Latest news with #communityspirit
CBC
11 hours ago
- General
- CBC
'Allow the land to teach you': Sturgeon Lake First Nation turns outdoors into classroom
CBC's virtual road trip series Land of Living Stories explores the hidden gems across Saskatchewan. Reporter Janani Whitfield hit the road to Sturgeon Lake First Nation in search of inspiring stories of community spirit. This is the first of a two-part series from that community. Willie Ermine remembers his uncle bringing him and his brother, both young men at the time, through a trail and out into a clearing in the woods by the water of Sturgeon Lake. They stood there quietly. "We were wondering why — why are we looking at this?" Ermine said. Now he understands that his uncle was communicating a deeper wish for the pair to connect to the land. "He had planted something in our mind." Ermine, the traditional health counsellor for Sturgeon Lake First Nation, looks back to that day 45 years ago as the basis for the two brothers' work to help create cultural camps and land-based learning at the same site. "The youth were saying, 'we don't have any connection to the elders, we want to.' And the elders are saying, 'we don't have a connection to the youth and we want to,'" he said. "So that camping concept was the ideal context where we bring in the elders and we bring in the youth, and then just have a camp, just eat, just do ceremony, just have fun." Ermine has been part of leading the camps for a few decades. His brother set up camping infrastructure, while Ermine teaches Indigenous knowledge, what he calls, "a people project." On this Monday, educators with First Nations University are visiting the community to learn land-based education. Land-based learning is not just about being outside, Ermine said. It goes much deeper, to people understanding the teachings of the land within themselves. "The West seems to think, knowledge is in this book. It's being written; here it is," he said. "That's not true." When people set a fire, or build a teepee, or take part in a ceremony, he wants them to understand they are connecting to the earth on a deeper, more spiritual level. Rather than seeing themselves as delivering knowledge, teachers need to understand they are students too, he said. "Through certain protocols, through certain teachings, it allows the land to teach you." Ermine's son, Charlz Ermine, said he's seeing the impacts of the work on younger people. "They're more open, they're not scared to learn — they're hungry for knowledge," Charlz said, adding that knowledge is being taught on the nation all the time. "What we've done here, it can be like an example for other communities." Turning knowledge into curriculum Sturgeon Lake First Nation's Sandra Gamble has spent years working as a classroom teacher on reserves and has included land-based education. This year, she's dedicated herself fully to land-based teaching. "I get a lot of knowledge, learning from my elders and knowledge keepers," she said, noting she just recently learned how to make a cream that treats rash and eczema. She can see the impact this kind of land-based learning has on her students. They are happier and more energetic, "more themselves," in her eyes. "They learn and they heal from the land." Ermine has a long history teaching with the First Nations University of Canada and sees a role for his nation in leading research based on Indigenous knowledge. "It's happening, to turn everything — all the knowledge we gain — into a curriculum so that the generations coming up, they'll have material to work with, which we didn't have." Rather than focus on the trauma Indigenous people have experienced from colonialism and residential schools, he wants his fellow people to understand their inherent strengths, drawn from the power of the land. His uncle planted a seed in his mind that he sees slowly blooming among the people he works with.
The Independent
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Bull Burford: How a 16th-century coaching inn became the Cotswolds' hottest hotel
The warning is in plain sight on a sign outside Bull: 'a curious coaching inn'. And indeed, this is no everyday pub quietly hidden in the heart of the Cotswolds. As Alice might have noted of this new hospitality wonderland, it does actually get curiouser and curiouser the moment you step over the threshold. Don't for a minute think 'quaint', in spite of the ancient heritage, when you pull up at this pub in Burford, quite possibly the most beautiful town in the Cotswolds; this 18-room hotel turns the concept of an English pub on its head. Matthew Freud, the PR tycoon and commercial strategist turned pub landlord, adds much zen, zip and zaniness to his modern reinvention of the country pub hotel. The result is 50 shades of cosmopolitan luxury. But be warned: it's distinctly anti-loner, the kind of place where you're encouraged to integrate, not isolate; to break bread with other guests over dinner and share in new experiences. Along with the communal dining, where guests are instructed to sit together and (shock horror!) talk to one another, there's also a holistic programme offering activities including yoga, meditation, photography workshops, chess, flower picking and a book club. Mixers are not just drinks to accompany spirits, but are how Freud defines his guests. He wants them to embrace the community spirit and throw themselves into making connections over dinner. Bull also has more of a modern art gallery vibe than that of a traditional boozer, partly because Damien Hirst and Harland Miller works adorn the walls. Housed in such an old building but with such modern, on-trend interiors, it's the hotel version of a Warhol portrait in an old gilt frame. And there's no dinging brass bell or indifferent receptionist either; here you'll find Californian sunshine service with zippy friendliness. The wobbly stairs and corridors lead through a labyrinth of newly carpeted landings and corridors to the 24/7 pantry, full to bursting with gourmet goodies. This is midnight feast territory (or perfect for greedy elevenses). A tap on the state of the art fridge illuminates a light behind the glass door to show chocolate cakes and cans of drink so shiny they could be sculptures rather than thirst-quenchers. This pub may have 16th-century vernacular, with oak beams and wattled plaster, but its rooms are more Dr. No, a 21st-century Bond boozer. When Bull opened in 1536, it was a basic coaching inn, a place for tired horses to recover and prepare themselves for the next long ride. The mantra of the new Bull aspires 'to offer the same service to anyone on a journey who might need a moment to catch their breath'. This is more private home in feel than public bar. Marble mosaic tiles in the bathroom have been individually selected. Photographs in black and white of Mick Jagger and Vivienne Westwood stare out from the corridors, and equally famous living guests are not unusual either (Bob Geldoff and a slew of star actors among them). This is a deceptively spacious rural retreat; oddly Tardis-like, it makes you feel as if you're sneaking into someone's private, tycoonish home. The food, meanwhile, is simple and delicious – think Soho House chic twisted with modern Brit cuisine. Breakfast ham and eggs straight from a nearby farm sit alongside avocado mash, while staff seem more like they've been plucked from a Netflix series than catering central casting. But then again, it is all spun together by Freud, a master image maker. The laird has his own lord-of-the-manor mansion down the road. As you slope up to bed, there are dozens of slim volumes of single short stories to choose from; Sonos for your music; lemon, a sharp knife, ice and gin for that final nightcap... The only downer? You may never want to move out.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
New festival to take over Richmond with live music, food, art and more
Richmond's town centre is set to be taken over by a brand new festival. The event will see live performances, street food, theatre, dance and art activities fill the streets on Saturday, September 13, 2025. The festival will extend across George Street and Whittaker Avenue, creating a vibrant celebration of music, creativity and community spirit. The free event aims to offer something for everyone, from dance workshops to a communal dining experience. An opening procession led by youth, and an evening filled with DJ sets and live music will highlight the talents of the local community. The event is being organised in partnership with local organisations, including Orange Tree Theatre, Combination Dance, The Basement Door and Richmond Music Trust. Read more Free festival set to bring south east Asian culture to Battersea Power Station Battersea Power Station to host free family-friendly music event Councillor Katie Mansfield, lead member for Richmond town centre, said: "This festival is all about bringing fresh energy to our town centre. "Whether you're seeing a street performance with friends, dining outdoors or stepping on stage for the first time, this is your invitation to get involved." The festival aims to draw on Richmond's history as a hub of youth culture, while also looking towards the next generation of creatives who will shape the town's identity. Richmond's lesser-known landmarks such as riverside boatyards, historic theatres, independent businesses and cultural venues will also be showcased. The event plans to include pop-up dining, local buskers, and a classic Routemaster bus experience hosted by Peter Hendy. Councillor Gareth Roberts, leader of Richmond Council, said: "Residents want to see real change in our town centre, not just more plans. "This festival is a clear step forward; it's a change people can see and experience on the high street. "It's also a reminder that Richmond isn't just a historic town – it's a creative one too." The festival is part of Richmond's wider Town Centre Vision, which focuses on the improvement of public spaces, support for local businesses, and the creation of a high street that brings the community together. Councillor Mansfield added: "A great high street should feel welcoming to everyone – whether you're eight or 80. "This is part of a much bigger effort to make our town centre more vibrant, inclusive and alive. "It's a way to try new ideas, build partnerships, and show what's possible when we use our streets differently. "It's also a chance to celebrate the talent and energy already here." The festival programme, including event times and activities, will be announced soon. Local businesses, artists, and community groups are encouraged to join the celebration, with a call-out set to be shared on the council's website and social media in the near future. Regular festival updates will be provided on the Richmond Council's website and social media, with signage due to appear throughout the town centre in the run-up to the event.
BBC News
24-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
Minehead: How community responded to fatal school bus crash
People who helped respond to a fatal school coach crash a week ago have praised the community spirit they witnessed Prince, a 10-year-old boy, died when a coach carrying pupils from Minehead Middle School in Somerset left the road near the village of Wheddon Cross and slid down a 20ft (6m) Thompson from Wheddon Cross was part of a team that supported families waiting at a nearby rest centre, providing hot drinks, food and a hub where information could be shared."I have to completely praise the police, the fire service, the ambulance service, the air ambulance - they are just amazing people; Musgrove Park sent nurses out. The whole community came together to help," she said. "It was a terrible day. The poor parents and children who will always remember I think this incident. You couldn't really forget it."People in the community do love those children more than anything in the world".She added: "The impact of this coach crash has pulled the community really together." While Ms Thompson's team gave immediate support to parents and children, a team of paramedics worked alongside them, triaging young with more serious injuries were taken to Musgrove Park Hospital and the Bristol Royal Infirmary, while those with minor injuries were taken to Minehead Community Hospital."Most staff offered to stay to help," said Hannah Coleman, the service lead for community urgent care, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust."There were quite a few patients with head injuries and cuts, some of them quite deep cuts from the rolling down the hill I would imagine."The children were very traumatised, very quiet."She added: It was really not like these children, who we know because we see them all the time when they come off their bikes and when they're poorly." Since the crash a week ago, local groups have raised tens of thousands of pounds, with planned events and crowdfunding appeals, and Somerset Council has given £50,000 to a Somerset Community Foundation Liberal Democrat MP for Tiverton & Minehead, Rachel Gilmour, has also written to the government asking for support for the families involved."It is my job to follow this up and see what I can get the government to do to help my community," she said."Somerset Community Foundation is also making sure children can get support over the summer holidays." 'Painstaking' forensics Local ward councillor, Mandy Chilcott (Cons) also says she was working towards getting in-school support for those & Somerset Police said it continued to investigate the site of the crash."The coach was recovered on Saturday 19 July and is now subject to a painstaking forensic examination by experts," read a statement."Our Serious Collision Investigation Team has examined the collision site, and specialist officers searched the area. This was challenging due to the steep slope, woodland and undergrowth.""Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Oliver Price, 10, and a dedicated family liaison officer is available to children and an adult remain in hospital.
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
In 1936, Two Rivers claimed the 'Coolest City in Wisconsin' title with a bucket of snow. Now, city leaders will reenact that moment.
TWO RIVERS – SnowFest is returning to "Cool City" Two Rivers July 25-27 and is kicking off with a historical reenactment commemorating the moment in July 1936 when Two Rivers City Manager E.E. Donnely delivered a bucket of unearthed snow to Manitowoc Mayor Arthur Schuetze. Current Two Rivers City Manager Greg Buckley and Manitowoc Mayor Justin Nickels will recreate this event at Manitowoc City Hall at 9:30 a.m. July 24. "This is a fun and meaningful way to celebrate our shared history and the spirit of community that SnowFest represents," Nickels said in a news release from Friends of Two Rivers SnowFest. SnowFest celebrates the moment when Two Rivers construction workers discovered snow underground near 14th and School streets on July 9, 1936, despite it being a particularly warm summer. Read more: Vatican upholds decision to close Manitowoc's St. Boniface parish. What happens next? According to the news release, Manitowoc and Two Rivers had a friendly rivalry at the time over which city was the "Coolest Spot in Wisconsin." After finding the snow underground, Donnely delivered a bucket of the snow to Schuetze and claimed "victory for Two Rivers." "We're excited to bring this story to life again and invite everyone to be part of it," Buckley said. Read more: Van der Brohe Arboretum and Bird Sanctuary sees new leadership with plans for growth In 1937, the American Legion of Two Rivers held the first Snow Festival and celebrated the unexpected discovery of snow in July most years until the 1990s. After a 21-year hiatus, the Friends of Two Rivers SnowFest restarted the celebration in 2018. This year, organizers are celebrating holding the event 50 times since 1937. Visit for more information, including the full schedule of events, musical lineups and parking information. Alisa M. Schafer is a reporter for the Herald Times Reporter in Manitowoc. She can be reached by email at aschafer@ This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Coolest City in Wisconsin? Two Rivers to reenact 1936 snow discovery.
