The upcoming Spirit Within Conference has been in Chris Luke Sr.’s mind for several years, and it will become a reality on March 24.
“I’ve been talking about doing this with Harry Haberstock for a few years now,” Luke, former long-time Lower Kootenay Band Chief said last week. “This seems like a good time to go ahead with it.”
“Bridging the gaps,” is the theme for the one-day conference that is open to all, and Luke has lined up guest speakers who will discuss topics like the role of honour, humility, and humour in spiritual acknowledgment; leadership, trust building, growth and nurturing; and vision and spiritual values.
The spiritual connection conference starts at 9 am on March 24 in the Lower Kootenay Band Community Complex at 830 Simon Road. Doors open for registration at 8:30 a.m. and lunch and refreshments are included in the $25 fee. Tickets are available at Black Bear Books or by calling Chris Luke Sr. at 250-428-9775.
The day’s speakers include:
Chris Luke Sr.
Born into Ktunaxa ancestry, Chris Luke was raised in the village of Yaqan Nukiy (also known as Lower Kootenay), with its thriving language, traditions, and rich cultural Ktunaxa lifestyle. “I was fortunate to have had the influence of my parents, elders, and relatives in Ktunaxa territory,” he says. “They have all left a legacy of tradition, cultural and spirituality that is unmatched by today’s standards.
“I am grateful and appreciate the path set out for me, and this is a time for me to share and pass on the understandings, blessings, and gifts that were so selflessly shared with me.”
Harry Haberstock
Harry Haberstock was born and raised on a farm in Saskatchewan. After graduating from Concordia High School and College in Edmonton, he went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts at Fort Wayne, Indiana, a Masters of Divinity in St. Louis, Missouri and a Doctor of Divinity at St. Stephen’s College in Edmonton.
Harry and his wife, Mary, came to Creston in 1969, where Harry served the parish of the Redeemer Lutheran Church for 40 years until his retirement. “I love this Creston Valley community and find great purpose and meaning in the countless relationships I enjoy,” he says. “My spiritual journey continues strongly as my religious activities have changed.”
Tom Greentree
Tom Greentree is a fourth-generation Canadian whose family arrived from England more than a century ago. Greentree was raised on a grain farm in Northern Alberta before going off to school and into the pastoral ministry.
With his wife, Tenille and two sons, Ethan and Micah, they enjoy growing their own vegetables and raising their own meat on their small Canyon farm.
Greentree is a pastor at the Erickson Covenant Church.
Colton Luke
Little Wolf, who also goes by the name of Colton Luke, grew up with traditional knowledge passed down by his grandfather, Chris Luke Sr., and father, Chad Luke.
“My spirituality and my journey in life are one and the same,” he says. “Understanding my part in the circle of life, I respect the animals and all beings of Mother Earth. I try to give back as much as I have received to maintain a balanced lifestyle.
“I am proud of who I am and where I come from. Music has helped with my expression and gives me enjoyment. I am self-motivated, and when I don’t find myself with the determination to challenge myself I find something else to do, and music and guitar gives me that.”
Margaret Teneese
Margaret Teneese has worked at the Ktunaxa Nation Archives since 1998. Prior to that, she worked in various capacities for the Ktunaxa Nation, which resulted in “a lengthy passion for learning and disseminating information to public schools, government ministries, and organizations.
“The role and mission of the Archives is to serve the Ktunaxa Nation by protecting records which are of legal, fiscal, administrative, historical and cultural value, and which document the mutual rights and obligations entered into by the Ktunaxa Nation.”
Kevin Ward
Ward grew up on a farm in North Central Kansas, and Ward describes his father’s parents as “my indigenous connection to Creator and the land. His mother was of Irish and English ancestry.
“I am a spiritual being, currently in human form, created by God, the Great Spirit, and was put on earth to fulfill the plans He has for me—to prosper and not be harmed, and for me to have a future filled with hope.
“I am a deacon by design, and am called to bring individuals, families, and communities together.”
