Pique Newsmagazine 3024

In their own words

The next generation of First Nations storytellers share the stories that matter most to them.

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SAFETY DANCE

As bike traffic and e-bike usage picks up on the Valley Trail, Whistler officials are discussing safety—and enforcement.

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- By Xet’ólacw Community School students

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NO CANADA

Whistler’s mayor and council ultimately voted against bringing back the resort’s Canada Day parade on short notice at the advice of municipal staff.

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FOR THE FORESTS

Three Whistler women are on the bike trip of a lifetime to Mexico while also raising money to support the rainforest.

FULL HOUSE

Pemberton’s animal shelter is already at full capacity—and preparing to welcome more residents.

36 REPEAT CONTENDERS

Pemberton Secondary School is celebrating back-to-back victories after a win at the B.C. High School Mountain Biking Championship.

40 ON DISPLAY

The Point Artist-Run Centre is set to debut its Indigenous Artisan Showcase on June 23.

COVER My great uncle tells me that the Lil’wat Elders seen here are the survivors of the last smallpox epidemic responsible for eradicating a significant portion of the Lil’wat population many decades ago. Every Lil’wat member alive today has descended from someone in this photograph. Lil’wat pictographs for family, the sun, hunting and battlegrounds, and Grizzly Bear and Owl clans are also depicted. - By Levi Nelson // @levi.nelson.artiste

Founding Publishers KATHY & BOB BARNETT

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08 OPENING REMARKS As it pertains to local issues and coverage in the newspaper, editor Braden Dupuis has a simple message: you have more influence than you know.

10 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

This week’s letter writers weigh in on coexisting with grizzlies and the closure of Rainbow Park, and float ideas to solve Whistler’s dire housing situation.

13 PIQUE’N YER INTEREST Failure may be a certainty in life, but it’s only the end if you make it so, writes columnist David Song.

62 MAXED OUT The so-called “good old days” are surely good and gone, writes G.D. Maxwell—but who were they good for, anyway?

Environment & Adventure

29 RANGE ROVER Leslie Anthony delves back into the wonderful weirdness that can only be found on Hornby Island.

Lifestyle & Arts

Contributors

G.D. MAXWELL, GLENDA BARTOSH, LESLIE ANTHONY, ANDREW MITCHELL, ALISON TAYLOR, VINCE SHULEY

President, Whistler Publishing LP

SARAH STROTHER - sstrother@wplpmedia.com

39 EPICURIOUS The Whistler Village Beer Festival returns this fall for its 10th instalment, with plenty of food options to soak up the suds.

46 MUSEUM MUSINGS Before Whistler became a year-round destination resort, there were few visitors and events throughout the summer.

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You have more influence than you know

IN THIS WEEK’S cover feature, you’ll read personal essays by more than a dozen Grade 11 students from Mount Currie’s Xet ’ ólacw Community School.

The feature is timely, with Canadians celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day on Wednesday, June 21, but the stories told and issues raised aren’t tied to any one day.

They simply offer insight into one First Nations community, as experienced by the young people who live there.

long it takes for some keyboard critic to comment “slow news day?” or “how is this news?” (Bonus points if they address Pique as if it’s a person, with its own thoughts and feelings and agenda, and not an inanimate object.)

of the Lil’wat Nation’s history and unceded territories.

It’s easy to look at problems in our communities and feel defeated, or hopeless—but it’s simply not productive. We can’t fix every small annoyance, or correct each injustice, of course. But it is incumbent on each of us to try, in any small way we can.

government has ignored them, despite including specific mention of the project in mandate letters to a pair of ministers in 2020.

Well, the new provincial budget is out, and surprise, surprise: no money for regional transit in the Sea to Sky.

BY BRADEN DUPUIS

The feature is the result of an April school visit, in which teacher Charlotte Jacklein brought students from her socials class to Pique’s Function Junction office to discuss newspapers, journalism, and issues pertinent to Mount Currie and its young people.

Over the course of two hours or so, we answered questions, workshopped story pitches, and talked through different issues impacting the community.

These types of visits are always worthwhile, and often as illuminating for us as they (hopefully) are for the students.

At one point in the discussion, the students asked why some stories Pique publishes are seemingly written in a negative light.

But journalists don’t set out to portray anything in any kind of light (at least not the good ones). The reality is that news, by its very nature, is often negative. As one of my journalism professors said about a nonstory I filed as a pup reporter way back when, “nobody wants to read about how the trains are running on time.”

And it’s true. Post an even marginally obvious headline to Facebook and see how

It’s hard to blame them. It’s right there in the word, after all: news is literally that which is new; the strange, the bizarre, the out-of-theordinary; the exceptional, the unexplained, the fantastic; and yes, the catastrophic, the disastrous, and the negative.

But, as I told the students—and this is good advice for everybody—you have more influence over what you see in the news than you may realize.

Want to read more good news stories? Go do something positive for us to write about. Effect positive change, and we’ll be thrilled to write about all the good you’re doing.

As an editor, I take much more joy out of assigning fun, quirky, good-news stories than I do out of tough stories rooted in

That could be by attending council meetings, or writing letters; joining committees or community groups; starting our own volunteer initiatives, or non-profits; or writing letters or pitching stories to the local newspaper about issues that aren’t getting proper attention.

Some of these young people from Mount Currie have already taken the first step, by identifying problems in their community that they want to see fixed, or changed. What comes next is up to them.

All politics is local, after all, and the best way to effect change is at the local level.

Among the many good points raised in

The lack of action from our provincial government on this file has always been a head-scratcher, but in light of the direct appeal from one of the students in this week’s cover feature, it somehow feels especially shameful, and borderline unconscionable.

Here is a real issue, directly affecting residents of a First Nations community— it’s impacting their ability to access basic services, to find employment, to experience the world beyond their town, and to fully prosper in the ways they otherwise could. Yet our provincial government sits on its hands for years, unable to scrounge the relative pocket change needed to get a service off the ground (about $3.5 million in 2017 dollars— even factoring in inflation, that is chump

tragedy and suffering, or complicated, petty, personal messes between private parties.

But people are less inclined to get in touch about the good things, it seems. Many just arrive angry, dull axes in hand and petty grievances clouding their judgment.

The stories in this week’s cover feature are simple, but powerful, and they touch on important messages for all of us, whether that’s a plea for less littering and more trash cans, better access to simple services like shops and banks, or even just an affirmation

this week’s cover feature, one in particular sticks out like a black bear in the bush: the lack of reasonable transportation options for Mount Currie residents, and others living in the Sea to Sky.

This is not a new issue by any stretch, and it’s one our regional leaders have pushed for years with no luck.

Over and over they have made the case for a regional transit system in the Sea to Sky, connecting Mount Currie to the Lower Mainland, and over and over the provincial

change when you think about the money Whistler sends to Victoria each day in tax revenue).

Maybe if some of these young Mount Currie students take their message directly to our provincial government, the bean counters will be forced to face the impact this is having on real people in the corridor.

But they’ll have to get their parents or older siblings to drive them—because the government hasn’t made regional transit or basic mobility a priority for them. ■

Is Whistler ready for the return of the grizzly bear?

Since time immemorial, the Sk_wx_wú7mesh Úxumixw (Squamish) and Li’lwat7úl (Lil’wat) people have revered and coexisted with the grizzly bear on their shared and unceded ancestral lands, that we settlers call Whistler, Squamish, and Pemberton.

Indigenous knowledge documents that where grizzlies roam, they indicate health for the land and their people. Our Western knowledge system—science—understands this as well. Grizzlies are keystone species in the ecosystems they roam. They play an integral part in seeding mountainside berry patches, cultivating alpine glacier lily fields, and carrying nitrogen-rich salmon as fertilizer into the magnificent forests of the West Coast.

Following centuries of persecution and habitat loss by European settlers, the grizzly bear was extirpated from much of its historic North American range. Now that the Yellowstone grizzly population is on the road to recovery, Southwest B.C. is considered North America’s most threatened grizzly bear corridor.

Grizzly bears are one of the slowestreproducing land mammals in North America. The recent decision to end the hunt

across B.C. has not caused the increase in recent sightings here in Whistler. The great bear’s return is a testament to decades of conservation efforts along the Sea to Sky by the B.C. government, First Nations and conservation organizations, including Coast to Cascades Grizzly Bear Initiative. The next big step in grizzly recovery is our challenge of learning to live with these magnificent creatures.

At the Grizzly Bear Foundation, we work with communities across B.C., Alberta and

the Yukon on conservation and coexistence, and we recognize that Whistler is prepared more than most communities to coexist with grizzlies. Whistler was one of the first communities in B.C. to achieve the Bear Smart Community designation, the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) has an active Bear Advisory Committee, and the Association for Whistler Area Residents for the Environment (AWARE) is doing exceptional education and community engagement work. In 2019, the Grizzly Bear Foundation, in

partnership with Coast to Cascades, funded a review of the Mount Sproatt and Rainbow Mountain trail network expansion, leading the RMOW to consider grizzly bear habitat use in its plans.

The grizzly bear is back, and Whistler is on track to be a model of coexistence for communities across North America. There are great examples of people living with grizzlies, both modern and traditional. Reach out to the groups mentioned above or visit our website for more information.

Enjoying the benefits of nature comes with the responsibility to take care of her and learn to coexist with all her wild creatures. Our ecosystems flourish when the great bear roams the mountains and valley bottoms we share. The return of the grizzly to Whistler is a hopeful story of healing our relationship with nature.

The Grizzly Bear Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to the welfare of the grizzly bear across North America. Guided by science and Indigenous knowledge, we work collaboratively to support the conservation of grizzly bears through research, public education, and advocacy. To learn more about people sharing a common home with grizzlies and witness unique stories of communities coexisting with grizzly bears, follow our Living With Grizzlies short film series at grizzlybearfoundation.com.

Nicholas Scapillati // Executive Director, Grizzly Bear Foundation

Strengthening a love of nature

This year marks the 17th annual BioBlitz event that celebrates biodiversity through education and scientific research. One of the goals of our June BioBlitz event is to fuel a connection to nature early and share with local students first-hand that they are part of a larger and fascinating world.

To that end, we organized biodiversity presentations for 38 classes from Spring Creek (12), Myrtle Philip (15), École la Passerelle (3), Whistler Waldorf (4) and Whistler Secondary (4)—approximately 750 students. Thank you

of Whistler, and nature art. Students got to look at pollinators under a microscope, see live aquatic invertebrates, go for nature walks, handle examples of decomposers, match pollinators with flowers they pollinate, and draw nature to help develop a keen eye for important details.

Classes at the high school had a very special presentation where they got to witness in-person wildlife necropsies (autopsies performed on animals) and learn about how the province is working to improve wildlife health from two provincial wildlife health biologists.

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to all the students and teachers for your enthusiasm and interest!

We hope these hands-on presentations increase a sense of wonder for students and help build appreciation for the natural world around them, which then fuels an interest in stewardship.

For elementary schools, the topics included pollination, ecology, the web of life, forest friends, energy flow and food chains, wildlife

The team of scientists also spent time scouring different locations in the valley and documenting the species they found. Our BioBlitz field trips included Loggers Lake, the Emerald Forest Wildlife Refuge and the Brandywine area.

It’s amazing that species documented by BioBlitz volunteers represent close to half of all records on the Whistler Biodiversity Project (WBP) master list. Results from the 2022

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$9,995,000

“It’s amazing that species documented by BioBlitz volunteers represent close to half of all records on the Whistler Biodiversity Project (WBP) master list.”

- KRISTINA SWERHUN AND BOB BRETT

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

DL 451, BLK A+B

• Unparalleled water front property, accessible by boat

• Two separate cabins with solar system, internet, hot tub and sauna.

• Private bay, just a few minutes from D'Arcy

932 7727 dave@davehalliwell com

BioBlitz brought the total number of species documented in Whistler to 4,846. Considering that before the WBP was started in 2004 there were only 435 species recorded in Whistler, we’ve learned so much thanks to BioBlitz and the scientists who expand and share knowledge of the species found in the Whistler area and how they are all connected. Knowing what species are here is essential if Whistler wants to successfully protect nature.

A huge thank you to the Whistler Community Foundation, which has consistently been our major funder over the 17 years of BioBlitz. We also received generous support from the Resort Municipality of Whistler’s Community Enrichment Program, Tantalus Lodge, Nesters Market, Creekside Market, Vanessa Stark Art, Toad Hall and Avalanche Pizza.

Kristina Swerhun and Bob Brett // On behalf of the Whistler Naturalists

Whistler’s dire housing situation needs creative solutions

I see many good-paying jobs year-round in Whistler. I always have since moving here from Nelson in 2009. This move allowed me to avoid the recession that hit for the next three years or so.

Skip ahead to 2023.

There are still great-paying jobs. So many that my painter friend has four positions open.

fixed four years later?

Even with a planned detour, did nobody leave their desk to check the roads? If this letter is printed, surely a serious safety hazard is now a likely liability risk to the municipality. Fix the potholes and put up some signs—it’s cheap!

Rudy Pospisil // Whistler

How will Rainbow’s revision impact Whistler grizzly bears?

Pique editor Braden Dupuis brought my attention to this matter in his editorial on Whistler’s policy on the grizzly population (Pique, June 9). Perhaps there should be more consultation before things proceed further at “Grizzly Park.” The “upgrade” changes to Rainbow Park are taking a full year to develop, so hopefully there is time to reconsider for the bears’ sake.

“We built trails up there without really understanding the use of the area by bears. I think if we could do it now we would do things differently,” environmental stewardship manager Heather Beresford told Whistler’s mayor and council in 2020, of Whistler’s Alpine Trail Network opened on Sproatt and Rainbow mountains in 2017.

Whistlerites have asked for a reconsideration of the now-underway revamping of Rainbow Park. There are funds

Local construction firm Vision Pacific is always hiring. The hotels can’t find staff fast enough who can even fold a towel. Why? Because there is nowhere to live anymore. Just build sea-cans for some stroke of genius. One can be converted in five days—you could build a community in a month. If I hear NIMBYism, you gotta put yourself in the shoes of a guy living in a shelter, or a van, or a tent. It’s that bad.

Ryan Mattar // Whistler

While Rainbow Park has gone to the geese…

The geese seem to be the only ones enjoying Rainbow Park now that it’s closed a year for upgrades. The poor planning at Whistler’s municipal hall has spilled onto Alta Lake Road with the detoured cyclists. First, there is no signage warning cars to beware of the cyclists taking the detour. Secondly, the road is badly pitted with dangerous potholes. These potholes caused some serious crashes in the previous Ironman races, but are still not

available from the province to do this work now, so there was not much chance to do fresh surveys and ask for input from locals, or tourists.

On the map of the proposal, there is a paved area for food trucks (how many food trucks? Two or six?). The grizzlies will be pleased to have the various enticing scents drifting up Sproatt and over to Rainbow, inviting them to come down and check things out.

How much does it cost to relocate a bear? Who pays for it? Do they come back? The folks in Whistler that I have spoken with are very surprised that food trucks are being located at Rainbow Park. If the park was busy before when folks had to pack a sandwich or a piece of fruit if they wanted to stay longer, it may be uncomfortably crowded if people come to HAVE lunch and want to stay a longer time. Then, what about the garbage—and the bears? Whistlerites are trained, but tourists are not.

Louise Christie // Whistler n

“The grizzlies will be pleased to have the various enticing scents drifting up Sproatt and over to Rainbow…”

- LOUISE CHRISTIE

Failure is only the end if you let it be so

IT IS SAID that only two things are certain in life: death and taxes. The idiom has long outlived its most famous reciter, Benjamin Franklin, to the point where many will add a third part to the phrase—death, taxes and insert whatever you feel strongly about.

I’ll give it a go. Three things are certain

BY DAVID SONG

After all, no one wins at everything, every time. Even those who seemingly possess every talent, experience and ally required for success in a given realm can fall short. We are human, and failure is part of the human condition.

Hope you enjoyed that philosophical beginning to this piece. I’m still a sportswriter, so here comes the sports anecdote.

On April 26, the Milwaukee Bucks dropped out of the NBA playoffs with a 128126 overtime loss to the Miami Heat. For all you non-basketball fans: this was a major upset, because the Bucks had won 58 out of 82 regular-season games this year—more than any other NBA team. Conversely, the Heat had won just 44 games and entered the

playoffs as a No. 8 seed.

Yet, the Heat managed to overcome the Bucks in just five games during their firstround postseason matchup en route to an NBA Finals appearance.

Eric Nehm, a staff writer for The Athletic, asked Milwaukee superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo if he viewed this season as a failure. The 2021 NBA MVP took umbrage with Nehm’s query.

“You work towards a goal—it’s not a failure. It’s steps to success,” Antetokounmpo said as part of a longer quote.  “I don’t want to make it personal. There’s always steps to it. Michael Jordan played 15 years, won six championships. The other nine years was a failure?”

Antetokounmpo’s words irked some people. A close friend of mine criticized him for seemingly refusing to be accountable for his team’s untimely downfall. My friend argued that expectations matter, and since Milwaukee was favoured to win it all this year, they crashed and burned and we should all admit it.

Sure, the Bucks did fail in one sense. They did not achieve their goal, despite having the requisite talent and experience to win an NBA championship. Antetokounmpo, as one of the league’s best players, is partly to blame for this outcome.

The problem is, too many people view short-term results as the be-all and end-all.

No doubt many frustrated Bucks fans

and cynical pundits expected their superstar to walk into that postgame press conference as dejected as if he’d lost his family. They may have wanted him to spew out grim platitudes about how utterly he and his teammates had squandered a golden opportunity.

Yet I, for one, respect Antetokounmpo’s poise in the detritus of defeat. I believe his words reflect his capacity to learn from failure.

Obviously, major league sports are cutthroat. Individuals who lack competitive drive don’t belong and can’t survive in that world. Such competition can propel people to greatness—but it can also drown them in an ocean of aggressive delusions.

No NBA team has ever won all 82 regular season games, and none ever will. Nobody is likely ever to duplicate the Boston Celtics’ record of eight consecutive championships in the 1960s, back when the league had just eight or nine teams as opposed to 30 today. Similar things are true about other fields: no person or entity can remain undefeated when many are committing time, talent and effort towards the same goal.

So, what do real champions do? They keep it all in perspective, realizing that short-term pain does not preclude long-term gain. Every successful person has failure as part of their story, and each of their setbacks was a step on the road to triumph.

Here’s an example from my life, albeit one far less dramatic than the Bucks’ playoff

collapse. Last fall, I applied for a part-time sports communications position at the University of Calgary. It should have been a layup. I had spent three or four years as a volunteer sportswriter on campus. I knew the teams, and some of them knew me.

Add to that a master’s degree in sports journalism and experience covering March Madness and Big Ten college football—U.S. events many times more prestigious than any Canadian varsity sport ever will be.

I interviewed well and everything, but they didn’t give me the job. “How could I possibly earn a worthwhile career opportunity,” I thought, disillusioned, “when my own alma mater won’t accept me?”

Fortunately, my support system encouraged me to keep going. Mere weeks later, I discovered a job opportunity for the publication you’re currently reading.

It’s all too easy for bystanders to throw darts when a public figure swings and misses, but that’s never the full story. Life is a river of interconnected moments, not a display case of isolated ones that don’t affect each other. Perhaps Rocky Balboa said it best in his scripted but very real words about facing failure:

“Nobody is gonna hit as hard as life, but it ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get it and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done!” n

How can Whistler improve safety for cyclists?

AS BIKE TRAFFIC PICKS UP ON THE VALLEY TRAIL AND HIGHWAY 99, OFFICIALS DISCUSS SAFETY MEASURES—AND ENFORCEMENT

BY ROBERT WISLA

IN THE LAST FEW WEEKS , Whistler

resident Cindy Wagner has seen numerous people rip past her on e-bikes on the Valley Trail at speeds she estimates to be close to 40 kilometres an hour. In some cases, the bikes carry multiple people, with no helmets in sight.

“I do have two young kids,” she said. “It’s just such an awful [example] for them to be watching all these [people], a lot of them teenagers, not wearing helmets and riding tandem, and my kids were like, ‘well, why do I have to wear a helmet? Can we ride on each other’s bikes?’ And so that’s been a challenge.”

But the bigger worry is that it’s only a matter of time before a bad accident sends someone to hospital.

Wagner is not alone in her observations, as several other Whistler residents have raised similar concerns with biking in the resort, particularly on Highway 99 and the Valley Trail, in recent letters to council.

In receiving some of said letters on June 6, mayor and council voiced agreement that more needs to occur to improve active transportation infrastructure in the resort—as well as the enforcement of provincial biking safety laws.

According to ICBC, wearing a helmet is

the law in B.C., and cyclists can be fined for not wearing one.

Mayor Jack Crompton said the RMOW is listening to residents’ concerns, and is working to collect more data on the increased usage of biking and e-bikes in the municipality.

“We’re attentive to ensuring that the recreation opportunities in our community are safe, and we spend time and attention on that work. I completely understand the concerns,” Crompton said.

“I’m convinced we need to work hard to incorporate what is a tremendous opportunity

According to an RMOW communications official, the municipality itself does not regulate bike helmet use or e-bike user age, as the provincial government governs bikes under the Motor Vehicle Act. The Valley Trail technically has no speed limit, but the municipality expects users to operate on it appropriately and respectfully. Only Class-1 pedal assisted e-bikes are permitted on the Valley Trail.

“As for enforcement, the RMOW’s Bylaw Department has partnered with the RCMP on bike patrols,” the official said in an email,

shoulders have made biking more dangerous (though street sweepers were spotted clearing the shoulders on Highway 99 on the morning of June 12).

Improving safety on the highway will help remove growing congestion from the Valley Trail by making it more efficient for commuters, Dearden said.

“I’m advocating that we use the highway for as much of the bicycle traffic as we can, because the highway is significantly shorter, point to point, between any two points in Whistler,” he said.

Coun. Arthur De Jong echoed the need for better active transportation infrastructure on the highway, as well as the need for more enforcement of the rules. De Jong pointed to his numerous years as a ski patroller at Whistler Blackcomb, where helmets and slower speed zones are now widely adopted thanks to stricter enforcement and the adoption of an Alpine Responsibility Code.

for our town and our province. E-bikes have the capacity to transform the way we commute. That’s exciting. We’re focused on ensuring that transition is as safe as possible.”

In the view of Councillor Cathy Jewett, there needs to be more education in the resort on the rules and responsibilities of riding an e-bike, as the province’s Motor Vehicle Act limits the usage of those vehicles to people aged 16 and above. Jewett has noticed a growing number of parents buying e-bikes for their kids, she said at the June 6 meeting.

adding that the RCMP has reached out to Whistler Secondary about bike safety and helmet use.

Pique reached out to the RCMP for comment, but did not hear back before press deadline.

But the safety concerns aren’t limited to the Valley Trail.

In his own letter to council, Edgar Dearden highlighted the poor state of Highway 99 for cyclists, as high speed limits, faded or non-existent fog lines, and poorly cleared

“With respect to the Valley Trail, education is a big piece … We need to lean much heavier on a ‘Biker’s Responsibility Code’ and, in some cases, enforce it,” De Jong said, adding that the municipality “cannot continue to stand on the sidelines and watch increasing risks” due to increasing speeds on e-bikes.

“We do have to take a level of action via education and sometimes enforcement, similar to this skier’s responsibility code, to make our trails safer and to encourage further use,” he added. “Because we will not even come close to meeting our climate targets without much greater bike use.” n

SAFETY DANCE Several Whistler residents have spoken up about safety concerns on the Valley Trail in recent weeks.

PHOTO BY ROBERT WISLA

“We need to lean much heavier on a ‘Biker’s Responsibility Code’ and, in some cases, enforce it.”

- ARTHUR DE JONG

New to M arket

Whistler council votes against bringing back 2023 Canada Day parade

PROPOSED RESOLUTION DEFEATED IN 4-3 VOTE

BY ROBERT WISLA

COGNIZANT OF WHISTLER residents’ desire to see the resort’s annual Canada Day parade return, Councillor Ralph Forsyth brought a last-minute resolution to the June 6 council meeting to direct staff to add a parade to the resort’s planned Canada Day celebrations.

“When I had heard about the cancellation of the parade, I was like, oh, that seems kind of sad, and my initial instinct was, I guess we’re becoming too big of a town to have a parade with the little kids on their bikes and stuff like that,” Forsyth said. “But then I started to hear [concerns from residents] ... I haven’t been to a dinner party or a mountain bike ride or any community event where it hasn’t come up, and I haven’t heard of a single person who’s in favour of cancelling it.”

Forsyth’s motion failed in a 4-3 vote.

Whistler has not had a traditional Canada Day parade since 2019. The 2020 and 2021 editions were sidelined due to COVID-19, and last year’s celebrations were scaled back after the remains of First Nations children were discovered on the grounds of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School.

Forsyth emphasized the significance of the yearly parade in uniting people and instilling a sense of civic and national pride in the community, and noted there is a strong desire from residents to see the parade return.

“I think that sentiment in the community is real,” Forsyth said.

“It’s palpable to me, at least, and I think if we aren’t responsive to the needs and the desires of the community … I fear that we may be missing the point.”

But pulling a parade together on short notice would be difficult at this point, said Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) chief administrative officer Ginny Cullen.

“Whistler hasn’t had a parade since 2019. There are various reasons for that: COVID19 health and safety measures, some really important considerations with Truth and Reconciliation and the national discussion that is ongoing around that and what is appropriate for Canada Day celebrations,” Cullen said.

“Then also just the capacity of our local businesses … they’re still struggling to be fully staffed. And to then take something else on for them is actually stressful, and so we’ve had to be sensitive and aware and upfront about that and understanding it.”

General manager of community engagement and cultural services Karen Elliott echoed Cullen’s reasoning.

“I think our staff have been working really hard to balance the needs of the community and those that have participated in the past in the parades. They saw declining participation

from local businesses from 2015 to 2019. Then we had COVID. And we are hearing very clearly from local businesses that they cannot take on more,” Elliott said.

“The thinking and effort that’s gone into planning this year’s events is about keeping people together for longer. It’s about creating opportunities where our citizens can stand shoulder-to-shoulder for a period of over five hours, rather than standing shoulder-toshoulder for 40 minutes for the parade.”

One of the goals is to keep people in the village “so that local businesses can benefit from [more] people’s presence for longer, and also adding events where citizens can reconnect,” Elliott added. “And that’s been a big theme with our colleagues that are organizing events across the province.”

Instead of holding a parade, the RMOW is putting on several other festive activities, including community yoga, face-painting, photo booths, summer bobsledding, and a 108-person marching band that will make its way through the village.

Coun. Jen Ford said she also heard concerns from numerous community members, and wished to see a parade return, even in a scaled-back form, with volunteer help from the community if it is needed.

Staff argued that even a scaled-back parade with RMOW support is still too challenging to pull together on the short timeline, and they didn’t want to endorse a resolution they couldn’t deliver on.

“To make a decision or be given direction to pull something together that we can see is incredibly impractical right now is pretty difficult,” Cullen said. “We would love to be able to produce what is being requested of us, but I’m concerned that the direction that’s being provided is something that we aren’t actually going to be able to carry out.”

Mayor Jack Crompton and Couns. Arthur De Jong, Jeff Murl and Cathy Jewett all sided with staff and voted against the resolution, with Couns. Forsyth, Ford, and Jessie Morden voting in favour.

“We’re being told that we don’t have the capacity or the time to deliver this year; I think we should heed that warning. Our team has been working on delivering a great Canada Day event for months now, and I think there’s a real opportunity to celebrate well and get the full advantage of all the work that’s gone into delivering Canada Day this year,’ Crompton said.

“I think the conversation about the value of a Canada Day parade is important, but it really should be a 2024 discussion. We don’t have the time or the capacity to deliver an event of this scale 27 days from now. So I’d encourage us to put this as part of the budget discussion or maybe a Festivals, Events and Animation conversation for 2024. So that if we do decide to bring back a Canada Day parade, we do it well.” n

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Blackcomb Helicopters welcomes new president

WITH NEW REGULATIONS, DUTIES, AND COSTS, JONATHAN BURKE IS LEADING THE COMPANY THROUGH UNCHARTED AIRSPACE

BY MEGAN LALONDE

JONATHAN BURKE is taking the helm as Blackcomb Helicopters’ new president and accountable executive, parent company The McLean Group announced in a release on June 1.

It seems like a natural fit.

Though he’s spent much of the last 25 years in boardrooms, Burke worked as a commercial helicopter pilot for years before entering the corporate world, eventually earning an MBA from Athabasca University and pursuing postgraduate studies at both The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and Stanford University.

“As a kid, I wanted to be an astronaut, but I settled for something a little closer to terra firma,” he said with a laugh. “I love flying. I’ve always been fascinated by helicopters— they’re a crazy collection of mechanical bits that do wonderful things.”

But more than a comfortable fit, Burke’s new gig is a familiar one. He rejoins the company after previously serving as Blackcomb Aviation’s president and COO from 2013 to 2016.

Presented with “the opportunity to come back to my original passion and to work with

the McLeans, and to work in the most beautiful place on the planet … how can you say no?”

Burke explained in a phone interview on June 5.

In the release, Blackcomb Helicopters chair and McLean Group CEO Jason McLean said Burke “has unparalleled strategic insight and a depth of industry experience, in addition to operating with our shared values of safety, sustainability and doing things right.”

Now tasked with overseeing the company’s operations and growth strategy in B.C. and Alberta, Burke will need to lean on that insight and experience to help Blackcomb Helicopters navigate an array of challenges.

Burke’s hiring comes after several years of fast-paced growth for the B.C.-based flight operator, which began operating in Whistler in 1989.

Blackcomb Helicopters launched AlpX Expeditions one year ago, a new arm of the company dedicated solely to backcountry adventure-tourism offerings like heli-biking and heli-skiing. The move was complemented by Blackcomb Helicopters’ 2022 acquisition of Tyax Adventures and the opening of its purpose-built alpine trail network.

Alongside Blackcomb Helicopters’ other tourist-focused services like wedding elopements, mountaintop picnics and helihiking, the company also strengthened its existing commitment to utility, search-and-

rescue, and firefighting flight operations by acquiring Calgary-based Elbow River Helicopters in 2022.

Today, the company counts about 20 helicopters and 60 aviation professionals spread out over six main bases across Western Canada, according to its website.

“We’re everywhere and anywhere, and it’s a very, very interesting time for the industry,” said Burke.

The economic “tables have been turned” on helicopter businesses in recent years, Burke said. Operators like Blackcomb Helicopters have seen massive, double-digit increases in the cost of purchasing, maintaining and flying aircrafts, “combined with some very significant restrictions that have been put on us by Transport Canada, that basically have had to change how we operate the business,” he explained.

NEW TRANSPORT CANADA REGULATIONS IMPACTING RESPONSE CAPABILITIES

Historically, Blackcomb Helicopters would have at least one helicopter and one pilot stationed at each of its Sea to Sky bases, 365 days per year. “There was enough industrial and tourist activity going on in the Sea to Sky corridor to support those aircraft,” Burke explained.

Now, with less work to go around locally and more requests for service elsewhere— whether in the Arctic, Alberta or in Northern B.C., fighting forest fires and conducting powerline work—“we’re having to send our aircraft to where the work is,” said Burke.

That means “there’s been times when

TOP GUN Former Blackcomb Aviation COO Jonathan Burke has rejoined the company as president and accountable executive, Blackcomb Helicopters announced this month.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

we’re getting SAR [search-and-rescue] calls in the Sea to Sky corridor when we’ve not necessarily had a helicopter, for example, sitting in Squamish ready to do a rescue on the Chief or sitting in Whistler ready to do a rescue on Whistler Mountain,” said Burke. “It’s become a challenge for us.”

Compounding that challenge are new Transport Canada regulations that came into force in December 2022. As Whistler Search and Rescue president Brad Sills told Pique in March, tightened restrictions on helicopter pilots’ flight time and total flight duty periods have, in some cases, made it more difficult for local SAR crews to secure available pilots towards the end of the day.

Previous federal flight time regulations, last updated in 1996, limited solo helicopter pilots to 40 to 60 hours in any seven consecutive days, and 120 hours in any 30 consecutive days. New rules permit pilots to fly a maximum of eight hours in any 24 consecutive hours, and 112 hours in any 28 consecutive days.

When it comes to flight duty periods, the old rules allowed for up to 14 hours for aerial workers and air taxi operators from the time they report for a flight, or carry out any duties assigned by the operator. Now, regulations limit pilots to a maximum flight duty period of between nine and 13 hours, depending on what time their day started and how many sectors they’ve flown. (Except in the case of medical evacuation flights, where the maximum flight duty period remains unchanged at 14 hours in any 24 consecutive hours.) “The amendments made to the regulations contribute to reducing flight crew member fatigue, which has been

linked to accidents and incidents, in addition to allowing Canada to meet its international obligations in terms of best standards and recommended practices,” a spokesperson for Transport Canada explained in an emailed statement. The new prescribed flight and duty time limits “are based on the most recent scientific principles,” the spokesperson added.

The new regulations effectively mean Blackcomb Helicopters needs two pilots on duty in a single day, where one would have sufficed under previous rules.

Now, “if Squamish Search and Rescue calls them at 6:15 in the morning to go and do a rescue on the Chief, at between one and two o’clock in the afternoon, that pilot can’t fly anymore, because he’s reached the end of his duty day,” Burke explained.

“That’s an example of the restrictions we’re up against now, where, you know, a pilot who would typically be at the base for the day is now effectively on duty for half the day, and we need to have a second pilot available for the other half of the day.”

Compounding those challenges are wider issues affecting a majority of Sea to Sky residents and businesses: a housing crisis and general labour shortage, plus, Burke added, “a lot more people in the backcountry doing risky things.”

Whistler SAR saw its annual call volume increase for the third consecutive year in 2023, bucking the provincial trend that saw calls drop by approximately one quarter since the first year of the pandemic.

Emergency Management BC covers

helicopter operating costs when a pilot and aircraft are deployed to a SAR call, “but nobody pays us to sit there” waiting for that call to come in, said Burke.

Burke maintained Blackcomb Helicopters is passionate about working with local SAR crews, but said there are costs associated with staying on standby.

“If we have a choice between [responding to a forest fire] in Prince George, versus sitting on the ground in Squamish paying for the pilot, the aircraft maintenance engineer, the $4- or $5-million helicopter to sit there and not get paid for it, the choice gets pretty easy as the prices go up,” he said. “And now, all of a sudden, we need to have two pilots there.”

WHAT ABOUT CLIMATE?

Less than one week into June, federal officials warned Canadians this year’s wildfire season is already on track to be the worst the country has ever seen.

Burke, on the same day that warning was issued, said about 75 per cent of Blackcomb Helicopters’ fleet and crew is currently fighting forest fires across the country.

What happens when AlpX’s heli-biking trails open and Whistler’s summer tourism season gets into full swing next month?

“We always have helicopters at our Whistler base for our tours out of Whistler. When our heli-biking starts up later this year we anticipate having aircraft, but there does come a point in any wildfire season— it happened in the Okanagan a few years ago; it’s happened in other places, for

example in Lillooet and Lytton a few years ago—where the province basically says ‘I don’t care if you have heli-bikers booked, we need your helicopter.’” Burke explained. “They effectively will commandeer the assets because they need them for saving structures, saving life and limb … and if that’s the case, we go.

“We’re going to protect citizens and their property in the Sea to Sky corridor before we take someone for a tour,” he added.

But with an expanded list of those tourism offerings, the company also faces the same dilemma plaguing Whistler’s tourism industry as a whole: how to balance an emissions-heavy business model with the need to protect the environment and locations that business depends on.

To that end, Blackcomb Helicopters has operated as a carbon-neutral company since 2019 by purchasing carbon offsets. The company also flies a “fairly young” fleet, said Burke, and is constantly keeping an eye out for new technologies, like lower-carbon fuel researchers are currently experimenting with.

For now, Blackcomb Helicopters remains focused on “reasonable growth,” said Burke.

As demand for adventure-tourism offerings in the Sea to Sky continues to rise post-pandemic, “we’re being as prudent as we can in terms of the capacity of these offerings, but definitely, that’s an area that we’re trying to grow our business,” he added. “We’re constantly looking at other avenues of expansion in that area, but within reason, knowing that the backcountry can only handle so big a bootprint.” n

Whistler software engineer shuts down results site

STEFAN KOCH OPERATED SPOKESMAN ON A VOLUNTEER BASIS, BUT SAYS A LACK OF COMMUNICATION FROM WHISTLER BLACKCOMB AHEAD OF THE 2023 PHAT WEDNESDAYS SEASON WAS THE LAST NAIL IN ITS COFFIN

BY MEGAN LALONDE

LEADING UP TO the pandemic, some regular competitors in Whistler Blackcomb’s Phat Wednesdays downhill series developed a sort of post-race routine: cross the finish line, grab a beer from the bar, and fire up spokesman.online to check their time.

Rather than results, mountain bikers visiting the site after this season’s inaugural Phat Wednesdays race on May 31 were greeted with a message on Spokesman’s home page: “We’re sorry, but something went wrong.”

Whistler software engineer Stefan Koch shut down the web application last month, nearly a decade after beginning what he called “a community passion project.”

As Koch explained in a recent post to the Whistler Summer Facebook group, the decision wasn’t based on an unwillingness to continue spending his spare time working on site maintenance, data troubleshooting, or feature development, or to keep paying domain and hosting fees out-of-pocket, as he has since the site launched. It wasn’t even “because I don’t love doing it anymore,” he wrote.

Instead, Koch attributed the decision to a lack of communication from Whistler Blackcomb, leading to uncertainty over the

future of a project he has dedicated countless hours to over the years.

The idea for a race-results site sparked in 2013, when Koch started riding in the Wednesday night series. In those days, unless racers landed on the podium, finding individual results involved navigating through a crowd to a “massive stack” of printed paper, and leafing through the pile to locate their name, he recalled.

“Everybody’s sitting on their phones anyway, so I said, ‘Why are we not putting this online?’” Koch explained.

His pitch to Whistler Blackcomb’s events team of the day was a web application that would display searchable race results, and rank riders by time, gender, category and overall points. “They said ‘Yeah, let’s do it.’”

It wasn’t until 2016 that Spokesman officially launched. Since then, it has served thousands of users, and expanded to include other local mountain biking events and ski races (a challenge considering the differing event formats, said Koch, but a task he completed at Whistler Blackcomb’s request)— until 2020, that is, when the pandemic brought in-person events to a halt. Koch anticipated typical site operations would resume once Phat Wednesdays made a comeback, but was hopeful it would be with a slightly more official agreement in place.

“I said, ‘Look, guys, this is not how I want to operate.’ I do this all volunteer,” Koch explained in a video call. Aside from Spokesman’s users, “the only one who really benefits is [Whistler Blackcomb], because they don’t need to do any work. They just upload the results, and everything is done by the program. The point calculation, the timing calculation—they just need to make sure that the data is clean.”

Koch envisioned growing the site into a downloadable app with interactive, customizable features, and enough categories to make every single participant a winner in one creatively specific bracket or another— “being the top ‘25-year-old on a Santa Cruz bike frame,’” for example.

Ideally, “I’d keep paying what I’d be paying, and [Whistler Blackcomb] would pay to use the tool,” said Koch. “This would be the best solution for all of us.”

In an email, a Whistler Blackcomb spokesperson said the events team spoke with Koch last September, sharing the resort “was unable to fund the development or growth of his platform.”

While Koch said the September meeting left the impression Whistler Blackcomb intended to continue using Spokesman, Whistler Blackcomb’s representative maintained “no contracts or agreements were previously in place, but it was clear that Stefan

wanted to expand and shift his technology related to how he had previously been working with us. Given our policy in terms of how we work with third-party vendors, particularly technology, we were unable to continue using Spokesman for our resort.”

Other than a February text from a Whistler Blackcomb staffer explaining the events team was in the thick of winter programming and would reach out when time allowed, Koch said his numerous requests for clarity about what Spokesman’s relationship with the resort would look like in 2023 were met with silence from October onwards.

Without Spokesman, Phat Wednesdays participants can now access results on social media—including the Whistler Bike Park Events Facebook group—as well as on partner websites like Pinkbike, and by category on Seattle-based timing site Webscorer.

In an emailed statement, Whistler Blackcomb events manager Steve Crowley said his team “has enjoyed a great relationship with Stefan, working closely throughout the evolution of Spokesman.”

He added: “Stefan’s contributions have been an asset to our bike racing community over the years and we want to thank him for his dedication and drive. We wish him the best in his future endeavours and hope to work with him again in the future.” n

Whistler’s ‘Dirty Blondes’ biking to Mexico for the environment

KATE LEACH, HANNAH ASHWORTH, AND JAIMEE YATES RAISING MONEY FOR RAINFOREST PROTECTION

BY ROBERT WISLA

LIKE MANY Whistlerites, Kate Leach, Hannah Ashworth, and Jaimee Yates share a passion for biking and a longing for adventure.

Now, they’re turning those pursuits into meaningful action.

On May 11, the trio left Whistler and headed down the Pacific Coast, beginning a nearly 3,000-kilometre journey to Tijuana, Mexico.

Along the way, the women—who refer to themselves as The Dirty Blondes on their shared Instagram account created for the trip—aim to support and bring attention to the non-profit charity Cool Earth, which supports Indigenous peoples and local communities to protect the rainforest and tackle deforestation.

“We wanted to create some good while we were doing it,” Yates said. “So we thought it’d be awesome to try to raise some money for [Cool Earth] and just get people to know them a bit more.”

The three women have spent the last month biking south, regularly pedalling more than 90 km a day, and spending their nights in tents at state parks, random motels or with strangers through the couch-surfing community Warm Showers, which supports

touring cyclists.

So far on the adventure, they have crossed through the states of Washington and Oregon, and just recently passed through Santa Barbara in Southern California, with the rest of the trip expected to take about a week to complete. To date the trio has raised $638 toward their $2,500 goal.

According to Yates, the most challenging part of the journey is biking on the narrow shoulders found on the U.S. Interstate Highway System, especially in some regions of Washington state and California, which led to numerous punctured tires. (By last count, the group was up to 18 flats.)

“Freeways … they’re dangerous. They’re loud. There’s usually a narrow bridge, and there’s always a lot of stuff on the side of the road,” Yates said. “So that’s where you tend to get the most flat tires.”

One unforgettable moment from the adventure came when they crossed the 6.4-km-long Astoria-Megler Bridge on the Washington-Oregon Border, as high winds and cars speeding by unsettled them.

“There was no hard shoulder on it at all. So we were basically riding next to all of the traffic, and it’s very intense,” Leach said. “We were very happy to get to get to the other side.”

Aside from that, the journey has been one of endurance, as the women strive to keep up with the caloric demands of biking nearly 100 miles a day while also staying on top of mechanical issues.

But those hurdles were always going to be part of the journey.

“It’s been a good challenge, and that was another reason that brought us on this trip: We wanted a good challenge and something that was a little bit different,” Yates said.

“I think, coming from Whistler, everyone’s always doing cool, out-of-the-box stuff, and we’re like, you know what? I think we can do that too.”

Overall, the trip has been a positive experience so far, and has brought the three friends closer together as they helped each other through the rough days.

“If you eat together, sleep together, ride together every day, you’re gonna get to know each other really well in the best possible way,” Leach said. “It’s a very, very special relationship.”

Once the trio reaches the MexicanAmerican border after 40-plus days of biking with only one rest day, they plan to take a train back to Vancouver—where they can indulge in a well-earned nap while reflecting on the trip.

You can follow the journey or donate to the cause on Instagram at the_dirtyblondes. n

BIKE LIFE Kate Leach, Hannah Ashworth, and Jaimee Yates—a.k.a. The Dirty Blondes—are on the trip of a lifetime.

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Man faces criminal charges in connection with June 6 break-in

FABIAN

JACKSON DALEY ACCUSED OF BREAKING INTO ALTA LAKE ROAD RESIDENCE AND POSSESSING STOLEN PROPERTY

BY MEGAN LALONDE

A MAN SUSPECTED of breaking into a Tamarisk home on Tuesday morning, June 6, faces criminal charges following a nearly sevenhour search that ended in his arrest, while officers work to reunite owners with stolen property recovered during the investigation. According to a release, Sea to Sky RCMP first responded to reports of a break-and-enter at a townhouse along the 1400 block of Alta Lake Road at about 9:17 a.m. on June 6.

Witnesses at the scene told police a man wearing a high-visibility construction vest had broken into the unit while its residents were home, before fleeing in a white vehicle. Police conducted “extensive patrols” Tuesday morning, but weren’t able to locate the suspect.

The trail grew hotter at about 1:10 p.m. the same day, when Whistler’s RCMP detachment was alerted to a suspicious-looking man reportedly matching the description of the suspected intruder, spotted near a white vehicle in Creekside.

Responding officers seized the vehicle in question for further investigation. Police still weren’t able to find the suspect until two hours and 40 minutes later, when Whistler RCMP heard reports of a man seen trying to

hop a fence near Lakeside Road in Alta Vista.

Police located the man and arrested the suspect for breaking and entering.

Fabian Jackson Daley has since been charged with one count of breaking into an occupied dwelling and two counts of possessing stolen property under $5,000. At the time of his arrest, Daley was also wanted on an outstanding warrant in Surrey, where he faces three counts of breaking-and-entering and one count of robbery. The suspected intruder is not a Whistler resident, Sea to Sky Whistler RCMP media relations officer, Const. Katrina Boehmer, confirmed on June 7.

None of the above allegations have been proven in court.

Daley was due to remain in custody until his next court appearance, scheduled to take place in North Vancouver on Thursday, June 15, following Pique’s weekly print deadline. Daley is also slated to appear in Surrey Provincial Court the following day, June 16.

“This is an excellent example of how information provided by the public assists us in conducting our investigations,” Boehmer noted in the release. “The reports received of the suspicious male and suspicious vehicle enabled the investigating officers to locate and arrest the suspect, and to seize evidence.”

Still, Whistler RCMP’s investigation remains ongoing following the break-in. In the

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release, police said investigators are working to identify the owners of presumably-stolen property located during the investigation and reunite those individuals with their belongings.

RCMP included a photo in the release showing some of the recovered goods. Among the items are three bikes, a paddleboard, laptops, a helmet, a baseball bat, and tools, to name a few.

Police ask anyone in Whistler who suspects they were a victim of theft early last week—between Monday, June 5 and Tuesday, June 6, approximately—to contact Whistler’s RCMP detachment at (604) 932-3044.

Boehmer confirmed in an email on Wednesday, June 7 that Whistler RCMP received “a number of calls for service” related to thefts the previous day, but said she was unaware of any other complaints about breakand-enters.

In a phone call hours after the reported break-in, Tamarisk caretaker Tim Angeloni recalled a “two-second interaction” he had with a man matching the description of a person suspected of breaking into a unit while its occupants were home that morning.

Angeloni said he was exiting one Tamarisk building when he encountered a man wearing a hi-vis construction vest, who was leaving a neighbouring building through its front door.

“I said, ‘Hi, how are you doing?’ And he’s like, ‘fine,’ and I noticed he had no teeth. And then in one second he was around the side of the building, and I could hear him muttering back there ... and swearing under his breath,” Angeloni recalled.

“And then just at that moment, the resident came out around the other side of the building and said, ‘We just got broken into, were you just in our unit?’” Angeloni continued. Confused, Angeloni said he wasn’t. “Then it clicked. I started running after the way that guy went, but we never found him.”

In the release, Sea to Sky RCMP encouraged locals to stay cognizant of individuals that might look “out of place” in residential areas. “We have seen, in the past, individuals posing as workers wearing high-visibility vests who hope to blend into the environment, but who are actually looking to commit offences such as break, enter and theft,” Boehmer explained. “We want to make sure that Whistler isn’t the place where these individuals come to conduct their business, and we can all work together to make that happen.”

Sea to Sky RCMP ask anyone with information to share about the above file to contact Whistler’s detachment by phone at 604-932-3044, or get in touch with Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or solvecrime.ca to stay anonymous. n

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Dog left in scorching car results in Whistler RCMP call

POLICE BRIEFS: ‘GROSSLY INTOXICATED’ PARTIERS ARRESTED IN WHISTLER VILLAGE; SCHOOL BUS STOP SIGNS ARE NOT SUGGESTIONS

BY MEGAN LALONDE

WITH SUMMER WEATHER arriving early in Whistler this year, Sea to Sky RCMP are reminding pet owners to avoid leaving their animals in scorching cars.

According to a release from the Whistler RCMP, police were alerted to a dog that was left in a parked vehicle on Sunday, June 4. Though temperatures in the resort only reached a maximum of 20.6 C that day, police determined the temperature inside the vehicle had spiked to approximately 38 C once they arrived at the scene. The BC SPCA issued a release last month warning pet owners about the “harmful, and even life-threatening” dangers associated with leaving dogs in a warm or hot car, even if for only a few minutes. “Dogs can’t release heat by sweating, as humans do, so their internal body temperature rises more quickly,” the society explained.

If you notice a parked vehicle containing an animal in distress, the BC SPCA recommends taking note of the vehicle’s description and the license plate, and asking managers of nearby businesses to page the owner to return to their vehicle immediately. If the animal seems to be OK but you’re still concerned, it’s not a problem to stay by the vehicle and monitor the situation until

the pet’s owner returns.

While it might be tempting to smash a glass window to rescue the animal from a roasting vehicle, the BC SPCA strongly recommends against taking matters into your own hands. “Only RCMP, local police, and BC SPCA Special Constables have the authority to enter a vehicle lawfully to help a pet in distress,” the organization explained. “Not only are you putting yourself at risk when you break a glass window, but you also risk harming the dog.”

the vehicle shortly after officers arrived and was able to open the door to let the dog out.

As a result, “The hot dog’s owner was provided with both a bylaw ticket warning for insufficient ventilation and education,” police stated.

The incident was detailed in a set of weekly media briefs Sea to Sky RCMP released June 8. It was among the 132 files opened by police in Whistler during the week spanning Monday, May 30 to Tuesday, June 5.

PARTIERS EARN FREE ACCOMMODATION AFTER NIGHT OUT IN WHISTLER VILLAGE

As per usual, police working the overnight shift in Whistler were called to put an end to some partiers’ nights after the revelry got out of hand.

In a release, police said members of Whistler’s RCMP detachment received reports about “grossly intoxicated individuals in Whistler Village” in the early-morning hours of both Wednesday, May 31 and Friday, June 2.

individuals were visiting the resort from elsewhere, police confirmed,

SCHOOL BUS STOP SIGNS ARE NOT SUGGESTIONS, WHISTLER RCMP REMINDS DRIVERS

With just a couple of weeks left of B.C.’s school year, Sea to Sky RCMP is reminding Whistler motorists that stopping for school buses is not an optional courtesy.

Police in Whistler reportedly heard about three separate vehicles on Wednesday, May 31 and Tuesday, June 5, that all failed to stop for a school bus displaying flashing red lights and a stop sign. According to the release, a particularly attentive individual is to thank for those reports including all of the vehicles’ license plate numbers. To that end, Whistler RCMP say violation tickets are pending for each vehicle’s registered owner.

In Whistler, animals left in vehicles and displaying obvious signs of heat stroke or other symptoms of distress can be reported to the RCMP, as a complainant did on June 4. In that case, the dog’s owner returned to

“In all cases, these individuals were arrested and provided with an accommodation, for the remainder of their evening, to prevent any further offences from being committed,” police wrote, attaching two separate file numbers to the report. Both

Honouring

Stopping for a stationary school bus with its stop sign engaged and red lights flashing is a law under B.C.’s Motor Vehicle Act. The consequences for drivers who fail to comply can include a violation fine of $368 and three penalty points.

“Please respect the safety of the youth who are walking to and from the buses to ensure they arrive at their destination safely,” Sea to Sky RCMP added. n

National Indigenous Peoples Day School District No.48

“Dogs can’t release heat by sweating, as humans do, so their internal body temperature rises more quickly.”

- BC SPCA

Whistler mayor and council approve new firetruck purchase

THE $1.17M SPEND WILL REPLACE A 26-YEAR-OLD FIRETRUCK DUE FOR RETIREMENT

BY ROBERT WISLA

FIREFIGHTERS IN WHISTLER will soon have a new tool at their disposal. On June 6, the Resort Municipality of Whistler’s (RMOW) mayor and council approved $1.17 million for the Whistler Fire and Rescue Service (WFRS) to acquire a new fire rescue pumper truck.

The WFRS’ current pumper truck is 26 years old, and is recommended for retirement.

The new pumper truck will serve as a firstresponse unit, and will be the first fire truck out of the hall to respond to emergencies once it arrives.

The contract to build the new truck went to Manitoba-based Fort Garry Fire Trucks Ltd., as its lower bid and sustainability commitments best fit the municipality’s objectives.

According to RMOW central services supervisor Paul Klein, finding a single vehicle vendor proved challenging, as most companies that create specialty emergency equipment like firetrucks have moved to larger fleet replacement contracts for multiple vehicles.

“I’ve come across a number of different people in my position [who have said that the] challenge is getting anyone to the table on a single-vehicle purchase. A lot of these

companies are now looking for multiplevehicle purchases,” Klein said. “So we’re very fortunate to end up with three quality truck builders coming to the table and making submissions to our RFP.”

At $1.17 million (taxes not included), the single firetruck is a significant line item in the RMOW’s vehicle-replacement budget, accounting for about 30 per cent of the budget for the next two years.

Klein noted that it is the first of many equipment purchases that will be required over the next five years, as the municipality looks to replace aging vehicles in its fleet.

“As we look forward, we’re looking for a total of three to five truck purchases over the next five years. That’s another reason this one is crucial to act on now,” Klein said.

“The further we push this first purchase up, the further [it] approaches the next

apparatus purchases, and we’re gonna get into a place where trucks are pushing 30 years old. And again, it’s affecting [us] as well as obviously more importantly, the health and safety of our community and that fire protection.”

RMOW staff expect the new unit to arrive in spring 2024, and the old firetruck will head to public auction. Find more info at whistler. ca/fire. n

FIRE FIGHT The Resort Municipality of Whistler will look to replace more vehicles in its aging firetruck fleet in the years ahead.

Naturespeak: Parenting tips from local insects

BY CHLOE VAN LOON

AS YOU ARE probably aware, parental care in nature is not uncommon. Teaching one’s young about the dangers and desserts of the natural world is vital to their survival. Just like humans, our feathered and furred neighbours pass on important behaviours for a successful life.

As residents of the Sea to Sky corridor, we’re lucky to live beside mama bears who stay with their cubs for up to two years; beavers who teach their young lodgebuilding and foraging behaviours; and Canada jay/whiskey jacks that teach their young how to cache and retrieve food, with or without an outstretched tourist’s hand. But what about our local insects?

While most insect species do not engage in direct teaching of their young, there are a few uncommon examples of parental care of our local insects where adults provide some form of guidance and protection. Parental care of the insect form includes: providing food, shelter, or protection, which therefore contribute to the survival and development of their future sclerotized offspring.

Certain species of social wasps, such as paper wasps (Polistes spp.) , exhibit parental care that involves some degree of teaching.

Similar in appearance to yellowjackets, the adult wasps construct teeny-tiny intricate nests from paper-like material and lay eggs inside open individual cells. Perhaps you’ve come across one under a roof eave or deck. The adult wasps then feed the developing larvae regurgitated food, in so doing teaching them about food sources and foraging behaviours. Adult female wasps (queens) teach their daughters the skills required to gather materials, construct nests and overall care for the colony.

Burying beetles are another fascinating insect that provides parental care. Adult burying beetles forage for small animal carcasses. After removing any fur or feathers,

the beetles roll the flesh into a beautiful ball and stash it underground. Would you do that for your child? This fleshy ball serves as a food source for the larvae either as a

regurgitated meal via the adult, or directly munched from the ball. Funnily enough, it pays to not be an annoying young larvae! A study found that adult beetles will ignore pestering larvae, and preferentially feed older larvae. A good lesson for anyone with siblings, beetle or human!

These examples highlight some less common but still very fascinating instances of parental care in our local insects. Just like us humans, these insect moms and dads demonstrate the diverse range of strategies employed to ensure the survival and success of their precious and dear offspring.

At the beginning of June, lucky classrooms from Spring Creek Community School, Myrtle Philip Community School, École la Passerelle, Whistler Waldorf, and Whistler Secondary received a biodiversity presentation from a scientist during our June BioBlitz event. If your student came home excited about insects or other fauna and flora, we encourage you to spark up a conversation with your own young scientist and ask what you as a parent or guardian can learn from our backyard dwelling parents. You might just be inspired by a two-, four- or six-legged critter!

Naturespeak is prepared by the Whistler Naturalists. To learn more about Whistler’s natural world, go to whistlernaturalists.ca. n

BUGGING OUT This burying beetle, Nicrophorus defodiens, was found in Alice Lake Provincial Park, making its way across a patch of sphagnum moss.

PHOTO BY CHLOE VAN LOON

After removing any fur or feathers, the beetles roll the flesh into a beautiful ball and stash it underground.

Pemberton’s animal shelter is full of pets no one is offering to adopt

A POST-PANDEMIC INCREASE IN SURRENDERS AND SLOWDOWN IN ADOPTION APPLICATIONS IS CONTINUING INTO A SECOND SUMMER

BY MEGAN LALONDE

PEMBERTON’S TINY animal shelter is overflowing—and it’s about to welcome a few more residents.

Currently, the Pemberton Animal Wellbeing Society (PAWS) is home to Poppy, a two-year-old Pitbull mix, and her two puppies—a male named Curly Fry and a female, Tater Tot—two cats, five kittens and one more female cat who is due to give birth to a fresh batch of kittens any day.

Usually, the shelter would hit capacity with just two dogs and three cats, PAWS executive director Anna Scott explained.

“Usually we wouldn’t even have three dogs—that’s a lot, but they’re all pretty easygoing—but a little while ago, there was a point when we had five [dogs] in our care,” she said. PAWS “can squeeze lots” of animals— particularly cats—into its small space, she added, but “it’s just having the manpower to take care of them all.”

The shelter is mainly operated by volunteers. Scott said PAWS always welcomes more animal lovers looking to donate their time, but hasn’t been struggling to fill out its volunteer roster as of late. What it has been struggling to find is adopters.

“It’s been crazy,” said Scott. “Usually when we have kittens and puppies, we are flooded with applications—well, that used to

be the norm—but lately, I think we’ve had one application for a puppy, and they’ve been up for adoption for three weeks now.”

Adult dogs in PAWS’ care have received “zero interest,” Scott added. “Not even people reaching out to ask questions. Kittens have been spending a lot of time there too, and usually kittens are quick to go.”

Heftier vet bills for the longer list of patients only add to the difficulty, as does the growing waitlist of animals PAWS is unable to accept into its care until the shelter finds home for its current residents.

Scott’s experience at PAWS is mirrored both down the road at Whistler Animals Galore

shelters by owners who can no longer (or no longer wish to) care for them, other pandemic pets were never spayed or neutered, and are now “reproducing at a pretty high rate,” resulting in unwanted litters, Scott said.

“It’s kind of a vicious cycle,” she said.

In April, the BC Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) spoke out about the “marked increase” in puppies surrendered to the organization.

“We have had almost 350 puppies come into care so far, compared to 200 at this time last year,” said Eileen Drever, the BC SPCA’s senior officer for protection and stakeholder

assess animals and their owners on a case-bycase basis rather than implementing a blanket ban on a particular species. “Just because it’s a dog doesn’t mean it’s going to destroy a house—people can be destructive themselves, too,” she pointed out.

She also encourages those considering adopting a pet to be patient with the process.

“It is a long application that might take half an hour to fill out,” Scott said. “But it’s a partner for the rest of [that animal’s] life, so it is a big commitment—really, an application is just the tip of the iceberg of what you’re about to commit to.”

And, if none of the animals currently at the shelter are a match for your lifestyle, she added, “Sometimes if you can just be patient and wait even a couple of months, the perfect animal will probably come along for you. But a lot of people just don’t wait and then go elsewhere.”

If you’re not in a position to welcome a furry friend into your home? Sharing PAWS’ social media posts is helpful, and “donations are always needed,” Scott said.

(WAG) and at shelters across B.C., she said. The flow of applications from prospective pet owners first ground to a halt last summer, after pet adoptions initially surged during the early days of the pandemic.

More than one year after B.C. abandoned public health restrictions, that heartbreaking trend is continuing, said Scott.

Alongside fewer adoptions, PAWS is still seeing “way more surrenders,” than it did prior to 2020, she explained. While many animals procured during the social distancing days are now being brought to

relations in a release at the time.

Drever said many of those puppies came from British Columbians who started breeding dogs as a source of income when demand for pets skyrocketed during the pandemic, but who are now “overwhelmed with the costs of caring for animals as the market for their puppies has decreased.”

In the Sea to Sky, a lack of pet-friendly rental housing is compounding the issue. “It’s just a perfect storm,” Scott said.

To that end, Scott encourages landlords to consider renting to tenants with pets, and

It’s not all bad news at PAWS: the majority volunteer-run shelter recently secured longterm funding from the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District and Village of Pemberton’s Pemberton & District Initiative Fund, to the tune of $15,000 per year until 2027. The grant allowed PAWS to hire a new part-time staffer.

Still, “we just need these puppies to find a home so badly,” said Scott.

“When everyday, you go there and you look at them—they are in foster homes sometimes and they have lots of great attention and love—but it is hard. They’re growing up in a shelter and they should be growing up in a home.” n

“I think we’ve had one application for a puppy, and they’ve been up for adoption for three weeks now.”

- ANNA SCOTT

SHELTER IN PLACE Poppy and her two puppies, Curly Fry and Tater Tot, are currently available for adoption from a very full Pemberton Animal Wellbeing Society.

Dean Nelson acclaimed as Lil’wat Nation Political Chief ahead of July 15 election

THREE CANDIDATES NOMINATED FOR CULTURAL CHIEF; 35 MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY RUNNING FOR COUNCIL

BY MEGAN LALONDE

LIL’WAT NATION’S Skalúlmecw Dean Nelson will continue serving his community as Political Chief for another four years.

Nelson was acclaimed to the position on June 2. He was the only candidate nominated for Political Chief following a nomination meeting at Ullus Community Complex in Mount Currie on Thursday, June 1, held in advance of the First Nation’s election on July 15.

The former Xet ’ ólacw Community School P.E. teacher served two terms on council before he was elected Political Chief in March 2015—a decision that was confirmed in a re-election held that July. That made Nelson Lil’wat Nation’s first Political Chief elected under a new provision allowing

35 people have put their name forward to fill 11 council seats.

Candidates had until June 6 to accept their nomination.

A speech night is scheduled for Thursday, June 29, before voting day on July 15.

The full list of council candidates is as follows:

Stksik Joshua Anderson, Yakta Nikki Andrew, Troy Leonard Bikadi, T’ec Georgina Dan, Leah Dan, Dason Gabriel, Jackie Andrew, Tracey Ann Gabriel, Joanne Green, Justin Green, kazútas Sandy Henry, Cindy Irving, Athena James, Eva Maria Joe, Xzumalúmalus Roxanne Joe, Amanda John, Joanne John, Leonard Jones, Bobbi Jo Leo, Denise Leo, Eagle Leo, Jenna Lee Perkins, Kwiwks Elizabeth Peters, Vince Pierre, Rilla Sampson, Brett Ross Wallace, Christopher Wells, James Williams and Thomas Williams.

Also running to keep their seats are six

for a four-year term in office, and under a new two-chief leadership structure. Prior to 2015, Lil’wat Nation operated under the governance of one chief and 12 councillors. Nelson was re-elected in 2019, earning 405 votes compared to candidate Bernie Phillips’ 168 votes.

Lil’wat Nation members will still have a few more decisions to make when they head to the polls next month.

As of June 8, three candidates—Maureen Andy, Vaughan Gabriel and incumbent Gélpcal Ashley Joseph, who was elected in 2019—are running for Cultural Chief, while

incumbent councillors: Háma7 Alphonse Wallace; Kík7ak Helena Edmonds; Lhpatq Maxine Joseph Bruce; Mámaya7 Lois Joseph; Sawt Martina Pierre and Renee Wallace.

That list is subject to candidate withdrawal up until election day, when community members can cast their vote in-person at Xet ’ ólacw Community School from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on July 15.

Any electors in the community who are unable to vote in person can request a mail-in ballot package until July 5, while mail-in ballots are automatically sent to known electors who do not live on a Lil’wat reserve. n

Lil’wat Nation members will still have a few more decisions to make when they head to the polls next month.

TAKING THE LEAD Lil’wat Nation Political Chief Dean Nelson speaks at a July 2022 ceremony at Seabird Island, following a series of landmark education jurisdiction agreements for four B.C. First Nations, including Lil’wat.

FILE PHOTO COURTESY OF THE FIRST NATIONS EDUCATION STEERING COMMITTEE

Toll

How do we insure against climate catastrophe?

THE WORLD is on fire. Sometimes it seems not enough people care.

We’re still electing governments that do the bare minimum to address the climate crisis or reject necessary measures altogether. SUVs and trucks are ubiquitous on city streets. People continue to fly everywhere. Some media pundits accuse those who have been warning about ever-increasing global heating impacts for decades of hysteria, alarmism or overreaction.

Industry, governments and banks continue to support and develop coal, oil and gas projects, even though renewable energy options are available for less cost—

BY DAVID SUZUKI

and research shows we can’t keep extracting and burning fossil fuels if we’re to avert increasingly worse consequences of climate disruption.

Despite global agreements and goals, many people would rather continue as usual, hoping to escape the worst impacts for a few more years, or refusing to believe anything disastrous will occur in their lifetimes. That’s why it’s important for those of us who do grasp the problem to speak up.

If smoke-choked skies and evacuations don’t convince people the climate crisis is real, and costly, maybe insurance companies will. As wildfires tear through Canada, the

affected. Many insurance companies can’t afford to stay in business.

It will get worse if we don’t do everything possible to address climate disruption. By early June, nearly 10 million acres (or about 4 million hectares) had already burned across Canada. Normally, only 600,000 acres (243,000 hectares) would burn by then, usually in just one part of the country. Although many fires are sparked by campfires, careless cigarette butt disposal or lightning, climate change is causing hotter, windier and dryer conditions, longer summers, reduced snowpack and more lightning strikes—all of which increase the frequency and intensity of fires.

Increasing wildfires also contribute to further global heating. Because trees and plants remove and store carbon from the atmosphere through photosynthesis, forests are “carbon sinks.” When they burn, carbon is released into the atmosphere, and the burned forests no longer sequester carbon. In 2017 and 2018, wildfires in B.C. emitted more greenhouse gases than all other sectors combined.

The best solution is to do everything possible to halt and reverse climate disruption by getting off fossil fuels and protecting carbon sinks such as forests.

Near-term solutions to prevent forests from burning and to adapt to increasing wildfires are also important. One answer may lie in knowledge and methods Indigenous Peoples have long employed. In April, members of a First Nation in southeastern B.C. worked with the BC Wildlife Service and others on a “prescribed burn”—setting intentional fires to clear out

U.S., Australia, Europe and more, and as floods and rising sea levels erode coastlines and destroy homes worldwide, insurers are noticing.

In Canada, claims for extreme weather events have more than quadrupled over the past 15 years. Insurers expect to pay out $2 billion and rising every year for disasterrelated claims. The 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire alone is estimated to have cost about $9 billion for firefighting, evacuations, industry shutdowns and damage to homes and businesses.

In the U.S., two major insurance companies have stopped offering new homeowner policies in California, partly due to “rapidly growing catastrophe exposure.” Increasingly frequent and intense hurricanes, wildfires and floods have made it difficult to insure homes in Florida, Texas, Colorado, Louisiana and New York.

Even when insurance is available, rates are often skyrocketing, leaving a growing number of homeowners unable to afford insurance. Because many banks won’t offer mortgages without home insurance, ownership and housing markets are being

low-lying branches and dead shrubs that can contribute to wildfire spread.

Although prescribed burning carries its own risks, it’s being adopted in many jurisdictions. Other methods to create buffers and breaks around human settlements can also reduce the risk of wildfire damage to homes and property. Using better building materials to withstand fire damage is also necessary, as are better emergency response resources and protocols.

Ultimately, though, unless we take the climate crisis seriously and employ all the many readily available and emerging solutions, we’ll see more fires, floods and extreme weather events. The rising costs will affect everyone from marginalized and remote communities to homeowners to society at large. We can no longer afford incremental change. We’ve run out of time, and nature’s warnings are ever more urgent.

David Suzuki is a scientist, broadcaster, author and co-founder of the David Suzuki Foundation. Written with contributions from David Suzuki Foundation Senior Writer and Editor Ian Hanington. ■

If smoke-choked skies and evacuations don’t convince people the climate crisis is real, and costly, maybe insurance companies will.

Halcyon Hornby

DURING LAST WEEK’S fine weather, my partner and I had a short but long-awaited vacation to Hornby Island. One of the lesserknown Gulf Islands, it’s a place of beauty, culture and character. It also has a third of its land preserved in parks and most of its shoreline open to the public—including a half-dozen excellent beaches. The large sand parabola at Tribune Bay Provincial Park is one of B.C.’s best.

BY LESLIE ANTHONY

But the beaches I liked were the ones ringed in rocks. Coupled with the erosion of rainfall and Pacific breakers, the Cretaceous sandstone and conglomerate underlying the island make for phantasmagorical formations. When you’re used to the grey, glaciated granodiorite of the Coast Range, such sedimentary sculpture immediately softens the maritime mood.

We hiked a different shoreline every day, highlights being Helliwell Provincial Park’s five-kilometre loop above spectacular bluffs through Garry Oak meadows and oldgrowth, the low-tide sandstone scramble out of Ford’s Cove, and the extensive trail network in Mount Geoffrey Park that gets you to the island’s 300-metre high point.

But I’m digressing. Although we had an amazing time, I couldn’t help but think about my other two forays to Hornby, a decade apart and the last time 28 years ago.

The first instance, in 1986, I’d still been tripping through the heady, free-wheeling existence of an extended adolescence. A Vancouver buddy and I took his Volkswagen van to Hornby to hang on the island’s nude beaches. Sometime during the dual ferrycrossing from Vancouver Island we acquired a German Rajneesh companion (remember the orange people and the Bhagwan’s 25 Rolls Royces?) who’d oddly named herself Amritsar, after the sacred Sikh city in India where British and Gurkha troops massacred 380 unarmed festival-goers in 1919.

The three of us spent a week living a feral carrot-juice and alfalfa-sprout dream of days spent wandering beaches in the buff,

that an entire subculture of mountain biking existed in which people balanced in wheelies atop sawed-off logs, bunnyhopped sideways over the necks of petrified human volunteers lying in the grass, and pogoed their cycles up and down mounds of tottering rubble, eventually dropping metres to the ground off the roof of battered automobiles in a manner that more readily conjured a monster truck meet than anything athletic.

These feats of balance, strength, and impressive marginalia known as Trials Biking fascinated me, as did the rag-tag crew performing them, who apparently hailed from a bike-centric culture on a far-flung

well as two-, three-, and four-way crossovers. Some were serious, some not much, and some not at all. There were men, women, children, pets, dirtbags, debutants, jerks, jocks, Vancouver Finance District weekend warriors, and full-time pro leisure tourers, partygoers, teetotalers, Jesus freaks, NORML crusaders, rednecks, and make-upheavy bike groupies from Courtenay.

The other events were fun, but for me it was all about the alien proceedings of the B.C. Trials Championships. Held on a rocky bench near Tribune Bay, the short trials courses—collections of incredibly technical manoeuvres compressed into a few short yards of lunarscape rocks—drew a huge crowd. Many perched atop mushroom-like formations to watch, possibly advertising their mien. It was wild stuff, with enough dabs, ditches, and serious biffs to explain the shinpads and other protection (unknown at the time). It was impressive—but still weird, and afterward I crept away through the bush to the beach where I’d camped with Amritsar to ponder the worth of a nosewheelie.

gazing into tidepools, and taking naps in the sun. Nights found us curled like vagabonds beside humongous logging-industry flotsam around a campfire, sleeping in the sand like cavemen until the brightness of the sun shocked us into consciousness. Amritsar did her best to instruct us in crystal-gazing and tea-leaf reading, and we filled her in on stuff we knew about—which was basically frisbee and hockey. It was a weird trip.

A decade later, while working at the Surfer Publications offices in California, I followed a ski assignment (another oddball story, but we’ll leave that for now) to Pemberton where, for reasons that remain unclear, a bike demonstration was going on in a field in the rain.

Call me naive, but until I actually saw it live, I had only the vaguest idea

piece of land off the coast. And that’s how, later that summer, on assignment for the nascent BIKE magazine, I again travelled north from California to attend the Seventh Annual Hornby Island Bike Fest, an event dedicated to the entire depth and breadth of the mountain biking experience.

On Hornby, it seemed, mountain biking was king. A network of trails cut and maintained by residents held the island together like a well-woven salmon net: you could cross from one shore to another from anywhere using singletrack and bits of old logging road. The nexus for all of this was a 150-acre farm in the Strachan Valley owned by the Cross family since 1969, and site of Bike Fest.

Bike Fest drew dedicated riders in trials, dual slalom, cross-country, and downhill, as

When I disembarked on Hornby this summer I noticed that little had changed: water as clear as a Caribbean reef and mountain backdrop as improbable as a 3-D postcard. The island’s hub, the Co-op Market and its adjacent ring of Hobbit kiosks, was also exactly as I remember: tie-dye, handmade jewelry, tarot reading, and eclectic hair and body adornment. And jammed between a fence and food concessions was the same bike shop as all those years ago, the rack out front crowded with mechanical steeds in the manner of a hitching post outside an old western saloon—where your ride is still king.

Leslie Anthony is a Whistler-based author, editor, biologist and bon vivant who has never met a mountain he didn’t like. ■

One of the lesser-known Gulf Islands, it’s a place of beauty, culture and character.

ROUND THE HORN Hornby’s wonderful weirdness starts at the shore.

PHOTO BY LESLIE ANTHONY

In their own words

By Grade 11 students at Xet’olacw Community School

Writing is hard. Expressing opinions is hard. Exposing ourselves to criticism is hard. We all have an internal critic, telling us we’re not good enough, we’re not choosing the right words, nobody wants to hear us anyway.

In the face of all these challenges, the Grade 11 students at Xet ’ ólacw Community School in Mount Currie tackled the task of writing articles for Pique Newsmagazine with determination and inner strength. Just a few months ago, we were perusing the news in our Social Studies class. Several students commented on how Mount Currie and the Lil’wat Nation are rarely in the news, and if they are, it’s usually not positive. I said, well, maybe we can change that.

We reached out to Pique with our idea and quickly received an encouraging response from editor-in-chief Braden Dupuis and features editor Brandon Barrett, who were keen to support the students in making their voices heard. To start the process of writing, students first brainstormed topics important to them and their community. Students then visited the Pique office in Whistler and had the opportunity to talk with the editorial staff about their careers, the journalism industry in general, and guidelines for writing articles. Students worked individually on their chosen topics and edited both their own and their peers’ writing to polish up their articles before submission.

As a teacher, one of my biggest hopes for students is that they develop the skills and confidence to express themselves. Watching these articles evolve has been an exciting journey, and I look forward to seeing what projects these creative, determined young people tackle next.

- Charlotte Jacklein, Grade 11 teacher

Appreciating Lil’wat history—and its unceded territory

By Aidan Ducharme

When I step out of my door, I see endless forest. Wood smoke from the chimneys mixes with the scent of pine and cedar. The rushing creek by my house is as loud as a highway. I hear dogs bark and wind in the trees. St’át’imc people, also known as the Lil’wat people, have been living off the land here for thousands of years. Artifacts from our people date back to 5,500 BCE. We have developed a rich culture here, and we still live closely connected with our land.

My name is Aidan, and I’m 16 years old. On my mom’s side, my family is from Samahquam, a small community at kilometre 33 on the gravel road on the west side of the Lillooet River. On my dad’s side, my family is from Kawacatoose First Nation in Saskatchewan. I was born in Vancouver, and lived in B.C. and Saskatchewan for most of my childhood. We moved 13 times that I remember, and lived in different apartments and houses. Last year, we moved back to Samahquam, because my mom had a good job opportunity.

Since I moved so much as a kid, I saw lots of different schools. I’ve been to eight different schools, and I learned that, to some degree, people are the same everywhere. I speak English, as well as some Cree and Ucwalmicwts, the language of the Lil’wat. Where I live now, I have an hour-long bus ride to school each way along a gravel road.

The bus ride I take to school each day along the Lillooet River follows the route that miners took to the gold rush in the Cariboo between 1858 and 1865. More than 30,000 gold-crazed miners travelled along the Harrison to Lillooet route. At that time, a single potato cost $1. Going farther downstream to the Fraser River and farther back in time to 1793, this is when Lil’wat people first made contact with Europeans and the Alexander Mackenzie expedition.

Every day from my school, Xet ’ ólacw Community School,

I see a huge rocky mountain that’s so wide and fat it takes up half the horizon. In the winter, it’s snowy and bright, and when the seasons change to spring there are avalanches and landslides. This mountain is called T’szil by the St’át’imc people. The European settlers named the mountain Mount Currie, after John Currie, who was the first non-Indigenous settler in the Pemberton Valley.

At my school, every May 10 we celebrate Declaration Day. This day highlights one of the most important events in Lil’wat Nation history. Lil’wat Nation is one of the 78 nations that did not participate in the BC Treaty Commission process, and instead signed the Declaration of the Lillooet Tribe in 1911 together with other St’at’imc Nations. This declaration demands the reinstatement of traditional land rights and protests against the theft of First Nation land. To this day, our people hold rights and recognition over the land.

When I drive home, I see the trails leading up to the sacred Stein Valley. In 1989, the Lil’wat people worked on creating the “Save the Stein” initiative. Artists like Bruce Cockburn, Buffy-Sainte-Marie, and Gordan Lightfoot joined together with environmentalist David Suzuki to organize a concert and raise awareness about protecting the Stein Valley. This action protected the entire Stein Valley watershed, and has protected it to this day.

Lil’wat people protected this land against other nations and threats over the years. Despite losses, we never gave up the fight. To this day, we remain the rightful owner and protectors of our land. I love the forest, rivers and mountains here, and I hope they will always be here.

Tracing the effects of climate change on Lil’wat Nation territory

By Katie Joe

Flooding, fires, landslides, and more—Lil’wat Nation and our traditional territory is being impacted by climate change in many ways.

One of the biggest floods in recent memory happened in October 2003. During this big flood, the roads were blocked and the Lil’wat people couldn’t go to town to get supplies like food and baby diapers. The flood was so big that 800 people were forced to leave their homes in Squamish, Pemberton and Mount Currie, and another 5,000 residents were on evacuation alert. At least two people died and two more went missing after a bridge was washed out by the raging Rutherford Creek.

One of the most devastating recent events in our territory was the wildfire in Lytton on June 30, 2021. The fire rapidly torched the whole small town. Several people were initially unaccounted for, and eventually two were found dead. My dad is a firefighter, and he goes to fight fires wherever he is needed. It’s pretty cool for him to do that, but also dangerous to have that kind of job. When he gets shipped out to fight a wildfire, our family sure misses him. One day, I want to follow my dad in taking care of our land by fighting wildfires.

On June 23, 2019, there was a landslide north of Lillooet in a remote canyon along the Fraser River. About 110,000 cubic metres of rock fell from a 125-metre-high cliff into the river. During that time, the salmon were spawning, and were unable to swim through the debris. Officials enlisted the help of a helicopter to fly the salmon over the slide so they could reach their spawning grounds. Over the past few years, the salmon runs have been much lower than before, but this past year the fish runs have thankfully been better. When I am out fishing with my family, we see a lot of jumping salmon and I hope it’s a good run of salmon this year.

During summer break, my family and I go berry picking

for our winter supplies. In recent years, we’ve noticed that our wild berries ripen a couple weeks faster than in the past. When we pick berries, we get up to 16 quarts, picking three hours a day, five days a week for two weeks before they dry out. Some days, the temperature rises to 44 C, drying out the berries faster. But we still keep picking so we can make jam out of the berries. Once our family has completed our berry harvest, we share with Elders who need them, or give them to anyone else who is in need. Then sometimes we go out again to pick more for ourselves the next day.

A typical year for my family starts with planting our vegetables in mid-May. In June and July we do the berry and cherry picking so we can preserve them for the winter season. In August, we harvest vegetables, and hand them out to the Elders first. In September, we go sockeye salmon fishing, again giving them out first to the Elders and anyone who needs salmon and cannot go out and fish for themselves. We also give a lot of fish to the school for the annual salmon barbecue.

In the fall, we move on to mushrooming just for fun, and we also do lots of hiking. After that, we move on to hunting season. We also hand out deer meat when it’s our first catch of the season. This is a tradition that Lil’wat People have followed for many generations. With our first catch, we can’t even keep a small piece. We hand all of it out to the community; first to the Elders, and then to whoever needs it the most. Then the winter comes, and in the spring we start all over.

We do most of our fishing and tswan (drying fish) at Bridge River. When we hang the tswan down at our fish camp, we wait for them to dry and then we bring some of them home over the mountain to give away or freeze. My siblings, cousins and I carry our catch up the trail. The trail is very steep, so it’s a workout—but it’s worth it. Sometimes, just the older kids do the tswaning, because the Elders can’t get down the steep trail and sometimes the little ones can’t go down because the water is too rough.

My family has noticed many changes on Lil’wat Nation land, water and rivers due to climate change. Sometimes the seasons come too fast or are too short, and the temperatures exceed historic records. I worry about climate change, and hope that we will continue our traditional activities like fishing and berry picking. Hopefully, by educating people and by taking steps to reduce our impact on the environment, we can protect our territory for generations to come.

‘All donations go to me’: Money and gambling in Mount Currie

By Kevin Peters

I like to gamble with my life… in video games, of course. I am a teen, after all. I can’t just walk into a casino with a big-boy loan. So, teens resort to “gacha” video games or games with so-called “loot boxes,” which offer prizes that incentivize gamers to keep playing.

This is a form of digital gambling, and not all that regulated.

Overall, there’s not much gambling in Mount Currie. Mainly, we have 50-50 draws, other raffles, and bingo; “light” forms of gambling, you could say.

For all the small corruptible children reading, this is how the three aforementioned “light” forms of gambling work in Mount Currie:

50/50s: Sell tickets and draw a winner, who gets half the (totally legal) earnings from the tickets sold;

Raffles: Enter for a chance to win a metal pipe;

Bingo: The caller says a letter and number, and if you have the correct pair, you get to stamp that square (better pray to Allah that you have the winning combo). If you make a line

across the sheet, yell “BINGO” and you win. If you win a big bingo game, the prizes can be in the thousands of dollars.

That’s right, you mini-humans, it is very simple stuff.

Now on the topic of money: Whatever happened to the Scotiabank in Pemberton? With the closure of the only bank in Pemberton, aspiring local bank robbers have lost their training grounds.

Despite being a fully functional teen with a bank account, I still use cash (mainly because I always forget my pin number). Now I have to walk all the way to Whistler, two-kids-in-a trench-coat-style, just to try to get that big-boy loan.

I don’t really know what else to talk about, so I’m going to make another bank-robbery joke. Maybe add a little word fluff.

Listen up! This is a robbery! We don’t want to harm anyone. We’re after the bank’s money, not yours. Your money is insured; you won’t lose a dime. Think of your loved ones, and don’t try to be a hero. Now shut up and stay down and this will be over in no time.

If we had more funding, I can think of a number of ways to spend it. We could use more funding for law enforcement in Mount Currie. I’ve heard several people talk about about getting a bylaw officer here to take care of our dog situation.

Moving on to a less controversial topic, we could also use more funding for our school, which would allow for more staff and more options with our elective classes—though that

sounds more like a luxury than a need. Perhaps, instead, the funding could be used to form a small but well-regulated militia. I don’t really know what the militia would be for, other than it would be neat. Plus, the government might get a little suspicious if we do form one.

All in all, more money is good. You can give the Mount Currie Band money through Patreon (probably), or I also accept monetary contributions. *All donations to me go to the Caffeine Cult.*

Pick up after yourselves, please

By Marshall James

Whether it’s empty cans on the trees or in the ditches, or slushie cups on the roads and trails, litter is a big problem in Mount Currie. Everyone knows this, and if you don’t know—what are you doing?

One major reason our land is covered in litter is that children, teens, and even adults leave their garbage behind. I can only speak from personal experience, but it seems to me that it’s mainly the teens who don’t care to pick up after themselves. One day, on my way to the store, I noticed a big

pile of litter over by the rec center where young teens (like myself) hang out every day at lunch. Seeing all the garbage upset me quite a bit, so I began picking it up. It’s sad that people could be so careless about a hangout spot.

Litter affects our land a lot. It affects plant growth, wild animals, household pets, and nearby rivers. It pollutes our water and gets ingested by salmon and other fish, which isn’t good for Indigenous people, since salmon is a very big part of our culture.

Garbage also impacts other local animals, including our beloved furry friends we care for dearly. Wild animals like bears, deer and birds scour our whole territory for food. If there’s empty food wrappers or pieces of plastic lying around, they may eat it, which can cause them to become ill. The same thing can happen for cats and dogs. As you may know, a lot of people in Mount Currie allow their dogs and cats to roam around freely outside—so it’s up to all of us to ensure they’re not getting in to carelessly-disposed-of garbage.

There are many ways we can prevent litter. First, we need to teach kids and teens about the importance of picking up after themselves. Kids need to be educated about it so they don’t become selfish adults who will just dump their garbage everywhere in rivers or out their car window.

But we also need better infrastructure. Currently, there are only public trash cans at the store, the recreation building, the school, and the health centre. We can teach kids about the importance of picking up after themselves all we want, but if

A cowboy locks horns with an ornery bull at the Lil'wat Nation Open Rodeo. Photo courtesy of Maxine Bruce

there isn’t a place for them to dispose of their litter, we will keep seeing it on the ground. Having more trash cans and recycling bins around the town would help prevent litter from being scattered all over the roads and lawns.

My last idea to keep our land free from litter is to launch a volunteer service for people who want to help pick up trash. When I was younger, I always saw this old-ish guy walk around with a trash picker and a garbage bag. He would walk around our community picking up litter. I would love to help clean up the community and keep our land nice and clean, and I’m sure others would, too. If we can make it a paid position, that would definitely also motivate people to clean up more.

Litter is an obstacle every creature on Earth has to deal with every single day, so it’s important for us to talk about it. If we don’t begin to deal with this issue now ,it will only escalate. Kids must learn to pick up after themselves, as do teens and adults. If you see garbage on the ground, think about picking it up to help the environment just a little bit. Every little thing matters.

Stl’atl’imx territory is bear country

By Lawrence Charlie

In our community of Skookumchuk in the Stl’atl’imx territory near Lillooet Lake, we have a population of about 95 people. Since the beginning, our people have coexisted with wildlife, including bears.

In early spring, bears come out of hibernation. They forage for food like fresh plants, roots, and salmon to eat. During this time, spring foliage and new plants grow with the help of the sun. This is my favourite time of the year to hike the Bear Trap Trail that leads up into the mountains. This trail is near the community of Skatin in Stl’atl’imx territory along the Lillooet River; a beautiful place to be during this time of year—and always.

Bears come in all sizes, from small and cute to very large and fat, but they are speedy runners and good, fast climbers. If you see a bear while hiking, do not approach it. But you should also not run away from bears, because they are fast. If you see one, the best thing to do is slowly back up, because this is respectful.

Bears eat lots of cherries in our area—so when they poop, they can deposit cherry seeds, and later a cherry tree might grow there (that’s why we have lots of cherry trees in our territory).

People need to remember to not feed the bears, and keep their garbage in bear-proof containers to avoid bears digging through them and becoming garbage bears.

If bears come near town, they get chased by our local dogs. This keeps them out of our neighbourhood, and reduces their ability to become a nuisance to our community. Once the bear is chased out by the dogs, the coyotes will go after them, too. Though black bears are most often fairly docile, they can become vicious and unpredictable when injured—so it’s best to always give them lots of space!

The word for “bear” in the Ucwalmícwts language is míxalh. The Skatin people are from the Bear Clan and have a song and dance to honour the bear. In doing so, the bear is protected.

Taking you on a ride through the Lil’wat Lake Rodeo

By Nelly Joe

The Lil’wat Lake Rodeo, which happens every May long weekend in my hometown of Mount Currie, has every fun activity you can imagine, for both youth and adults. Picture everyone you know

in one place, except there’s also horses, cows and, sometimes, even pigs.

Some people travel from far away to compete in this yearly event and to show off their talent and skills, meet new people and learn from each other. The rodeo is the biggest annual event for the Lil’wat Nation. At the same time, there is also a powwow within easy walking distance, a celebration featuring traditional drumming and dancing. This powwow, combined with the rodeo, means extra money, more people, and more fun.

The powwow and the rodeo are fundraisers the Lil’wat Nation community. People compete to see who will be the fastest or the most skilled. Whenever a competitor wins a prize, they ride their horse around the arena for a celebratory lap. First, second and third place in each category win prize money or a new saddle or belt buckle.

Barrel racing is one popular sport featured at the rodeo. Competitors gallop their horses as fast as they can around three barrels, set in a triangular pattern. In 2019, Katrina Williams clocked in the fastest barrel run, at 16.4 seconds.

I also competed in barrel racing that year, but in a different division. Williams is the only woman in the whole rodeo that can beat everyone in barrel racing. She grew up competing and is very skilled.

One year, however, she came second place to a woman from out of town who was a professional barrel racer and travels everywhere to compete in different rodeos.

I was only 11 years old when I first entered the Lil’wat Rodeo. As I grew up, each year I competed against other girls my age. When I was 14 years old, my whole family surprised me with two new female horses. One was a light brown dun named Lily. She was well trained and behaved well. The other horse was named Honey, and she was still young and stubborn at times.

I learned to take care of the horses. Each day, I would feed them, clean them. Family members showed me how to train a horse, and my dream was to become a professional barrel racer one day. Slowly, however, that dream died down.

Gradually, I lost my competitive drive and my dream of becoming a barrel racer. I gave up on my horses, and over time, they became less motivated. We didn’t have the same bond we did before.

As I grew older, I stopped thinking about barrel racing and became more involved in other sports, like soccer and baseball. One day, I called a horse rescue farm, and they picked up my horses. Now they have a beautiful home in Squamish, living their best life with other horses, young and old.

There are local bull riders who went on to become world champions, after first climbing the podium as champions at the Lil’wat Rodeo. From age 16 to 21, Kevin Wallace was Lil’wat Rodeo champion, and to this day, he continues as a bull rider, with many local families showing love and supporting him in his bull-riding career.

This year, I did not compete in the rodeo. I miss my horses. They were such a big part of my life. It was hard to watch them go, but I know it was the right choice. I didn’t have the time to watch or feed them. These days, I go to the rodeo without them. While my barrel-racing days are over, I still watch and cheer for my friends and family who compete in the rodeo.

cabinetmaking class.

With the help of some really good friends, our house was built. Before the house was completed, my grandfather met my grandmother. They lived in that tiny trailer—five people in the bedroom, three in the living room—for quite some time. Together with their cats and dogs, they all lived in that small trailer while my grandma was pregnant.

Today, there are similar stories, still—stories of kids living in the laundry room because there’s nowhere else for them to stay. On the reserve in Mount Currie, living with your family is part of the culture. All your aunties, uncles, and grandparents live under one roof, in the same house that gets passed down through generations.

There remains a lack of housing in Mount Currie and in Pemberton, making it hard for both new residents and longtime locals to stay in town. I know a lot of people who couldn’t afford to stay here any longer.

There is a large portion of cleared land on the site of the old Pemberton Music Festival grounds, between Mount Currie and Pemberton, that is being sold. That land used to belong to the Lil’wat Band, but was signed over without the knowledge of the Lil’wat people. We could be using the land for recreational purposes, such as a skate park, where they won’t tell us to leave because we are Indigenous. Or it could be used for Indigenous-owned shops, where we could share our culture with everyone.

We would also benefit from having our own nursing home. When they need support they can’t receive at home, most of our elders are sent to Hilltop House in Squamish. Imagine the stress and sadness they feel when they are taken away from their homes and community and put in a place far away from their families. We have trained people in the community that could help staff a nursing home, which would also create more jobs for our people.

Creating more affordable housing for our community is incredibly important. We need to think of the next generations to come, especially if we want our community to stay together.

A Lil’wat sporting life

By Grady Peters

Our small town of Mount Currie has a big thing for sports. Ball hockey, soccer, softball and snowboarding are just some of the sports that are popular here. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been playing sports all year long here.

Ball hockey takes place most of the year every Wednesday at Ullus, the community centre. This sport typically involves many in the community. Teams can be co-ed, all women or all men. Because it is such a popular sport in Mount Currie, many people come out to play or cheer on the ball hockey players. When we host tournaments, there are teams from Lillooet, Vancouver and, of course, many local teams.

I was eight years old when I played ball hockey for the first time at home. I learned how to play from my parents. They taught me everything I know, and, today, I’m still learning new things such as ball handling, shooting, blocking, reading plays and adapting to a situation on the fly.

There is also indoor soccer—also called futsal—in the winter, and outdoor soccer in the summer. For futsal, the balls are a bit heavier than standard soccer balls, which are bouncier and lighter. Futsak or indoor soccer does not use the same lines as on a normal soccer pitch, and it is very easy to strategically use the walls to pass the ball off of.

In the spring and summer, the Lil’wat Youth Soccer Team travels to play in places such as Sechelt and Musqueam in East Vancouver. I usually play right back. I like finding the perfect moment to pass to my teammates.

By Kiona Tilalus

My grandfather made the house we live in today. He bought a trailer for $1,500 and used it as a framework that he mostly tore apart while renovating. He got building materials from people who were throwing away supplies, and he took a

In a recent tournament in Sts’ailes, a three-and-a-halfhour drive away in the Lower Mainland, we narrowly lost in an intense shootout.

The softball league in Mount Currie starts in October and goes until snowfall. There are usually eight teams. As it gets darker earlier and earlier, sometimes we play until we can barely see at night. I usually play in the outfield. I’m not good

When it comes to housing in Mount Currie, we need to think of the generations to come

at throwing, but I’m fast and can catch the ball.

Every Sunday all winter, the Lil’wat Youth Snowboarding Team goes to Whistler. Sometimes we just ride with the instructor, and sometimes they coach us on certain tricks and techniques. I like snowboarding in all sorts of conditions. My goal is to one day do a 360 on my snowboard.

Sports are such a big part of my life as a teenager in Mount Currie, and I plan to keep doing them for a long time.

Mount Currie needs more shops—and better transportation

By Liddell Jameson

When I walk around the village of Mount Currie, I’ve noticed that the streets are often devoid of people and things to do. No fun shops to explore, nowhere to buy clothes, and no restaurants close by. To do these simple little things, I need to go to Pemberton or all the way to Squamish. I rarely go to Whistler, because it’s too expensive and parking is chaotic. Having more amenities like shops, banks and restaurants available locally would be very convenient, add a spark of happiness to the community, and create more opportunities to socialize with other people.

The way things work around here, especially in Mount Currie, is a solid inconvenience. As I’m writing this, the bridge to Pemberton is half blocked off due to repairs that are taking workers months to complete.

The lack of simple services like banks is also a major problem in Mount Currie. There used to be a Scotiabank branch in Pemberton, but it closed in 2021. In February, my family had to take time out of their busy lives to drive me and my younger brother all the way to Whistler to the closest TD Bank—an approximately 45-minute trip, one way. For those who can’t drive, like Elders or young people like myself, we need to get a ride there, or take the bus. Today, taking transit requires catching one bus from Mount Currie to Pemberton, and then a second bus to Whistler (which only runs a couple times a day), then repeating the whole process to get home—a long and complicated journey to reach a bank. Sure, online banking is great, but accessing a real bank is still necessary at times.

I would also love to just go out more and visit people without needing to scrape the ground in hopes of finding a ride. Having more local amenities like shops and transportation would immediately improve the lives of residents. If life in Mount Currie continues to be dry and difficult, it may only motivate myself and others to leave so we can see things we’ve always wanted to and have new experiences.

In May, my class took a field trip to Vancouver to see the Richmond Night Market. Everyone really seemed to enjoy themselves walking around and socializing. With pandemic restrictions behind us, this trip really made me realize how much I want to get out and see more and open my mind to new things and experiences.

While the world may be calling me, I care about my community, and I wish there were more amenities in Mount Currie.

Mount Currie youth would benefit from organized sport

By Kory Wallace

Boxing may not be a traditional Lil’wat sport, but it could carry immense benefits for people in our community.

The sport admittedly has a mixed history for Indigenous people. Our ancestors were forced to participate in European sports in residential schools because the government believed

that would teach discipline and “civilize” them.

But people should be allowed to choose what sports they want to do. Sports can be a good way to develop athletic ability, instil confidence, spend time with friends, learn teamwork and leadership, and have opportunities in life

I would love to see organized boxing in Mount Currie so that we can train safely with the proper pads and headgear. Boxing without proper gear can really hurt you and your future if you don’t box properly or train safely.

I want to learn those skills, but we don’t have that opportunity here unless people’s parents have lots of money and can hire personal trainers or drive to Whistler. I’ve boxed, but only in a more street-fighting style when I’m training with my friends, or when I’ve been peer-pressured to be in a fight. Young people sometimes get peer-pressured into fighting when a whole group are out together on a weekend at night and decide that two people should fight each other because it would be a good fight. When the group decides that, it’s hard to go against them, because you want to fit in.

One time, I was at the library in Pemberton at night hanging out with a group of friends, when they tried to peer pressure my friend and I to fight. He’s around the same height and weight as me, and the group thought it would be a good matchup. I tried to shake off the nerves as one of my buddies gave me a pair of boxing gloves.

Just before the fight started, my friend took his own gloves off, saying he didn’t want to fight. I was relieved that I didn’t have to fight my friend. But that is the power of peer pressure.

My brother is the only person who really fights with me. We fight, but it doesn’t go wrong, because he’s aiming to teach me and not actually to hurt me. He’s two years older, but a few inches shorter and about 20 lbs lighter.

But he has a lot to teach me—and I can see how those lessons could benefit more youth in our community.

I would love to see kids and adults in Mount Currie have opportunities to train for boxing, with training schedules and better nutrition. By eating healthy food instead of junk food, people’s confidence and health would improve. Having sports like boxing in Mount Currie would encourage more kids to be involved instead of taking the wrong path like smoking and partying with their friends.

A beginner’s guide to Lil’wat back roads

By Everett Jameson

There are many back roads and trails in our Lil’wat Nation territory, but it’s important to be aware of wildlife and other drivers—and to clean up after yourself—if you go out exploring.

I love to take my family’s quad to the lookout points spread across the valley. When I’m up there, I feel chill and relaxed—but I also feel sad, because I see the garbage and beer cans that people left lying around.

My family has had our quad for three years now, and I’m the person who uses it the most. I wear a helmet and goggles when I’m driving it, and I bring a backpack with snacks and something to drink. I also bring a jacket in case it gets cold. I go with friends, because it’s more fun and it’s safer to be in a group.

One site that I like is the Lower Lookout. It takes about 15 minutes to drive a quad there from Mount Currie. From the lookout, you can see the old reservation down in the valley on Highway 99, and the new site of the village of Mount Currie to the west. The view from the lookout is great, but the area around the lookout is kind of disappointing, because of all the garbage and cans. I wish people wouldn’t drink up there, or leave their garbage.

While driving up and down to the Lower Lookout, you have to be cautious on the corners. There are lots of blind corners where you can’t see hikers or other vehicles. A car can make it up this road, but a Jeep or truck would be better

for avoiding the roots.

Another favourite destination is Isaac Totem. This site has a totem pole as a memorial to a man who died by suicide. From this location, you can’t see down below, because there are too many trees, but it is a great place to hike or bike, and a good place to appreciate. Hiking to this lookout from Mount Currie takes about 45 minutes.

As far as wildlife goes, it’s mostly birds and squirrels. I don’t often see bears or cougars, but they’re out there—so be cautious and aware.

Then there’s Mud Lake—where lots of local people party. Beyond Mud Lake you can find another trail, which can serve as an alternate route to the Lower Lookout.

But beware of other drivers! One time, I was driving my quad up to Mud Lake. There’s one hill on the road to Mud Lake which creates a blind spot, because you can’t see up or down very well. One time, I was driving my quad up to Mud Lake, and halfway up the hill I encountered a side-by-side going full speed. The driver didn’t stop, and forced me to suddenly swerve to the right to avoid a collision. I was already cautious— now I’m even more cautious at blind spots.

If you decide to drive on our back roads, here are some top tips to follow:

Don’t go fast around blind corners;

Don’t leave beer cans;

Don’t leave garbage.

With summer fast approaching, I can’t wait to be out on the quad and on the back roads around Mount Currie more often.

The rez dogs are getting out of control

By Charlie Wallace

The rez dogs are getting out of control on the rez. Everywhere I look, I see a damn dog. I can’t even bring my dog for a walk without another dog trying to bite or maul him. I always get mad when I see dogs at the store or school. It’s as if other people don’t give a shit about dogs.

What is a rez dog? Well, it’s a dog that lives on the rez, short for “reserve,” the small chunk of land the colonial government gave us after stealing our territory. They’re nothing really special; just dogs that grew up in a tough environment.

The only difference between a dog and a rez dog is that normal dogs are usually well-fed and loved, but rez dogs aren’t always so fortunate. It’s usually because of the owners. When dogs aren’t well-loved, they tend to get aggressive and scary.

I’m not the only one who is mad about these borderlinestray dogs. There are countless people across different reservations who share the same frustrations. It has become an almost universal problem for people living on-reserve.

Kids and adults get chased virtually every day by rez dogs. Recently, I saw a Facebook post about a black dog in Mount Currie chasing someone. Apparently, the person didn’t even see the dog approaching before it started chasing her. In her post, she said she shouldn’t have to walk with fear while travelling to her client’s house. Something has to change. At the moment, nothing is being done and, to be honest, it’s quite frustrating.

There are a few possible solutions to the rez dog issue. They could be brought to shelters where they can be adopted. More of them could be neutered or spayed. There should be stricter laws in place prohibiting loose dogs from running around. The Lil’wat Nation could make strict rules on who can own a dog around here and restrict people who don’t take good care of them. This would help with all the other dogs that are starving and being abused, helping them find a better home than the one they have right now.

I hope that one day people can walk around the rez without being chased or barked at by dogs, and I hope the dogs can be well cared for and enjoy a good life.

My land, my language

By Kmyia Grandbois

Ama sqit, e’ntsa s Kakwela. Lilwat7ulkan.

Good day, I am Kakwella, I am Lil’wat.

I am writing from an Indigenous point of view to inform those reading about the importance of acknowledging the land and acknowledging the Indigenous people who reside here. This is an important step on the path to reconciliation between settlers and Lil’wat7ul.

I believe it’s important for those inhabiting our land to take a moment to reflect on where you are and whose homeland you are on. Due to colonization, residential schools, genocide, and prejudice, there has been an erasure and disappearance of Indigenous languages, and a loss of land and land rights across the world. This destruction has resulted in a loss of knowledge and a part of people’s identity. Acknowledging the people, language, and land are the best ways we can reconcile.

Some facts about my nation:

The Lil’wat territory extends out to the Squamish area, east towards the Cayoosh, west towards Bute Inlet, and north near Monmouth Mountain. Lil’wat is part of the St’at’imc Tribal Group here in B.C., and there are three dialects within our tribal group. Lil’wat Nation speaks Ucwalmicts (or Lillooet, also known as Lil’wat).

When writing Ucwalmicts, our language uses numerous letters from the English alphabet, along with several letter combinations, which include: ii, ao, ts, kw, cw, qw, xw, gw,

and lh. Then there are the letters and letter combinations that have plosion sounds, shown as p’, t’, ts’, k’, k’w, q’, q’w, z’, l’, m’, n’, w’, y’, r’, g’, g’w. Weirdly enough, number 7 is also used in our alphabet. The 7 acts as a brief pause between syllables, also known as a “glottal stop.”

If you’re interested in going a step further to learn about our Nation and language, I’d suggest visiting firstvoices.com. It’s an amazing feeling to go to places and see signs in Ucwalmicts, hear others speak, and have my language spoken to me. Firstvoices.com is a great website and app to learn numerous Indigenous languages.

It was created for Indigenous communities by Indigenous communities to share, help teach, and promote and strengthen language as a community. On this website and app, you can find many languages, definitions, audio recordings, songs, stories and games.

I hope my language will be spoken more and will be around far into the future.

Kukstumckacw kalanwi. Thank you for listening.

The power of powwows

By Patrick Smith

Powwows are a community celebration and drumming ceremony that have existed for generations. The powwow draws people together and is a forum for the First Peoples of this country to express their solidarity and cultural heritage.

I’m Lil’wat and have been going to powwows since I was too young to even remember. My family and I usually attend about 10 powwows a year, both locally and in other

communities. Anyone can attend a powwow and may choose to participate in what’s called the Intertribal Dance, an opportunity for Indigenous and non-Indigenous to dance together.

The most common and recognizable songs performed at powwows are inspired by the Spirit and sung for everyone. Many songs have a long history withing the tribes and among the honour warriors. All must stand during a veterans’ song, sung to honour an individual for their accomplishments, someone who has passed, or a family.

Some examples of prominent powwow groups include the Northern Cree Singers; the Bear Creek Singers; the Black Bear Singers; the Red Bull Singers; the Midnite Express Singers; The Boyz; and the Young Spirit Singers. My favourite powwow group is the Halluci Nation, formerly known as A Tribe Called Red. Their songs are really good and make me want to attend powwows more often.

When drumming the rhythm of a song, the beats represent the performer’s emotions. Making a drum is an important part of preparing for a powwow. People learn the skill and teach others to make drums, so the tradition can grow.

People also sell hoodies, hats and other custom-made accessories at powwows that feature their Nation’s logo, so other people know where they are from. The Lil’wat Nation logo celebrates our mountains, animals, and people.

I feel chills every time I hear my favourite song at a powwow. Called “Grand Entry,” it was written relatively recently, in 1997. All powwows begin with a grand entry, when all the dancers enter a circle, led by the veterans and head dancers.

When I go to powwows, I feel power from the singing, and I feel a spirit guiding me through the day. ■

Dancers prepare to perform at the Lil'wat Nation's 2022 powwow.

Photo by Robert Wisla

Pemberton Secondary wins B.C. High School Mountain Biking Championship

BY DAVID SONG

FOR THE SECOND consecutive year, Pemberton Secondary School (PSS) has won the British Columbia High School Mountain Biking Championship.

Spud Valley students acquitted themselves well on May 27 in Rossland, B.C. Isla Inglis was the only Pembertonian to win a race outright, prevailing in the Grade 10 girls’ enduro and finishing third in cross-country. Eighth-grade boy Felix Lablanc also had a meet to remember, placing second in crosscountry and fourth in enduro.

Meanwhile, Sophie Firth and Rebecca Beaton rode to second and fourth, respectively, in the senior girls’ cross-country event, with Will Taylor ending up 11th among senior boys.

Over on the enduro side, Beaton placed second and Firth seventh, while Sami Teitzel, Patrick Tarling and Taylor were fourth, sixth and 13th.

‘ALL IN IT TOGETHER’

When the dust had settled, a bevy of competitive results across all age groups launched the 27 PSS competitors to the overall title. It’s an impressive feat considering that

teacher. A former varsity field hockey player, she bought her first mountain bike in 1992 and has coached her school’s team for about 10 years. Her coaching philosophy: help the youth understand and appreciate the team

Whistler and the Sunshine Coast. Jean describes her team as a goofy and gregarious bunch that is, for the most part, deeply supportive of its own.

“There’s a lot of kids on the team that I’m not in any classes with,” said Beaton. “But being at those races, especially at provincials … it really gives us a chance to get to know each other, and we’re all there for the same reason.”

Many of Pemberton’s youth are talented mountain bikers, but many prefer the speed and thrill of downhill. According to Beaton, there was some anxiety about racing crosscountry and enduro at PSS’ team meeting the night before the event, but she credits Jean with helping calm their nerves.

more than 400 high schoolers took part in the contest, with 137 boys in the senior age group and 100 more in Grade 10.

“The reason why we won the banner is that we had so many kids do very well—not just getting on the podium, but finishing in the top quarter of the field,” said head coach Nicole Jean. “I had great parents with me as well who fixed bikes, fetched food and all of that, so they also were part of the team.”

Jean has worked at PSS for nearly three decades and is currently a social studies

aspects of their largely individual sport.

“They’re all in it together, and even the person that comes in last place is important to the team,” Jean explained. “They’ve all been improving quite dramatically. I think the strength of our team is that we have a large number of girls and we have kids from every grade.”

The PSS unit had another successful North Shore Mountain Bike League season, competing in a handful of races in North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Squamish,

Jean reminded her squad that every honest effort—regardless of whether or not it produced a medal—was a chance to earn points in the overall standings, and the young riders gave their all.

“By the end of my personal cross-country race, I thought I was going to throw up,” Beaton admitted. “Not ideal, not a very fun race, but it’s nice that we did the cross-country [first] because then you can look forward to the enduro. I’m confident in the enduro and

RAISE THE BANNER Pemberton Secondary School student-athlete Rebecca Beaton had a pair of top-five finishes at the 2023 B.C. mountain bike provincials.

PHOTO BY JOSH DOOLEY

“I think the strength of our team is that we have a large number of girls and we have kids from every grade.”

- NICOLE JEAN

IT IS THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE BANNER WIN AT PROVINCIALS FOR HEAD COACH NICOLE JEAN AND HER STUDENTS

Whistler Wolves look to grow— on and off the pitch

THE WOLVES WON THIS YEAR’S RLBC NINES TOURNAMENT, BUT THE REAL VICTORY IS RUGBY’S CONTINUED GROWTH

BY DAVID SONG

RUGBY IS A fast-growing sport in the Sea to Sky corridor, and the recent Rugby League British Columbia (RLBC) Nines Tournament was proof of that. Though dark clouds loomed in the background for part of May 27’s competition, it did not rain—and even if it did, nothing could have dampened the spirits of the athletes or their fans.

Players from Vancouver, Langley and Surrey took to the field behind Whistler Secondary School (WSS) for a full day of beer, hotdogs and the sport they love. It was the Whistler Wolves’ first time hosting, and all went according to plan. That’s not just

MTB CHAMPS FROM PAGE 36

the trails are super fun, so we just kind of focus on keeping it fun.

“Obviously, we want to do well and we want to push ourselves, but not to the point where it’s a super miserable day.”

GOING FOR THREE

In 2022, many PSS students were shocked to win the banner at provincials. Not so this time around—Beaton and most of her teammates were returning for another season and collectively confident in their abilities. They’d grasped the title once before. They wanted it again. They went out and earned it.

Despite the diversity of ages and genders on its roster, the PSS mountain bike team is closely knit. By and large, upperclassmen mentor eighth graders and boys support girls. In fact, the number of females on the team has almost doubled over the course of the last calendar year.

All in all, Jean estimates that nearly 10 per cent of the PSS student body competes on

Looking for one place to ease those aches and pains?

because the Wolves emerged on top, earning their first piece of silverware at any official contest. It’s also because the event showcased the local growth of rugby league.

“The skill level from last year’s tournament to this year’s tournament … it’s tremendous how much it’s gone up,” said Wolves captain Josh Michalik. “More people are keen—I think people have their sights on playing in Western Canada and going forward from there.”

NEW BLOOD, LIFELONG PASSION

Take for instance, Alec Reid, one of many Australians who’s made his way to Whistler. Despite being new to the Wolves’ roster, Reid immediately distinguished himself as a

SEE PAGE 38 >>

Notice of Intention to Consider Issuance of a Tempor ar y Use Permit (TUP) for Cannabis Ret ail

The Resort Municipality of Whistler gives Notice of Intention to consider issuance of a TUP for Cannabis Retail at its Regular Meeting of Council on Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at 5:30 p.m.

The purpose of the TUP is to allow a cannabis retail business in a designated location. Whistler’s zoning bylaw designates TUP Areas where applications for cannabis retail stores may be considered. Only one cannabis retail store will be permitted in each TUP area. Based on the applications received, Council can approved up to four TUPs for cannabis retail in Whistler

In addition to bylaw requirements, TUP for cannabis retail applicants must demonstrate alignment with the Cannabis Retail Policy and be approved by Council

TUP Cannabis Retail Applications

Village Nor th

TUP00114 THC Canada Ltd. #115 – 4368 Main Street

TUP00115 Mount ain High #211-4368 Main Street

Village Centre

TUP00106 This is Cannabis #201 A&B – 4293 Mount ain Square

TUP00108 The Green Pineapple #7 – 4433 Sundial Place

TUP00110 Seed and Stone #4 – 4122 Village Green

TUP00113 Inspired Cannabis Co #5 – 4122 Village Green

Creekside

TUP00109 Spiritleaf Whistler #103 - 2011 Innsbruck Drive

TUP00112 Creekside Cannabis #321 – 2063 Lake Placid Drive

the bike team: a tremendous ratio compared to many other institutions. That, along with holistic coaching and a deep talent pool, helps PSS hold its own against much larger schools in much larger cities.

The team is much adored by other students, faculty members and Pembertonians at large, and Beaton feels the love. “We’re a really close community here in Pemberton,” she said. “You see people [on the street] and they’re like: ‘oh my gosh, I heard you guys did so well at provincials! Congratulations!’ And I’m like: ‘how do you even know that?’ People are just so awesome about it.”

Next year, the PSS crew aims for a provincial three-peat. Doing so would be the ultimate cherry on the cake for outgoing seniors like Beaton, who is entering Grade 12. Above all, team leaders strive to maintain a healthy culture, reminding each athlete that they are valued regardless of age, gender or experience level.

Full results from provincials are available at tinyurl.com/2hy9yscr. n

Function Junction

TUP00107 A Little Bud #1 - 1050 Millar Creek Road

TUP00111 Team Cannabis Ltd #9 & 10 – 1100 Millar Creek Road

To learn more: A copy of the proposed application materials are available for review:

• In-person: at Municipal Hall, 4325 Blac kcomb Way, Whistler, BC , during regular office hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday (statutory holidays excluded)

• Online: on the RMOW website at whistler.ca /cannabisretail

Attend the meeting: All are welcome to at tend the Council meeting on June 20, 2023 at 5:30 p.m.:

• In-person: at the Franz Wilhelmsen Theatre in the Maury Young Arts Centre at 4335 Blac kcomb Way

• Online: via digital broadcast available at whistler.ca /council

Resor t Municipality of Whistler whistler.ca/CannabisRetail

WOLVES AT THE DOOR Entering their third season, the Whistler Wolves rugby club won its first title at the 2023 RLBC Nines Tournament.

PHOTO BY JOSH SMYTH

tenacious two-way threat, scoring two tries and forcing a critical turnover to help his team vanquish the Point Grey Thunder 22-10 in the Nines Grand Final.

Reid earned nearly unanimous MVP recognition for his dynamic performance on both sides of the ball, but when asked about it, he was quick to share credit.

“It’s my first season in this competition, so I’m new,” Reid said. “All the boys have helped me and welcomed me in with open arms.”

Meanwhile, Michalik has been a cornerstone for the Wolves during their three-year history. His rugby career dates back to high school, where he suited up for the now-defunct Barrie Central Collegiate Institute in Ontario. Michalik won an OCAA championship and a bronze medal in his two years attending Georgian College, but moved to Whistler in 2019 to snowboard recreationally.

The Barrie native had neither friends nor family in the Sea to Sky, so he tried to make connections the only way he knew how— through rugby. Before long, he got in touch with the Squamish-based Axemen, and later joined the Wolves for their inaugural 2021 campaign.

Michalik earned the Wolves’ captaincy by year two. A solid performance at the Canada Rugby League Association (CRLA) East-West trials last fall catapulted him onto the national roster alongside teammate Blake Mahovic.

Both helped the Canada Wolverines hold off the USA Hawks 22-10 in a test match in Tampa, Fla.

“It was an eye-opener to see the intensity and the skill level of rugby that I need to get myself to,” Michalik admitted. “Our [national team] captain, Rhys Jacks? Every day, he’s going for a [five-kilometre] run because you need to be in such good shape to play at that level.”

Of course, Michalik is no slouch himself in terms of fitness. He works diligently in the gym and plays both codes of rugby yearround: league with the Wolves in summertime, and union with the Axemen in winter months. Though rugby league is generally faster-paced than union, there are many transferable skills

Resort Municipality of Whistler Our Wildfire Perspectives

Join artists Liz Toohey-Weise and Amory Abbott, authors of “Fire Season I and II,” as they share how creative voices and perspectives can help make sense of the increased prevalence and severity of wildfire on the landscape. This will be followed by a panel discussion with Whistler’s wildfire and climate experts:

• Luisa Burhenne, RMOW Climate & Environment Manager

• Fire Chief Thomas Doherty

• Councillor Arthur de Jong

Wednesday, June 28 at 6 p.m. Register at publicservices@whistlerlibrary.ca.

Presented in partnership with the Whistler Public Library and the Resort Municipality of Whistler’s Climate & Environment Department.

Resort Municipality of Whistler

Whistler.ca

Having played since childhood, Stewart eats, drinks and breathes rugby, but admitted to being “a deer in the headlights” regarding other aspects of operating a non-profit sports club. He is immensely grateful for local sponsors like Tapley’s Pub, Gibbons, and Modern Concept Contracting, as well as help from an unexpected source.

Stewart’s coworker, Cassidy Schaerf, is not a rugby player. She didn’t grow up watching league or union. What she does have is prior experience running non-profit organizations, which she happily offered to Stewart.

Nowadays, Schaerf serves as the Wolves’ treasurer and plays an invaluable role in team operations. She is, as Stewart puts it, “all in.”

among them.

“Playing both has definitely sharpened my ball skills and just my ability to read the field in both ways,” Michalik explained. “Rugby league has taught me to run sharper lines, and that has boosted my game, and the leadership position with the Whistler Wolves just builds my confidence.”

COMMUNITY RAPPORT

Wolves head coach Blake Stewart is over the moon about the recent RLBC tournament.

“I couldn’t ask for anything better. People had fun, and it was just a great day for everyone who came down,” he said. “Best nines yet.”

“We’ve been very welcomed into Whistler,” he said. “All our sponsors, we cannot thank them enough, because this club would not exist if it wasn’t for people accepting us into their community.”

Stewart and his players believe that they could be the last team standing at the end of the present RLBC campaign as their focus shifts to typical 13-a-side rugby league. Yet, championships were never the main goal. Instead, the Wolves, much like the Axemen, are committed to bringing people together through sport.

Far from being rivals, the clubs share numerous players like Michalik and Mahovic, and they all agree on one thing: more rugby is the goal. It doesn’t matter what code people play—if they’ve got the ball in their hands, they’re levelling up their game and making valuable friendships along the way. n

RUGGED PERFORMANCE The Whistler Wolves rugby club poses for a group shot.

PHOTO BY JOSH SMYTHE

Whistler Village Beer Festival set to celebrate 10 years

THE ANNUAL EVENT RETURNS TO THE RESORT FROM SEPT. 11 TO 17

BY ROBERT WISLA

EVERY YEAR , thousands of people descend on Whistler in September from across the world to eat great food, make good friends, and drink amazing beers from dozens of different breweries at the annual Whistler Village Beer Festival (WVBF).

Organized in partnership by Gibbons Whistler and Red Door Events Inc., producers of the Brewhalla Beer & Music Festivals, this year’s WVBF, taking place from Sept. 11 to 17, marks the 10th instalment of the fan-favourite event.

According to Gibbons Whistler strategic director Brittia Thompson, the festival has undergone a few changes this year, including reducing the main sampling event that features breweries and cideries from close to 50 different vendors from two days to one.

“So it is going to be on Saturday, Sept. 16, and just one day instead of two,”

Thompson said.

“It was partially due to the feedback we received from breweries and vendors that having it on two days was a bit too tricky for them to participate in. So to ensure maximum participation, we’ve moved it to one day, but it just means double the fun in one day. Which is great.”

Also new to this year’s event is the formal inclusion of ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages, which includes things like alcopops (think spiked seltzers and hard

also becoming increasingly popular with patrons.

“In the past, we’ve had some kombucha [vendors] come in, and we’ve really reached out to a diverse lineup of the non-alcoholic [vendors] just because it is becoming a growing market,” Thompson said. “So we’re hoping to have lots more non-alcoholic beverage options on site.”

Foodies should fear not, as the festival will once again feature a wide variety of

still needs to be confirmed (in previous years vendors included the Teriyaki Boys, Folie Crêpes, Whistler Wood Fired Pizza and many more popular local favourites).

Coinciding as it does with the first day of Oktoberfest in Munich, one of the activities at this year’s WVBF will be a scaled-down version of that famous sudsfest, hosted at the Longhorn Saloon and featuring German steins and traditional Bavarian food.

Festivalgoers are also encouraged to wear their festival best for the main event’s costume contest.

Previous instalments have seen attendees dressed as lumberjacks, inflatable dinosaurs, and of course, in traditional German lederhosen and dirndls.

“The feedback we’ve gotten from the community is everyone’s really excited it’s returning. We’re excited to be able to put it on again,” Thompson said.

lemonades). The WVBF trialled bringing in RTDs last year, and they proved to be incredibly popular with patrons, Thompson said.

For those who want to take in the festivities but wish to stay sober, there will also be more non-alcoholic options—

options to soak up all that beer. Grimm’s Fine Foods is returning this year to serve hotdogs and smokies, with all the proceeds raised going to charity.

Resort Municipality of Whistlerapproved food trucks will also be on hand, though the complete lineup of vendors

“Last year, the weather was beautiful, so we’re hoping for the same thing. And tickets are going quite quickly, so we hope we can sell out and get as many people down here enjoying some live music and craft beverages as we can.”

Find more info at gibbonswhistler. com/festivals-events/whistler-villagebeer-festival. n

BOTTOMS UP Attendees are encouraged to don their festival best for the Whistler Village Beer Festival’s costume contest.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WHISTLER VILLAGE BEER FESTIVAL

“The feedback we’ve gotten from the community is everyone’s really excited it’s returning. We’re excited to be able to put it on again.”

- BRITTIA THOMPSON

The Point set to debut Indigenous Artisan Showcase

BURGEONING ARTISTS FROM LIL’WAT AND MUSQUEAM NATIONS, AND HUL’QUMI’NUM TREATY GROUP, DISPLAY ARRAY OF MEDIUMS FROM JUNE 23 TO JULY 30

BY ALYSSA NOEL

THE POINT Artist-Run Centre’s (PARC) upcoming Indigenous Artisan Showcase was a long time in the making.

“We’ve been discussing this and wanting to bring it forward for a while,” says Linda Epp, a PARC board member from the Sechelt Nation. “We’re happy we can do this, and find it important and valuable.”

Kicking off with an opening reception on June 23—shortly after National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21—the showcase will run until July 30.

“I’m really happy about the diversity within the Indigenous [communities] as well as the artistic expressions,” Epp says. “I think we’re going to get better and build on this.”

Artists include Lil’wat elder, crafter and storyteller Saopalaz (Lucille Joseph), who will showcase her inner cedar bark weaving; Lil’wat artist and crafter Geneva Wallace with her cowboy hats, caps, and fashion hats; Lil’wat’s Brent Wallace with acrylic on canvas paintings; Hul’qumi’num artist Trevor Fraser from Vancouver Island who will show his acrylic paintings that are influenced by his Squamish Nation uncles’ carvings; and

Musqueam Coast Salish artist Chrystal Sparrow, who will display a cedar carving, painting, and self-portrait print.

For her part, Sparrow—who works in various mediums, ranging from carving, weaving, and beading, to painting, photography and metal—selected from what pieces she had on hand for the showcase. While she’s been busy with commissions, including public art pieces, for the last few years, she’s hoping to make more time for

“I grew up not knowing as a child and into my teens that I was actually learning about the art,” Sparrow says. “I didn’t realize I was learning a lot by watching and just by listening to my dad. He would tell me different techniques, he would show me techniques and tell me why, when you’re carving, you’d hold the knife this way or how you’d use pressure. I didn’t realize that was teaching until I got into my 20s. That’s when I realized all of that was being taught to me.”

counsellor and at a women’s centre in the Downtown Eastside, before working on a master’s degree in expressive art and then spending years working at UBC’s Musqueam Garden, for the last two-and-a-half years, Sparrow has been a full-time artist.

“It was basically a sign for me when I was getting more commissions, getting phone calls for murals and private pieces,” she says. “I found I was getting swamped with more opportunities for art.”

The next opportunity will be at the artisan showcase, her first showing in Whistler.

her own art going forward.

“A lot of the carving work I do is commissioned,” she says. “I get to work on personal pieces, like the ‘Mother Earth’ I have in the show. That’s a piece I had sketched out. I didn’t have it very long in my sketchbook, but my brother helped me realize that art piece. He helped me with the chainsaw work. He also collaborated with me doing the rough cuts. He added the salmon, which he carved, as a way to signify the connection to the Salish Sea.”

Sparrow and her brother both learned to carve from their late father, Irving Sparrow, a master carver.

Although, she’s also followed her own innate interest from medium to medium too. More recently, Sparrow has delved into working in metal, beading appliqué, and self-portrait photography.

“Like anybody else, it depends on my mood,” she says of how she chooses what medium to work in. “What I’m going through, what I’m thinking about, what’s going on in my life at the time. It could be something I want to express through self-portrait or build upon past work or look at what’s showing up for me at the time.”

While she has a diverse career background working as a drug and alcohol

“I don’t sell to galleries and haven’t been in many shows,” she says. “That’s something on my to-do list—having work in shows. And I’m looking at creating pieces that aren’t commissions. Where I’m at in my life right now … I want to express what it’s like to be Indigenous thinking of murdered and missing women, what it’s like being a female artist working in the Musqueam community, branching out and exploring different things on my radar.”

The opening reception for the Indigenous Artisan Showcase will take place at The Point on Friday, June 23 from 5 to 7 p.m. with music by Archie Peters, complimentary appetizers, and a cash bar.

All work will be for sale, with viewings and sales taking place on Saturdays from 12 to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 2 to 6 p.m. starting on July 1. Private viewings can be arranged by emailing thepointinfo@gmail. com or by calling 604-698-5482. n

ON DISPLAY The Point Artist-Run Centre is hosting its first Indigenous Artisan Showcase from June 23 to 30.

“It was basically a sign for me when I was getting more commissions, getting phone calls for murals and private pieces.”

- CHRYSTAL SPARROW

Pemberton Project brings familiar faces together for new rock band

CATCH THEM AT THE MOUNTAIN MUSE FESTIVAL ON SATURDAY, JUNE 24

BY ALYSSA NOEL

IF YOU’RE LOOKING for the Pemberton Project online, consider yourself on a wild goose chase.

The new(ish) rock four-piece hasn’t yet established itself on typical social media channels—making it even more impressive that the band has been accumulating gigs over the last year.

“We’re new in regards to the unit,” says John Rekrut (better known as JR), guitarist and singer with the group. “The guys I’m playing with have been playing for years.”

It all started back in the early days of the pandemic.

“I found myself getting back into music,” he says. “I basically ran into Clive [English, guitarist]. He heard me jamming, playing guitar, and word got out. Clive and I banged around together for about a year. We experimented with a couple other drummers. Then Mark [Bannock, drummer] came into the fold and the three of us started rehearsing and practicing.”

After six months, they recruited Cookie Low to play the bass. “That’s when it really took off with more events,” Rekrut says.

The band’s sweet spot has been “three chords and the truth,” straight-up rock ’n’ roll, he says. That includes everything from Tom Petty to The Beatles, Warren Zevon, and The Band.

“It’s pretty classic,” he says. “I don’t want to call it retirement rock … It’s anything with a straight-ahead driving beat and a story behind it. I rely on the guys behind me to bring the musicality, and I craft the words.”

Only, don’t expect to hear the usual songs from those well-loved artists.

“I’ll never cover ‘Wagon Wheel,’” Rekrut says. “I like doing deep cuts; more obscure

NOTICE OF WAIVING OF PUBLIC HEARING - PINECREST

Public Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 467 of the Local Government Act that a Public Hearing will be waived regarding the following bylaw:

1. Squamish-Lillooet Regional District Land Use Contract Authorization Bylaw No. 102, 1976 (“LUC Bylaw”), Amendment Bylaw No 1818-2023

The Pinecrest LUC Bylaw No. 102, 1976, was previously discharged (removed from) from 58 out of 75 strata lots under Discharge Bylaw No 1374-2017, with an additional 10 properties discharged under Discharge Bylaw No. 1672-2020. The remaining 7 strata lot owners continue to be subject to the LUC Bylaw until June 30, 2024 when all land use contracts will be automatical ly terminated as per section 548 of the Local Gover nment Act

The proposed Squamish-Lillooet Regional District Land Use Contract Authorization Bylaw No. 102, 1976, Discharge Bylaw No. 1818-2023, discharges the LUC Bylaw from the title of 1 strata lot – 43 Black Tusk Drive This strata lot will now be subject to the Electoral Area D Zoning Bylaw No. 1350-2016 and specifically regulations set out in the Pinecrest Residential 1 zone.

music from familiar artists. We change stuff up—go from something like ‘Rockin In The Free World’ to ‘Under the Boardwalk.’”

They also quietly slip in their share of original tracks, too—Rekrut estimates a 70/30 split.

“With the originals people are like, ‘That’s really good. Who was that?’” he says. “We say, ‘Actually, it’s us.’”

But what really helps them stand out is the energy they pour into it.

“If my shirt’s not drenched in sweat, I haven’t worked hard enough,” he adds. “If my throat’s not sore, if my fingers aren’t bleeding, I’m doing something wrong.”

That showmanship has been on display around Pemberton (and in a few Whistler venues, too) over the last year. One gig that stood out was during the sweltering Slow Food Cycle Sunday last year.

“We did an outdoor gig for the last Slow Food Cycle right at the end,” he says. “It had a raised stage and we were looking up at Mount Currie, looking around going, ‘Wow, we’re pretty lucky.’”

Pemberton Project will have that chance again at the Pemberton Arts Council’s Mountain Muse Festival, coming up on Saturday, June 24. They’re headlining alongside The Spiritual Warriors and The Railtown Prophets. (Several free shows take place as part of the festival on Sunday, June 25 as well).

“It’s great,” Rekrut says. “Living in Pemberton, they have this great barn. It’ll be a great place to play. It’s a great honour. I’m humbled and grateful to have the opportunity.”

Tickets to the festival’s Saturday edition are $20. Get them at pembertonartscouncil. com/mountainmusefestival.

If you can’t make that show, you can catch JR’s solo gig at The Beer Farmers on June 16 from 6 to 9 p.m. n

INFORMATION & SUBMISSIONS? The proposed bylaw and relevant background documents may be inspected s. 8.2 of the following Board Agenda: https://slrd civicweb net/document/160315/

Third reading of Bylaw No. 1818-2023 is scheduled for June 28, 2023 All persons who believe that their interest in the property is affected by the proposed bylaw shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to present written submissions respecting matters contained in the bylaw Written submissions (mail or email) must be received at the SLRD office no later than 9 am Wednesday June 28, 2023

Squamish-Lillooet Regional District Box 219, 1350 Aster Street, Pemberton, BC, V0N 2L0

www slrd bc ca

P: 604-894-6371

TF: 1-800-298-7753

F: 604-894-6526 E: info@slrd.bc.ca

ROCK THE BARN Pemberton Project’s John Rekrut (JR), Cookie Low, Clive English and Mark Bannock are set to play the Mountain Muse Festival on June 24 at the Downtown Community Barn.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

M e e t Us a t t h e A G M

Monday, June 26, 2023 from 5:00 PM

Whistler Legends Creekside

Featured Grantees & Guest Speakers will join us too RSVP online

Investing in a thriving community, together whistlerfoundation com

Squamish-Lillooet Regional District 2022 Financial Information Reporting

The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) Statements of Financial Information for 2022 will be presented to the Board at the June 28, 2023 SLRD Board meeting, which starts at 10:30 am.

SLRD Board meetings are held in the SLRD Boardroom (located at 1350 Aster Street, Pemberton) and electronically. Livestreaming of the meeting (and on-demand recording) will be available on the SLRD website at https://www.slrd.bc.ca/ inside-slrd/meetings-agendas/watch-meetings.

The reports will be available for public inspection (following the Board meeting) at the SLRD office during regular office hours. The audited financial also

PIQUE’S GUIDE TO LOCAL EVENTS & NIGHTLIFE

Here’s a quick look at some events happening in Whistler this week and beyond. FIND MORE LOCAL EVENT LISTINGS (and submit your own for free!) at piquenewsmagazine.com/local-events

NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY

JUN16-30

NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY CELEBRATIONS AT THE SQUAMISH LIL’WAT CULTURAL CENTRE

National Indigenous Peoples Day takes place on the summer solstice, June 21. It’s a special occasion to learn more about the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences and histories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. Learning about Indigenous Peoples, places and experiences is a step forward each Canadian can take on the path to reconciliation.

Join the Squamish Nation and the Lil’wat Nation at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) for a full day of education and fun.

> June 21, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

> Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre

> Admission is free

SQUAMISH VEGAN FESTIVAL

A community campout with live music, conscious connection and wellness workshops, a local sustainable market, educational and inspirational talks, and vegan food trucks and vendors! Weekend, day passes and camping passes are available at

> June 16 to 18

> 39555 Loggers Lane

> Up to $240

> squamishveganfestival.com

HOLISTIC TOUR & INDIGENOUS TEA OFFERING - NOURISH SPRING SERIES

Experience a welcome drum song led by cultural ambassadors, a short film, and brief introduction to the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre. Guests will embark on a guided journey through the Salish Stroll, the centre’s interpretive forest walk, as a cultural ambassador presents herbs and medicinal plants that grow in the region. Following the guided walk, guests gather in the Longhouse for traditional teas while a cultural ambassador shares the healing benefits of the tea being sampled.

> June 17, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

> Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre

> $49 at slcc.ca/wellness

GUIDED BAT WALK WITH FELIX MARTINEZ – SECOND SESSION ADDED

Join us for a guided bat walk with wildlife biologist Felix Martinez! Bats come out at dusk, and we will meet before the sun goes down to learn about bats, their habitat, and acoustics.

Participants will be standing and walking on some gravel trails, so we recommend comfortable, sturdy shoes. Bats are out late, so bring an extra layer and a flashlight or headlamp (and even a warm drink if the weather calls for it)! This event will take place in Whistler, with the exact meeting location sent to registered participants.

Registration is required, and spaces are limited! Email publicservices@whistlerlibrary.ca to sign up, max two spots per person. This event is for adults only!

> June 22, 8 to 9:30 p.m.

> Location revealed upon registration

> Free

PHOTO BY JUSTA JESKOVA / COURTESY OF TOURISM WHISTLER

MEADOW PARK SPORTS CENTRE SWIM • SKATE • SWEAT • SQUASH

OPEN DAILY: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Flex-reg’ classes have a  separate fee and allow you to register for classes on the days that fit your schedule.

R REGISTERED FITNESS

Registered fitness classes have a separate fee and a defined start and end date.  Pre-registration is required for the entire set of classes.

I INCLUDED FITNESS

These classes are included  with your price of admission for no extra charge.

ARENA SCHEDULE

Please see whistler.ca/recreation for the daily arena hours or call 604-935- PLAY (7529)

A ski coach’s R&R

BY JILLIAN ROBERTS

BEFORE WHISTLER became a year-round destination resort, there were few visitors and events throughout the summer. Residents made their own fun, with regattas on Alta Lake, softball, fishing and hiking all popular pastimes. Along with mountain biking, today golf is a very popular activity in the summer, with the local golf courses often booking up well in advance. However, before Whistler’s first 18-hole golf course officially opened in 1983, the Squamish Valley Golf Course was the closest place to tee off. Still, summer residents would make their way along the narrow and windy highway to have a hit.

Although skiing is not thought of as a summer sport, summer ski camps in Whistler have kept athletes on the snow year-round since the resort opened. The first summer ski camp was run by Roy and Jane Ferris

became good friends with Sailer, who said that he took the job in Whistler specifically so he could play golf in Squamish. Before Whistler had its own golf course, Sailer would coach each day until noon, then go to Squamish Valley Golf Course, which also opened in 1967. McConkey still comes to the Sea to Sky to golf today; however, before he had the pick of local golf courses, he was a member of the Capilano Golf Course. Sailer was a big name in sport, and the Capilano Golf Course said everything would be on the house if he visited. McConkey and Sailer started golfing together at Capilano on the days between summer ski camps. One particularly memorable visit was a trip that they took with Earl Noble. Noble owned a big lumber mill in North Vancouver and had a helicopter. They golfed together at Capilano in the morning, then they flew to the Victoria Golf Club for another round in the afternoon. According to McConkey, “Toni never forgot that. He just thought that it couldn’t get any better—36 holes!”

and Alan White in 1966, with Art Furrer as a guest coach. Alan and Roy owned Highland Lodge, and the summer camps were initially conceived as a way to bring visitors to Whistler during the quiet summer season.

The summer ski camps became known as the Toni Sailer Summer Ski Camps in 1967, after Toni Sailer was recruited during a ski demonstration at the Seattle Center. Sailer was an Austrian skiing superstar who had won gold in all three alpine events at the 1956 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. He would coach the Austrian ski team during the winter months then disappear to Whistler where he enjoyed living in relative anonymity, rarely being swamped for autographs like when he was back home in Austria.

A legend in his own right, Jim McConkey moved to Whistler the year after Sailer to take over the Whistler ski school and ski shop. He

The Toni Sailer Summer Ski Camps were ahead of their time, and quickly began to offer four types of instruction: advanced; intermediate and novice racing; recreational; and freestyle. Along with Sailer and McConkey, personalized instruction was offered by internationally renowned skiers, including Nancy Greene Raine and Wayne Wong.

In 1984, ski racer, Crazy Canuck and former camper, Dave Murray, took over the summer camps, and they became known as the Atomic Dave Murray Whistler Summer Ski Camps. Campers continued to be coached by internationally renowned athletes, having a blast and creating lifelong memories. This continues today with Momentum Ski Camps on Blackcomb Glacier, run by Olympic skiers John and Julia Smart and their talented coaches. n

“Toni never forgot that. He just thought that it couldn’t get any better—36 holes!”

- JIM MCCONKEY

SMOOTH SAILING Toni Sailer (right) and Tim Ferris on the T-bar in July 1978 during the Toni Sailer Summer Ski Camp on Whistler Mountain.

ALEX DOUGLAS COLLECTION

WHEELS Whistler Blackcomb’s Creekside base was bustling on Saturday morning, June 10, when Creekside’s gondola and trail network officially opened for the 2023 bike park season after last year’s hiatus.

BY MATTHEW SYLVESTRE, COURTESY OF WHISTLER BLACKCOMB 2 ZIP IT Grades 6 and 7 students from École La Passerelle enjoyed what was possibly the best Monday of the entire school year when they headed up Whistler Mountain for a Ziptrek Ecotour this June.

SUBMITTED. 3 RULES OF ENGAGEMENT Friends, family, teammates and even a few on-ice opponents from the Whistler Women’s Hockey League turned out to the Helmers’ farm in Pemberton on Saturday to celebrate Jenny Knowlton and Joanna Meltzer ahead of their wedding later this summer—including with an appropriately-themed cake. PHOTOS SUBMITTED. 4 FULL BOWLS Whistler Community Services Society’s Dave Clark (left) and Jackie Dickinson (right) accept a cheque for the Whistler Food Bank from Sea to Sky Potters’ Guild members Sharon and Pattie. The SSPG raised more than $10,000 for the corridor’s three food banks—Whistler, Pemberton and Squamish—at its Empty Bowls Fundraiser, held at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre on May 18. PHOTO SUBMITTED. 5 FILIPINO PRIDE Whistler’s first-ever Philippines Independence Day celebration drew a strong turnout to the Whistler Public Library for singing, dancing, and karaoke on Sunday afternoon, June 11.

SEND

PHOTO

PHOTO

PHOTO BY ROBERT WISLA.

Free Will Astrology

WEEK OF JUNE 16 BY ROB

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Aries-born Vincent van Gogh’s painting Potato Eaters shows five people in a dark room barely illuminated by lamplight. Seated around a small table, they use their hands to eat food they have grown themselves. Vincent wanted to convey the idea that they “dug the earth with the very hands they put into their bowls.” I don’t expect you to do anything quite so spectacularly earthy in the coming weeks, Aries, but I would love to see you get very up close and personal with nature. I’d also love to see you learn more about where the fundamental things in your life originate. Bonus points if you seek adventures to bolster your foundations and commune with your roots.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Renowned Mexican artist Diego Rivera emerged from his mother’s womb in 1886. But some observers suggest that Rivera’s soul was born in 1920: a pivotal time when he found his true calling as an artist. During a visit to Italy, as he gazed at the murals of 15th-century mural painters, “he found the inspiration for a new and revolutionary public art capable of furthering the ideals of the ongoing revolution in his native land.” (In the words of art historian Linda Downs.) I will be extra dramatic and speculate that you may have a comparable experience in the coming months, dear Taurus: a rebirth of your soul that awakens vigorous visions of what your future life can be.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Among her many jobs, my triple Gemini friend Alicia has worked as a deep-sea rescue diver, an environmental activist, a singer in a band, a dog-food taster, an art teacher for kids, and a volunteer at a sleep lab researching the nature of dreams. Do I wonder if she would be wise to commit herself to one occupation? Not really. I respect her decision to honour her ever-shifting passions. But if there will ever come a time when she will experiment with a bit more stability and constancy, it may come during the next 11 months. You Geminis are scheduled to engage in deep ruminations about the undiscovered potentials of regularity, perseverance, and commitment.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): As religious sects go, the Shakers are the most benign. Since their origin in the 18th century, they have had as many women as men in leadership roles. They practice pacifism, disavow consumerism, and don’t try to impose their principles on others. Their worship services feature dancing as well as singing. I’m not suggesting you become a Shaker, Cancerian, but I do hope that in the coming months, you will place a premium on associating with noble groups whose high ideals are closely aligned with your own. It’s time to build and nurture your best possible network.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): For years, Mario A. Zacchini worked at a circus as a “human cannonball.” On thousands of occasions, he was shot out of a cannon at 144 kilometres per hour. “Flying isn’t the hard part,” he testified. “Landing in the net is.” His work might sound dangerous, but he lived to age 87. Let’s make Mario your role model for a while, Leo. I hope he will inspire you to be both adventurous and safe, daring but prudent. I trust you will seek exhilarating fun even as you insist on getting soft landings.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): One of my favourite astrology teachers, Stephen Arroyo, notes, “Most people have a strong opinion about astrology, usually quite extreme, even though 95 per cent have never studied it whatsoever.” Of course, astrology is not the only subject about which people spout superficial ideas based on scant research. Viral epidemiology is another example. Anyway, Virgo, I am asking you to work hard to avoid this behaviour during the rest of 2023. Of all the zodiac signs, you have the greatest potential to express thoughtful ideas based on actual evidence. Be a role model for the rest of us! Show us what it means to have articulate, well-informed opinions.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Meditation teacher Cheri Huber wrote a book called Be the Person You Want to Find.

BREZSNY

This would be an excellent title for your life story during the next 10 months. I hope you will soon ruminate on how to carry out such a quest. Here are two suggestions. 1. Make a list of qualities you yearn to experience in a dear ally and brainstorm about how to cultivate those qualities in yourself. 2. Name three high-integrity people you admire. Meditate on how you could be more like them in ways that are aligned with your life goals.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Now is a good time to take stock of how you have fared in the Dating and Mating Games through the years. Why? Because you are entering a new chapter of your personal Love Story. The next two years will bring rich opportunities to outgrow stale relationship patterns and derive rich benefits from novel lessons in intimacy. An excellent way to prepare is to meditate on the history of your togetherness. PS: The term “fate bait” refers to an influence that draws you toward the next turning point of your necessary destiny. Be alert for fate bait.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Sagittarian actor Samuel L. Jackson loves the colour purple. He insists on it being featured in his films, and he often wears purple outfits. In Black Snake Moan, he plays a purple Gibson guitar. In the animated movie, Turbo, he voices the role of a purple racing snail. In his Star Wars appearances, he wields a purple light saber. Now I am endorsing his obsession for your use. Why? First, it’s an excellent time to home in on exactly what you want and ask for exactly what you want. Second, now is a favourable phase to emphasize purple in your own adventures. Astrologers say purple is your ruling colour. It stimulates your natural affinity for abundance, expansiveness, and openness.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): People who understand the creative process say it’s often wise to stay mum about your in-progress work. You may diminish the potency of your projects if you blab about them while they’re still underway. I don’t think that’s true for all creative efforts. For example, if we collaborate with partners on an artistic project or business venture, we must communicate well with them. However, I do suspect the transformative efforts you are currently involved in will benefit from at least some secrecy for now. Cultivate the privacy necessary to usher your masterpiece to further ripeness.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Musician Frank Zappa (1940–1993) was a freaky rebel, iconoclastic weirdo, and virtuoso experimenter. Everything normal and ordinary was boring to him. He aspired to transcend all categories. And yet he refrained from taking psychedelic drugs and urged his fans to do the same. He said, “We repudiate any substances, vehicles, or procedures which might reduce the body, mind, or spirit of an individual to a state of sub-awareness or insensitivity.” Zappa might have added that some substances temporarily have a pleasing effect but ultimately diminish the life force. In my estimation, Aquarius, the coming weeks will be an excellent time to re-evaluate your relationship with influences that weaken the vitality of your body, mind, or spirit. It will also be a favourable period to seek new modes of lasting liberation.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): If you are at a festival or fair where you could win a lot of money by smashing watermelons with your head, I hope you won’t do it. Same if you imagine you could impress a potential lover by eating 25 eggs in three minutes: Please don’t. Likewise, I beg you not to let yourself be manipulated or abused by anyone for any reason. These days, it’s crucial not to believe you can succeed by doing things that would hurt or demean or diminish you. For the foreseeable future, you will be wise to show what you do best and express your highest values. That’s the most effective way to get what you want.

Homework: What do you wish you could get help to change about yourself?

Newsletter.FreeWillAstrology.com.

In addition to this column, Rob Brezsny creates EXPANDED

Fairmont Chateau

Whistler Resort is growing its Housing portfolio and sourcing additional Chalet and Condo Rental contracts for our Hotel Team Members. Our leaders are mature, career driven drivers that know the word respect. Contract terms for property Owners are stress free with no commissions and includes representation from our 4 person fulltime Housing Department working with you 24/7; maintaining all aspects of the tenancy including quarterly inspections.

A great next move for Whistler property Owners that have tired with the Airbnb game or Property Fees. Let’s see if we can make a match and develop a long-term relationship here. General inquiries please email mark.munn@fairmont.com

The Pinnacle Hotel Whistler is currently hiring

• GUEST SERVICE AGENT (FT)

• OVERNIGHT NIGHT AUDITOR (FT)

Please drop off your resume at the hotel or email : athalakada@pinnaclehotels.ca

The Pinnacle Hotel Whistler has the following positions available:

• ROOM ATTENDANTS

• HOUSEKEEPING SUPERVISOR

• EVENING HOUSEMAN

Please reply by email: parmstrong@pinnaclehotels.ca

VISION PACIFIC CONTRACTING LTD.

is hiring new team members: EXPERIENCED CARPENTERS

We offer:

• Immediate Whistler housing available

• Extended Health and Dental benefits for you and your family

• 20cm snow rule & mental-health bike days

• Flexible schedule & awesome staff parties!

• Work-life balance is as important to us as it is to you!

Send your resume to info@vispacific.com 30 Years

Roland’s Pub is looking for a Kitchen Manager

Position is full time, 40-50 hours per week. Must have line cooking experience in a fast paced kitchen, Food Safe Level 1, and some ordering & food costing experience. Salary is minimum $60,000/year to start or negotiable for qualified applicants, plus medical & dental benefits, gas allowance, phone allowance, ski or golf pass, and other perks.

Please email resume to  info@rolandswhistler.com Staff accommodation available.

Red Door Bistro is Seeking a full time line/grill cook.

1-2 years experience working in a similar station an asset.

• Duties include prepping/portioning/cooking steaks, seafood and pan cooking.

• Imagine working in a well respected fine dining bistro which is well run, fun, and does 80 covers a night.

• Salary based on experience, plus tips. Medical & Dental benefits and staff discounts in Roland's Pub.

Email resume to info@reddoorbistro.ca We're hiring

Journeyman

Full

E-mail or drop in your resume to: rory_eunson@nestersmarket.com please cc bruce_stewart@nestersmarket.com or call us at 604-932-3545

PERKS

• Competitive wage – Depending on experience

• Flexible and set schedule

• Relative training

Vacasa’s forward-thinking approach and industryleading technology help set us apart as the largest full-service vacation rental company in North America. We are seeking individuals with a passion for providing exceptional vacation experiences for our Owners and Guests.

Guest Service Agent Night Auditor

Maintenance Technician Assistant Housekeeping Manager

Lead Housekeeper

We offer competitive wages and benefits: Travel allowance for Squamish/Pemberton-based employees OR Ski Pass/Activity allowance, Extended Medical, RRSP match, Fun & Safe Work Environment-Great Team, opportunities to grow and more. Apply

HIRING WE ARE

Why work for us?

Bylaw

Enforcement & Animal Control

Corporate Services

Facilities

We offer competitive wages, comprehensive pension plan and health benefits, and we are driven by our passion to serve community.

• Bylaw and Animal Control Officer – Regular Full-Time

• Community Patrol Officer – Casual/On-Call (multiple positions)

• Clerk 4 – Freedom of Information and Records – Regular Full-Time

• Assistant Manager of Facilities – Regular Full-Time

• Labourer 2 – Regular Full-Time

• Labourer 1 – Temporary Full-Time (multiple positions)

Public Works

• Labourer 2 – Temporary Full-Time (multiple positions)

• Utilities Operator In Training – Temporary Full-Time (2 positions)

• Utility Operator 1 – Wastewater Collections – Regular Full-Time

RCMP

• Detachment Clerk – Casual/On-Call

• Lifeguard 1 – Regular Part-Time (20-30 hours)

• Recreation Program Leader- Biking - Temporary Part-Time (4 positions)

Recreation

• Recreation Program Instructor 1 – Biking – Temporary Part-Time (3 positions)

• Recreation Program Leader - Temporary Part-Time (multiple positions)

• Recreation Program Instructor 1 – Biking – Casual/On-Call (multiple positions)

Senior Management

• Director of Human Resources – Regular Full-Time

As an equitable and inclusive employer, we value diversity of people to best represent the community we serve and provide excellent services to our citizens. We strive to attract and retain passionate and talented individuals of all backgrounds, demographics, and life experiences.

squamish.ca/careers

TRAVEL CONSULTANT

Full Time, Year Round

The people make the place, and in Whistler’s case that couldn’t be more true. Whistler.com is looking for people passionate about mountain culture and sharing this special place we get to call home.

Our Travel Consultant team sells entire Whistler vacation packages to guests via online chat, phone, and email. The Travel Consultant role requires a positive team player with excellent communication skills and knowledge of Whistler, and an enthusiasm for customer service.

What we offer: a flexible schedule (4 x 10 hour days) offering work-life balance, a commitment to health and wellness, competitive compensation and benefits package, and a fun team environment.

TO VIEW OUR CAREER OPPORTUNITIES, AND TO APPLY, VISIT US ONLINE AT: WHISTLER.COM/CAREERS.

WE ARE HIRING!

DHD CONSTRUCTION LTD., a Squamish-based, full-service construction and development company is HIRING THE FOLLOWING POSITION: PROJECT MANAGER

COMPETITIVE SALARY | PERFORMANCE BONUSES EXTENDED HEALTH & DENTAL BENEFITS FLEXIBLE WORK ARRANGEMENTS OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH

Be a part of the DHD team and our next exciting project – Finch Drive. A 20 acre, master-planned community using modern building technologies to achieve some of Squamish’s most energy efficient, multi-family homes.

For more information about DHD, full job description and how to apply, visit www.dhdev.ca.

- Competitive Wage ($20-$25 per hour based on experience/performance)

- Wage Review After 1 Month

- Wellness Benefit After 6 Months

- Good Working Environment

Please apply to connect@whistlerwired.com

Pique Newsmagazine is seeking a Sales Coordinator.

Pique Newsmagazine is looking to fill a focal role of sales coordinator in our advertising sales department. The chosen candidate will possess uncompromising customer service and work well under pressure while thriving in a fast-paced deadline driven news media environment. The ideal applicant will have previous experience working with a print/ digital media sales team. Strong administrative and communication skills are essential in this role, and attention to detail is a must. You will be highly organized and able to act as a liaison between departments, as well as possess a high level of professionalism when dealing with clients. We offer an excellent remuneration package as well as a benefits plan.

Located in the mountain resort town of Whistler, British Columbia, Pique Newsmagazine is the unequivocal leader in reporting, interpreting and understanding the culture of the Coast Mountains and what it means to those who live, work and play in Whistler.

Interested candidates should forward their resume and a cover letter to Susan Hutchinson at: shutchinson@wplpmedia.com

Deadline is June, 23rd 2023.

No phone calls please.

»

We've

Staff Accommodation, Perks & Benefits Manager, Marketing & Communications

Develop and execute Whistler Olympic Park’s overall marketing strategy!

Develop and execute Whistler Olympic Park’s overall marketing strategy!

W histlerOlympicParkisaworld-classdestinationforoutdoorrecreation&

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Delivering successful marketing & communication programs

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• Developing content & communications for a variety of channels including website, email and social media

channelsincludingwebsiteemailandsocialmedia

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Passionforoutdoorrecreationandsport

Passion for outdoor recreation and sport

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Extensive benefits package & perks, incl. health & wellness options, WB season pass financing & more

W Bseasonpassfinancing&more

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hiring for SUMMER BOBSLEIGH

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Join our team and help deliver one of Whistler’s most unique activities this summer!

Summer bobsleigh enables public guests to experience the thrill of bobsleigh, in sleds on wheels, on the world’s fastest sliding track! The Whistler Sliding Centre is located just above Whistler Village.

Available roles:

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24587 1 6134 74 93 62 7365 68793 #24

Be part of the Infinity Group’s newest culinary adventure, as we bring the Ultimate Thai culinary experience to Whistler

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Mekong’s menu is designed by highly acclaimed Chef Angus An, of Maenam restaurant in Vancouver

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To create an immersive, authentic Thai experience, delivered with deep care, and that’s where you come in.

If you’re an enthusiastic, positive, growth-oriented hospitality professional, looking for an exciting new role, you’ll fit right in with our rockstar team! careers@infinityenterprises.ca

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326 75 924 9142 4583 8129 187 54 641 478135269 926478315 351962784 697381542 245796831 813254697 139827456 582649173 764513928 4/11/2005

ACROSS

DOWN

LAST WEEKS’ ANSWERS

The ‘good old days’ are good and gone—but who were they good for, anyway?

“All you need is love.” -John Lennon

Q: “What are you protesting?”

A: “Whaddaya got?” -Bob Dylan

NOT ENOUGH LOVE. Too much protesting. The yin and yang of modern life, so it seems. Not so much in Tiny Town’s bubble, but seemingly rampant in the rest of society.

As is often the case, viewed through Canadian eyes and sensibilities it seems more violent, more in-your-face south of the border. But like contagion, it’s everywhere.

BY G.D. MAXWELL

It’s here. All you have to do is look.

Problem is, if you look too much, you won’t want to look at all. Or maybe that’s just my problem. More and more I find myself questioning why I bother reading newspapers and watching newscasts. They usually leave me feeling like I’d prefer not to know, sorry I looked or read. Don’t want to witness the depths to which humanity is sinking. Kind of like the feeling I had that led me to go cold turkey off social media five years ago. I don’t need this crap stinking up my life.

I don’t believe all you need is love, but I do believe you need the capacity and ability to love. And there seems to be far too many people who lack that fundamental element of humanity these days. Love, and the lack of it, seems to be the battleground du jour for warring social movements rending the social fabric that’s supposed to bind communities and countries together.

Life seems more—and less—complicated now than it used to be. Bear with me, this ain’t some old man moaning about the good old days. The good old days were only good if you were lucky enough to fit within the definitions of privilege. In the country where I grew up and the country I’ve now lived in most of my life, those definitions included being Caucasian, middle class and heterosexual. If that described you, life was good and those were the good old days, because the social norms were so powerful, and the machinery of government so oppressive, it was difficult to know or understand just how marginalized the Others were.

They were simply invisible.

If you were the Other, life was closeted, furtive, underground, dangerous. If you loved others of the same sex, if you loved others of a different race—or sometimes just different nationality—your love was not only wrong, it was, in many places, illegal. You could be busted, jailed, ostracized, scorned and even institutionalized, labelled a threat to society or a mental defective. Just because of the love you felt and acted on.

If you were black or brown or yellow or native, you could be publicly vilified, ignored, assaulted, and were always objects of suspicion of those empowered to carry out the will and laws of the privileged.

Those were not your good old days. They were the days of fear. Fear your Otherness would be discovered. Fear your Otherness was, like your skin, impossible to hide and therefore always a target.

But the creaky doors of privilege have opened. Or perhaps a better metaphor would be the creaky lid to Pandora’s box has opened. It’s no longer a crime to be queer here. Canada was among the first countries to fully legalize same sex marriage and full

with the most recent acronym that embraces the current inclusivity of Others. But the transgender, gender-fluid, questioning, and all the variations of humanity’s quest for love await their own good old days. Increasingly impatiently. Days that may never come, given the backlash from people appalled or hateful or fearful of those Others.

So far underground were they, few even knew they existed in the old good old days. And perhaps that’s part of the backlash.

because of a defect in the capacity to love among those who feel threatened by them.

Worse—far worse—they are pawns on the chessboard, fodder on the battlefields of politicians who choose to pander to the most base fears of those who feel threatened by the demands of the Others to be afforded full status in today’s society.

As with so many things, it makes me wonder about the fine line between evolution and erosion. It seems somewhere along the way, a considerable part of what passes for humanity—at least in the parts of the world I’ve lived in—desires to return to the caves. Maybe they think that’s where the good old days are hiding.

status for same-sex partners. Yet, there are still those, cloaked in the righteousness of a warped belief in their religion or a pathological revulsion of the Other, who just can’t bring themselves to accept that men can love men and women can love women.

Bad enough on a personal level. Depressing when it becomes an active front in the conservative-liberal culture wars. Horrifying when it becomes illegal and subject to state-sanctioned death in countries led by those who have more in common with our cave-dwelling ancestors than anything we now consider human.

The doors to privilege have barely cracked open for many of the others in the alphabet soup of Otherness. I can’t keep up

Where did they come from? Are they making this up as they go along? Is this just a game to see whether they can out-other the Others?

No. The “newness” of the rapidly changing face of sex, love and gender is more indicative of just how far down into the darkness they were subjugated in the past. They are our brothers and sisters, sometimes even our mothers and fathers, imploring us to accept them for who they are or at least what they believe they are in a journey for which there is no real road map.

That they are met with hate reflects not their “condition,” but the inability of the privileged to extend the same courtesies afforded themselves. They are reviled

I don’t know what motivates a group of people to get together and protest, for example, what they believe is a school board and educators in Ottawa they claim are teaching “gender ideology”—whatever that is—to children. Their rationale? Other than fear? They’re hanging their hats on bible verses, religious beliefs, their own interpretations of the words of their god.

Earth to protesters: Canada is a secular society. Most of us don’t buy your invisible guy-in-the-sky nonsense. It’s a shaky foundation to base your protest on. Call it for what it is—your fear, your unwillingness to understand, your inability to love. Understandable, I guess, for believing in a god who it is said literally wiped out most life on Earth because he didn’t like how his early creations were acting.

All you need may be love, but I’ll be happy if you just dial down the hate for now and leave the Others alone to do the hard work of carving out a place in this world for themselves. ■

All you need may be love, but I’ll be happy if you just dial down the hate for now and leave the Others alone...

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Carmyn Marcano

604-719-7646

1360 Collins Rd, Pemberton: 10-acre peaceful country retreat. Custom 4,404 sqft estate home with stunning views of Mt. Currie and mature landscaping. Zoned for B&B, horse riding academy, brewery/cidery, garden nursery.$3,999,900

Carmyn Marcano

Suzanne Wilson PREC*

604-719-7646

604-966-8454

1307 Eagle Drive, Pemberton: A masterfully built 4br/6ba home with unobstructed views across the Pemberton Valley. Roof top deck, ready for gardens, hot tub and entertaining; 1br suite, large flex room, radiant heating, workshop, double garage and much more! Call today to view. $2,900,000

Ken Achenbach

604-966-7640

Whistler Village Shop 36-4314 Main Street · Whistler BC V8E 1A8 · Phone +1 604-932-1875

whistler.evrealestate.com

Squamish Station Shop 150-1200 Hunter Place · Squamish BC V8B 0G8 · Phone +1 778-733-0611 squamish.evrealestate.com

Nicklaus North Blvd. :