Tag Archives: Powell River

Arts

What makes this region sing?

Originally published on qathet Living

The International Choral Kathaumixw is a project of the Powell River Academy of Music, founded on the model of artistic excellence promoting cultural diversity, acclaiming members of Tla’amin Nation while welcoming and embracing cultures from around the world. 

The festival takes place July 4 to 8 this year and is filled with concerts, common song singing, choral & vocal solo performances, conductor’s seminars and social events. It is a place to learn from each other and from world-renowned choral personalities. 

Kathaumixw is a Coast Salish word gifted to the festival by the Elders of Tla’amin Nation – whose Traditional Territory we share. Since the first festival (1984), the International Choral Kathaumixw has taken place biennially, except for a break during COVID.

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Arts, History

When the long arm is the law

Originally published on qathet Living

March is National Quilting Month, and qathet is breaking out the fat quarters like never before. You can see quilts, watch quilts being made, make a quilt yourself, or get some of the skills to start you on your quilting journey. 

Here, Nina Mussellam of the Timberlane Quilters Guild, explains the local quilt scene. 

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History

IWD & Memories of the mill: One Woman’s Work

By Ruth Perfitt, originally published on qathet Living

You might say I worked in my Grandfather’s footsteps. My maternal Grandfather, Ray Olsen, was one of the first employees at the mill. The family lived around Powell Lake (Olsen’s Valley) and he started with the mill in the grinder rooms. He and another fellow would travel by boat from Olsen’s Landing down to the mill, often staying the week in town at a place on Poplar Street and rowing back up on weekends bringing supplies for the family.

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Education, Women

Shannon Behan, Principal, Westview Elementary School: Life-long learning makes leaders

By Isabelle Southcott, originally published on qathet Living

Every weekday morning starting in 2019, Shannon Behan woke up at 4 am to work on her PhD. At 6 am, she’d get ready for her day as Principal of Westview Elementary School. Then, she would spend two hours every evening and all day Saturday and Sunday researching and writing for her degree. 

“I took breaks to go running, though,” she smiled.

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Women

Erin Seeley, CEO of the Metro Vancouver YWCA: Listening is Leading

Originally published on qathet Living

You might remember Erin from her first job behind the concession counter at the Recreation Complex, serving chicken nuggets to hockey fans. Or, from her time in the Academy of Music choirs, or on the volleyball and baseball teams, or from Girl Guides. To Erin, Powell River was her nest and launch pad; she was born at the old hospital in 1976, and graduated from Max Cameron in 1994 – the last year she lived here full-time before leaving to study at the University of Victoria, travel in Latin America, and later attend Simon Fraser University.

Now, Erin is at the helm of one of BC’s largest social services agencies: The YWCA of Metro Vancouver. Under her leadership, the agency provides housing for women and families, childcare, job skills, legal supports, mentorship, support for those who have experienced abuse, support for single moms, and much more.

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