There is a current that runs beneath the surface of our lives – unseen, powerful and alive. In the Creston Valley, Jared Basil steps into an expression of a natural legacy of a traditional current. Adorned in Indigenous regalia, he becomes both storyteller and song. The wind becomes breath, the earth becomes drum, the sky becomes witness. Each gesture is a connection – to land, to culture, to community.

In the quiet, mountain-held beauty of Slocan, Alison Trim listens closely to the local-niche current. She is both artist and performer and a weaver of sound and movement. With her partner, she helps braid music and art into the cultural heartbeat of the Slocan Valley. Jared and Alison remind us of something essential: creativity is not reserved for the few. It is a living current available to all who are willing to be a part of it, in the Birthplace of Adventure.

JARED BASIL

Jared is a bridge-builder – connecting Indigenous knowledge, community values, and modern institutions. Through education, facilitation, and leadership, he works to ensure Ktunaxa voices are meaningfully represented and that future generations benefit from stronger, more respectful systems and relationships.  

He is from the Yaqan Nukiy (Lower Kootenay Band) community, in Creston, and is widely known for his work helping organizations build culturally safe, trauma-informed, and respectful spaces, particularly in healthcare, education, and public service. As a Ktunaxa Nation member and respected leader in cultural safety, education, and community wellness, working across several sectors of the Ktunaxa Nation Council.  

In 2015, Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort (which operated since the 1930’s) and the surrounding properties were purchased by the Lower Kootenay Band. The return of the Ktunaxa peoples to this important site in their traditional homelands. 

Jared is also the liaison for Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort, the Yagan Nukiy’s owned four-season hot springs resort along the shores of Kootenay Lake in the West Kootenays (a short drive north of Nelson). The hot springs were first visited by the Indigenous peoples who experienced the waters as a welcome respite after a long day of hunting, fishing, and gathering roots & berries. The Ktunaxa First Nations peoples embraced the ‘nupika wu’u’, or spirit water, for its healing and rejuvenating powers.  

ALISON TRIM

Alison grew up in County Cork, Ireland, and has always been drawn to arts and culture. She earned her Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Visual Art through Dublin Institute of Technology and Sherkin Island, and later completed her Master of Fine Arts in Visual Arts at the University of British Columbia in the Okanagan. 

“I first came through the Kootenays on a road trip nearly 20 years ago and fell in love with it. I had been living in a beautiful part of rural Ireland for many years, and it was the first trip I had taken where I didn’t return home thinking ‘well, that was great, but where I live is better’. It took me twelve years to get back to the Slocan valley, make it my home, and become part of the community and I have never regretted it. The people who have become my friends and family, the beautiful places I’ve lived in, the experiences I’ve had in the mountains, on the water, and being involved in village life here make it a new adventure every day”, shares Alison. 

Alison continues to create art; her last exhibition was in 2023 and she was also the Chair of the Slocan City International Music and Art Fair.  Today, her involvement in arts and culture is now more closely connected to music and community events in Slocan. Alison is the manager of the Slocan City Hotel and The Lobby Grill, which she runs with her partner, Johnny, who owns the hotel and has spent his career in the music industry. Together, they host live performances by local musicians five days a week in the restaurant and feature rotating artwork in the hotel, highlighting the talent of local artists. 

“We are so lucky to have so many amazing local musicians here in the valley. Every day, you can experience live music from local people, with amazing talent, and lifetimes of experience, right here in one small village, be it a jam session, regular gig or special event, at the hotel (Slocan City Hotel), the legion, the cafe, the beach or the Saturday market, in Slocan there is always music!”, adds Alison.

Cover photo of Jared Basil in Creston, photo by Marty Clemens.