Alpha Mountain Lodging, a family run and Indigenous owned local cabin retreat is inviting the community out for Indigenous Peoples Day Saturday, June 21.
With a market featuring Indigenous artists, performances by Syilx singer Francis Baptiste, Elder-led storytime and guided tours through Alpha Mountain Lodging’s interpretive trail, the family-friendly event is a chance to celebrate the cultures throughout the region and across Canada.
“I really want it to be accessible to everyone to come and learn and experience,” Charlene Pors, Alpha Mountain Lodging owner and operator told Revelstoke Mountaineer. With a free shuttle bringing folks to the lodge from town and all tours and entertainment free, Pors is eager for the day to be focused on celebrating.
“The Indigenous Friendship Society of Revelstoke (IFSR) is really excited, Tourism Revelstoke is really excited, it already has a lot of support.”
Pors worked with IFSR to help map out the event and reach out to Indigenous artists, storytellers, Elders and more. While the event is free, donations will be accepted throughout the day for IFSR, and Pors has received funding to pay entertainers, storytellers and more for their knowledge.
A highlight of the event will include tours of the Alpha Mountain Lodging’s Kihîw Nature Trail, a one-kilometre interpretive loop with signs about the local flora and fauna and how Indigenous nations throughout Canada have used them. Pors worked with Christy Shaw, local ethnobotanist and Elder Randy
Williams, from Secwépemc nation and Enderby on the signage and information that dots the trail.
“It was really fascinating learning about all these plants can do. I’ve definitely found a new passion on top of loving nature and animals already,” Pors said. The signage includes the Cree names for the various species, a nod to Pors’ husband and business partner Logan and their two kids who are all Mountain Metis.
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