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WEEKLY NEWS FOR JAN. 22

Good morning folks! 


The past week has been packed with events, so let me take you through them. 


On the weekend, I got to see the wonderful team of ArtZone at the sixth annual Sun Peaks Film Festival. If you went, please share with us which movie you enjoyed the most. Personally, my favourite one was the Tien Shan Dream by Kai Smart and Morgan Tien. 


Colleen Hannigan took home the trophy for best local film and the fan favourite. The Youth Film Award was given to Tristan Strokon for First Chair.


On Tuesday, Tourism Sun Peaks (TSP) hosted its annual member meeting. At the meeting, Naomi Kerchinsky, executive director of TSP, reflected on the organization's past year.


β€œWhen I took time to reflect this weekend, what I’m most proud of is how we grew this past year and how we did it,” Kerchinsky said. β€œThat growth included energizing conversations and some hard ones, but it was necessary.”


Read the full stories below! 


Finally, If you have a moment, please fill out this survey and help guide our 2026 editorial agenda. We want to be sure we are writing stories worth reading and your feedback is vital.







FILL OUT THE SURVEY


Wishing you a warm start to 2026, 

LAND CLAIMS, CLARIFIED: WHAT DOES THE COWICHAN TITLE CASE MEAN FOR SUN PEAKS?








As misconceptions spread about Indigenous land claims and private property, lawyers unpack the history, legal realities and local implications.

 




















READ THE FULL STORY

COMMUNITY, FILM AND CONNECTION TAKE CENTRE STAGE AT SUN PEAKS FILM FESTIVAL

 








 Sold-out screenings, heartfelt films and dedicated volunteers defined ArtZone’s Sun Peaks Film Festival, where locals came together to celebrate storytelling and community.

 





















READ THE FULL STORY

TOURISM SUN PEAKS REFLECTS ON 2025 AS A YEAR OF MOMENTUM AND GROWTH









Tourism Sun Peaks says a β€œbig, messy” year is paying off, with pushin to build a year-round destination.

 






















READ THE FULL STORY

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT πŸ‘€


SURVEY: WHAT STORIES SHOULD SUN PEAKS INDEPENDENT NEWS COVER IN 2026?


Help us shape our editorial agenda for 2026


READ THE FULL STORY



EVENTS 🎫


Jan. 22 - Sun Peaks Business Networking πŸ«±πŸ»β€πŸ«²πŸΎ


Local professionals and business owners are invited to the Sun Peaks Business Networking Evening from 5 p.m to 7 p.m at Morrisey's Public House, a casual gathering designed to build connections and support collaboration within the community. Register by emailing  jackie.vanvliet@cibc.com.


Jan. 22 - Strings on the Summit 🎻


Enjoy an evening of live acoustic music at Strings on the Summit, featuring talented musicians performing in the elegant setting of the Sun Peaks Grand from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. 


Jan. 23-25 - Haven Weekend Retreat πŸ§˜πŸ»β€β™€οΈ


Take time to rest, reflect and recharge at the Haven Weekend Retreat held at the Sun Peaks Centre. This multi-day wellness event offers guided sessions focused on mindfulness, self-care and inner calm, providing participants with tools to support personal balance and wellbeing during the winter season. Register at www.sunpeaksyoga.ca.


Jan. 23-27 - BC Snowboard RAD Camp SBX πŸ‚


Sun Peaks Resort hosts the BC Snowboard RAD Camp SBX, a weekend coaching and progression camp focused on snowboard cross skills. Riders of varying levels will work with experienced coaches to improve technique, confidence and race-specific skills on SBX terrain while building community with fellow riders. Register at snowreg.com.


Jan. 24 - Restorative Sound Bath πŸ§˜πŸ»β€β™€οΈ


Unwind with a Restorative Sound Bath, where participants are guided through a relaxing session of gentle movement and immersive sound healing at Hearthstone Lodge in Morrisey Room. 


Jan. 25 - JuggerBean AprΓ¨s Sunday πŸ–ŒοΈ


Haven’t booked a tattoo appointment? No problem, get one at JuggerBean on their walk-in Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at JuggerBean AprΓ¨s Ink!


Jan. 25 - Introduction to Silversmithing: Stacking Rings 🩢


Learn the basics of silversmithing and create your own custom stacking rings in this hands-on workshop from 1 to 3 p.m. at Nancy Greene's Cahilty Lodge. Participants will work with tools and materials to design, form and finish their own wearable art, perfect for beginners and creative minds alike.


Jan. 25 - Sunburst Patio DJ & Outdoor Bar πŸͺ©


Enjoy winter sunshine and music at the Sunburst Patio DJ & Outdoor Bar from 12 p.m to 4 p.m., where a live DJ sets the vibe and guests can grab a drink, mingle with friends and take in the alpine atmosphere in the heart of Sun Peaks Village.


Jan. 30-31 - TELUS Nancy Greene Alpine Classic 🎿


The TELUS Nancy Greene Alpine Classic fundraising event returns for its 29th edition! This classic event will take place on the Powder Ventures Cross Course track, with coaching and practice available on Friday, Jan. 30. Saturday, Jan. 31 will be the Gala Dinner at The Grand, which includes a silent and live auction. A part of the proceeds go towards the Sun Peaks Mountain Academy for operational costs. The rest of the proceeds go into a capital fund held by the Sun Peaks Education Society and dedicated to getting community facilities included in a future school. For news & updates, please visit here



Weekly


Sundays


Sun Peaks Church will be holding a service every Sunday evening at 5 p.m. Everyone is welcome to join at the Annex.


The Thompson-Nicola Regional Library’s mobile library visits Sun Peaks School every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Whitecroft Village from 2:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.


Mondays


Quizzy Rascal Quiz Nights are back! Running every Monday at Morrisey's Public House. Table reservations are strongly encouraged to guarantee a spot. Phone or email: scraig@sunpeaksgrand.com to reserve your table for a specific night or for the whole season. Teams of up to six, two dollar cash entry per person, prizes to be won!


Fridays


AA community addictions meetings run every Friday at Sun Peaks Secondary beside the Health Clinic, starting at 7:30 p.m. 





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