living feature
Listening to the River
TYLER STEWART
P H OT O G R A P H Y: T Y L E R S T E WA RT
I L L U S T R AT I O N : E R I C DY C K
As conversation continues to grow
around the topics of climate change,
air pollution, and waste reduction, it
is important to look to the Oldman
River as a source of life in Southern
Alberta, and what we are doing as a
community to take care of it.
W E ’ R E U P E A R LY, double-checking gear and getting packed.
The fi rst canoe gets loaded and strapped down. With a classic Lethbridge
wind howling, we want to make sure our canoe stays on the roof rack
while crossing Whoop-Up Drive. We pick up our paddling partner, his
kayak already loaded and ready to go. Like kids on Christmas morning,
we have smiles on our faces and are eager to let our worries drift away
with the current.
We’ve set out to travel across Lethbridge by river, from the south
edge of the city limits at Popson Park to the far north end at Pavan
Park. This nice little day trip offers a different perspective on the urban
environment. We let the river carry us through the heart of the Oldman
River Valley.
For most Lethbridge residents, the river is simply a blip in their daily
commute to work. Today, we’re imagining a different kind of commute:
what if we saw the river as less of an obstacle to overcome, but instead
for what it really is – our source of life?
As we pull into the boat launch at Popson Park, the wind dies down
and the sun shines, welcoming us to launch our vessels into the river
with ease. As we dip our paddles in and take the fi rst few strokes, we
quickly have the river to ourselves. Peacefully and quietly, we fl oat along
with only a few curious birds as our companions.
The Oldman River is a shared resource, but today it belongs to us. It
seems odd to be the only people out enjoying this slice of paradise, but
I’m glad about the solitude. A river packed full of boaters creates a less
relaxing experience. We can feel the positive energy fl owing downstream
with us, which is no surprise, since just upstream is where the Oldman
meets the St. Mary’s River, a special place for many reasons.
“Where the two rivers meet, the water is considered
spiritual and alive,” explains Mike Bruised Head. “It’s almost
like it has its own energy, becoming a vortex or power point
in the water as they combine their energies into one.”
As a former council member of the Blood Tribe and past
Chair of the Kainai Ecological Protectors Association (KEPA),
Mike has seen the river change in many ways over the years.
He recalls a time when they drank the water right from
the river, not just because the Indian Affairs Department
prevented the drilling of water wells on reserve land, but
because it was still clean and pure.
LETHBRIDGELIVING.COM
JUL-AUG 2017
19