Over a hundred people from around the region gathered at Yasodhara Ashram on October 22nd for the 4th Annual Kootenay Lake Summit, organized by the Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society (FOKLSS). It was the first time the summit has been held on the East Shore.
Participants and presenters included representatives of the Ktunaxa Nation, city planners, environmentalists, wildlife enthusiasts, artists, regional directors, college students and many more. Everyone was brought together through their care for the beautiful Kootenay Lake.
“Having the Summit at the Ashram could not have been a more perfect location,” said Avery Deboer-Smith, FOKLSS’s Program Manager. “With the breathtaking views of the lake, the lovely facility and amazing food, many participants asked us to host it again at the Ashram next year.”
Avery spoke about the potential for expanding the Summit in the future. “Ideas are now coming forward about having multi-day summits. These could focus on native plant species, landscaping that helps filter toxic chemical out of the water—the kinds of things that you can take home and implement that are more hands-on. One of the days might also be going to locations around the community to see what can actually happen in someone’s yard or property.”
“It was wonderful to welcome so many diverse people and organizations standing together and expressing our shared love of Kootenay Lake through action,” said Ashram president Swami Lalitananda.
Ingrid Baetzel, editor of the Eastshore’s Mainstreet wrote, “Perhaps more of this kind of loving stewardship is required to keep us engaged with the places and freedoms we enjoy.”
Click to learn more about the Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society.
You can follow Avery’s work as she travels to South Africa as a Canadian youth delegate at a water sustainability conference.
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