ as you might read. Potentially, plastic breaking down into smaller pieces of plastic.

If these ‗biodegradable plastics‘ end up in landfills they can take about as long as regular plastics to decompose. Recycling is also not an option for these plastics; small amounts can contaminate processing batches and it costs recycling centers money and efficiency to sort them out.

In contrast, I most often found the term ―compostable‖ means that the material is capable of undergoing biological decomposition within a specific time period. The results are the material is visually indistinguishable in the finished compost, being broken down into carbon dioxide, water, inorganic compounds, and biomass only, and without exceeding any regulated toxicity levels.

Canada uses the standards developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The ISO‘s definition of compostable plastic is ―plastic that undergoes degradation by biological processes during composting to yield CO2, water, inorganic compounds, and biomass at a rate consistent with other known compostable materials and leave no visible, distinguishable or toxic residue.‖ On the flipside ISO also lists,― ‗biodegradable during composting‘ as synonymous with ‗compostable‘ (see definition of ―compostable plastic‖).‖ So, is the ISO saying there is no differ-

Photo: Oliver Berger holding a compostable bag at the compost station at the Potato House. Photo: Lisa Bland

ence between the words ‗biodegradable‘ and ‗compostable‘?

I am thoroughly researching this and I am still finding variations in the way people or organizations perceive these words. Marketing also uses these words to catch our attention, and there are no clear regulations to do so otherwise. It is misleading.

My answer to you is this: as you would read the ingredients of a granola bar to decide whether you want to put them into your body, so should you find out the contents of any packaging or products you‘re using before you put them into the earth.

However, with these new technologies, larger municipalities can divert significant quantities of waste from overburdened landfills since the entire waste stream could potentially be biodegradable. For us in the Cariboo-Chilcotin, with our backyard composters, recycling stations, and landfills, we must consider our options differently.

If I had to use a take away container from the local food truck I would either choose a recyclable plastic container or some sort of all-paper plate or napkin, which I could compost easily. Bring your own plate and utensils with you and carry your own reusable mug. It is still the more sustainable option.

Consider also the time, energy, and space needed to grow the completely edible foods that are used in the production process of these bioplastics. Is it a wise choice to be making packaging out of food when there are people in this world with no food to eat?

It is also important to note, there are now certified compostable resins available in the market derived from petroleum and the field of compostable plastics is constantly evolving. Does this mean we should change our thinking and get used to bits of petro products in our gardens? I know is hard to keep up so as always contact me or our local waste-wise specialists with any questions regarding the impact of your leftovers.

Oliver has a 35-year degree in life, starting out in the Spokin Lake area, spending adolescence in Williams Lake, and then venturing throughout the world on a quest of always learning new things. His priorities include dedication to and education about waste management.

By Mary Forbes, Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society

W

hile attempting to recycle have you ever thought... ―Why should I recycle when my neighbour doesn‘t

even bother?‖ ―What‘s the point? My impact is tiny compared to a giant corporation.‖ ―It‘s too late to recycle – the problems facing our species are greater than where I put my waste.‖ Whoa! Let‘s get back on track, Calamity Train!

In many Canadian jurisdictions, recycling is now the law, where noncompliance is punishable by fine. Here, we still have the benefit of choice, but that doesn‘t make it any easier. So how do we seamlessly incorporate recycling into our everyday lives, making it as automatic as wearing a seatbelt?

Think about it like this. You are making a gourmet meal and you have some products from your garden, speciality items from meat market, organic pasta from your online food buying co-operative, raw salt from the health food store, garnish from the farmers‘ market, plates from the local potters, fine locally woven linen napkins, and even beeswax candles. The works. You have put so much thought and effort into the procurement and preparation, not to mention the consumption bliss, but what about the disposal of all the packaging once the

Beth and Ava Veenkamp were two of more than 20 volunteers that picked up a total of 50 kgs of litter in downtown Williams Lake on Earth Day. Photo: Vanessa Moberg

meal is done? That‘s the part that will affect your grandchildren.

The recycling process should begin at the purchase point. Ask yourself: do I need this product? Was it sustainably manufactured or was it resource intensive? Is the packaging recyclable? And when I‘m done with this product, can it live on in a new home?

Now that summer is finally here, remember that memory is tied to smell, and the best time to make new habits is when a

By Sharon Taylor

―

Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.‖ I am always sceptical about quote attributions: John Wesley, the revolutionary Methodist preacher, probably did not write the quote above, despite the Facebook meme. It is still a good way to think about how I live my life.

“Do all the good you can” but think carefully about that ―good‖. Does it advance your own interests? Does it force others towards the ―good‖ you wish to see?

Or does it honestly meet people where they are, in their present need? It is so tempting to see only our own solution to a problem, without considering the needs of those we are seeking to help. When you find yourself thinking, ―Why don‘t they just…?‖ remember you only know a small corner of the problem, and nothing of its complications.

“By all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can” with your gifts of time, talent, or tithe (money). Not everyone can afford to donate money; not everyone has time to volunteer. Sometimes, all we can do is boost a cause‘s signal by engaging in social networks or telling others about it,

whether on social media or sitting at the coffee shop, whether at work or at the playground with your children. Compliment local businesses on Facebook instead of complaining about the selection. Look servers in the eyes and say ‗Thank you‘. Ask your co-worker about his marathon or her garden, instead of grumbling about your boss. Jump in and play with the children at the playground instead of sitting on the sidelines. Don‘t just be grateful; be the one people are grateful for.

“To all the people you can” and let that other mum sit for a few moments. Don‘t worry about that dad checking his phone.

Maybe she hasn‘t slept all week. Maybe he‘s waiting for a call about work. Maybe she is just overwhelmed and you keeping her child busy for five minutes is the only break she‘s had in too long. You don‘t know. And you don‘t need to know. When you can, choose kindness.

“As long as you ever can” and sometimes it is you. Sometimes you are exhausted, frustrated, afraid. Sometimes you need a break, or some space, or a smile, or to be left alone. Sometimes you can‘t do anybody any good. And sometimes the world can feel like a cold, empty place.

great scent can cue you. Try to combine the smell of the hot pine trees with recycling to help create that positive habit.

In addition to being pleasant, recycling should be easy and take minimal time out of your daily life. At what point in your day do you say, ―sheesh… I wish I had more to do.

I just can‘t seem to fill the day.‖ The opposite is the norm. So, recycling shouldn‘t mean you spend less time playing with your dog, or volunteering with your kids‘ hockey team, or cutting back on your favourite hobby. That‘s where WASTE BUSTERS can help.

Perhaps you‘ve been wanting to incorporate recycling into your daily routine, but need help setting up a system that works for you. Or maybe you have a family hoarder with a barn full of who-knows-what and we -might-need-it-laters including buckets of used oil, random bags of old clothes, and years worth of general pack-rattery.

WASTE BUSTERS is a recycling coaching service available at no cost to you. We also provide compost coaching.

Our team can help you design a household recycling system, offer logistical solutions, and even tell you exactly what can be recycled, where, and how. For instance, use the ―thumbs up‖ test to see if your plastic bag is recyclable—if you can stretch the bag with your thumb, it‘s recyclable. All individual yogurt containers are recyclable, but did you know the foil lids – if they can fold and stay folded – are recyclable too?

Mind… blown.

So, the next time you‘re cleaning out your woodshed, when that dark corner of mysterious stuff threatens to overwhelm, who you gonna call? WASTE BUSTERS! To set up a Waste Wise coaching session with Mary Forbes or Oliver Berger, call the

Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society at (250) 398-7929. What if it‘s just a quick question? Text Mary or, better yet, send a photo to her cell at (250) 855-8443. You can also call the Recycling Hotline at 1-800 -667-4321, or to receive GPS directions to your nearest recycling destination, download the Recycling Council of BC‘s free app: ―Recyclepedia‖.

If you‘d prefer to speak to us in person, look for us and our famous Recycle Trailer at Canada Day, the Four Directions Festival, The Car Show, Children‘s Festival, Arts Wells, Arts on the Fly, and many other community events. Our Earth Day litter pick was a great success—community volunteers picked up 50 kilograms of garbage, but only a small portion of the litter went to the landfill. Using our mobile recycling unit, we sorted and diverted most of the garbage into compost, containers, paper, and other recyclable materials. Our thanks to everyone who came out.

Now take a deep breath, smell the pine trees, and when you are ready to learn how to make home recycling easy, efficient, and second-nature, call WASTE BUSTERS. Over the years, we have discovered that individual waste diversion efforts add up.

One dedicated Cariboo-Chilcotin family of four can divert a pick-up truck box full of recyclable products every year. That‘s a lot!

Every bit helps and we‘re here to help you do those bits with a bigger picture in mind.

The Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society is a not for profit organization working with local municipalities providing inspiring and accurate environmental educational services for the community and classrooms in our region. For a detailed history, visit our website at www.ccconserv.org or our Facebook page.

I‘ve written before about the UN Sustainable Development Goals—a big idea, seeking global solutions to everything from hunger to sustainable cities and protecting the planet to peace and justice. We may feel those goals are too big for individuals to make a difference.

But we only have one chance at this life.

We only have these people around us, this community to share, this Earth to live on.

Our lives are connected, in ways we may never understand, to people in every corner of the world. Our footprint on the world matters ecologically, environmentally, socially, and personally.

Alone, I cannot protect the planet, but I can choose not to buy plants sprayed with pesticides that kill bees. I might not be able to stop the Congo River from being polluted, but I can speak up about industrial waste disposal in my community. I might not be able to stop chocolate plantations from using child slaves, but I can choose not to buy Nestle products. I can choose to buy local produce from family-owned stores rather than save a dollar at a big box store. I can choose BC products over American ones. I can support businesses that diversify our Cariboo economy so that it is not devastated when the softwood lumber dispute heats up again, as it always will.

And when I can‘t make those choices because of my location or economic situation,

I can still educate myself to make the best possible choice in my circumstances.

Will it make a difference to the big companies? Will they notice? No. But I will.

We are not victims. We are agents. We have the choice to act towards others as well as the planet in a way that reduces harm.

John Wesley may not have written the quote above, but he certainly preached on the need ―to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly‖ [Micah 6:8].

That‘s not a bad way to get through life, either.

For more information about the UN Sustainable Development Goals and BC‘s part in that movement, go to http://bccic.ca/ bc2030/.

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 works with the Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society to help newcomers to Canada settle in the Cariboo.

T

he 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. Our store is a not-for-profit cooperative owned by the very same local ranchers and farmers who sell their produce there. We are driven to connect members of the community and beyond to the local food that can be grown here in the Cariboo. As a community co-op, the purpose is to link local consumers with local producers to provide broader access to local foods on a year-round basis. We will always carry local produce first and foremost and will be bringing in items as they come into season for our producers.

All of the producers practise organic or sustainable growing methods. We carry certified organic local and external 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.

Many of you may have noticed we have an increasing amount of product in the store that is not local. Our approach has always been, and always will be, ―local first,‖ but when many locally grown and produced products are not in season or available, as a year-round store, we still want to be able to provide Co-op customers with healthy options and lots of variety.

We do this by sourcing products that are from BC as much as possible, and certified

Co-Op Greek Salad Ingredients For the Salad  2 Mackin Creek Orchards early girl tomatoes  1 Mackin Creek Farm cucumber  200 grams of Jerseyland organic grass fed feta cheese  2 Calendula and Rocks Farm green onions, finely chopped  1/2 head of Springhouse Gardens romaine lettuce

Brianna van de Wijngaard and Patrick Taylor at your friendly neighbourhood Growers Co-op Store. Photo: Lisa Bland

organic. This way, we are able to ensure that the products you buy are still regulated for organic production, and from sustainable farming operations, as much as possible. When the local growing season picks up, we will stock local first, every time.

Come by and see our fantastic selection of fresh foods all summer long and support local farmers.

Enjoy the following summer salad recipe with ingredients found at the Growers Co-op.

For the Dressing  1/2 cup of olive oil  2 teaspoons Fraser Bench Farms apple cider vinegar  2 cloves Linger Longer Lodge local garlic  1 teaspoon fresh or dried oregano from Gwynneth Nelson Gardens  1/2 teaspoon fresh or dried thyme  1 teaspoon Vancouver Island sea salt  1 teaspoon lemon juice, squeezed Method Combine salad ingredients. Combine dressing ingredients and drizzle over salad. Enjoy!

ArtsWells Vendor Village. Photo: Kent Bernadet www.kentbernadet.com

By Julie Fowler, Executive & Artistic Director of Island Mountain Arts

I

sland Mountain Arts is excited to kick off its 40th anniversary season in Wells. The organization, which began with a Summer School of the Arts in 1977, always had a big vision, looking to places like the Banff School (now Banff Centre) and Emma Lake and thinking: ―Why can‘t we do this this right here in the Cariboo?‖ Wells, with its wealth of facilities from when it was a much larger gold mining town in the 30s, 40s, and 50s, had quieted down considerably by the 70s, thus was a great prospect for an artistic retreat spot.

Always grassroots, but also very much focused on professional programs with instructors and artists coming from all over

Canada and beyond, Island Mountain Arts has hosted, exhibited, and presented an i mp r e s s i v e array of artists over its 40-year history.

This summer, IMA also features a wide array of artists with programs in painting, drawing, song-writing, singing, poetry, writing, and folk harp and cello. Most programs also have public events associated with them such as artist talks, concerts, and readings and the IMA Gallery features

Photo: Mary Matheson

Buskers playing at the ArtsWells Festival. Photo courtesy of Integris Credit Union

exhibitions all summer. Please visit our website (imarts.com) for all the artistic happenings to catch.

Of course, the biggest happening is the ArtsWells Festival Of All Things Art on the August Long Weekend (August 4–7), which celebrates its 14th season this year and promises to be another explosive weekend of music and art spread through all of Wells and Barkerville. Visit artswells.com for all the details.

If you are looking for a quieter retreat to focus on your art practice, IMA now offers a year round artist-in-residence program where artists of all mediums can book a self-directed residency, using the facilities on hand, such as the beautiful studio space at the school or performance/ recording space at the Sunset Theatre, and

staying at IMA‘s newly acquired building, ―The Nest.‖ The Nest, which is currently being renovated thanks to the provincial government Collaborative Spaces grant and support from Community Futures and Integris Credit Union, can house up to seven artists in comfortable private rooms in the heart of historic Wells. An official opening of the building with its new renovations is planned for the fall, so consider a fall or winter retreat in this beautiful creative space.

With 40 years of art in the heart of the Cariboo, there is a lot to celebrate. Please join us in Wells this summer (or anytime of year for that matter), to experience the magic of Wells and the joy of creative exploration.

By LeRae Haynes

O

ne of Williams Lake‘s best and brightest events will hit the city‘s streets on August 11. Art Walk, a unique partnership between artists and merchants, grows and expands every year. It‘s a highlight for visitors, residents, and the community as a whole.

Art Walk organizer Willie Dye, beloved local character in his paint-spattered smock, sunglasses, paint palette, and beret, has seen the event double in size in the six years that he‘s been at the helm.

A wide range of art, including painting, photography, drawing, videographers, pottery, textiles such as quilting, weaving, and carving, are displayed in local businesses, and people collect a passbook and take a tour. They enter to win a much-anticipated grand prize. ―Accessible art in our community is very important,‖ said Dye. ―A number of years ago, they were having a hearing at City Hall about whether the CRD and City would fund arts. There was a big crowd there. ―I was involved with soccer in those days, and toward the end I asked to speak.

I said, ‗Look, I‘m sorry; it‘s about fairness, too, and if you‘re prepared to support somebody to ice skate, you need to support people in the arts, too.‘‖ He works hard to match up the merchants with the artists. ―Sometimes the merchant requests a certain artist, or a certain type of art; space, size and shape is a big thing and an important part of the match,‖ he explained. ―The businesses definitely benefit— they say it‘s a magnet. The public is metal and they are drawn to the magnet. Many long-term relationships develop between merchants and artists, and it‘s good for business.‖ Businesses owners say people have walked in to see the art, and ended up buying store items and booking appointments—a great connection between the public and the merchants, because of art. ―Art Walk has grown to 63 venues last year—we don‘t lose very many from year to year,‖ said Dye. ―For the artists, it‘s a great opportunity to showcase their work, and a sizeable amount of art is sold. And there are no commission fees.

Willie Dye of Williams Lake Art Walk and Sale in front of the beautiful mural by Dwayne Davis Arts at the Cariboo Growers Co-op Store in Williams Lake. Photo: Audrey Dye

―I hear, ‗I want to do this again next year!‘ We get about 80 per cent of our artists back. In Art Walk they don‘t have to create to a theme—it‘s whatever they want to contribute and they get to display their work however they want.‖ Art Walk features artists from Sun Peaks, Merritt, Calgary, Vancouver, Quesnel, Prince George, Kamloops, and throughout the Cariboo-Chilcotin.

To find artists, Dye says sometimes he attends art shows. ―It‘s lots of word of mouth and artists knowing other artists,‖ he said, ―and sometimes I see artists on Facebook.‖ Williams Lake should definitely be proud of ArtWalk, said Dye. ―We‘re certainly getting well-known for it,‖ he said.

A well-known figure in a monk‘s costume selling fudge at the Medieval Market for many years, Dye is often around town promoting Artwalk. He has organized curl-

ing clubs, soccer events, and hockey tournaments. When he was organizing curling, they had the biggest bonspiel Williams Lake every had and when he was organizing soccer, they had the western Canadian championships here. ―For me, it‘s the event I enjoy,‖ he said, ―and now that‘s ArtWalk.‖ One of the artists featured in Art Walk 2017 is biologist Michelle Beaudry, who brings a distinct and compelling touch to the Walk, with her pressed seaweed designs.

The designs are delicate and unique, reflecting the beauty and unpredictability of the natural world.

She explained that wrack, the seaweed she uses, is left on the beach by a storm or after a high tide. ―This is a different kind of seaweed than you usually see—during storm season you get a lot more variety,‖ she said.

After suspending the fragile seaweed in water, she carefully places it on her press and dries it for two weeks. She blotches paper with a tea bag, gently positions the dried seaweed, and glosses it.

Beaudry has a Biology degree with honours from the University of Victoria. ―I actually took Marine Biology and one weekend a teaching assistant put on a little workshop on how to do this seaweed art,‖ she added. ―When I first went to school I wanted to see dolphins and whales, and there was one professor who did his PHD on one single type of seaweed. I thought, if he did that there must be something there to see.‖ She said there were labs in seaweed, which she found very interesting. ―In the ocean, it‘s suspended in water and some of them can grow a metre a day. I found them really cool,‖ she explained. ―Sea lettuce can be one or two cells thick—that makes the prettiest pressing with such intricate detail.‖ Beaudry‘s work has been displayed at Gecko Tree and the Station House Gallery Christmas market, and was at Body Connection by Joe during Art Walk last year. ―I think it‘s so important for a community to have art. It‘s a way to be creative, and sometimes you don‘t get that in everyday life,‖ she said. ―It‘s an opportunity for a community to look one step further, through someone else‘s eyes.‖ For more information about Art Walk, visit the group on Facebook at Williams Lake Art Walk and Sale, or phone (250) 398-8826.

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 Jennifer Clark

I

‘ve been living in Calgary since the beginning of December because my tiny house trailer project still needs a bathroom. Now that I‘m here, I‘ve found some great reasons to stay for a few years. I have family here, and there is inspiring work for me to do helping people grow food.

In my five months so far in Calgary, I‘ve already noticed that living in a city poses a number of challenges to simple living. The pressure to consume is absolutely everywhere, and like-minded minimalists or downsizers are a rarer breed, or just harder to find. I‘m not sure why it is so much harder to live simply here, but I swear, it is.

Despite (or maybe because of) this, there area number of different resources available to help people downsize, live a simpler lifestyle, or exist on limited incomes. While some of these might not be accessible in a rural community like Williams Lake, they might provide inspiration for projects in the Cariboo. Some methods of minimizing actually originated in rural farming communities and could be revived by enterprising Cariboo residents.

Recently I was searching the web for simple living resources in Calgary, and I came across several co-operative living projects. The general idea behind cooperative living is that individuals, couples, or families each have their own living space (a small house or condo) on the co-opowned property, but there is also a central co-op building where studios, workshops, a large kitchen, and meeting spaces are located. This can eliminate the need for artists or craftspeople to purchase equipment they require for their projects. Tools for repairs

P

erformances in the Park is the place to be on a Thursday night.

From July 6 to August 24, the Gwen Ringwood Theatre in Boitanio Park will light up each Thursday evening with awesome musical performances from 6 – 8p.m., along with food vendors, face painting, and children‘s activities. Arty the Artwalker and ArtWalk 2017 will be part of the event starting August 10.

Busker Fest 2017, organized by the Williams Lake Central Business Improvement Area (WLCBIA) and with the support of the Cariboo Regional District and City of Williams Lake via the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society, is also happening every Thursday from 12 to 4 p.m. downtown Williams Lake, prior to Performances in the Park.

Performances in the Park is a true community event. It is presented by the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society in partnership with the City of Williams Lake and the Cariboo Regional District, and is supported and sponsored by business and me-

When I was passing through Salmon Arm recently, I noticed that the Shushwap area has a toy library for children. Parents can donate outgrown toys to the library for other children to use, and sign out different ones as their kids‘ interests change.

Tool libraries offer members affordable access to shared tools—not just wood-working or home renovation tools, but also Car 2 Go is one of several car-sharing services in major cities metal working, sewing maaround the globe. Photo: Mario Roberto Duran Ortiz/ chines, auto mechanic, or Wikimedia Commons bike repair tools. They often also provide affordable acand maintenance of co-op buildings are cess to workshops on how to use the tools bought collectively and used by members they have, and how to do minor renovation projects like tiling, plumbing, or minor car when needed.

Co-ops can be great, or a challenge to or bike repairs. This type of co-operation navigate, but you don‘t need to be a co-op can be followed right back to its origin in member to do this kind of thing. A farming communities who used to share neighbourhood where my mother once lived large machinery they only needed infrehad a lawnmower and a snow blower that quently. No need for each farm to own were informally available for neighbour- something when one machine can serve the hood homeowners who helped pay for its purpose of everyone. Tools can also be maintenance. I have often borrowed tools rented from hardware stores and rental comfrom my neighbours or shared seeds and panies.

If your idea of downsizing involves garden supplies with them.

Craft guilds often operate on this same getting rid of your vehicle, there are naprincipal; establishing a shared workspace tional, commercial, car share programs like with equipment that is too large, expensive, Car2Go, or on a smaller scale, some areas or infrequently used for individual members like Nelson, BC, have independent car, or to own. In Williams Lake, the Central Cari- ride share programs of their own. The comboo Art Centre is a fantastic resource for mon thread in all of these resources is that accessing equipment, workspace, and skilled teachers in a variety of mediums, housing many groups including a Spinner, Weaver‘s and Fibre Artists Guild and the Cariboo Potters Guild.

ported and sponsored by business and media partners.

Each concert night sees between 500 and 600 spectators, rain or shine, who bring their lawn chairs and blankets or umbrellas and tarps (we are tough in the Cariboo), to enjoy the summer evenings and fantastic acts by talented local, national, and international performers.

The team behind Performances in the Park gets into high gear in November to assure a fun-packed, family-friendly series the following summer. Angela Sommer of Angelkeys Music Studio, Performances in the Park co-ordinator, said she couldn‘t make the event a success without the staff and volunteers of the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society and all their help.

The business community in Williams Lake has once again been more than generous in sponsoring the performances. We couldn‘t do it without them, so please take note of our wonderful sponsors and be sure to thank them for their support. We have again received phenomenal support from local media outlets, who are promoting and advertising our event to make sure everyone knows about it in our communities.

Come out and enjoy the great music, fun atmosphere, tasty food, and children‘s activities on Thursday nights in July and August. And, don‘t forget to bring your friends!

they are part of a larger community that exists to support you in finding ways to live the way you wish. Connecting with the community you are in is invaluable if you want to be successful at downsizing. When I got downsized, I sold most of my things through local Facebook buy and sell groups, Kijiji, and even the humble garage sale. In the process, I met some wonderful people, got inspired even more by their stories and ideas of how they would use my things, and hopefully, managed to inspire them as well.

While living simply focuses on reducing the amount of possessions we have, ensuring that the items we do buy are ones that are going to last years, or even lifetimes, is also important. By buying carefully we purchase fewer things, less frequently, and produce less waste. A good place to begin with this is a website called ―Buy Me Once‖. Check it out.

Next issue we‘ll look at resources for helping businesses keep it simple.

Jennifer Clark grew up on her family's horse and cattle ranch in the East Kootenays. She has studied sustainability issues and urban planning at Selkirk College in Castlegar, BC and the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. She is a wildland firefighter, a fanatical gardener, and has worked and taught urban gardening at garden nurseries in Metro Vancouver. Jennifer is also a talented potter, who occasionally teaches classes. On a nice day, she can be found outside, gardening, hiking, skiing, or if she’s lucky, kayaking in a borrowed kayak.

By Venta Rutkauskas

I

n a worldwide web of connectivity, how can listening bring us closer to our environment and ourselves?

The human being is both an instrument of sound making and sound receptivity. It‘s an integral part of our human design. Now here we are, seven billion strong on our planet, and if one chooses to tune in to what that might sound like, it‘s a miracle one can still discover places that are quiet.

Note that quiet and silence are two different things. Even within those ‗silent‘ places, if one practises deep, contemplative listening, a subtle din emerges. Heartbeat, pulse throb, an indoor hum of electronics, a distant bird call… The sounds that surround us are infinite, and in fact, we have mostly tuned them out.

The school of acoustic ecology was born out of a desire to explore the relationship between humans and their environment, mediated by sound. R. Murray Schafer and his team at Simon Fraser University began the World Soundscape Project, where composers and communications students began making recordings of the Vancouver soundscape as it changed and morphed into something perhaps less than desirable. By the 1970s, the composers had scored ‗music‘ out of found sounds, and were soon manipulating ambient sounds in the studio to discover a beauty otherwise unheard in real time.

With Soundscapes as our theme for 2017, the Community Arts Council of Williams Lake has begun to wax lyrical on the vibratory nature of the formless world that sound represents. Hardly alone in this quest (for millennia cultures from around the world have delved into the sacred, healing and social implications of sound), the Arts Council proposes that the commu-

Tracy Dale and Buff Carnes from the Cariboo Potters' Guild holding their handmade clay chimes.

Photo: Venta Rutkauskas

nity at large give it some thought, as well.

So far, we‘ve encouraged voice and song with Pharis Romero’s instruction, promoted the idea of developing sounds in the form of recording and producing music with Brandon Hoffman, and plugged into the rhythm and lyric of hip hop with Beka Solo and Rich Mac. Where do we go from here?

On June 22, the first annual POPS in the Park will begin a journey down the altruistic road of fundraising for The Boys and Girls Club Jumpstart Music program for youth. POPS is going to be an incredible evening of music in Boitanio Park by Williams Lake performers, bands, and choirs at the top of their game. Donations for the music program will be solicited as

By Terri Smith

T

he ‗real‘ world isn‘t easy. The things we are supposed to care about above all else don‘t always make sense to me. As a farmer, I have not been very financially successful, which by many people‘s standards means that I have not been successful at all. Farming, and market gardening in particular, does not look great on paper. My business never lost money, but neither did it really make money. Road‘s End Vegetable Company supported itself and helped to provide my household with amazing food and wonderful people. But come winter I still always needed to find another job. It has been a good life; the food we eat is fresh and vibrant and healthy, my helpers have become wonderful friends, and my animals have provided manure, food, laughter, and comfort.

But in the ‗real‘ world, these things apparently don‘t count for much. For me, success has to do with how one spends one‘s days, and how one feels about how one spends one‘s days. To me, success, when you look back on your life, has to do with the people whose lives you have

Amadeus waiting at the gate. The look in his eyes may just be hunger, but I like to think it's love! Photo: Terri Smith

touched and whose lives have touched yours. It‘s a bit of a cliché now, but like the Bohemians of the 19th century, I believe in Freedom, Beauty, Truth, and Love. These

you absorb the vibes from Quintet Plus, the Cariboo Gold Dance Band, the Cariboo Chilcotin Youth Fiddle Society (to name a few), and a host of young talent that have benefited from music instruction themselves. A barbeque provided by The Rotary Club may tempt the taste buds, while Art in the Park will be there to entertain young children. Surely, POPS in the Park is a smashing way to ring in the first days of summer.

While you find yourself strolling around our fair city this summer, open your ears and you may discover the most delightful tinkling or sonorous pealing.

The ever-prolific Cariboo Potters‘ Guild has a series of chimes in the works, beautiful and handcrafted pieces of art made especially for our city‘s enhancement in the downtown business area. ―The relaxing and joyful atmosphere the chimes will bring to our city is truly my inspiration,‖ said Jill Crosina, the Arts Council representative for the Potters‘. ―The members of the guild have spoken of the pleasant and memorable experience it will be for visitors to Williams Lake this summer as they discover the sounds and the story behind Soundscapes.‖ things are the real Reality behind reality.

And Amadeus keeps me in touch with these things.

It‘s like that old saying, ―No one ever looks back at the end of their life and says, I sure wish I‘d spent more time at the office.‖ Living rurally is hard. Farming is hard.

The wolves are always at the door (just as long as they don‘t eat Amadeus!).But Amadeus is my touchstone. I look to him, probably more than I should, to see if things are okay. There have been difficult times and will undoubtedly be more, but when I go out to his pen and see Amadeus kick up his heels and dance over to me, nuzzling my pockets for a treat and pushing his wobbly little head into my face to say hello, I feel alright. I can dig my fingers into his thick fur or pet his soft nose and be in touch with a reality that goes beyond bills that must be paid or the snobbish opinions of government employees who want to know why I‘m not making enough money by now with my seven years of postsecondary education to finish paying off my student loan.

I will get there. Slowly. One day at a time, I will get to success by this world‘s standards as well as my own. But in the meantime, and until I do, I will not let someone else‘s set of standards decide my

A chance discovery made by Community Arts Council president, Marg Evans, brings to life a series of chimes and a freestanding glockenspiel upcycled from long aluminum tubes that once populated her garage. ―Every time they were knocked over in the garage, I noticed what a beautiful racket they made,‖ observed Evans with a laugh. With the help of her husband, Don, and Murray Hoffman‘s dedication in building the glockenspiel, a new layer of sound can colour the atmosphere in areas such as the Community Garden.

It is World Soundscape Project composer Hildegard Westerkamp‘s belief that listening can be a radical act. By re-tuning our ears to our surrounding environment, we connect to the space around us, while the sounds themselves can elucidate the state of said environment. As important as music has become to our lives, Westerkamp encourages listeners to re-orient themselves to the present, to the sounds that heal or hurt, and she asks that you open your ears so that your mind may too grow receptive and curious. Project Soundscapes, then, is your local Arts Council‘ offering for your listening exploration.

To learn more about Soundscapes visit www.williamslakecommunityartscouncil.c om. Check out http://www.cbc.ca/radio/ ideas/how-opening-our-ears-can-open-ourminds-hildegard-westerkamp-1.3962163 to learn more about Hildegard Westerkamp and Acoustic Ecology.

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. She is passionate about the healing arts. See www.williamslakecommunityartscouncil.co m to learn more about CACWL and local artists.

level of success. I am successful, even if that success is only in my own eyes and in the eyes of a goat. I am successful because I know how to give and receive love. I have brought over 50 strangers from around the world into my home and most have become good friends and I have taught them about growing good food and caring for our planet, it‘s people, it‘s water, and it‘s animals—and that is a huge success.

Amadeus is alive, and he wouldn‘t be if I hadn‘t been here and that is a success. I have great relationships with my partner, my family, and my friends, and that is a wonderful success. If I died right now, I would not feel my life had been a waste simply because I own nothing much more than a greenhouse, a beat-up old truck, and a slightly handicapped goat. I have a life filled with love, I get to grow and eat wonderful food, and I have a goat who falls over with excitement when I step out the door to see him. To you, I may seem ridiculous; to me, my life is wildly successful!

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

I

have had some challenging experiences in the last little while and my mind, which thankfully has been quite calm for a number of months, was spinning, ruminating, and endlessly strategizing—basically, going in circles. And so it was that on May 6, I found myself literally walking in circles.

However, instead of contributing to a downward spiral, the action offered me a clarity and peace of mind that was unexpected and welcome. Just to be clear, I was not aimlessly wandering, disheveled and broken. I had joined with others in the parking lot of St. Andrew‘s United Church to participate in a walk for peace on World Labyrinth Day. One of the best kept secrets in Williams Lake is the painted labyrinth behind the church. The project of Maureen Margetts and Mary Trott, it has been holding space there for three years and is open for anyone to use. Labyrinths are uniquely sacred spaces, used from ancient times by spiritual seekers of many faith traditions in places as diverse as India, Russia, Greece, Peru, and pre-colonial North America. There are many different patterns, but the unifying concept is that there is but one path. Labyrinths are not mazes, with choices to make and possibilities of dead ends. Rather, participants follow one path to the centre and then follow the same path out again.

I have walked many labyrinths over the years. Some might call it projection or anticipation, but I know for certain that there is holiness within these lines. Inevitably I receive some wisdom that helps to make sense of whatever challenges I am confronting. My attention is directed to details overlooked by the habits of creating and

Cariboo area First Nations, Interior Health, First Nations Health Authority representatives hold personal commitments for cultural safety at the conclusion of the Cultural Safety and Humility Forum, held at the Xat'sull (Soda Creek) First Nation on May 3–4.

Interior Health, First Nations Health Authority, and First Nations leaders from the Cariboo have signed a Declaration of Commitment to embed a culture of safety and humility, starting with hospital and community services in Williams Lake.

Four representatives from the two health authorities and 13 First Nations and Aboriginal leaders from communities in and around Williams Lake signed the commitment document on the first of a two-day Cultural Safety and Humility Forum, held at the Xat'sull (Soda Creek) First Nation on May 3–4. ―This is an important step toward ensuring quality and safety is an integral part of our IH programs and services,‖ said IH president and chief executive officer Chris Mazurkewich. ―We are committed to making change for Aboriginal patients. It won‘t happen in a day, but it is a priority.‖ The Declaration of Commitment sets out the guiding principles of cultural safety, including identifying opportunities together; engaging in open and honest dia-

sustaining a fast pace of living or by the tendency to sleepwalk through the days.

Thus, it was on May 6 that I again was graced by flashes of insight that pulled my fractured and disorganized thinking into a grounded whole.

Flash #1: In a labyrinth, there appear to be many concentric circle or sometimes quadrants. The St. Andrew‘s labyrinth is a Chartres style with 11 circles. However, the path is not simply a circular route. The path leads me back and forth, in and out, giving tantalizing views of the centre, but taking a long time to get there. I‘m tempted to focus on getting to the centre, but notice that my impatience disrupts the peaceful aura of this sacred space. Ah yes. Be here, now, right at the place where I am. Stop pushing for the centre; it will come in its own time, and only after I have travelled the path. No short-cuts here.

Flash #2: Each turn of the path gives a different perspective. One of my spiritual tasks at this time in my life is to broaden my scope, bust open right and wrong, black and white, dualistic thinking, and appreciate the greys. I notice the air appears crisp and clear, distortion limited. As I move around the path, I see the same view from many different angles, each one true in its own way, each valid, each inviting me to peer closer with curiosity, not judgment.

Flash #3: There is no penalty for stepping outside the lines. For the importance of this insight, see Flash #2.

Flash #4: The path is about relationships. I have walked many times, when I am the only one; however, it is most interesting to walk with others. At the start, I quickly catch up to the woman in front of me. Aha, an invitation to slow down (see Flash #1). There is no need to rush. And then there are the people going the other way. I pass all sorts of people on the path—

ages, creeds, cultures, abilities. I must make room. The path is narrow, yet when needed I make room for two. There is always room for two.

They are going a different direction, their views will be different, but we are still on the same path and I can make room.

Flash #5: There are some children playing nearby and at times they are quite A labyrinth in New York, New York. loud. I am conscious Photo: RSLab Photography/www.flickr.com of their behaviour because they are my children. I struggle to held the insights that I was offered, I realkeep focused, keep on the path, and to not ized that the feeling I had when I entered feel responsible for their actions. I check the labyrinth, the feeling of going in circles, my urge to over-correct their quite accept- was just a symptom of trying to get through able behaviour. The labyrinth is all about those challenges too quickly and too simnoticing what comes up and learning from ply. Taking time to enter into the circles that awareness. I make the choice to let showed me—well, circles are not so bad. I other people have that experience for them- just need a different perspective, to slow selves. If they are annoyed, they can learn down, to be curious about the grey areas, from their own reaction. The labyrinth will and to appreciate the experience of being right where I am, at this time, in this place. offer them wisdom as well.

Flash #6: The centre is the mid-point of the labyrinth, but it is not the goal. Some- In her work with the Multicultural Program times an answer or an insight is revealed in at Cariboo Mental Health Association, as the centre, but not always. I stand simply well as in her life as a parent, partner, waiting, listening. There is no great ―aha‖ faithful seeker, left-leaning Christian, padmoment here today. But no matter, half of dler, and gardener, Margaret-Anne Enders the experience is still to come and it is best is thrilled to catch glimpses of the Divine in not to rush it, but to continue to be open to both the ordinary and the extraordinary. To the possibility of insights. The valuable find out more about the Women’s Spiritualnuggets are contained in the process of ity Circle, call her at (250) 305-4426 or walking, of being intentional and aware, of visitwww.womenspiritualitycircle.wordpres s.com or on Facebook at Women’s Spirituspending the time.

It was with a sense of gratitude that I ality Circle in Williams Lake. finished my journey that day. When I be-

Photo: Interior Health

logue; raising concerns without fear of reprisal; and, embedding cultural safety and humility in Cariboo Memorial Hospital and Community Health Services.

The signing took place after hearing powerful stories from First Nations community members who had culturally unsafe experiences with healthcare providers and the system itself.

The forum was proposed in response to concerns from the Xat'sull First Nation over the treatment of one of their Elders.

The Elder‘s son gave life to the Declaration of Commitment when he shared his mother's experience of what he called racism and neglect within the health care system.

Another community member and his wife recounted their son‘s escalating men-

tal health crisis and lack of support from the health and justice system. Both speakers agreed to share their stories in hopes that no other family will suffer similar experiences. ―I want to honour the courage of the families who have shared their stories,‖ said FNHA chief executive officer, Joe Gallagher. ―While it can be painful, being heard is the first step towards addressing these issues. We encourage more First Nations families to share their stories in the hope this care doesn‘t have to happen within our health system. ―This work together with our communities and Interior Health partners creates an excellent opportunity for all of us to do our part to change the narrative of this story. It is a chance for all of us to listen and learn

on this journey of cultural safety and humility.‖ Xat'sull Chief Donna Dixon called on all parties to take the Declaration of Commitment seriously and to work for the betterment of each community. She reminded the health authorities to include First Nations in their work. ―We want to be part of change and transformation,‖ said Dixon. ―We want a bigger say in healthcare services in our community. After all, no one knows the needs of our communities better than we do.‖ Interior Health Aboriginal health director Brad Anderson described the Declaration as groundbreaking with all parties taking positive action in response to a negative situation. ―Interior Health needs to continually listen and partner with our Aboriginal partners so we can learn and provide culturally appropriate care,‖ he said.

Copies of the Declaration of Commitment will be posted in highly visible locations at IH health sites in the Cariboo. ―It is our expectation that all our First Nations patients will feel comfortable coming to any Interior Health site and be treated in a culturally appropriate manner,‖ said Mazurkewich.

By Terri Smith

J

une has always been my favourite month. When you‘re a rural kid in elementary school, June is the best month of the year. Not only is it now light enough to play outside after school, it is no longer dark when it‘s time to get up in the morning. In June, teachers seem to have given up on getting much of anything done and there are full days of scheduled outdoor fun. June is also the month when the world turns such a deep and vibrant hue it feels as though you can taste and smell the colour green. The wild strawberries begin to bear their tiny, intensely flavoured berries, and if conditions are just right you may find enough for strawberry vanilla muffins. The wild roses are also in bloom, filling the air with their delightful fragrance, and it is now warm enough to go camping comfortably again.

And did I mention that it doesn‘t get dark now for ages? On top of all these wonderful attributes of June, there is also the wonder of summer Solstice.

Solstice is my celebration (it also occurs two days after my birthday and so holds special meaning for me for this reason as well). It is the one party of the year that I always host at my home. There are of course many other solstice parties around, but Solstice for me will always happen wherever I am. Since the beginning, Solstice has always been an important marker of time on the farm. All spring we were hurrying and scurrying around trying to get everything seeded or started, get all the beds made and weeded and seeded and transplanted and watered…

Every day feels like a scramble no matter

Terri Smith sitting in front of last year’s Solstice celebration sign. Photo: Mark Rupp

how prepared we thought we were prior to the start of spring, and we would fall into bed exhausted each night. (Did I mention how ridiculously long the days are leading up to Solstice?) In May the Farmers‘ Market would also begin, and so while still planting and caring for seedlings and building compost and setting up the irrigation, we would also now have two full days devoted to harvest and market. Solstice is what we were working towards. Many long exhausting days, I would find myself thinking, ―It‘s okay, there are only __ days until solstice.‖ It was both our deadline and our reward.

Other times I would think, ―It‘s okay, there are still __ days until solstice.‖ At times Solstice loomed ominously on the horizon and we felt the pressure of all we had to have done by that date. We anticipated and dreaded it sometimes in equal measure. It always felt as though once Solstice arrived we would no longer be so busy, but this wasn‘t really true. It‘s not that we were less

By Kristin Lehar

T

he kind of food we eat has an enormous impact on the health of our bodies and minds. This is not news. The classic statement ―you are what you eat‖ has truth to it in the sense that your cells build and renew themselves from the fuel you give them and your cells all together make up your body. Thus, limiting the amount of processed and refined foods while nourishing your cells with a variety of high quality whole foods is vital if supporting vibrant health within the body is a part of how you choose to live.

However, there is one overlooked but ever so significant detail when it comes to eating and that has less to do with what you eat, but rather how you eat. I am referring to what is known as mindful eating. In many scenarios, how you eat can be more powerful than what you eat and you can use it to your advantage in times of mediocre eating though that is not to say that eating poor quality foods won‘t do any harm so long as you eat them mindfully.

More often than not, we find ourselves totally absent minded when eating a meal.

Does eating your toast or smoothie while rushing to pack the kids‘ lunches in the morning sound familiar to you? Or perhaps you eat breakfast in the car while navigating through the hustle and bustle of the morning? Maybe you skip breakfast altogether despite the growing void in your stomach that calls for your attention. In the everincreasing business of our schedules and

Photo:123rf.com/Id 41065950, sheeler

countless distractions meal time has become a time of multi-tasking much like any other time of the day and even if we have the time to unhurriedly enjoy a meal we often feel the need to occupy our minds with something other than the food we are eating— browsing through eye-catching posts online while eating is likely something we are all guilty of doing.

The way we eat has significant impact on the digestive process. Compromised digestion is the root of numerous disorders and ailments, big and/or small. The topic of digestion is in fact so vast in its implications that it would require an article or two (or three) of its own but knowing that mindful eating is where it all begins is a perfect start. The importance of eating in a relaxed manner cannot be overstated. It is all too common to eat in a hurry, on the run, or while the mind continuously plays exasperating, agitating, and anticipating thoughts on repeat. These circumstances are no friend of the digestive process, quite the contrary, in fact. While under stress induced either by physical or mental conditions, the

busy after Solstice, only that the tasks and we ourselves would have changed by the time we got there. On the farm after Solstice you begin to reap what you sow, both literally and figuratively.

Save for a few succession plantings and the garlic, nothing more gets planted after Solstice. Everything is in the ground now, or at least we hope it is because with the short seasons we always experienced at Road‘s End Farm, we won‘t get a chance to harvest it before it is claimed by the frosts of fall.

If, by the time Solstice rolls around, the irrigation isn‘t set up, we know we will be in trouble, scrambling to lay out drip line between plants (never an easy task) while still watering by hand. If the weeds are not in some semblance of order by this time, chances are we will never catch up with them this season. As well, we certainly better have finished building a decent compost pile for the fall! Every day the countdown, but also the anticipation. Solstice is fun!

Even though planning now takes some of the last remaining moments in the evening for making costumes and planning decorations, and gathering recipes, there is a sense of excitement to it, and not only are we trying to get everything in order so that the season will run smoothly, but there is the added incentive of wanting to be able to show a beautiful garden to all of our friends.

It is a time to celebrate. We work so hard as Nature comes alive again after her winter‘s slumber. Now we pause and congratulate one another on a job well done. By this time, rather than exhaustion we feel jubilation. Our bodies have acclimatized to physical labour again, and to being outdoors all

day, and with the increase in light so too has our energy increased.

On top of that, we have become tanned and lean and strong and healthier and happier. It‘s not just us either, everywhere you turn, things are fertile and lush. Everything seems to be blooming and pollinating and singing and birthing and everything seems to have more energy.

A celebration renews our spirits even more. Good friends, good food, good music, and good laughs help us to recharge before summer begins in earnest. On Solstice we stay up all night singing, dancing, and playing music around the fire.

Just as at Winter Solstice we celebrate the returning of the light, at Summer Solstice we feel a bit of relief and are in fact celebrating not only the longest day/shortest night of the year, but also the knowledge that the dark is returning. The days will decrease in length now for the next six months and we can celebrate how hard we have worked while hopefully now anticipating successively shorter workdays.

When you live with the seasons, which anyone who works outside most of the time does, real markers of time, related to the length of days and the warmth of the soil and the weather, are important moments to pause, take stock, celebrate, and prepare to move forward into the next stage.

body‘s sympathetic nervous system is running the show. This sets the body up to deal with stress and what is known as the fight or flight response is activated during which blood is shunted away from the digestive tract and enzyme secretions needed to break down food are diminished compromising stomach and intestinal function. Thus, eating under stress will lead to food not being properly digested.

I have come to learn that many people think food that doesn‘t get digested by the body simply passes right through them; sure, they didn‘t get the nutrients from the food, but at least it‘s not going to do any harm. Not so. Food particles are absorbed into the body – digested or not – and undigested food particles have the ability to wreak havoc on your immune system over time. Chewing food is a critical part of the digestive process. We have all been told to properly chew our food at one time or another but its importance is usually unrealized. Since our stomach does not have teeth, it is our job to consciously break down the food in our mouth so the stomach can do its job in the next step of digestion. The stomach is taxed if it must compensate for a job not well done in the mouth. Furthermore, our saliva contains enzymes that begin the digestion process of carbohydrates. There have been studies demonstrating that up to 80 per cent of carbohydrates can be digested by saliva enzymes alone. So, chewing foods for even just a couple seconds longer could have some real benefits, as can taking a deep breath before eating a meal and putting the stress aside until you finish.

If you absolutely cannot do this, try eating small snacks until you can find a quiet, relaxing space to eat a full meal.

Mindful eating is being aware of your body before, during, and after a meal. Take a moment to pause whatever you are doing and put your full awareness in your body.

When we pay attention to the way we feel before, during, and after eating a meal, we are suddenly more in touch with the body and its needs and discover things that would have gone completely unnoticed otherwise.

We realize that we may not actually feel like eating any meat today but rather, our body longs for the vitamins and lightness of a more expansive meal such as a salad. Or we may realize after a week of eating nothing but vegetables and fruits we crave a more grounding and substantial meal. Perhaps we are in fact not even hungry at the moment. Our body has its own profound intelligence that can truly amaze us if we listen to it. It has the ability to bring itself back to balance when we have veered far off in one direction.

It seems like a simple concept yet it is so rarely implemented. It is not an easy task in this day and age, but if we choose to make it a priority to be mindful at and around mealtime, we can make the experience that much more enjoyable and beneficial, and it will extend deeper than we may think.

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.

Kristin is a holistic nutritionist 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 well-being. Having love for and being connected to the language of the body is the first step on the path to a thriving life and planet.

Green Business Feature:

By LeRae Haynes

I

n the heart of the beautiful Cariboo region of BC is Green Sisters Natural Health and Beauty. The pure, clean, organic skin care products, created by founder Billy Feistmantl, are shipped to locations across Canada from her home in 108 Mile Ranch.

Green Sisters, a true family business, has been growing and expanding since its start in 2009. Feistmantl started the business with $700 to spend on organic essential oils, creating products in her basement. She started with chakra roll-on perfumes and moved on from there, creating things like facial creams with shea butter, and chickweed cream, which is good for rashes, burns, and eczema.

Now she needs a bigger basement.

She creates pure, natural products that help with things like skin problems, ear infections, toe conditions, colds, and congestion, offering items such as moisturizers, lip balm, cleansers, toners, massage oils, body scrubs, and body butters.

Feistmantl said that the name ‗Green Sisters‘ is in honour of all native people around the globe who are still living in harmony with our Mother Earth. ―They call all plants ‗our green sisters,‘ and those sisters are the ingredients for our products,‖ she explained.

Green Sisters has just been awarded the 2017 best organic skin care company in BC business award from Corporate Vision magazine.

keeping, and used herbs for everything. ―It was a challenge to get used to a culture where people want everything fast—they just pop a pill,‖ she said. ―With herbs, you collect them, dry them, and blend them.‖ Green Sisters feedback has been very positive from day one. ―I‘m always happy when people feel good in their skin,‖ she explained. ―I did a show recently where a lady‘s husband had an open sore on his leg; she had Billy Feistmantl of Green Sisters. Photo: LeRae Haynes tried everything. She used my shea ―More and more, people want natural butter on it, and it healed right up. products—clothes, food, and skin care,‖ ―I love when I can help people, and said Feistmantl. ―We are overloaded with positive feedback never gets old.‖ chemicals. People now have a more open Feistmantl is now a certified aroconsciousness and will spend more to get a matherapist. ―I wanted to know more about quality product.‖ the healing aspects of the oils. The next step There is meticulous, thoughtful research is an online course about the spiritual benebehind Green Sisters products. fits of the oils. I believe that they are here to While living in Austria, Feistmantl heal and help,‖ she said. worked with an herbalist, making herbal ―Today, essential oils are getting huge— teas, creams, and tinctures. ―I learned so people are much more aware of how healmuch from him,‖ she continued. ―He al- ing it is.‖ ways said that a doctor‘s job is to keep you Green Sisters is a family business, with sick.

Feistmantl‘s husband helping out, one ―Using herbs for healing was normal for daughter working full time, and the other us: you grew your own food and created working during the summer. She said she your medicines. He is now over 90 years loves living at 108 Mile, in the Cariboo. ―Of old, and today is very proud of what I have all the places in BC we visited, this was the done,‖ she said. one that lured us. We have put down deep Feistmantl grew up in a household with roots—this is home,‖ she explained. grandparents and uncles and their families, ―I look forward to every day. First, I do and said her grandparents were into bee- my personal thing: yoga, walk with the dog,

have a healthy breakfast, and answer correspondence. Then I see what I need to make, to create new things. To create, I must be in a special frame of mind: a place of peace,‖ she said. ―I try new products on myself first, and if I like the feel, the scent, and how it feels after a few hours, I give it to my daughters and husband. They‘re the next testers. Then it goes to my friends on the road. ―When it‘s a big ‗yes‘ from all of them, I make more.‖ She said times are changing. ―We are at war, and with more consciousness comes more spirit, more love, more understanding with each other. We need that right now. ―It‘s a circle: when we‘re connected to the Earth, everything works out,‖ she added. ―The Earth provides us with everything we need. Mother Earth supports us when we open our consciousness. When we do, we are more loving. Our air, food and water is poisoning us. We need to find better solutions.‖ Future goals for Green Sisters include creating shampoos and conditioners and shower products—everything you use on a daily basis. ―We need that stuff,‖ she said, ―and we can do it a better way.‖ For mor e informatio n, visit www.greensisters.ca or find Green Sisters on Facebook.

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.

Green Business Feature:

By LeRae Haynes

M

iss White Spider Arts is a new, fluid, creative, and versatile business that offers an incredible range of products and experiences for customers. Artist owner Al-Lisa provides an educational focus that is global, positive, unique, and inspirational.

One of the things offered through Miss Spider Arts is dance facilitation. In spring of this year, Al-Lisa facilitated ‗Dance

Beyond Words: An Ecstatic Dance.‘―It‘s an experience with the practice of communicating through our bodies and letting them tell their own stories beyond using words, with an introductory five rhythms opening,‖ Al-Lisa said. ―I also offered Raise Them Up: an allages community dance in Williams Lake, with various free form activities and props in the dance space for kids and adults to explore the creative together,‖ she said, adding she will offer more courses in the fall.

White Spider Arts also offers a global shadow show—puppetry for all-ages audiences, representing a new country and region every year. ―I might do a mythological story, legend, or folklore from their ancestry, incorporate my own music, and add pertinent music from that country,‖ she said. ―I do this for festivals, and am also looking to present in the education system.‖ She said she may do some speed painting with it, use a loop pedal and synthesizer, and learn to speak with an accent from that country. ―In the beginning, I do a little commentary and drop a little about where we‘re going within the tale,‖ she added.

The shadow tales tell themselves. ―I‘ve been wanting to do this for years, and it‘s finally starting to manifest,‖ she continued. ―I create one show a year, and this year I‘m representing the Northern Scottish Isles; I travel with that show for a year. I‘ll archive it after that and people can buy past performances on DVD. Then I move on to another country for the next year‘s tour. ―I hear ‗wow‘ a lot, and I like it when people say they‘ve never experienced anything like my shows before—that‘s my favourite,‖ she said.

She has also started to do children‘s shadow shows. ―They are not as complex to present and I have a growing menu,‖ she

(Above left) : (Circle with design) ‘Split the Ground’ shadow dance performance. Al-Lisa creates art designs and transposes them onto an overhead projector and casts them into her performances, creating a shadow show with the interplay of shadows and light. In this photo, a moth landed on the projector light and it cast its shadow into her shoulder. The moth fluttered around during the performance, an unexpected co-creator in the dance .

(Above) Winter Companions. Original Acrylic. (Above right) Album cover for upcoming CD end of June: Miss White Spider - Tree Becomes a Butterfly. (Right middle) Owl Medicine. Original Acrylic. (Bottom Right) Guardian of the Seed. Original Acrylic.

All photos submitted by Miss White Spider Arts

said. ―Right now, I have four stories for children‘s parties and events—you can choose. All my stories have an integral message behind them: positive humanitarian lessons.‖ There is definitely an educational aspect to her shadow shows and puppetry.

She also makes hand puppets, marionettes, stick puppets, and refurbished teddy bear puppets—a goal for next year besides shadow puppetry. ―I‘m going to also bring my bigger puppets and do something interactive with kids,‖ she said.

Also available from Miss White Spider Arts is Cirque du Soleil-style free-form face painting.

Al-Lisa said she‘s getting back into DJ work, choosing music with positive, lyrical energy as well as her own music—global world beat for special events.

A composer, Al-Lisa describes her music as fusion loop electro folk trip hop. ―I do acoustic instrumentals fused with electronica beats,‖ she said. ―It‘s ‗dancy,‘ dreamy, and experimental.‖ She also does custom paintings and portraits, murals, and fine arts workshops; besides doing seamstress work and fabric arts, she is a trained Early Childhood Edu-

cator and works with children in various ways. ―I trust I can always do what I set out to do,‖ she continued.

She said art flows from her in a fluid way—that she starts without a vision and it just flows. ―Every painting is custom—whenever I do a painting, I feel as though I‘m filling out an order because eventually the person and the painting find one another and they belong together. It might take a couple of days, or 10 years, but they always find each other,‖ she said.

Festivals have been good for her— that‘s where she got started with her shadow shows. ―Coming through Community Futures, there was a ‗milestone question,‘ and for me, that milestone is my services being sought out, not me seeking work. I have happily met that milestone. ―The two major cornerstones of why I‘m doing this art business, is that I need to be true to my purpose, which is being an artist,‖ she continued. ―The second is, I really want to see healing of multiculturalism, where people just accept people because they‘re people.

―I am part of that movement, and I want to be part of it in a more tangible way, so I put it into my stories.‖ She said at the fundamental core of all ancestral beliefs and stories, is love. ―It all comes back to the basics of love, compassion, and kindness,‖ she added. ―We all have to survive together; there‘s a common thread through all our ancestors‘ beliefs. ―The feedback I get from people is that they really feel moved from my shadow shows, and for me that feels like I have succeeded. I don‘t want to just entertain people,‖ she said. ―I want to feed their spirits and make them feel inspired, more connected to each other, and at peace with themselves.‖ For more information about Miss White Spider Arts, visit www.misswhitespider.com or on Facebook.

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

S

ummer is a great time to be in the chemical business. Statistics aren‘t kept on the amount by which total dollars spent on common ailments increases this time of year, but I can tell you this: the sun care industry alone earns around $135 million in Canada and $5.6 billion in the US, according to a recent Global Industry Analysts report.

And the money is only the beginning.

Study after study points to the full picture of commercially prepared products like sunscreens, lip balm, insect repellant, and pharmaceutical travel sickness remedies, which are indeed effective but sometimes have unwanted side effects. Sunscreens are often toxic and chemically unstable, insect repellant is full of cancer-causing chemicals, and drugs like Gravol can cause drowsiness and impairment.

If you want to take on summer with healthy and effective protection against minor ailments and without the chemical side effects, give the natural route a try.

Insect repellent: Essential oils like lavender, pennyroyal, lemongrass, and eucalyptus are effective against mosquitos, fleas, and ticks. Peppermint dropped on a tick in action will cause it to remove itself.

Sunburn: It may not smell the greatest, but vinegar contains acetic acid, which is also found in Aspirin. Applied to a sunburn it relieves pain, itching, and swelling.

Other remedies include a cool shower, cool chamomile tea dabbed on the affected areas, and applying gel from an aloe vera plant. Lavender essential oil can also heal the effected area, and homeopathic arnica has also proven effective. Most importantly, limit sun exposure until the burn is healed.

Heat rash: Soak in a tub with a few tablespoons of baking soda or fine ground oatmeal and a few drops of lavender oil added to relieve itching, or apply baking soda or chilled chamomile directly to the area.

Travel sickness: Keep powdered or fresh ginger on hand to keep travel sickness at bay. A half teaspoon of powder added to tea or other beverage, or double that of fresh ginger can change your entire trip. Drink plenty of water and nibble on protein-rich snacks, as well.

Blisters: Use a sterile needle to pop the blister and gently press out the fluid.

Smear the area with aloe vera gel straight from the plant, avoiding processed aloe, which contains a drying agent.

Minor cuts: If you don‘t have antibiotic cream and a bandage, dab a little honey on minor cuts—honey has antibacterial properties, and dries to form a natural covering.

Sun-fried hair: Thoroughly mix a ripe, peeled avocado with a teaspoon of wheatgerm oil and a teaspoon of jojoba oil, and apply it to freshly washed hair. Cover with a cap or a plastic bag for 15–30 minutes, and rinse thoroughly.

Sliver: Cover a tiny, inaccessible sliver with adhesive tape—in roughly three days, the sliver will come off with the tape.

Athlete‘s foot: Soak feet in a warm Epsom salt foot bath and dab the area with

Aloe Vera plant.

Photo: Andrew Rivett frogphoto.com

a sugarless antiseptic mouthwash several times a day. Apple cider vinegar changes the pH of the skin so the fungus can't grow—soak in warm water and apple cider vinegar, then rub the affected areas with the undiluted substance. Try rubbing garlic on the area, and always keep the area open, clean, and dry.

Bee or wasp stings: Apply a paste of water and meat tenderizer to break down the proteins in the venom and soothe the area.

Poison ivy: Grind 1 cup oatmeal to a fine powder, pour it into a piece of cheesecloth or the foot of a clean nylon stocking, and tie it around the faucet of your bathtub.

Fill the tub with luke warm water running through the oatmeal and soak in it for 30 minutes. Also, apply oatmeal directly to the rash.

Headaches: Drink two litres of water each day in the summer, and make sure hunger isn‘t a factor. Relax with meditations, relaxing music, or the comfort of a dark, quiet room. Avoid loud noises, perfumes, tight clothing, and high heels, and try chamomile, ginger, and peppermint teas.

Summer colds: Avoiding or reducing the severity of summer colds is all about immunity so try these amazing foods to keep healthy all summer long. Mushrooms like shiitake and maitake make white blood cells act more aggressively against foreign bacteria. Garlic‘s antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties are well-known, and onions share many of the same properties. Ginger is a traditional choice in the fight against colds because of its ability to fight infection, and turmeric boosts the immune system and detoxifies the system.

And don‘t forget spinach, leafy greens, and cruciferous veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage—the beta-carotene, vitamin C, and calcium in these are trusty aides in any cold season. ***

By LeRae Haynes

M

ountview Elementary School is a family-based school nestled in a rural area about five kilometers from Williams Lake. The staff at Mountview takes great pride in building a school that meets the academic, socialemotional, and physical needs of students.

As of last year, Mountview Elementary School also offers a Nature Club and kids arrive never knowing what they‘re going to learn: tracking and identifying animals by their paw prints or their scat, discovering how fungi and algae are ‗lichen‘ each other, or simply how to have fun exploring in the forest.

Thanks to the nature passion and teaching skills of education assistants Lara Roorda and Liselle Pierce, kids in the Nature Club release their inner scientists, develop their leadership, team building and communication skills, and enjoy hands-on learning in classroom subjects like math and art. All while playing in the great outdoors.

The Nature Club is made up of students in Grades 3–6, according to Roorda, who was a biologist for 15 years. She said the club got started last February, after she and Pierce went to a professional development day on nature/outdoor education and nature clubs, and knew instantly that‘s what they wanted to do at their own school. ―I love learning about nature—getting to spend our lunch and recess in the forest,‖ said grade 4 student, Aliya Grant. ―I learn something every time, and really like the scavenger hunts in the forest.‖ Grade 6 student Phoenix Stafford said he likes the nature club because you can discover a lot: maybe even learn to track things. ―Mostly we identify animals like

By LeRae Haynes

A

truly diverse and captivating annual highlight will hit the streets of Williams Lake on Wednesday, June 21 when the Northern Shuswap Tribal Council‘s National Aboriginal Day celebration takes place.

Embracing diversity and unity, the event includes an outstanding parade and a range of presentations, activities, and vendors in the park. ―Out-of-towners just love looking at the crafts and getting bannock—bannock is a huge draw,‖ said Bonnie Slack, operations co-ordinator at Northern Shuswap Tribal Council. ―And the kids love the bouncy toy.‖ She said they get so much positive feedback, adding it‘s getting bigger every year. ―This year will be the biggest celebration yet,‖ she explained. ―In 2008, we had an open house here at the Northern Shuswap Tribal Council office, and in 2009 we started holding the event in Boitanio Park and have been there ever since.

More First Nations join every year, bringing great input and talent.‖

The Mountview Elementary School Nature Club loves learning and discovering in the great outdoors. Photo: LeRae Haynes

weasels and hares by their scat and paw prints,‖ he said, adding that you could learn this stuff in a classroom, but learning in the forest is better. ―You get to actually see it and find it naturally,‖ he explained. ―We‘re learning things like what a lightning strike looks like on a tree, and where ground squirrels and weasels live. It‘s great to have school outside.‖ Roorda said the club is a neat thing for kids who like to do something other than sports. ―What‘s rewarding for me is how they find it so exciting,‖ she said.―It was pouring rain one day and we went for a nature walk with a group of kids; they were so engaged and interested in learning.‖ Both women love the outdoors and are very adventurous. ―The response has been

fantastic,‖ Pierce continued. ―I love the kids running, trying new things, and being scientists.‖ She‘s been at the school for five years, and said they‘ve always known about the three-acre wooded school district property behind the school, but in the last three or four years have started taking advantage of it. ―Our kindergarten students come out here once a week and the Strong Start kids will be coming out here soon,‖ she explained. ―It‘s a great opportunity for them.

We also do a running club twice a week; we run along Bond Lake, but the kids really want to run here, so we‘re doing a trail run soon for all the schools in the district.‖ Roorda said her own children went to the Scout Island nature kindergarten. ―I

The traditional game Lahal is another huge draw. ―It‘s such an interesting concept, so quick and intricate,‖ she continued. ―This year we‘re also holding the second annual bannock competition, which was so successful last year.‖

wellness is this year‘s theme for National Aboriginal Day. One of the most powerful and positive things about this local celebration is nations coming together to share, and to become one, said Slack. ―It‘s about valuing our diversity and respecting each other‘s culture and traditions. ―It‘s so good for the community as a whole to see them come together and celebrate.‖ A real highlight for Slack is seeing the elders with the children and young people around—the elders with big smiles on their faces. ―They‘re being celebrated, and it‘s so nice to see the young people waiting on them,‖ she said. ―It‘s a great atmosphere— come and celebrate.‖ The National Aboriginal Day parade is a local highlight that gets better every year, attracting residents and visitors alike to take in the pageantry, pride, history, and culture.

The parade starts at 10:00 a.m. at the Elks Hall, moving up Oliver to Save On Foods and then to Boitanio Park. The celebration in the park goes from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

There will be a wide range of popular vendors with things like dried salmon and meats, jewellery, leather goods, face painting, and more. The Language Culture Society will have an exhibit, Dog Creek Elementary kids will be there with the Star Blankets they‘ve made, and Denisiqi Services Society will have crafts and games. ―We‘re so glad to have Edna Boston back as our MC,‖ she said, adding that

loved it and would go every time I could,‖ she said. ―They did nature walks, and my kids talked about what they saw and came home so excited about the outside world. ―They‘d say, ‗Guess what, Mom!‘ and would tell me about what they experienced and what they learned. Kids being outside is so great; they‘re so inquisitive and want to know things.‖ There are only two rules in the nature club: nature stays in nature and if it‘s alive, leave it alone. ―It‘s so important for kids to feel that they‘re responsible for the planet,‖ Roorda said. ―They‘re inheriting it, and what they say needs to mean something.‖ ―The more they feel connected, the more they‘ll respect it,‖ said Pierce. ―It will carry from this forest here, to them hunting, fishing, and camping—we‘re setting a foundation right here.‖ One side benefit of the club is grades three and six interacting, getting to know each other, and working together. Another is art projects that come from time in nature—both with the kindergarten students and the kids in the club.

Once, the club kids painted what they saw in the forest, and those paintings are going on a mural on the side of the school, said Roorda. ―This time in nature is good for independence, social skills, working together, and challenging themselves to do things they‘ve never done before,‖ she said. ―It translates well to the classroom and to the rest of their lives.‖ 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.

Everyone is welcome to enjoy the exciting parade and events in Boitanio Park on June 21 for National Aboriginal DayPhoto: Northern Shuswap Tribal Council/ Brad McGuire

surrounded by neighbours with WiFi and other sources of microwave radiation. This is not conducive to healing or healthy selfworth, and saying no to it may be the first step in saying yes to healing ourselves.

Finding a low-EMF place to live gives our bodies a chance to recover. Unless we can prevent ongoing over-stimulation, triggering, and stressing of our nervous systems, we cannot sleep properly, relax, heal, or let go of our fear. We must summon the courage, positive intent, and determination to heal. We must create a healing sanctuary as we practise engaging our strong voice, re-writing our story, re-wiring our brains, and anticipating a strong comeback into a human-friendly environment that welcomes, hears, and respects us.

By Olga Sheean

I

f we‘re living in the fast lane, constantly checking our emails, Tweets, and Facebook messages, we may not realize our growing dependence on electronic gadgets is actually taking us further and further away from what we really want and who we really are. As electromagnetic beings, we resonate and interact with the Earth‘s electromagnetic fields, which exert a grounding, healing, and restorative effect on our bodies, minds, and spirits. However, the proliferation of humanmade electromagnetic radiation in our environment is upsetting this delicate balance.

Millions of people are being affected by microwave radiation from WiFi, cell towers, cell/cordless phones, and other wireless devices. A sensitivity to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) (referred to as electromagnetic hypersensitivity [EHS] and electro-sensitivity) is causing an explosion of physical conditions, cancers, and neurological disorders. Even though countless scientific studies confirm the harmful biological effects of EMFs, our industryfriendly governments refuse to openly acknowledge them.

What electro-sensitivity represents Electro-sensitivity isa biologically verifiable reaction that occurs at the cellular level, affecting the blood and, potentially, every part of the body. It can cause insomnia, anxiety, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), headaches, brain fog, neurological disorders, strokes, heart attacks, infertility, DNA damage, and cancers. Some scientists say as much as 50 per cent of the population in most developed countries will be feeling the effects of radiation this year.

How much we are affected depends on our resilience, degree and duration of exposure, stress levels, genetics, and other factors. Many individuals seem unaffected (or are unaware of being affected) and dismiss electro-sensitivity as invalid.

Yet, according to EHS specialist Dr. Erica Mallery-Blythe, these effects occur even in those not experiencing symptoms, and many of us may be electro-sensitive without realizing it. ―Everybody has the potential to become electro-hypersensitive [since] every cell in our body, in our brain, or nervous system is dependent on electrical signals,‖ she said.

Beyond this physical reality, however, there‘s a deeper truth: irradiation of our global environment is the inevitable outcome of focusing on technology at the expense of our well-being, and failing to make healthy choices, in harmony with nature.

Electro-sensitivity could therefore be seen as a push to correct this imbalance— within ourselves, by healing our bodies and emotional dysfunction, and in our world, by reclaiming the autonomy and personal responsibility we have surrendered to governments, industry, and those exploiting

Photo: Gregory Lee www.123rf.com/profile_gregorylee

our environment. Having abdicated responsibility for key aspects of our existence, many of us are now losing control over our bodies as well as our environments—and never has the inextricable connection between the two been more alarmingly clear.

If we look around us, we can see what we have lost. Non-stop connectivity disrupts sleep, fragments families, undermines personal relationships, disregards personal boundaries, creates addictions and disease, promotes neediness and selfloathing, and prevents us from ever truly being at peace or connecting with our deeper selves in the pursuit of what matters most. It‘s also undermining our natural environment, affecting plant and animal life, as well as crops and the pollinating bees upon which our food supply depends.

Addressing climate change, adopting sustainability policies, levying carbon taxes—none of these external measures will change us, the perpetrators of the damage that prompts these efforts. Electrosensitivity challenges us to revert to a healthy reverence for ourselves and our planet. We need to reconnect with our deeper selves and with each other; we must make healthier choices and boundaries; and, we must reclaim the power that we have surrendered to governments, industry, and others.

Personal evolution versus digital revolution Regaining our autonomy and humanity requires reclaiming our voice, our selfresponsibility, and our spiritual sovereignty. It also means separating ourselves from the environment that harmed us and in which we became disconnected, so that we can heal our bodies and re-connect with our natural environment, inside and out.

Only by disconnecting from the world of non-stop connectivity can we begin to see how disconnected we have become. And only by reuniting with our true nature, in nature, will we see how much of ourselves has gone 'offline'.

1. Finding our voice A strong voice, backed by assertive action, emboldens us and enhances our self -worth. When we hear ourselves speak the deeper truth, it changes us from the inside

out. This is what our environment and other people represent for us—a way for us to hear and see ourselves being powerful, compassionate, inspired, eco-aware, creative, and everything else we can be as autonomous human beings.

In speaking with a strong voice, we must embrace the deeper truth of who we are and completely let go of the story that has been running our lives. Our story must change from one of ill-health, loss, and debilitation, to one of empowered selfmastery, positive focus, and renewed health and resilience. When we positively transform our story, we create healthy new neural pathways that reduce our negative expectations and cue the brain to begin restoring balance, which then reduces our anxiety and reactivity, helps to heal any trauma in the limbic brain, and makes us more physically resilient to invasive forces. This is not to say that microwave sickness/electro-sensitivity is not real. It most certainly is and it must ultimately be addressed by governments. In the meantime, however, if we keep telling our brain that the world is not safe, we remain in an alarmed, defensive state. In this mode, we become our own worst enemies, living in a state of perpetual fear and battle-readiness that weakens our immune system, kills our hopes, and diminishes our capacity for healing. If, instead, we affirm that we are strong, resilient, and healthy, that we love being in our body, and that we are always safe, we can train our brain to increasingly protect and revitalize us—while doing all we can to create a natural, low-EMF environment that supports our holistic health.

We must also accept responsibility for our daily choices, the things we do to either enrich or deplete ourselves and our natural resources, and how we have inadvertently contributed to the radiationriddled lifestyle that is harming all forms of life and making so many of us ill.

2. Separating ourselves from what separates us We must find a safe place to live, away from radiation. It could be a trailer, a boat, a cabin in the woods, or a small single dwelling that we can shield against microwave radiation. Many of those with electro -sensitivity live in apartment buildings

Telling a new story To do this, we can apply the principles of quantum physics. Since our thoughts are electrical and our feelings have magnetism, our particular electromagnetic frequency has a very real impact on our circumstances. Studies of quantum physics have revealed that, using our electromagnetism, we can literally change our reality. By projecting a vision of an ideal reality and by feeding that vision with joy and gratitude, we can create changes that do not require our governments‘ permission or support.

We can tell a new story that affirms our essential humanity, while engaging our higher faculties to bring about the environment we want.

Electro-sensitivity needs to be seen for what it really is—an early-warning system for humankind and a call to embrace our spiritual and emotional selves in developing a sustainable, balanced, healthy way of life. As electro-sensitive individuals, our challenge is therefore not to somehow survive, but to be the lamplighters of a new way of living that integrates our essential humanity, creativity, and brainpower with a passion for human betterment, the engagement of our spiritual faculties, and a profound respect for our natural world.

Olga Sheean is an author, relationship counsellor, and empowerment trainer specializing in human dynamics and holistic healthy living. She also helps empower those affected by EMFs, offering practical information, guidance, and support. See www.olgasheean.com.

are lost to the landfill. I mean great public healthcare, great education, and access to affordable food for everyone with community gardens and local organic farms.

This future could have public banking to support the local economy, a local wage ratio (average low to average high) of 5:1 in place of today‘s North American ratio of 829:1, and strong community support for people to form local co-operatives to fill in gaps in the economy, and as a way for the older business generation to hand over ownership and control to their staff as they retire.

We need to celebrate the past, but we also need to celebrate the future.

TheGreenGazette is sponsoring an essay contest, inviting readers to share their 800-word visions of a positive, vibrant future. The selected essay, chosen by TheGreenGazette team, will be printed in a future issue. Stay tuned for announcements on TheGreenGazette Facebook page about the great prizes you could win. Send entries to lisa@thegreengazette.ca.

trends, there will be more plastic in the world‘s oceans than there will be fish.

Given the dire weight of evidence, some are tempted to retreat to the dark mountain and live out the collapse of civilization in a permacultural ecovillage, fortified by homegrown asparagus and home-brewed ale.

But let me press the pause button on this depressing outlook and invoke instead a blessing, revealing another possible future. There are times in history when utopian thinking is a curious distraction—and times, like now, when it is an urgent necessity.

So, one, two, three—and another possible future is revealed in which Canadians make a successful switch to renewable energy, end the housing crisis, end inequal-

ity, build a new co-operative economy that operates in harmony with nature, strengthen their rich multicultural tapestry, and become a beacon of hope for the world.

And no, I‘m not smoking anything. On the contrary, it is those who believe that pursuing more economic growth will solve our problems who must be inhaling the sacred weed. A three per cent rate of annual growth has unbelievable implications when it is played out over 150 years. If our population grows by one per cent a year, a three per cent growth in GDP is a two per cent rate of growth per person, but a three per cent increase in the impact of the economy on Nature.

Imagine a small town in the Cariboo with a population of a thousand people, a local GDP of $50 million, and zero inflation. If its economy grows by three per cent a year, as many politicians wish, after 25 years its economic throughput will double to $100 million. After 75 years, it will reach $450 million, and after 150 years it will grow to $4 billion. That‘s an eightyfold increase in the money passing through this tiny town for the goods and services its future people will consume.

Do we seriously think this is possible?

What impact would this eighty-fold increase have on the Cariboo‘s rivers, forests, ecosystems, and wildlife? Clearly, we need to change the way our economy operates and the goals we seek to achieve.

In place of growth-hungry capitalism, we need to craft a co-operative economy in which local businesses can thrive. I mean an economy in which each community builds a strong foundation of social wealth, replacing the striving for personal wealth.

By social wealth, I mean affordable housing and childcare, green spaces and community spaces, great public transit and bike paths, car-sharing, and ride-sharing. I mean a sharing economy in which the community co-operates to help businesses succeed, and a circular economy with zero waste in which none of Nature‘s resources

give complete darkness. The darkest part of the sky is, fortunately, to the south, but the faintest stars disappear. You can still see the milky way at 1 a.m. and planetary and lunar observations are not affected.

The deep sky objects, galaxies, and diffuse nebulae suffer the most. The effect is considerably less down near the US border, where you have gained about three degrees of south horizon. So, for about six to eight weeks, centered on solstice, observing is curtailed.

Jupiter will be the prominent object to the southwest in June / July, outshining anything else in the vicinity. Saturn is at opposition on June 14, which means it will be due south at 1 a.m. It is reaching the low point of its 27-year journey around the zodiac. Mars is ending its current apparition in July by crossing past the sun into the morning sky. It will not be readily visible until fall. But Venus will certainly be lighting your morning sky this summer. It will be very bright, as usual, and many will think they are looking at a UFO, as usual.

If it starts moving erratically, you might be

in trouble. Maybe they might be interested in your back collection of Mad magazines, or the Celestial Enquirer, to see if anything is written about them. Skywatch would likely be too mundane.

July and into August is prime time for summer observing. Most people remember warm August nights, looking at the Perseid meteor shower around August 11. The moon will still be bright this year at that time.

The Mt. Kobau star party (mksp.ca) happens in the last week of July this year.

This date is somewhat early due to the August 21 total eclipse of the sun down in the US. The star party is still the very best way to get into astronomy as a hobby. There are at least 50 seasoned observers there with a myriad of telescopes of all descriptions. If you know a child who is already interested in science, I guarantee they will want to be an astronomer or something like that if you take them there. It‘s down in Osoyoos at the top of Kobau mountain, 6000 feet, and the scenery is spectacular.

The total solar eclipse is, of course, the big event of the summer. The shadow of the moon races across the earth, making landfall on the Oregon coast and crossing

the state over into Utah and then further east. The path of totality is narrow, roughly 50 km

By Guy Dauncey

W

e are amid celebrating our 150th anniversary since the Articles of Confederation were signed on Prince Edward Island in 1867. We look back and consider our recent history—but by looking backwards, we turn away from the future.

Maybe that‘s a useful, unconscious act because by almost any reckoning, the future looks pretty darned scary.

If we carry on the way we are, by Canada‘s 300th birthday in 150 years‘ time, the climate crisis will have ensured that Prince Edward Island will become a bunch of islands, and large areas of Quebec and Montreal will be under water. On the west coast, vast areas of Vancouver will face surrender to the Pacific version of Neptune, God of the Ocean.

Hands up: who has hope and excitement about the future, the way the British did at The Great Exhibition in 1851 or the way Canadians did at Expo 67 in Montreal? Worry, ranging to ominous despair, seems to be the more common response.

Why? The list is long, ranging from the rising global population to dire warnings about the climate crisis; from growing inequality and the unaffordability of housing to the egregious behaviour of the plutocrats who hide their wealth in offshore tax havens; from the threatened collapse of democracy in America to worries that the robots will take our jobs; from the stark and increasing loss of species and ecosystems around the world to the acidification of the world‘s oceans. Baby albatross are dying from the plastics they ingest before they have even flown. By 2050, on current

T

his issue finds us looking at the summer months, although recent weather has not precipitated summer thinking, yet.

June is the month of solstice where the sun reaches its highest northern declination for the year in the foot of Gemini the twins, fairly close to the showcase open cluster M35.

Solstice is a time when the sun‘s northern drift comes to a stop and the inexorable fall to the winter solstice position in western Sagittarius begins. The full moon, being opposite the sun in the sky, will take up this low position in the sky around summer solstice.

Seasonal time seems to stand still around solstice. There is almost no change in the length of the day. Summer has arrived and if you ain't got it in the ground by then, it‘s probably too late. It‘s a time of gatherings and the seasonal workload lightens (in theory at least).

At our latitude, the sun is not low enough below the horizon at midnight (or 1 a.m. daylight time, the middle of night) to

Skyscraper Vertical Forest, Milan, Italy featuring a building with more than 900 tree species. Photo: Frederic Prochasson www.123rf.com/Id 44781410

Guy Dauncey is author of Journey to the Future: A Better World Is Possible, an ecotopian novel set in the year 2032. See more at www.journeytothefuture.ca

wide.

T h e entire event is widely publicized and finding a place to camp be harder than I you are a last-minute

go o d has proven to thought if person like me.

The Oregon star party would have been a great setting to observe it from, but that event was fully booked within two hours of being posted. Looks like it's going to be an eleventh hour save at this point.

As usual, if you are interested in visiting the Bells Lake Observatory, I can be reached at irwin8sound@gmail.com or (250) 620-0596. The best things in life are free and the night sky is our heritage.

June 1: Williams Lake Garden Club Meeting. Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Centre, Williams Lake. (250) 392-2769. 7-9 p.m.

June 2-24: Light as Muse by Judith Copland (Main Gallery), Fur and Feathers by Bobbie Crane (Upper Gallery) Station House Gallery, Williams Lake. (250) 3926113 www.stationhousegallery.com.

June 2: Williams Lake Farmers Market 9 a.m.–2 p.m. every Friday in Boitanio Park, Williams Lake.

Contact wlfm.manager@gmail.com or (778) 9610600.

June 2: Women‘s Spirituality Circle: An Evening of Poetry and Music, The Bean Counter, Williams Lake. 6:30–8:30 p.m.

Marilyn Livingston (250) 302-9119 or Margaret Anne Enders (250) 305-4426.

June 3: Arts on the Fly: Nerd Prom Takeover fundraiser, Horsefly Community Hall, Horsefly, BC. 6:30 p.m.–10 p.m. (778) 373 -6 1 0 8 . b il mar @xp lo r n et.co m o r www.artsonthefly.com.

June 6: Free Fitness 6 p.m–7 p.m. in Boitanio Park every Tuesday this summer, Williams Lake. June 6 (Yoga), June 13 (Yoga), June 20 (Yoga), June 27 (Zumba), July 4 (Zumba), July 11 (Pound), July 18 (Pound), July 25 (Boot Camp), August 1 (Boot Camp), August 8 (yoga), Aug 15 (Zumba), Aug 22 (Yoga), August 29 (Boot Camp). Organized by

Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex.

(250) 398-7665.

July and August - Come Explore Nature With Us, Scout Island Nature Centre, Weekdays - Nature Fun ½ Day programs ages 4-8, Wednesdays - Tales and Trails ages 0-5 (with parents), Art in Nature ages 8 - 1 3 f u l l d a y .

S e e www.scoutislandnaturecentre or Scout Island Facebook for more info.

July 1 - August 26: Dorothy, Alice & Anne: Expectations of Character (Main Gallery) Station House Gallery, Williams Lake.

(250) 392-6113 www.stationhousegallery.com.

July 1: Four Directions Festival. Downtown Williams Lake. (250) 398-5727. info@wlcbia.com. 12–9 p.m. Free Admission.

July 1: Chalk Art Festival, Williams Lake.

(250) 398-5727. info@wlcbia.com. 12–9 p.m. Free Registration.

July 1: Mural Walking Tour, Williams Lake. (250) 398-5727. info@wlcbia.com.

12–9 p.m.

July 1: Canada Day in Boitanio Park, Williams Lake. (250) 398-7665 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Free admission.

July 3 - 10: Christmas in July Sale (25% off groups of 10 drop in passes) Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex, Williams Lake. (250) 398-7665.

July 6: WL Garden Club Meeting. Arts Centre, Williams Lake. (250) 392-2769. 7– 9 p.m.

August 3: WL Garden Club Meeting. Arts Centre, Williams Lake. (250) 392-2769. 7– 9 p.m.

July 6: Performances in the Park presents Entangados with Hattie Ann. Gwen Ringwood Theatre in Boitanio Park, Williams Lake. 6 p.m.

August 3: Downtown Street Performers every Thursday in Williams Lake. Williams Lake Central BIA. (250) 398-5717. info@wlcbia.com.

July 9: Home Herbalist Workshop Series, Wells, BC. To register contact Laurel Glitherow at (250) 747-7462 or lbherbals@gmail.com.

August 3: Performances in the Park presents This Way North with Nice Verdes.

Gwen Ringwood Theatre in Boitanio Park, Williams Lake. 6 p.m.

July 13: Performances in the Park presents Kym Gouchie with Colin Easthope. Gwen Ringwood Theatre in Boitanio Park, Williams Lake. 6 p.m.

August 4-7: ArtsWells Festival of All Things Art, Wells, BC. (250) 994-3466 or 1-800-442-2787. Info@imarts.com. www.artswells.com.

July 14-15: Arts on the Fly Music & Dance Festival. Horsefly, BC. (778) 3736108. bilmar@xplornet.com or www.artsonthefly.com.

August 10: Performances in the Park presents Aerialist with Lowell Friesen. Gwen Ringwood Theatre in Boitanio Park, Williams Lake. 6 p.m.

July 17 - 21: Circus Arts, Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex, Williams Lake. ( 2 5 0 ) 3 9 8 - 7 6 6 5 . www.activewilliamslake.com.

August 11-13: Robson Valley Music Festival. Dunster, BC. (250) 968-4411. or www.robsonvalleymusicfestivalbc.com.

July 20: Performances in the Park presents Twin Peaks with Laura Kelsey. Gwen Ringwood Theatre in Boitanio Park, Williams Lake. 6 p.m.

July 27: Performances in the Park presents Alan Giddens and Friends with Bernadette Ducharme. Gwen Ringwood Theatre in Boitanio Park, Williams Lake. 6 p.m.

August 17: Performances in the Park presents RK Collective with Brett Wildman.

Gwen Ringwood Theatre in Boitanio Park, Williams Lake. 6 p.m.

August 24: Performances in the Park presents Rachel Walker with Those Guys and Red Monkey Black King. Gwen Ringwood Theatre in Boitanio Park, Williams Lake. 6 p.m.

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 .

“ Bean Counter Bistro & Coffee Bar, (250) 305-2326 180B 3rd Ave. North, Williams Lake Organic Coffee, Fair Trade, Local Foods 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 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 Chilcotin Conservation Society, (250) 398-7929 Unit 102-197 2nd Ave. North, Williams Lake ccentre@ccconserv.org, www.ccconserv.org Working within the community to promote a healthy environment as the basis of a strong economy and vibrant society. Programs include Water Wise, Waste Wise, Sustainable Living, and Watershed Health.

Cariboo Growers Coop, (778) 412-2667 3rd & Oliver St., Williams Lake. 100% Natural & Organic Foods, Non-Profit Farmer’s Coop Cleanway Supply, 1 (800) 663-5181 275 South MacKenzie Ave., Williams Lake Organic Cleaning Products 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

.”

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 .

The Gecko Tree, (250) 398-8983 54 N. MacKenzie Ave. Williams Lake Serving healthy, local foods New Paradigm Teas (250) 267-3468 newparadigmteas@gmail.com Four Nourishing blends of locally, organically grown and wildcrafted herbal teas.

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

Potato House Sustainable Community Society (250) 855-8443 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 and find out ways to get involved.

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.

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

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

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.

Windy Creek Farm, (250) 296-3256 Miocene, BC Grass Fed Beef. No hormones, antibiotics or vaccines. www.grassfedbeefbc.ca

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 Valley Inn & Restaurant Big Lake Big Lake General Store Clinton Clinton Coffee House Dog Creek Mount View Handy Mart Red Dog Pub/Liquor Store Hanceville Lee‘s Corner Store Horsefly Clarke‘s General Store Post Office Horsefly Hardware Horsefly Service Station 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 Prince George Books and Co. University of Northern BC College of New Caledonia 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 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 Co-op Cariboo Ski Community Futures Concrete Fitness Conservation Society CJ‘s Restaurant CRD Library Creative Scissor Dairy Queen Dog & Suds earthRight 4 Sure Bistro Friendship Centre Greyhound Bus Stop 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 Margetts Meats McDonalds Mt. Timothy Ski Area New World Coffee Oliver‘s Bar & Grill South 2nd Deli Red Shred‘s Bike & Board Shed Rona Home Centre Safeway Save-on-Foods SBL Liquor Store Scout Island Nature Center Senior Citizens Center 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 WL Acupuncture Clinic Williams Lake Physio WL Seniors Village 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 Kombucha Fruit Pudding This tasty treat packs a nutritious punch, first from the kombucha and then from the chia seeds, a virtual superfood.

The more chia used the more pudding-like it is.  2 cups fresh or frozen fruits  1/2 cup kombucha  3 tablespoons chia seeds  2 tablespoons honey (optional)  1/4 teaspoon sea salt Combine all ingredients in a blender along with any other seasoning you like, such as mint, ginger, or cinnamon. Refrigerate 1/2 hour and serve topped with fresh fruits.

Keeps in fridge for two weeks. Enjoy!

NUTRIENT DENSE MEAL Beef Pho (serves 4)  0.5 kg onions, peeled  4 inches fresh ginger  2.5-3 kg beef bones (knuckle or marrow bones are best)  8 litres water  5 star anise  4 cloves  3-inch cinnamon stick  0.5 kg boneless beef (chuck, rump or brisket) cut 2 inches wide, 4 inches long, and 1 ½ inches thick  1.5 Tbsp salt  ¼ cup fish sauce  1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar  30 g rock sugar Parboil and rinse bones, boil them for 3 minutes, and rinse again (this will give you a very clear broth). Add 8 litres of water to the bones, bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer. Skim off any scum on top. Add all ingredients and cook uncovered for 1.5 hours. Take out the boneless meat, cooling down in cold water, then cover and put in fridge. Meanwhile, keep simmering the broth for another 10 hours or up to 72 hours—crockpots are ideal. Add more water when needed.

Strain. Save any gelatinous tendon from bones to add to the meat in the fridge.

Assemble the bowls:  0.5 kg rice noodles soaked in water  cooked beef from broth  0.5 kg beef (sirloin), cut across grain into thin strips  1 onion, sliced thin and soaked in cold water for 30 minutes and drained  3-4 green onions, chopped  3 cups bean sprouts, arugula, bock choy, or any other fresh vegetable  1/3 cup fresh chopped cilantro, leafs only  black pepper  4 eggs whisked and fried as individual omelettes then rolled up and cut into strips Bring 8 cups of broth to a rolling boil, place portioned (into 4) rice noodles on mesh strainer and dip into broth for 15 seconds until they collapse. Repeat for all four bowls. Divide meat and all other ready ingredients into bowls. Add the 2 cups of broth into each and sprinkle with cilantro.

Enjoy.

You will have extra broth. Store in fridge or freeze for later use.

MYTHS UNVEILED Why We Need Animal Fats for Health and Happiness, the new book by Sally Fallon We have been hearing about how unhealthy saturated animal fat is for most of our lives. It causes heart disease. It causes cancer. It makes you fat. Sally Fallon has gone in search of the evidence behind these claims and found, well, nothing—only grandiose claims by authorities based on nothing but their authority.

Popular wisdom would have us believe that saturated fats like butter cause heart disease and heart disease rates have skyrocketed over the last century because we eat too much butter. According to the USDA and the US Census Bureau, we ate about 20 pounds of butter per capita a hundred years

ago. In recent years that number is less than 6 pounds per capita. If cutting back on butter is the answer, we‘ve done that and things have only gotten worse.

What about the famous Framingham study? According to Dr. William Castelli, that study showed that people who ate more fat and cholesterol were more active and they weighed less. There was no correlation with heart disease. Numerous other large studies are cited in this book that come to the same conclusion.

Cholesterol is the other terror of the pop health culture. Again, it is a little hard to find a good study to justify this terror.

Studies that seem to support the idea that fat and cholesterol will kill you are flawed in key ways. One very common problem is that these studies do not differentiate between natural animal fat and artificial trans fat. Another common deception is to make statistically insignificant variations look large and convincing. One more mistake is the assumption that high levels of fat in the blood imply high fat intake. High carbohydrate intake can lead to synthesis of fatty acids from excess carbohydrates.

It gets worse. Not only do we lack evidence of harm from fat and cholesterol but there are many studies that show we need both of them to stay healthy. One study showed children on low-cholesterol diets had a lower IQ. People with Smith-LemliOpitz Syndrome have a genetic disorder that prevents them from making cholesterol. Cholesterol supplements greatly improve their symptoms. Mental illness is

epidemic today in the population in general. That is not surprising when you understand that fat and cholesterol are two of the most critical nutrients for the brain, yet everyone is afraid to eat them.

This book will not wear you out with technical terms but there are technical explanations and terms for those who like that. You can read about the beneficial constituents of butter, which include cholesterol, lecithin, selenium, and glycosphingolipids.

We are seeing headlines in publications like The Washington Post and Wall Street Journal admitting that butter may not be so bad after all. If you have been on the lowfat bandwagon and your diet is depressing you, reading this book and trying the recipes in the back will make you happy again.

Read more in Wise Traditions Winter 2016.

A WALK THROUGH YOUR PANTRY: GET RID OF: Margarine and industrially produced vegetable oils REPLACE WITH: Butter, lard, and tallow from healthy pasture raised animals preferably organic.

Brought to you by Jasmin Schellenberg Inspired by and resourced from Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon; and www.westonaprice.org.

For ―Nourishing our Children‖ newsletters of the past visit www.thegreengazette.ca.