Original story: Like many Vancouverites, Richard Krentz had often driven through Stanley Park without really seeing either the forest or the trees. It wasnt until the First Nations artist was asked to help with the Klahowya Village that he realized how deep his connections to this incredible oasis were.
I walked into that place and I knew I was home, he says. I had a life-changing experience. Man, that place is full of spirit. Klahowya Village, an authentic Aboriginal experience, re-opens for the summer on June 21. It features the Spirit Catcher miniature train, which takes passengers through the park to introduce them to the Legend of the Sasquatch, a First Nations and Métis artisan marketplace, and live cultural performances every weekend and holiday Monday. Last week, Krentz (pictured at right) was at the Bill Reid Gallery to launch the new season with fellow dignitaries, including Keith Henry, CEO of Aboriginal Tourism BC.
Admission is free. Train tickets are $8 for elders and children, $10 for adults or $25 for a four-pack. The village is open 11am to 4pm weekdays and until 5pm Fridays and weekends.
Update from press release: Around midnight on June 22, and only hours after the grand opening of Klahowya Village in Stanley Park, a suspicious and deliberately set fire destroyed the Spirit Catcher Train departure building by the attractions entry gate.
Gabe Roder, a captain with Vancouver Fire & Rescue Service, says Firefighters arrived on scene to find the approximately 20 by 20 foot structure with an overhead canopy fully engulfed in flames. Once firefighters gained access to the site, they extinguished the fire. Two firefighters were transported to St. Paul's Hospital with minor injuries, and have since been released. The Fire Investigator determined that the fire is suspicious in nature and that it was deliberately set.
Fire crews and Vancouver Parks Board staff secured the building and its vicinity and clean-up is underway. As a result Klahowya Village is closed June 22 but will reopen on June 23.
We are disheartened by this act of destruction. It is unfortunate that it happened just after we celebrated National Aboriginal Day, said Keith Henry, CEO of the Aboriginal Tourism Association of BC. At the same time we are glad to report that the fire, while damaging the small building extensively, affected only three trees in its vicinity and left all other attractions, features and buildings at Klahowya Village untouched. We will handle the clean-up today in cooperation with the Vancouver Fire Department and the Vancouver Parks Board and will be back in full operation tomorrow. We are looking forward to a successful summer in Stanley Park showcasing the vibrant kaleidoscope of BCs diverse Aboriginal peoples and the positive cultural exchange that it creates.
Klahowya Village in Stanley Park is Aboriginal Tourism Association of BCs family-friendly summer attraction that features Aboriginal cultural performances, artisans and cuisine throughout the season. It was ranked the #2 commercial tourism attraction in Vancouver on TripAdvisor last year and had opened its doors to 300 invited guests and the public yesterday.
