Bee in the Bonnet - An Opinion Piece by Bernie Bates

This opinion piece by native writer Bernie Bates so incensed Jim Hawkins, President Elect of the Kelowna Ogopogo Rotary Club that he sent email to North of 50 advertisers and posted comments on advertiser's Facebook timelines, asking "... do you want your business to be associated with a magazine that publishes articles so demeaning to Christianty as that on page 12 of the July/August issue." We are not amused.

 

Bernie Bates

Bee in the Bonnet
WHAT WAS LOST AND FOUND

We Natives may no longer wear feathered bonnets as part of our daily attire - but, we've gained when it comes to the knowledge in our bonnet. We may have lost sight of the sacred circle, but we've created our own path in the 'new' circle of life.

Natives of today may no longer hunt for meat on the hoof, but that's not to say we don't scour the bargain bins for the best deals to feed our families.

In the name of the father, the son and the holy ghost; what ever happened to the circle, the mighty sun and the human spirit? Natives of yesteryear believed in good ol' mother nature then along comes these religious zealots and poof there goes thousands of years of traditional history.

Natives believed in something we could experience; like the Great Sun Spirit. We traded something that we could actually feel and see for something 'up there'. Native people could witness the Great Sun Spirit grow the flowers of summer. The Sun Spirit was a real hands on kind of god.

The Circle fed the people for countless generations and we turned our backs on creation for some son of a god, who supposedly fed multitudes with a few fish and a loaf or two of bannock. Yeah, like that really happened!

And why in the name of the Great Spirit didn't this mega-Messiah ever pull off any of these so-called miracles here in North America?

Maybe he could've put a hoard of locusts down General Custer's pants or maybe part the sea of red tape. So far all he has ever done for Aboriginals across the globe is cultural devastation, child prisons and the naughty men in black.

If you get some comfort from your belief in a god then all the more power to you. If you draw strength from the word of the lord and if it has instructed you to do the right thing, then, Amen to you brother. All I'm trying to do here is shed light on the ancestral ways of the Native people. The rest of the World is finally taking a closer look at the ways of the circle. The way Natives showed their respect to the animal kingdom. We also acknowledged: plants, water, fire, family and even to the dirt under their feet.

In recent years monstrous forest fires have ravaged the forests. Only after tremendous monetary losses are the powers that be taking a closer look at the old ways.

Natives used to burn the dead grasses and under brush in the spring. The result was a carpet of lush green grass growing between trees so large that three adults couldn't reach their arms around them. Other benefits included: controllable fires, low insect infestations, larger more valuable trees and less erosion.

I've heard stories from some elders about salmon runs so massive it would take days for a single run to pass a given point on the river. Now an Indian needs a fishing licence, a big damn net and a boat full of luck just to catch sushi for two.

Native families and communities have also suffered over the loss of our traditions. Take a look around most reservations today; count how many single mothers there are. Count the number of homes that have been destroyed by firewater or the new scourge drugs. Times have changed. "Remember when?"

In my humble opinion, I think if everyone came together and took a serious look at the old ways of life. It's not too late to live in peace under the Great Sun Spirit - and live within the 'Circle'. If we use unity as a shield and education as an arrow we can all regain what was lost.

Today, Natives wear shoes, not moccasins. Ride in cars not on horses. We now learn about the old ways in modern classrooms.

Natives may no longer crap in the woods, but we should still give a sh*t about the environment.

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Bernie Bates is a writer and an artist
Please feel free to contact, B. H. Bates at: beeinthebonnet@shaw.ca

Askews - A Truly Sustainable Grocery Store

Askew’s Uptown: Sustainability in a Beautiful Package

By Don Sawyer

What saves money and has a great view? No, it’s not a frugal giraffe. It’s the new Salmon Arm Askew’s Uptown grocery store, most likely open for business by the time you read this. In keeping with this issue’s theme, if we want an example of sustainable architecture and green building principles, we need look no further than the Shuswap, where General Manager David Askew’s vision of a truly sustainable grocery store that is also beautiful to look at -- and look out from -- is nearing completion.

Though a visit to the store with its spectacular views through soaring windows on all sides and a sweeping ceiling constructed entirely of locally-accessed fir is truly stunning (my comment when I first entered: “Wow! Look at this! Holy Smokes!”), Askew is more than a dreamer. He is also a savvy businessman. He points out one energy-saving device after another: the hot water for the in-floor heating comes entirely from the heat produced by their refrigeration and freezer units; the abundance of natural light is backed up by full-spectrum lighting automatically regulated by an energy-saving rheostat. While the initial cost per square foot of Askew’s innovative design is somewhat greater than most groceries, based on BC Hydro assessment, he says they can expect to save 400,000 kilowatts per year, enough to power 36 homes for the same time period.

“That’s the point of sustainability,” David tells me. “It’s about looking into the future and acting responsibly and seeing that an investment today can pay off in many ways down the road. We seem to always be looking only at the immediate cost, not the long-term environmental or even business costs.” As an example, he points to research that shows sustainable commercial buildings have lower vacancy rates, higher rents, increased property values and happier, more productive employees.

There isn’t a whole lot that is conventional about the Askew’s Uptown store. Unlike most supermarket buildings, which are simply designs taken off the shelf and plopped down on a lot, the Askew’s structure is “site specific.” That means it was purposely designed for the 6.7-acre parcel where it sits. As a result, the building, a giant crescent, is set into the bank below the TCH, which provides natural insulation for the refrigeration units. To further help reduce refrigeration needs, the section built into the ground is covered with a “living roof” that will be planted in shrubs and ground cover. The north-facing floor-to-ceiling windows at the front of the store provide a gorgeous view of Shuswap Lake and the mountains beyond.

What about rainwater? Just send it down the drain? No way. All water is collected on the roof, routed through a watercourse that runs over the main entrance, tumbles in a cascade into a feature pool in the parking area, and is then directed into an underground reservoir. From here the water is used for irrigating the landscaped gardens and the living roof. Virtually all rainwater that falls on the site will be used on the site.

The Uptown store is already having a positive impact on the area’s economy. Except for the architectural firm, Allen and Mauer, which is based in Penticton, and some specialized engineering services, virtually all tradespeople, suppliers, contractors, technical services and construction workers are local. One local contractor, who was applying a final seal-coat to the unique cement floors (designed to retain the heat from the hot water circulating in imbedded pipes) told me proudly that the floor would last 100 years. “You can drive a front-end loader on it and never scratch it. We usually do garage floors, so it was a real pleasure to get this job. Thanks to David for giving us the chance.”

After getting over my initial amazement, I asked Askew if there was any other supermarket like it in BC. He shook his head.

“So does that scare you? To be, well, so far out there?”

Askew gave a hearty laugh. “No!” he answered emphatically. “My ideas derive from research and from our more than 80 years of experience in the grocery business. For example, I discovered that health care facilities built with lots of natural light enjoy better therapeutic outcomes than those that use artificial light. There are also studies indicating that products in store areas that have natural light sell better. I think our existing Downtown store has a great feel to it, partially as a result of the abundance of natural light. It is a good place to work and has been a great success. In planning and designing our new store, I wanted to create the same ambiance that exists downtown. We consulted with our employees about what they and customers most valued about the Downtown store and incorporated their ideas into the Uptown store.

“We also hired Fast and Epp, one of the outstanding structural engineering firms in the country.” Askew went on. “They’ve built award-winning sustainable buildings all over the world as well as in BC, including the 2010 Olympic Speed Skating Oval and the Armstrong Arena. And Perkins and Will, who were architects for Vancouver’s new VanDusen Botanical Garden Visitor Centre, which is getting all kinds of attention as a model of sustainability, designed our living roof.” Askew laughed again. “So we know what we’re doing.”

Located near Salmon Arm’s growing residential area of east of the city and adjacent to the arena and recreation centre, the store is located where people live. When finished, it will become a neighbourhood centre with a deli, coffee bar and seating inside and out.

And it might just be the most beautiful and energy efficient supermarket in Canada.

Bob Harrington, It's Your World columnist in Salmon Arm, June 26

“LAND AWAKENING” COMING TO THE OKANAGAN VALLEY

This just in from Penticton - a feature documnetary premier at OK College in Penticton - June 11

 Volunteering at organic farms in the Mediterranean, Ottawa filmmaker embarks on a journey that will bring him to a life transformation.

Independent documentary film “Land Awakening” West Coast premiere, in the Okanagan College, Penticton Campus Lecture Theatre, in Penticton, B.C.

The Feature Documentary “Land Awakening” will soon have its West Coast premier in the unique and beautiful Okanagan Valley, June 11, 2012 at the Okanagan College in Penticton, B.C. Doors open at 6:30 PM.

Director Raul Alvarez’ personal journey in organic agriculture and other food technologies is an inspiring film about the goodness of food and the generosity of the land.

OZONE DRAMA FESTIVAL May 4th to 12th hosted by Asparagus Theatre

Asparagus Community Theatre

 presents

O-zone Drama Festival Behind the Curtain

 May 4th-12th

Centennial Theatre 3305 Pleasant Valley Road, Armstrong, BC

All Shows 8:00pm
Adjudicator: Ted Price

Performance Schedule

Sat May 5th Asparagus Community Theatre (Armstrong)
Tamarack by Ed Kuhn. A tragic-comedy

Sun May 6th Powerhouse Theatrical Society (Vernon)
The Woman in Black adapted by Stephen Mallatratt. A ghost story, from a book by Susan Hill

Mon May 7th Shuswap Theatre (Salmon Arm)
If I Were You by Alan Ayckbourn A British comedy

Tue May 8th Theatre Kelowna Society (Kelowna) Perfect Wedding by Robin Hawdon A farce

Wed May 9th Playhouse 25 (Kelowna) Waiting for the Parade by John Murrell A drama

Thu May 10th Bumbershoot Children’s Theatre (Kelowna) The Hundred Dresses by Mary Hall Surface A drama

Fri May 11th Kamloops Players (Kamloops) Dearly Departed by David Bottrell and Jesse Jones A comedy

Important Information

*There is a short public adjudication done after each performance *

“Green Room” is our lounge and social area to visit before and after the show as well as during intermission. It is located in the hall adjacent to the theatre. Your ticket stub allows you to access the green room, featuring, Larch Hills Wines and Crannog Ale on tap. Light snacks available.

*Coffee critique is an adjudication of the performance the night before. It’s from 9:30am-11:30am in the Green Room. It is open to cast/crew and anyone who had a ticket to that show, there is no extra cost, light refreshments available.

*Reservation packages are available to download on ACT’s website www.asparagus.theatrebc.orghttp://www.asparagustheatrebc.org until April 20th.

Reservation packages are also available at our Ticket Outlet “The Guy Next Door” 3450B Okanagan Street, 250 546-0950 until April 30th. Individual tickets will be available after April 30th at our ticket outlet or at the door of Centennial Theatre during Festival, upon availability at $22.00

*No performance Saturday May 12th which is the Awards Banquet. (If you didn’t purchase a banquet ticket as part of your registration package) tickets are$ 40.00 each. Click here for more info

Meadowlark Nature Festival Best Annual Community Event in South Okanagan

This just in from the Meadowlark Festival!

Meadowlark Nature Festival
15th Anniversary Event

From May 17th to May 21st immerse yourself in the unique natural diversity of the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys.

The Meadowlark Nature Festival was once again voted the ‘Best Annual Community Event in the South Okanagan’ by readers of Okanagan Life Magazine, a sign that eco-tourism is alive and well in the southern interior.

The Festival offers over 90 environmental tours and events held under the open sky, which will take people from Canada’s unique desert to the alpine meadows high above the Okanagan Lake. Indigenous cultural tours, horseback rides, canoe trips, guided walks, bird watching tours, geology and history tours, art exhibits, hands-on presentations on astronomy, nature photography, sustainable green buildings and more, are all designed to be fun and informative for people of all ages and abilities.

What started as a small environmental festival 14 years ago has evolved into one of Canada's premier outdoor celebrations of nature. People from across North America and as far away as Europe now come for the tours, lectures, workshops and other activities led by prominent naturalists, educators, artists and scientists.

The Meadowlark Nature Festival is organized by the Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Alliance (OSCA) to encourage people of all ages to experience, discover and explore their natural environment. The Okanagan-Similkameen hosts a rare mosaic of natural habitats; among them is one of Canada’s most endangered ecosystems - the hot, dry shrub-grasslands. A springtime look at these shrub-grasslands, known as Canada’s ‘pocket desert’, reveals a riot of colour flourishing in this seemingly harsh environment. This popular 5-day Festival especially celebrates and showcases the unique wildlife and habitats found in the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys. Many distinct types of wildlife habitat are home to some of the most diverse and rare assemblages of plant and animal species in the country.

Walk-in ticket sales for the 92 events begin Saturday, April 14, from 11am to 2pm (doors open at 10am) at Suite 203, 246 Martin Street, Penticton. Tickets will be available online at www.meadowlarkfestival.bc.ca beginning the same day at 2pm. Visit the website for further details about all tours and events.

Get in touch with nature!

Canadian Indie Folk-Rock Superstar to play April 15th in Salmon Arm

On April 15th, Canadian Indie Folk-Rock Superstar Joel Plaskett and his band Emergency will play in Salmon Arm at the Salmar Classic Theatre at 7:30 pm. Joel will be on tour across the country to promote his new album, Scrappy Happiness; ten songs that he has written in ten weeks, each one featured on CBC Radio 3. It is an ambitious project that combines the best of both worlds - using a decades old approach to getting music to the public quickly and taking advantage of new technology to communicate and interact with audiences. Plaskett will document the process through social media with vlogs, twitter and online chats, which will be available at www.cbc.ca/joelplaskett.

Photo by Tim Brennan

Joel hails from Nova Scotia, where he has been a pop icon for over a decade, winning many awards including a Juno, two Canadian Folk Music Awards and numerous East Coast Music Awards, plus two Polaris prize nominations. In 2009, he opened for Paul McCartney in Halifax and in May 2011, he became the first artist ever to reach one million plays on CBC Radio 3. He writes catchy, infectious, lyrical rock and roll tunes that fill one with instant joy.
The Joel Plaskett Emergency Concert will be benefit for the Shuswap Environmental Action Society and will help with the project to raise funds to help purchase the property adjacent to the mouth of the Adams River, home to the world famous sockeye salmon run. This concert would not be possible without the generous support from these local sponsors: Askews, Salmon Arm Observer, Travelodge Salmon Arm, Barley Station Brew Pub, Mediability, Acorn Music, Salmar Community Association, and Earthtone Studios. Tickets are at Acorn Music in Salmon Arm (832-8669) and are available online at www.ticketbreak.com.