Zigi Gadomski demonstrates a high-efficiency wood stove outside the ÑÇÖÞÌìÌà Lake fire department as part of a Burn It Smart workshop. EPA-approved stoves reduce particulate matter in the atmosphere by burning smoke, which also saves money on wood. (David Gordon Koch photo)

Lakes District Maintenance recently donated $2,000 to the Lakes District Secondary snowboarding team. The girls’ snowboarding team ranked first in the province, while the boys’ team came in fourth. (Laura Blackwell photo)

The vernal equinox marked the beginning of spring on March 20 but it was soon followed by another 15 cm of snow — good news for skiers! (Omineca Ski Club photo)

Diana Forster’s regular correspondence for the Deka Lake area

The College of New Caledonia (CNC) in ÑÇÖÞÌìÌà Lake was ringing with the sound of drums and singing on March 13, as locals played the stick and bone game known as lahal. The workshop was part of the college’s Aboriginal History Week and meant to help connect people in the community with an ancestral tradition.

The Citizen of the Year award is given annually to community members who generously volunteer their time in the Lakes District area. The honour this year went to Pat and Patti Dube, who are well-known for their many contributions to student athletics, including leading high-school skiers and snowboarders to success in provincial competitions. The setting of the award ceremony — Lakes District Secondary School — was especially appropriate for the occasion. (David Gordon Koch photo)

Our loyal viewers sent us some of their favourite Spring photos from all corners of the province

The annual Wild Game Banquet is a celebration of hunting, trapping and fishing culture that highlights wild game harvested mainly from the Lakes District and surrounding region. The event this year — a decades-old tradition — featured delicacies such as black bear, lynx, elk, salmon and moose, along with music by the band Deuces Wild.

The Alternative Health Expo, hosted by the ÑÇÖÞÌìÌà Lake Band on March 10. Officials from Northern Health distributed information focussed on Indigenous health issues, and attendees had a chance to win door prizes in a draw, while the provincial smoking cessation program provided tips on how to quit for good. Massage therapy services were on offer, and vendors sold their handmade wares. (David Koch photos)

The Australian actor is in Vancouver filming his new movie