The last week or so has shown both the strong divide that can exist in Squamish and the incredible capacity for unity and understanding that we have.
Finding Matthew Ohman safe and sound over the weekend was a happy ending to a week-long search for the young father. The search for the Squamish Nation man mobilized people from law enforcement, search and rescue and citizens across the community.
People came together, understood how important this man was to his family, friends and community and did what had to be done to find him.
Even in her distress while waiting for word on Ohman, his partner Jacelynne Joseph told The Chief she was surprised and overwhelmed by how many people stepped up to help in the search.
How wonderful this ended so well.
The shocking and tragic death of Kaoru, the therapy dog shot by a hunter, divided us in some ways while in other ways united us.
As the story about the death spread around the globe, locals online, in the grocery store lineup and café fiercely debated the ethics of hunting, the importance of being seen in the forest during hunting season and what should happen next.
At best, these debates were enlightening, at worst, they devolved into insults and grandstanding.
There are several things that could happen next that would mean we had grown and changed as a community out of this sad episode.
Tragedy, though never welcome, offers opportunities for growth and reflection.
First, we can continue to rally around Valley Calderoni, founder of the Canine Valley rehabilitation centre, and the good work she and her staff do.
Many have already rallied by either showing up at a memorial for Kaoru last week to comfort Calderoni or supported her online campaigns.
Second, we can pause and be thoughtful, considerate and respectful of both recreational users and hunters in our deliberation on further possible hunting restrictions in certain areas heavily trafficked by recreationalists and let our feelings be known to the provincial government, which regulates these restrictions.
Whether individually we support guns or not, or support hunting or not, the reality is our neighbours own firearms and either target shoot or hunt and people here have done so for generations.
This is evident in the fact that the Squamish Valley Gun Club is 75 years old and currently has 750 members, most local, and, its president tells The Chief, they have hundreds of people waiting for a spot to open up so they too can become members.
The most meaningful change that could come as a result of this tragic and divisive event is that we all attempt to recognize and respect each other’s needs, just a little bit more.
