Fernie & Elk Valley Cultural Guide SPRING 2017 Photo: Raven Eye Photography Eye Raven Photo:

TOURISMFERNIE.COM SPRING 2017

The Communities of the Elk Valley In the heart of the majestic Canadian lies in the middle of Rocky Mountains, the Elk Valley is a the valley and is the first community hidden oasis of verdant landscapes, reached on entering from . The charming towns and abundant town’s name is derived from the local . For over 100 years, trees that were used for manufacturing pioneers have travelled to the region, spars for ocean vessels. The town was first in search of valuable minerals, and founded as a new home for the residents now seeking a sanctuary focused on of the temporary communities of A CULTURAL GUIDE TO FERNIE AND THE ELK VALLEY family, community and the beautiful Michel and Natal. Several art murals ARTS, CULTURE & HERITAGE outdoors. Mining still forms the base can be seen here, depicting the strong of a thriving economy that has now connection to coal mining, with some by 150 in Fernie 4 diversified and welcomes a variety of Michelle Loughery who was born in the The Fernie Museum and Downtown Visitor Centre 6 artisans, small businesses, and an active area and went on to become a world- Cultural Attractions in the Elk Valley 8 year-round recreational and cultural renowned muralist. Heritage Walking Tour of Fernie 10 tourism industry. Patio Season 15 Pop: 3,784 | Founded 1966 The Balmer North Mine Disaster 16 FERNIE is the largest and oldest of the 3 main communities in the Elk Valley. At the head of the valley is , The Fernie Oil Derrick 17 A town rich in heritage, award-winning a small town with a passionate arts Fernie Heritage Library 18 architecture, and spectacular scenery, community. Writing, painting, Feature Author: Pepper Couëlle-Sterling 19 Fernie charms and delights all ages. photography, and pottery are among Ktunaxa Territory and the Squirrel of the Elk Valley 20 Whether strolling century-old Historic the popular endeavours, and well- The Arts Station 22 Downtown, exploring the unique known glass artist Katherine Russell Feature Artist: Kyle Hamilton 23 geography, visiting artists and artisans or has a working studio here. Elkford is Galleries & Studios in the Elk Valley 24 revelling in the packed cultural calendar, the gateway to the Elk Lakes Provincial Events Calendar 26 there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Park, a remote protected area bordering Coming This Summer 28 Alberta’s . Pop: 5,249 | Founded 1898 Pride in Fernie 30 Incorporated 1904 Pop: 1,752 | Founded 1971

2 tourismfernie.com | ferniestoke.com #ferniestoke 3

FERNIE ARTOGRAPHY FERNIE TREASURES AND Fernie Museum June 15–Sept 4 CURIOSITIES Fernie Museum, Sept 14, 2017– March 31, 2018

CANADA 150 in Fernie What does community mean? For over Local photographer Kyle Hamilton has 120 years, Fernie has been home to documented the everyday faces of settlers who arrived from around the Fernie from 2015 to 2017 by capturing globe. Through tragedy, perseverance, Fernie residents in a series of dramatic and prosperity, Fernie has grown into portraits. Each subject tells the story the home and destination that we know of why they live in Fernie and the and love today. importance of community and place. Read more about Kyle on P23. Exploring our collective sense of place In celebration of CANADA 150, and identity through visual art and Canada’s 150th anniversary of MAPLE LEAF TULIPS storytelling. 50 pieces of art will be confederation, Fernie’s cultural Eco Garden, Spring selected from a wealth of material; organizations have come together to including the works of Canadian artists From a collection of almost 10,000 discover who we are—as a community, A.Y. Jackson and David Paton, local Cultural History artifacts, local a culture, and as a small city with a contemporary visual artists such as residents will select 150 objects that rich history—and how these values Laura Nelson, Patrick Markle and reflect stories of the history, society fit into our country’s shared history Melanie MacVoy and video artist and personal lives of the individuals who and culture. Gwen McGregor. The artists will chose to live here. Through stories of each share their personal connection Together, the Fernie Museum and the the objects’ provenance, useful life and and stories related to their work on Fernie Arts Station seeks to promote relevance, the exhibition will serve as a the Connections app. Programming discussion of how people, places, and cultural looking glass into how society includes a curator’s talk, workshops, community treasurers define the functions and how our essential—and Local gardeners and volunteers have and readings. character of our community in a year- non-essential—needs change over time. planted a special mountain-themed long multimedia and multi-disciplinary border of Maple Leaf Tulips as part of CANADA DAY 150 FESTIVAL TREASURES FROM FERNIE arts and heritage initiative. Other the Canada 150 celebrations. Take a Fernie Aquatic Centre, July 1 ATTICS organizations will also hold cultural stroll to the Fernie Eco Garden located Fernie Community Centre events in keeping with the theme. in Prentice Park by 5th Ave and 13th St. Join a sea of red rolling towards the October 7th Aquatic Centre for Canada Day Celebrate with us March 3, 2017– Tulips are expected to start blooming cake with the mayor, followed by an In the style of the Canadian Antiques March 31, 2018. in May. afternoon of games, live entertainment, Road Show, local residents are invited Events include: CONNECTIONS: THE and the first Mountain Market of the to bring their treasures to be evaluated. CANADIAN YOUTH IDENTITY summer. As night falls, the sky will light Stories of the objects and their owners I AM FERNIE BY KYLE PROJECT up with a spectacular firework display will be recorded for a web series to HAMILTON Arts Station April 27–May 23 for the whole family to enjoy. be presented on the Fernie Museum Fernie Museum until May 31 website and Connections App 150 youth from the Elk Valley have worked in groups of 10 to create FERNIE CHAUTAUQUA AND 15 group art projects exploring THE FALL FAIR the concept of Canadian youth Fernie Museum and Prentice Park, identity—what makes them proud to Sept 14–17 be Canadian, what individuals they Celebrating the history and bounty feel best represent Canada on a local, of living in the mountains. A cultural nation, and international stage, and cornucopia of entertainment, food and what places, both locally and nationally, family fun. they identify as uniquely Canadian… and why. 4 5 The Fernie Museum and Downtown Visitor Centre IAMFERNIE Photography exhibit by KYLE HAMILTON

Whether it’s five days or five generations, we are all part of the Fernie community. March 2 to May 30, 2017 Explore our community through the eyes of 150 Fernie residents. Fernie Museum

At the centre of Historic Downtown, the Fernie Museum and Visitor Centre makes its home in the 1908 Home Bank building. Learn all about Fernie’s rich and dramatic history and heritage, things to do, attractions, upcoming events, festivals

and more. Part of a Canada 150 Cultural Series Presented by the Fernie Museum and the Fernie Arts Station

This exhibit is made possible Resort Municipality INTERACTIVE EXHIBITS COMMUNITY INNOVATION Initiative FERNIE, through the support of Investing in B.C. Resort Communities CITY OF FERNIE This Is Our Fernie explores the legend In April, the Fernie & District Historical

of a curse, fires that razed the town to Society will be launching a new heritage CITY OF FERNIE BRITISH COLUMBIA the ground and mining disasters that initiative to support awareness and cut like a knife through the community. the ongoing conservation of Fernie’s This main floor exhibit includes the heritage buildings in partnership with interactive Fernie Faces audio/visual the City of Fernie. Heritage buildings Park Place Lodge proudly supports arts and culture in Fernie and programs to explore history through the are important community assets. CANADA 150 celebrations. Stay with us and enjoy Fernie’s Historic eyes of early residents, a mine tunnel They give our community context and Downtown with its unique dining, shops, cafes and attractions. and Discovery Drawers for the little meaning. Fernie’s historic buildings ones to peek into, and a timeline that define our community’s identity and documents Fernie’s evolution spanning attract thousands of tourists annually. an entire wall. Heritage buildings provide some of our city’s most affordable housing and are This summer the museum will be offering popular places to live, work and play. guided walking tours of Fernie’s iconic Through workshops, granting programs heritage buildings on weekends, and and tours, Heritage Fernie promotes scheduled cemetery tours and bus tours the conservation of heritage buildings to abandoned mining sites. which promote our sense of place and identity and foster community and environmental sustainability. Visit heritagefernie.com to learn more about this exciting new program.

The Museum will also offer a series of walking tours this summer; see P28.

691 2nd Ave | 250-423-7016 250-423-6871 | www.parkplacelodge.com | 6 ferniemuseum.com FERNIE MUSEUM BEANPOD CHOCOLATE Visitor Information Centre, This is Our Fernie permanent One of just a handful of artisan chocolate makers in the ATTRACTION listings exhibit, seasonal gallery exhibitions, special events and entire world producing chocolate the traditional way. Watch interpretive walks. Home of the Downtown Visitor Centre. antique chocolate making machines, sample chocolate See feature, P6. nibs and learn about the process from bean to bar. Freshly 491 2nd Ave, Fernie | ferniemuseum.com roasted coffee, gelato (summer only) and macarons made 250-423-7016 | Open: Daily, 10am–5:30pm in-house. 691 2nd Ave, Fernie | beanpod.ca FERNIE HERITAGE LIBRARY 778-519-5008 | Open: Tue-Sat 12–5pm, hours may vary. 3 floors of literature and reference materials plus regular events & programming. See feature, P18. FERNIE BREWING COMPANY 492 3rd Ave, Fernie The Elk Valley’s only brewhouse, producing 9 core brands fernie.bclibrary.ca | 250-423-4458 and a wide range of seasonal features and limited edition Open: Tue, Wed & Fri & 11am–6pm | Thu 11am–8pm brews. FBC is closed for renovations this spring, please call Sat 1–5pm | Closed Sun & Mon for details. 26 Manitou Road, Fernie THE ARTS STATION ferniebrewing.com | 250-423-7797 The home of the Fernie & District Arts Council. 3 floors of reception, gallery, event, restaurant and THE FERNIE OIL DERRICK studio space. See feature, P22. The last standing wooden oil derrick in BC. Relocated to this 601 1st Ave, Fernie spot from the Flathead Valley in 1984. Interpretive panels, theartsstation.com | 250-423-4842 picnic area, Visitor Information Centre, and geocache. Open: Mon–Fri 10am–3pm 102 Commerce Road, off Hwy #3 at the Eastern gateway to Fernie THE FERNIE COURT HOUSE tourismfernie.com/activities/attractions/oil-derrick Award-winning, 1909 chateau-style brick building and SPARWOOD MUSEUM, MINING ARTIFACT & site of the Fernie Memorial. In use as the Service BC MURAL WALKS Government offices. Visitors welcome in the grounds and grand entrance hallway. Discover the community and mining history of Michel, Natal, Middletown and Sparwood. Follow a series of mine artifacts 401 4th Ave, Fernie tourismfernie.com/activities/attractions/court-house into downtown Sparwood to see the famous wall murals. Open: Mon–Fri 8:30am–Noon & 1–4:30pm 141-B Aspen Drive, next to Sparwood Visitor Centre sparwood.ca/museum | 250-425-0560 FERNIE CITY HALL & THE MINER’S WALK Open: Mon–Thu, 11am–4pm Fernie’s home of local government and the location of SPARWOOD VISITOR CENTRE & TEREX TITAN a beautiful tribute to the Elk Valley’s mining heritage. Interactive information panels, challenges for kids, the Visitor Centre and location of the 1974 GM Terex Titan – unique Face of the Miner sculpture and local ironwork once the world’s largest truck measuring 350 tonnes and from the Fernie Forge. 66ft long! 501 3rd Ave, Fernie 141 Aspen Drive, Sparwood | 250-425-2423 Open: Mon–Fri 9am–5pm | fernie.ca Open: April Mon–Thu, 9am–4pm | Fri 10am–3pm | Starting May open daily 9am–6pm

THE VOGUE THEATRE MICHEL-NATAL HERITAGE KIOSK Fully refurbished, family-owned movie theatre and arcade A series of six panels detailing the history of the Michel- gallery. Comfortable new seating & 2 screens with the Natal communities that used to be at this location. A part of latest in audio-visual technology including 3D. Regular Sparwood’s heritage, these panels include history of discovery, special screenings and festivals. mining and the Ktunaxa Nation. See feature, P8. 321 2nd Ave, Fernie Kiosk is in two locations, one next to the Titan Truck in Sparwood, ferniemovies.com | 250-423-7111 and second on Hwy #3 east of Sparwood at the site of former Michel Hotel. Daily 7pm screenings plus weekend matinees & 9pm screenings 8 tourismfernie.com 9 HERITAGE ARCHITECTURE A DOWNTOWN WALKING TOUR OF FERNIE

As if alighting from an arriving train, begin a walking tour of Fernie at the former 1 CPR STATION 2 HOW FOON’S LAUNDRY CPR Station, 501 1st Avenue, now the Fernie Arts Station. This tour visits 12 601 1st Avenue | Now in use as 491 1st Avenue | Now in use as of Fernie’s most iconic Historic Downtown buildings and features a variety of The Arts Station Fernie Elks Lodge architectural styles and photo opportunities. Beautiful deep gold and rose-tinted brick and sandstone buildings line 2nd Avenue and are unique to Fernie. Look for evidence of the 1908 fire in the form of soot and smoke residue on the brickwork. Join a guided walking tour this summer at the museum. Accessible, paved sidewalks | Approx. 45 minutes–1.5 hours

5 HISTORIC 6 DOWNTOWN FERNIE As use of the automobile grew, rail travel declined and so did use of this 4th St 9th St 6th St 5th St 7th St 8th St Second-Class station that had once The Chinese entrepreneur How Foon reet reet reet reet reet 7 reet been the centre of activity in Fernie. established several businesses in this building constructed in 1908. He ran a 3rd Avenue Although passenger services were discontinued in 1964, the train tracks café, laundry and shoemaking shop on 8 9 are still in daily use carrying the freight the main floor and rented apartments trains that regularly pass through the upstairs. The Fernie Elks Club 4 3 10 11 12 2nd Avenue Elk Valley. Since 1987, the Fernie & purchased the building and removed District Arts Council has used this the dividing walls to open the interior facility as a performing and fine arts for use as a hall. The exterior surface, 1 though, retains its original outline and 2 N venue. Dine trackside at the Blue Toque 1st Avenue Café and imagine yourself arriving on the original advertising mural for ‘Royal the platform for the first time 100 Crown Soap.’ Across 5th street at The years ago! See P22 for more. 1909 Royal Hotel, note the tops of the 10 fernieculture.ca 11 FERNIE’S HERITAGE BUILDINGS – A Downtown Walking Tour CONT’D

filled-in windows along the base of the with the Canadian Bank of Commerce and volunteer parishioners completed This imposing Romanesque Revival building indicating that the street was in 1961 and closed the branch in this church in 1912. It was and still is building reflects Fernie’s importance once lower than it is today. 1963. Although some features have home to Fernie’s largest congregation. as a government centre for the region; been altered, the brick and sandstone the engraved stone signs above the 3 THE HOME BANK exterior retains many of its striking 7 THE CROW’S NEST PASS entrance to the Post Office and 491 2nd Avenue | Now in use as original features. Step inside for a COAL CO. OFFICES Customs Office are still in place. The The Fernie Museum and Visitor taste of today; the Brickhouse serves 501 3rd Avenue building, for a time, served as the US Information Centre up a large selection of Fernie Brewing Now in use as City Hall consul office for the region. Built in Company Beers, BC wines and a tasty 1907, the building was gutted but not pub menu. The original bank vault is still destroyed in the 1908 Great Fire. in use as the chef’s pantry. An exhibit on the 1908 Great Fire is located on the landing of the main 5 THE COURT HOUSE staircase. See P18 for more. 401 4th Ave | Now in use as Fernie’s Government of BC Offices 9 SALVATION ARMY 260 5th Street | Now in use as Eye of the Needle Studio In 1905, the Crow’s Nest Pass Coal This highly decorative building was Co. constructed this building as the constructed in 1910 to house a branch head office to manage its expanding of the Home Bank on the main floor coal mining operations. It also housed and the Herchmer-Mitchel Law Office the offices of the Crow’s Nest Pass on the second floor. Except for the Electric Co. and the Morrissey-Fernie- paint, the exterior is in its original Michel Railway, subsidiaries of the configuration making this a significant coal company. Constructed in cement heritage building. The failure of the blocks, the building survived the 1908 Home Bank in 1923 cost Fernie Lauded as one of BC’s best Great Fire and served as a place of depositors $800,000 and led to a re- buildings, the Court House is a refuge during and after the fire. It has writing of Canada’s banking laws. These spectacular chateau-style building served as Fernie’s City Hall since 1984. new rules prevented the widespread rarely found in the area. Enjoy the Located on the grounds, The Miner’s bank failures in the 1930s. grounds and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Walk is a fascinating glimpse into 4 THE IMPERIAL BANK 1909 Fernie’s coal mining heritage. The walk 401 2nd Ave | Now in use as 6 HOLY FAMILY features interpretive panels, sculpture, The Brickhouse Bar & Grill CATHOLIC CHURCH challenges for children, ironwork art In 1904, William Eschwig of the 521 4th Avenue from the Fernie Forge and municipal Northern Hotel made a trade in garden with picnic tables and benches. which he secured the Salvation Army Mayor Giuliano welcomes visitors. this site in exchange for the Victoria 8 THE FERNIE POST OFFICE Avenue location, where they had been AND CUSTOMS OFFICE operating since November 3, 1900. 492 3rd Avenue | Now in use as the The original building was lost in the Fernie Heritage Library 1908 Fire. The replacement building, seen here, was the Salvation Army’s home until 2001 when they moved On August 1, 1908, on the corner of to their current location on Victoria 2nd Ave and 4th St, the members of Avenue. Step inside and discover the Fernie Fire Department made The history of the church dates back to a working felting studio, beautiful their last stand in the fight of the the beginning of Fernie when Father J. antiques, and unique artisan crafts catastrophic fire that would consume Welsh was sent from Cranbrook to hold including Katherine Russel glasswork Fernie in just 90 minutes. The Imperial masses for approximately 200 miners and ironwork from the Fernie Forge. Bank of Canada built a new bank here in 1898. Some of these miners donated The Fernie Meat Market next door has in 1909, using a standard small city one day’s wages every month towards antique tins and some of the best jerky branch design. The company merged the construction of a place of worship in the Kootenays. 12 13 FERNIE’S HERITAGE BUILDINGS – A Downtown Walking Tour CONT’D

Unlike many businesses in Fernie’s 10 ISIS THEATRE Historic Downtown, the Fernie Cartage 531 2nd Avenue | Now in use Patio season Company rebuilt its livery using as Nevados From May to October, stroll Historic rubblestone from the banks of the Elk Downtown Fernie and enjoy the lively River, rather than brick, following the patio scene. Coffee shops, bars and 1908 Great Fire, making it unique restaurants along 2nd Avenue install in downtown Fernie. For many years wooden-decked patios complete with before automobiles were commonly umbrellas and table service for relaxing used, the company delivered milk, over drinks or enjoying a meal with coal, and other goods with a fleet of family and friends. horse-drawn drays. In the 1920s, it was “The Up-To-Date Garage,” servicing a number of makes of early automobiles, and owned by prominent Italian In 1910, Wm. Eschwig began entrepreneur, Al Rizzuto. construction of the building next to his Northern Hotel. Known initially 12 FERNIE SECONDARY as Eschwing’s Hall, it was remodeled SCHOOL and opened as the Isis Theatre in 1911. 901 2nd Ave | Now in use as The theatre was again remodeled in 901 Fernie & Spa 901 1930 and reopened as the Orpheum Theatre. Moving pictures entertained Fernie residents here until 1949 when the Orpheum was bought by Sam Rossell, proprietor of the Vogue Theatre. At that time, it was agreed there was not enough business for two theatres and the Orpheum closed. The Orpheum is fondly remembered by Fernie oldtimers as the site of Saturday afternoon entertainment. The Fernie Secondary School operated here for 89 years from 1909–1998. 11 FERNIE CARTAGE COMPANY Early photographs show that the 701 2nd Avenue | Now in use as Urban original façade looked much as it Settler and private residences does today, however it was covered with stucco from 1978 until the time Riverside patios can be found at of the renovations in 2006. It was the Bridge Bistro and the Stanford then that Parastone developed the Resort or try a rooftop patio at site; revitalizing the original school The Curry Bowl. and gymnasium and adding 2 new condominium buildings. Inside, the 16ft During the peak summer season ceilings, craftsman finishes, and granite include the patios at Island Lake fittings make this one of Fernie’s most Lodge and . sought after properties, while the On four select Sundays in July and award-winning 6,600sq ft Spa 901 August, the Summer Socials turn offers the ultimate in urban relaxation. Historic Downtown into a street- fair of family fun, shopping and Be sure to enjoy Historic Downtown’s local cafés, boutique shopping and cultural entertainment. On Wednesday attractions (see attraction listings, P8). Visit working artists and artisans in their evenings enjoy live outdoor concerts studios (see gallery listings, P24) and soak in the atmosphere of a town rich in at Station Square. history and heritage. 14 15 MINING HERITAGE RESOURCE HERITAGE The Balmer North The Fernie Oil Derrick Mine Disaster

On April 3rd, 1967, the worst fears of Now 50 years later the Municipality The last standing wooden oil derrick any coal mining community came true of Sparwood and the Balmer North in BC towers over Fernie's Highway 3 once again in the Elk Valley. As the Miners Memorial Committee have Visitor Centre on the eastern entrance afternoon shift walked into the main formally acknowledged these 15 men to Fernie. It has been preserved as tunnel of the Balmer North Mine, a and all miners lost in the Michel Creek a memorial to the area’s resource rock fell deep inside the mine. That area mines from Elkford to Coal heritage, a welcome to visitors, and a piece of sandstone from the collapsing Mountain, a total of 181 souls lost visible landmark for residents coal seam roof created sparks as it to accidents starting in 1901. Their returning home. for the construction teams. The hit other rocks lying on the mine names can be found etched in granite locations would also have been essential floor, igniting methane gas that had at a monument in Sparwood’s Titan The metal components used to as a fresh water and food source for accumulated in a large unventilated Park. Next to the monument, a life- construct the Fernie Derrick are from the crews. and abandoned mined-out area called sized bronze statue of an iconically- Akamina #1, the first oil well drilled in Akamina #1 was drilled to a depth of the gob. The methane flared violently crafted coal miner has been placed to BC in 1907 by the Royal Canadian Oil 1200ft before being abandoned so and in turn caused the coal dust—ever commemorate those lost and honour Company. The components were also that the equipment could be used to present in the air and on the roadways the area’s mining heritage. used for Akamina #2 in 1908 before construct Akamina #2, which achieved of this relatively new mine—to explode. being moved to Fernie and rebuilt on In a ceremony held on Monday, the present site in 1984 following a a depth of 600ft before also being That explosion tore through Balmer April 3rd 2017, a parade of 181 school salvage mission by Dave Yager. abandoned. At both sites, tools were North in a matter of seconds and burst students each placed a white tulip at lost at the bottom of the wells; a from the entry, rolling out across the the base of the statue in memory of the Transporting large pieces of heavy foreshadowing of the hopes, dreams, valley floor. Fifteen of the 23 seasoned 181 lost miners. Speeches honouring machinery into the Akamina and Sage and even lives that would be lost by the miners present were killed instantly by the miners and a commemorative video Creek areas of the Flathead Valley many hardworking pioneers who worked the devastatingly powerful force of the of moving interviews with survivors by horse and cart could only begin on the rigging crews. In total, 23 drilling blast and the rest were seriously injured. completed the tribute to those men after new roads had been cut into the rigs and oil wells were constructed The community reeled, mourned, lost mining the black gold in the wilderness. Riverside locations were in Southeastern BC between 1907 buried their dead in Fernie, Michel, Elk Valley. required to provide water for the and 1930; however, no commercial and Coleman. massive steam boilers used to power quantities of oil were ever found. Now the newly constructed sawmills. These all that remains are abandoned well produced the timbers to build the sites and the ghosts of an industry that derricks, and the bunkhouses needed found prosperity elsewhere. 16 17 17 FEATURE AUTHOR Fernie Heritage Pepper Couëlle-Sterling Library

The Fernie Heritage Library has been a centre of the community of Fernie, providing library service and programs, for over one hundred years. Housed Pepper Couëlle-Sterling is the daughter science, and magic found their way onto in a beautiful historic building in the of an artist, a niece and granddaughter the paper, and slowly the characters heart of Fernie, the Library offers of architects, and an Art & Art History took on a life of their own. Her own love a welcoming and inviting space for graduate of the University of Toronto. of books is an integral part of her main discovery, inspiration, and recreation. Immersed in art from an early age protagonist’s character and her desire as (her grandfather was a friend of Pablo a teacher to encourage independence A range of engaging programming Picasso and Salvador Dali), she has and confidence in trying new things suitable for all ages, from toddlers to As well as regular programming, embraced a life filled with creativity. helped guide the story through more seniors, is offered throughout the year the Fernie Heritage Library hosts Following a career as an Art Director and more adventures. both inside the library and out in the community events such as the wildly in Magazine Publishing, she moved community. Programs include reading successful Booked! Fernie Writers’ west to raise her family and start groups and book launches, children’s Series, a reading series that brings a Pepper’s novel Secrets of the Painted Pepper Creative Studio. A passion for activities inspired by literature, and number of Canada’s top literary talents Door is now in print by Oolichan Books teaching children led her to establish a special events such as the Earth Day to Fernie for popular receptions. Fernie and available at Polar Peek Books in summer Art Safari Camp focused on Celebrations and Lego Engineers Day. has a strong history of supporting Fernie. A sequel is due to be published art and drama. Later, she was involved Library programs are free and welcome the literary arts and has become a in 2018 and Pepper anticipates a third in founding the popular Ghostrider to all, and library service is available to favourite destination among authors. volume in the series. Along with her Adventure Camp and Fernie residents and visitors alike. The Library Enthusiastic and informed audiences, partner, and dog Apollo, Pepper divides Kids Triathlon. offers 3 floors of books, magazines, and complemented by the gorgeous her time between Fernie and sailing in reference materials, plus a research and heritage building in a beautiful the Caribbean. study room, computer services, faxing, mountain setting, make for a welcoming Although Pepper wrote and edited photocopying and scanning. environment for authors from coast during her publishing career, she never to coast. The library also hosts popular identified as a writer in those earlier Enjoy spectacular views from the upper events for the community such as days; it was during an extended winter level or enjoy the Library Gardens for the Bibbity Bobbity Boo Children’s sailing trip that she found the space and a relaxing spot to read or have a picnic. Festival, the Lemonade Social, and the inspiration to write her first novel. She The Library Book Bike is a regular sight Halloween Howler. kept a sailboat in Guatemala, and would at local events and gathering places. spend three or four months every winter 492 3rd Ave | 250-423-4458 seeking adventure and sun. Childhood fernie.bclibrary.ca memories and the enjoyment of history, 18 19 Welcome to Ktunaxa Territory As an oral society (one without written word), the Ktunaxa rely on complex and sophisticated stories to maintain historical records and sustain their culture and identity. Oral histories offer a unique connection to the past and often teach important lessons about culture, the land, and how one should interact with both people and the environment.

Squirrel of the Elk Valley

Many many years ago, boastful Squirrel considered himself to be as strong and powerful as Grizzly, who is the greatest of all animals. To prove himself, Squirrel set out to close the Elk Valley and declared that no living creature should enter for as long as he remained alive. Squirrel guarded the western entrance of the Valley from Sheep Mountain (Mount Broadwood, near Elko), while The Elk Valley falls within the Ktunaxa traditional land district of qukin amak is, his wife watched the eastern entrance or Raven’s Territory. near Crow’s Nest Mountain with the help of Raven. A Bighorn Ram who lived in a cave on Mount Broadwood helped Squirrel. Whenever another creature Before the arrival of the Europeans, tried to enter the Valley from the west, the Elk Valley was a wild, vibrant and Ram killed it by pushing rock down the sacred landscape. It was protected mountainside onto it. If any creatures and cared for by the Ktunaxa people, tried to enter from the east past who followed the law of the land Squirrel’s wife and Raven, they became Long, long ago, the Ktunaxa had called qukin aknumu tiŧiŧ-the land entangled in the dense underbrush and permanent living ground in the Elk provides the resources to survive, timber, where they starved to death. Valley. The land was used throughout and in return, people uphold their Since nobody ever trod the Valley, the the year for many reasons. The Ktunaxa covenant with the creator to protect growth soon became impenetrable. grew tobacco in various places in the and not overuse the land. valley. It was also the route by which After many years, Yau-Ke’Kam, a Ktunaxa would travel to the eastern This is the legacy that current Ktunaxa youth of Olympian stature, slopes of the Rocky Mountains to hunt Ktunaxa communities continue to decided to end Squirrel’s foolish pride bison. It is now indisputable that this uphold. It is a legacy you see in every and tyranny. He tricked Ram and killed area and the larger area of qukin cub, every moose track, Squirrel, then forced his way through amak is in its entirety were originally every elk by the road, every ancient to the other entrance of the Valley. Thank you to the Ktunaxa Nation, Fernie and continuously occupied by Ktunaxa cottonwood. The Ktunaxa efforts to Squirrel’s wife and Raven, not expecting Museum, CBT and the Fernie Nordic Society speaking people even as glaciers still sat preserve their culture, history and an attack from that direction, were for this information. This version of the on the mountains-long before, and well language have been, and continue to easily overcome. Yau-Ke’Kam decreed “Squirrel of the Elk Valley’ story is quoted after, Europeans arrived and established be, vital to sustaining this land and all that henceforth, any others who reached from Fernie Historical Association’s 1977 what is now the USA/Canada border. its inhabitants-plants, animals too far in greed would meet some publication, Backtracking with the Fernie and and humans. disastrous end... District Historical Society. 20 21 FEATURE ARTIST The Arts Station Kyle Hamilton

From 1898 to 1964, the Canadian and the continued contributions When you visit the Fernie museum this channels include Catskiing Canada, Pacific Railway station was the of dedicated staff and volunteers, spring, be sure to spend some time in Heliskiing Canada, and Surfing Canada, economic and social hub of the this dignified local landmark was the upstairs gallery taking in the latest among others. In addition, he provides community, bringing in merchandise, transformed. It re-opened in 1990 in temporary exhibition: I Am Fernie by commercial videography and wedding mail, and passengers into and out of its new incarnation: an indispensable local photographer Kyle Hamilton. photography, both in Fernie and as far Fernie at a time when the railway was base of operations for artists in the afield as Mexico and the Caribbean. the only connection between the valley Elk Valley. Like many Saskatchewanian Fernieites, To answer the need for creativity, Kyle and the outside world. Today, it is home Kyle’s childhood visits to Fernie began the I Am Fernie project as a to the Fernie and District Arts Council, Today, the Arts Station facility is as gradually became longer and longer content-creation initiative which slowly operating as the Fernie Arts Station multi-faceted as the community it until he found himself living in Fernie morphed into a desire to capture a and celebrating over 25 years as a serves. The former waiting room hosts and visiting Saskatchewan. Following likeness of every man, woman, and child thriving hub for the arts. an elegant gallery, the basement a the completion of his second university in Fernie, both as a personal passion fully-equipped pottery studio, and the degree, a law degree was put on hold as project and also as a photographic time The Fernie CPR station was completed old ticket office a bustling restaurant. a photography career began to unfold. capsule for future generations to enjoy. in the spring of 1909 after an earlier The train platform serves as a patio An old film camera—a gift from his incarnation burned down in the Great and outdoor performance space in father following graduation—resulted To date, over 1000 portraits have been Fire of 1908. The station served as the summer months; upper rooms are in some inspiring travel photos. These captured. 150 of these are on display a thriving centre for commerce and used by a wide variety of community led to a few small family portrait at the Museum’s exhibition along travel until passenger service to Fernie arts groups and guilds. Baggage and commissions, then the job of wedding with personal essays from many of was discontinued in 1964. freight storage has been converted photographer for his sister that the subjects. A coffee table book and into a 100-seat theatre, which led to more wedding commissions. Volume 2 are due to follow. I Am Fernie The CPR donated the building to the features homegrown talent as well as After 4 years Kyle decided to pursue is at the Fernie Museum until May 31st, City of Fernie in 1979, and in 1987 the outstanding performers from all over photography full time and opened 2017. Kyle Hamilton lives in Fernie with Fernie Arts Council began restoration. Canada and around the world. up a studio and framing business in his wife and daughter. This involved moving the building onto downtown Fernie to serve as a base. a new foundation, followed by careful www.kylehamiltonphotography.com 601 1st Ave | 250-423-4842 renovation, painting, and landscaping. Kyle is a founding partner in theartsstation.com It took four years, but with hard work Laundromat Studios, whose digital 22 23 ANGELA MORGAN GALLERY FERNIE ARTS CO-OP Fine art gallery and working studio in Historic Art from over 60 local artists including handmade jewellery, GALLERY & STUDIO listings Downtown Fernie. photography, original paintings, textiles, pottery, and sculpture portraying the region and lifestyle of the Elk Valley. 441C 2nd Ave, Fernie | www.angelamorgan.com Open: Fri & Sat 12–5pm 572– 2nd Ave, Fernie | 250-423-7044 | www.fernieartscoop.com Open: Mon–Sat 10am–6pm | Sun 12pm–4pm THE ARTS STATION KATHY STEAD – VISUAL ARTIST The hub of Fernie’s cultural scene. Two art galleries, 100-seat theatre, craft and painting studio, pottery Fine art painter and mixed media artist working in a variety studio and workshop/meeting spaces. of semi-abstract and realism styles. 601–1st Ave, Fernie | 250-423-4842 86 Ridgemont Dr. Fernie | 250-423-4979 www.kathysteadsfineartstudio.com | Open: Open by appointment www.theartsstation.com | Open: Mon–Fri 10am–3pm KYLE HAMILTON PHOTOGRAPHY BRIAN POLLOCK GALLERY A wedding and lifestyle photography studio with a studio space Fine art photography gallery offering high quality large- for portraits and fine art landscape gallery prints. Custom format photo printing. Gallery selling original prints and framing and passport/ID Photo services available. framed artwork. 532 B 2nd Ave. Fernie | 250-430-7114 | www.brianpollock.ca 341c 3rd Ave, Fernie | 250-423-0904 | www.khphotograph.com Open: Open regularly & by appointment Open: Open regularly & by appointment

CHAINSAW CARVER LEANNE STOTHERT GALLERY Michael A. Penny’s working studio gallery producing finely Leanne’s studio and gallery space features canvas paintings of detailed wood sculptures. landscapes, animals and scenes of children playing. 1439 MacDonald Ave/Hwy 3 | 250-423-0052 562–2nd Ave Fernie | [email protected] [email protected] Open most days & by appointment www.leannestothert.com | Open: Saturday 12pm–4pm

CLAWHAMMER LETTERPRESS POLAR PEEK BOOKS & TREASURES Print making and typographical art in the artisan tradition. Unique selection of books by local & Canadian authors, local Gallery space featuring posters, art cards & original paintings. maps & guides, gifts, and toys. Original art and art cards by local artists. 441C 2nd Ave, Fernie | 250-946-6400 | www.clawhammer.ca Open: Fri & Sat 12–5pm 592–2nd Ave. Fernie | 250-423-3736 | polarpeekbooks.ca Open: Mon–Thu 9:30am–5:30pm | Fri & Sat 9:30am–6pm ELKFORD ARTS STUDIO Sun 11am–5pm A collaborative space offering a variety of visual art and SARAH PIKE POTTERY pottery classes, workshops and experiences for all ages and abilities. Operated by the Elkford Arts Council. Unique, slab-built pots with personality, beauty and a little attitude. Product is sold from a small display area in Sarah’s 816 Michel Road, (2nd floor of Arena) Elkford | 250-433-7007 home studio in West Fernie, and internationally. www.elkfordartscouncil.blogspot.ca | Open: Open daily, hours vary 1480 McDonald Ave, Fernie | 250-430-7937 | sarahpikepottery.com EYE OF THE NEEDLE & FERNIE FORGE Open: Call or text for appointment Artisan gallery & studio in a heritage building featuring STEPHANIE’S GLASS & ART STUDIO metalwork from Fernie Forge and others, plus fibre art, Working stained glass and sandblasting studio. Stephanie’s candles, glasswork and one-on-one felting classes. custom pieces have been exhibited worldwide. Gallery features 260–5th Street, Fernie or 2087 Hwy #3 Fernie work from other local artists. 250-423-2671 | www.fernieforge.ca 532 2nd Ave, Fernie | 250-423-3944 or Open: Thu & Fri 10am–5pm | Sat 11:30am–5:30pm 250-423-0433 for private appointments | stephaniesglass.ca Open: Tue–Fri 10:30am–5pm | Sat 10:30am–4pm 24 fernieculture.ca 25 Spring Event Calendar For full details visit tourismfernie.com/events

APRIL 11 Beers & Queers Social, The Valley Social 14 Live Music: Blue Tansy, Loaf 12–14 Yoga Retreat in Fernie, Lizard Creek Lodge 14 Live Music: Herky Cutler, Infinitea 12 Live Music: Tenise Marie, Infinitea FEATURED SPRING EVENTS 14 A Tribute to Tributaries, Community Centre 12 Live Music: Eamon McGrath, The Northern 14 Live Music: Ben Fox, The Royal Bar 13 Elk Valley’s Got Talent, The Fernie Hotel 15 FERNIVAL! Wide Mouth Mason/Skratch 13 Live Music: Woodhawk & Dead Quiet, Bastid/Backroad Traveller, Fernie Alpine Resort The Northern FERNIVAL! CLOSING WEEKEND catwalk, lights, and music all add to the 15–16 Live Music: The Hillties, Rusty Edge 19 Live Music: FKB Band, The Northern 15 Live Music: DJ Night INC.LINE, The Royal 20 Live Music: Denim Daddies, The Northern AT FERNIE ALPINE RESORT electric atmosphere. 15 Open Mic Night hosted by Top-O, 24 Canada 150 Intimate & Interactive III, APRIL 15–16 The Fernie Hotel The Arts Station Celebrate the end of a great ski season The Fernie Community Centre 16 Coca Cola Slope Soaker, Fernie Alpine Resort 25 Bike Adventure Slide Show, Fernie with the biggest party of the year at is the location for this year’s 17 Free movie & popcorn: The Princess Bride, Heritage Library Fernie Alpine Resort. The Powder celebration of Earth Day from Infinitea 25 Gallery Opening: Visual Arts Guild, The Arts 4–8pm. Join in fun challenges Station Pedal Paddle Relay Race has been a 19 Canada 150 Intimate & Interactive II, including the #trashbashchallenge or The Arts Station 25 Live Music: Lindsay Walker, Infinitea Fernie institution for over 40 years. 19 Fly Tying Social, The Pub 26 Live Music: Micah Erenberg, The Northern Competitors (many in costume) will #getwildchallenge as you explore Fernie 20 Live Music: Casati Folk Trio, Infinitea 27 Book Bike Ride & Potluck, Fernie Library & run, ski, bike, paddle and run again from before the event, or drop by for the 22 Earth Day & Trashy but Flashy Fashion Show, Rotary Park the slopes, along the highway, down the Recycling challenge and Human-sized Fernie Community Centre Birding for Beginners, Wildsight 31 Elk river and back to the resort base in a Paper Doll Dress Up. There will be 22 Open Mic hosted by Katie Lane and Alison 31 Ride with Librarians, Fernie Heritage Library plenty of crafts, information, and $8 Pace, The Fernie Hotel fun and entertaining relay that’s always eats to keep the whole family happy. 22 Body Painting Competition, The Royal JUNE full of surprises. All afternoon the big 24 Poetry Challenge, Fernie City Hall 1 Book Bike Ride & Beach Read, Fernie Library & stage welcomes iconic Canadian blues- 25 Cooking Class: Detox Cooking w/ Tamara Dunn, Maiden Lake rockers Wide Mouth Mason, along Infinitea 1 Art Banner Project Launch Reception, with Backroad Traveller and famous 26 Live Music: Elliot Brood, The Northern The Arts Station 26 Canadian Youth Identity Project Opening, 1 Beautea Night with Spa 901, Infinitea DJ Skratch Bastid! On Sunday, the The Arts Station 8 Beers & Queers Social, The Valley Social Coca-Cola Slope Soaker is a hilarious 27 Live Music: The Small Glories, The Arts Station 9 Summer Opening, Island Lake Lodge exhibition of daring and daftness, as 28 Ukelele for Kids, Fernie Heritage Library 10 Snow Valley SLAM—Roller Derby, Fernie costumed competitors attempt to 28 Fabulous 40 Disco, The Royal Bar Memorial Arena waterski across a pond built into the 29 Spring Craft Fair, Community Centre 11 Live Music: Jamie Clarke, Infinitea snow. The Griz Bar will be rockin’ all 29 Open Mic hosted by Thar Be Dragons, 14 Lemonade Social, Fernie Heritage Library weekend and The Hillties will hit the LIVE MUSIC IN FERNIE The Fernie Hotel 15 Exhibit Opening: Fernie Artography, 29 Live Music: Kris and The Blues Machines, Fernie Museum stage at the Rusty Edge. It’s a fantastic ON-GOING | VARIOUS The Royal Bar 16 Live Music: James Gray, Infinitea way to round out what has been an LOCATIONS IN HISTORIC 18 Live Music: Cassidy & Ladies, Infinitea amazing winter in Fernie! DOWNTOWN MAY 21 Ancient Ammonite Hike, Wild Nature Tours Fernie is well known for welcoming 5–7 Workshop: Skill Building for Painters, 23 Live Music: Luke Wallace, Infinitea The Arts Station EARTH DAY AND THE TRASHY musicians and entertainers from all over 24 Summer Opening Day—Hike, Bike, Aerial Park, BUT FLASHY FASHION SHOW the world and contributes to this scene 5 Cinco De Mayo, Various Locations Fernie Alpine Resort 8 Live Music: Kakagi, Infinitea 4–8PM | APRIL 22 with its own exceptional musicians THE COMMUNITY CENTRE whether grassroots or LP endowed. Earth Day falls on a Saturday this This spring Fernie is host to many great EVERY WEEK! concerts, live bands, DJ’s and talented Mondays Open Mic Night, Kodiak Lounge Thursdays Jam Night, The Brickhouse year, and that means the return of Free Movie & Popcorn Night, Infinitea Team Trivia, The Pub Bar & Grill the Trashy but Flashy Fashion Show. musicians such as Elliot Brood, Wide Tuesdays Storytime Ages 3–5, Heritage Library Fridays Live Music, Infinitea Using upcycled garbage and discarded Mouth Mason, The Small Glories, Luke $6.50 Movie Night, Vogue Theatre Live Music, The Loaf recycling, competitors will create Wallace and much more! See the full Wednesdays Toddlertime Ages 0–2, Heritage Library Saturdays Open Mic, The Fernie Hotel & Pub Tarot Readings, Infinitea wearable works of art to wow the spring schedule on P26. Team Trivia, The Fernie Hotel & Pub audience and judges—you have to see it Jam Night, The Royal to believe how amazing some of these creations are! The fashion show-style 26 Share the stoke: #ferniestoke | ferniestoke.com 27 Coming this summer

EXPLORING HISTORY TOURS SUMMER SOCIALS AND THE WAPITI MUSIC FESTIVAL GILLBILLY FESTIVAL WITH THE FERNIE MUSEUM WEDNESDAY CONCERT SERIES AUGUST 11–12 | ANNEX PARK SEPTEMBER 29–OCTOBER 1 Expanding on successful past tours, HISTORIC DOWNTOWN The sweet sounds of fresh Canadian THE ARTS STATION the Fernie Museum has a captivating Historic Downtown Fernie is a fun Indie will ring out in the Rocky There’s music in them there hills! The program of tours for the whole family place to be in summer with its eclectic Mountains once again as Wapiti annual Gillbilly Festival returns for to enjoy this summer. Exploring The boutiques, bustling patios, and welcomes Tokyo Police Club and a more tunes and tackle than you can Ruins Bus Tours will visit a variety of incredible views, but even more so when stellar lineup of musicians for a festival shake a stick at. Bring your fishing pole abandoned mine sites, where local there’s a special event to enjoy. Every that’s all about family, fun and good and your stringed things, and settle historians will bring the mines and Wednesday from July 5th–August times in the sun. Kid’s activities, in for a weekend of jamming, fishing, communities back to life through 30th, the outdoor stage at The Arts beverage gardens, food & merch feasting and fine times in the deep stories and insights. Starting with Coal Station has free live entertainment, vendors, art, and more will have you . Creek on July 8th, the tours continue kid’s activities, beverage gardens and loving life in Fernie. Tickets now on with Michel-Natal on July 22nd, food vendors. Also at the Arts Station, sale! Families will also love the amazing Morrissey & Carbonado on August 5th, the Out of the Box Dumpster Painting FREE Bibbity Bobbity Boo Children’s and Hosmer on August 19th. $30. event is a fun live art expo on July 9th– Festival on August 13th in Rotary Park. watch as dumpsters are turned into Heritage Walking Tours invite you to works of art before they are distributed step into the past with a local historian around Fernie. On three Sundays in to explore Fernie through stories July (2nd, 16th & 30th), 2nd Avenue of Rum Runners, the devastating becomes a pedestrianized funzone for Great Fire of 1908 and the buildings the Summer Socials with kid’s activities, and characters that have shaped the live entertainment and games for all Historic Downtown. Every Saturday & to enjoy. On August 13th, the Show n’ Sunday at 11am & 2pm from July 1st– Shine is a car enthusiast’s paradise, with August 27th. $10. dozens of classic and demo cars lining If tombstones could talk, the stories 2nd Avenue. they would tell! Join knowledgeable guides on a walk through two local cemeteries and learn about the personalities and events that shaped the Elk Valley as we see it today. St Margaret’s Cemetery on July 15th, 29th and August 12th, and Hosmer Cemetery on August 26th. $10. 28 29 ELKFORD PH: 250-865-4015 750 Fording Drive Pride in Fernie HOURS: Mon-Sat 9am – 5pm

Recognizing a lack of support, services, to the organization’s endeavours and social events within the local and is the perfect symbol for the 43 LGBTQ+ community in the Elk Valley, LGBTQ+ community in our Rocky Elkford, Fernie, and a group of individuals joined forces in Mountain town. Sparwood Visitor Centres are 2016 to form Fernie Pride, a non-profit social initiative aimed at providing peer Hoping to mirror efforts in other part of the BC Visitor Centre SPARWOOD communities around the Kootenays, support, social events, and community Network. PH: 250-425-2423 education and awareness initiatives. a Pride weekend is being planned for 141 Aspen Drive October. The society hopes to host HOURS: April: In 2016 local business Freyja partnered Miss Ellen Q and her ladies once again Visitor Counsellors are ready to Mon-Thur 9am – 4pm & Fri 10am – 3pm with members of Fernie Pride to host so it’s sure to be an event you won’t tell you about the local must- Fernie’s first drag show, featuring the want to miss! Starting May 1st: sultry Miss Ellen Q, Visa deCline, Chi sees, where to stay, where to Daily 9am – 6pm Chi, and Jizzica Rabbit from Banff and eat, where to hike, where to bike, . A sell-out success, the event what to try and more. Stop by was enthusiastically received by the community who danced long into the any one of the four Elk Valley night. This event provided seed money Visitor Centres for personalized to get the Society started. assistance. 3 Continuing the momentum, Fernie Pride has partnered with The Valley Social to host a monthly ‘Beers & The Fernie Pride Society operates in Queers’ social evening. Welcoming the Fernie to provide social support and VISITOR CENTRES local and visiting LGBTQ+ community community initiatives for the LGBTQ+ 3 OPERATED BY and their support network, the evening community in the Elk Valley. offers a welcoming environment for They are not a crisis service. friendship, networking, and discussion on a wide range of issues. Beers & Queers is at The Valley Social on the 2nd Thursday of every month, To put a professional face on the 7:30–10:30pm. Everyone welcome, society, a shiny new website is up and free coffee and snacks, cash bar. running, complete with a beautiful logo designed by local artist Nichole [email protected] | 250-412-379 Yanota. Like a multi-faceted jewel, FERNIE the smiling face of Fernie Pride’s bear www.ferniepride.ca PH: 250-423-6868 logo is both welcoming and inclusive. ferniepride 102 Hwy #3 Location Each colour offers a new dimension HOURS: Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm 491 2nd Ave Downtown Location 30 HOURS: Daily 10am – 5:30pm Three Sisters (Mt Trinity) According to legend, a young Ktunaxa Chief found great difficulty choosing a bride. There were three very beautiful maidens to choose from. The older Chiefs asked the Spirits to help. The Spirits considered indecision a grievous fault and the young Chief was turned into a mountain where he would look at what he could never have. The maidens’ grief was so great that they asked also be turned into mountains. Today we see the young Chief as with the maidens as the Three Sisters standing proud beside him.

Experience the legends of Fernie this spring.

tourismfernie.com | ferniestoke.com #ferniestoke Cotton Mike Photo: