British Columbia Fast Facts

British Columbia joined Confederation in 1871 and is Canada's Western most Province. As of 2012 the population of BC was 4.62 million people!

British Columbia Flag

As you can see above is a hand drawn  picture of the British Columbian Flag, please excuse my interesting art skills. Here is a better picture. The Provincial Flag was adopted in 1960 and duplicates the Shield of Arms and it measures five by length and Three by width.

As you can see there is a union jack which symbolizes are Colonial Origins. It is nearly identical to that of the British Flag with the only difference being a Gold Crown in the center.

Below that are wavy blue and silver lines which represent our geographic location between the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. The setting sun at the bottom can have a number of different symbolic meanings. For instance it could represent the fact that we are the most western province in Canada. Or it could be seen as reflection of the official Latin Motto Phrase for BC which is Splendour Sine Occasu which translates to Splendor without diminishment.  
It can also be seen as a symbolic interpretation of the phrase "The sun never sets... on the British Empire."

Provincial Flower ~ the Dogwood

The Provincial Flower is the Dogwood tree which  became BC'S floral emblem in 1956. This is me posing with a Pink Dogwood tree. These deciduous trees are between 6 to 8 metres high and are considered medium height. The Dogwood flowers between April and May but is also known for it's cluster of bright red berries and brilliant foliage during Autumn.

Here is a picture of a dogwood. Fun Fact: At one time the British Columbia Ambassador Crowns were custom made and incorporated designs using the Dogwood Flower! 

Provincial Bird ~ Stellar's Jay 

The Stellar's Jay became the Province's official Bird on December 17, 1987 and it was voted as the most popular bird by the people of British Columbia. The Stellar's Jay can be found through out the Province and is distinguishable by it's vibrant blue and black colors as well as it's Cheeky, smart and lively personality. 

Here I am posing with a Stellar's Jay at the Osoyoos Desert Centre. At the desert centre a variety of Birds can be seen as well as several other animals.

Provincial Coat of Arms

This is my hand drawing and own interpretation of the Provincial Coat of Arms. The Shield of British Columbia was originally granted by King Edward VII in 1906 with the remaining elements granted by Queen Elizabeth II on October 15, 1987. 

As you can see at the top is the Royal Crest which is a the crowned lion who is wearing a collar of Dogwood flowers, is sitting on of a Golden crown that is perched on top of the golden helmet of Sovereignty. 

Below the lion is the shield which is a duplicate of the Provincial Flag with the Union Jack representing our colonial origins and the blue and Silver wavy lines our geographic location between the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. 

Supporting the shield are a Stag and a Ram and each represent the former colonies of Vancouver Island and British Columbia. 

Traditional Heraldic elements are woven into the Coat of Arms through a wreath and mantling which are in Canada's Traditional Colors. Lastly at the bottom of the shield are several dogwoods intertwined with the Latin Motto Splendour Sine Occasu which means Splendor without Diminishment. 

Provincial Gemstone ~ Jade

Jade became an official BC Emblem in 1968. The gemstone consists of mostly nephrite and is mined in many parts of the Province.  British Columbia Jade is prized by Carvers of Fine Jewelry and sculptures. It is of particular value in the Orient. 

Here is a Picture of a Jade Bracelet my Grandparents gave me to the left and a Picture of an actual Jade Gemstone to the left. 

Provincial Fish~Pacific Salmon 

Did you know that the most recent Provincial Symbol was introduced in March of 2013  and it is the Pacific Salmon. The designation of Pacific Salmon as the BC Provincial Fish also includes salmon subspecies of Sockeye, Chinook, Coho, Pink and Chum salmon. As well as  the inclusion of the Steelhead and Cutthroat Trout.To the left is a picture from when I tried some dried salmon that was caught here in Osoyoos To the right is a photo of a BC Salmon. 

Provincial Mammal~Spirit Bear 

In April of 2006 the Spirit Bear (Also called the Kermode Bear) was added to the list of Official BC Symbols. The Spirit Bear is not in fact albino but a Black bear that has white fur due to a rare genetic condition. The greatest concentration of Spirit Bears can be found on the Central and North Coast of British Columbia. Here is a photo of the Bear to the right and a picture of my "White Spirit bear" to the left 

British Columbia's Provincial Tartan 

Here is my Drawing and interpretation of the Provincial Tartan as well as a picture of what it actually looks like. 

The Provincial Tartan was adopted in 1974 and incorporates Five Distinct Colors in the design, with each one having it's own significance. 

BLUE represents the Ocean 

White represents the Dogwood 

Green symbolizes the Forests 

Red is for the Maple leaf 

Gold represents both the Crown and the sun on the BC Shield and the Provincial Flag. 

 Provincial Tree ~ Western Red Cedar 

The Western Red Cedar became the official Tree for BC on February 18, 1988. 

 Historically this evergreen tree has played a key role in the lives of West coast Aboriginal people. Side note I did not take the picture for this 

Legislative Assembly 

The legislative Assembly is found in the Capital of British Columbia which is Victoria and is located on Vancouver Island. Fear not if you aren't able to see the Legislative Assembly in person because there is a fabulous website  where you can take a virtual tour. Not to mention it is the place where you can find Historical References and informational Resources regarding British Columbia. You can also read Assembly Debates or view Archived legislative proceedings on Hansard Television.  It is also the place where you can access Current Bills as well as any revised statutes. 

https://www.leg.bc.ca/

British Columbia Geography 

Here you can witness some more of my fascinating hand drawings with my drawing of the Provincial Outline of BC.   

BC is Canada's western most Province and is located between the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. 

The Province is divided up into 7 geographical Regions including Northern BC, the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, Vancouver Island, Vancouver, Coast & Mountains, The Thompson Okanagan and the Kootenay Rockies. 

The Capital City of British Columbia is Victoria which is located on Vancouver Island. The First Capital of the Province was New Westminster with it's designation having happened in 1859. 

New Westminster continues to carry this historical honor with it today through it's two different City Mottos which are "The Royal City" and the "First Capital of Canada."                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             The Province shares a border with 3 American states to the south including Idaho, Montana and Washington which is the state next to the local Osoyoos Border crossing. 

To the east is the Province of Alberta. 

Where as you can visit the Northwest and Yukon Territories to the North and If you continue to head Northwest of BC you will eventually find Alaska.

Did you know that British Columbia is Canada's western most Province and joined Confederation in 1871 with a population today of 4.62 Million people . Our current premier is Christy Clark who is the leader of the BC liberal party. She is British Columbia’s second female premier and 35th over all having been sworn into office in 2011. Our current Lieutenant Governor is the honorable Judith Guichon having been the 29th Lieutenant Governor of BC having been sworn in on November 2nd, 2012. The position of Lieutenant Governor simply means the acting Representative of Queen Elizabeth II within the Province of British Columbia. 

Canada Day and Cherry Fiesta Celebrations

July 1st is some what a unique Holiday in Osoyoos, British Columbia​ as it is a co-celebration of Canada Day and the Cherry Fiesta!
Through out the day the town and in particular the Osoyoos Festival Society​ work hard to provide a full day of Family Friendly Fun Activities that include an even mix of Canada Day and Cherry themed events and activities through out the day. With most if not all of the events are free of charge and the majority of which all take place in the Same block of Osoyoos which is the Gyro Park Area. The exception of course is the Early Morning Pancake Breakfast & Parade.

This year the town was celebrating the annual 67th Cherry Fiesta and of course recognizing  the 148th Canada Day which had a National theme of Strong, Proud and Free  for Canada Day 2015.

During the Day I as a British Columbia Ambassador Candidate had the honor of taking part in the Parade which is always a Crowd Favorite. My Red car was driven by the Amicable Mr. Heather and it more or less perfectly matched the Cherries on my Sun Dress!
The annual parade always draws a huge crowd and can see thousands of people line the Main Street which is also Highway 3.

Afterwards I attended the Dignitary Luncheon alongside the other Visiting Royalty as well as the Local Osoyoos Royalty including the Newly Crowned 2015 Royalty Team, the recently retired 2014 Osoyoos Royalty and myself and Viveka Jensen as BC Ambassador Candidates from Osoyoos.






Also in attendance was Juliana Martine who is a member of the current 2014  British Columbia Ambassador Team and is from nearby Oliver!


Left to Right The Three West Kelowna Ambasssadors [Blue]; Summerland Royalty [Peach]; Viveka Jensen fellow Osoyoos BC Ambassador Candidate [White]; Trail Ambassadors [Red] Juliana Martine BC Ambassador [Black] standing next to 1 Oliver Ambassador with myself standing next to her and beside her fellow Oliver Ambassador.
FRONT Row Osoyoos Royalty 
Left to right Retired 2014 Miss Osoyoos Sitting next to one of the 2015 Osoyoos Princesses  Tianna with newly crowned Miss Osoyoos 2015 Emma in the middle sitting next to the other 2015 Osoyoos Princess Bailey, with newly retired Osoyoos Princess 2014 Ali sitting on the otherside.

After the Luncheon we were all invited to come up on stage during the Opening Ceremony and were each able to say a few words to the large crowd gathered around the Band shell.



Here are myself and Viveka Jensen as British Columbia Ambassador Candidates from Osoyoos standing with Juliana Martine one of the current 2014 BC Ambassador Team Members who is from the neighboring community of Oliver!



After the opening Ceremony I headed down to my official Fundraising and Information Booth where I was raising money by selling Home made Lip balm as well as Glow sticks, rings and bracelets through out the evening. I also sold a British Columbia Ambassador T-shirts too.

Here is my table display which I decorated with handmade Canada Day Decorations as well as Printed BC Ambassador Posters and a Display Board which I made by hand highlighting information about myself, the British Columbia Ambassador Program, my sponsor and showcasing all the different things I have been doing during my time as an Osoyoos British Columbia Ambassador Candidate!

Through out the afternoon I sold homemade Lemon flavored Lip Balm for $2.00 as well as selling a few different BC Ambassador Promotion T-Shirts.

During the Evening I sold Glowing themed items such as Glow Rings and glow stick Bracelets, lanyards and multicolored necklaces!

By the end of the night I made just over $400 excluding the amount of T-shirt Sales. I would like ot thank the Osoyoos Festival Society for giving me a deal on my table fee and my Friends at Crave Ice for providing me with free Shaved Ice [including just plain cups of ice] to keep me cool and hydrated through out the day.

Now I was literally Raising money well into the first 10 minutes of the Fireworks. Which meant that this year was one of the first years that I had quite a different view of the fireworks. Although it may not have been the best of views as I had to spend most of the time watching the table and helping pack up, it did give me a new perspective on the amount of people who flock to the edge of Osoyoos Lake to watch the fireworks.

I did get some cool photos of the crowd watching the fireworks from the grassy Osoyoos Lake Shoreline near Watermark Beach Resort! As well as the
Full Moon
reflected on
Osoyoos Lake.

I would like to commend everyone who worked hard to put on another Successful Canada Day and Cherry Fiesta Celebration including the Osoyoos Festival Society, the Town of Osoyoos, the Osoyoos Royalty Program [Pageant & Royalty Float co-coordinator] and of course the Osoyoos Fireworks Society!

British Columbia's Provincial Coat of Arms

British Columbia's Coat of Arms

Firstly this is a picture I drew myself  of the Provincial Coat of Arms so forgive me for my not so great Artistic skills. 

The first BC Coat of Arms was approved in 1906 by King Edward VII with this present version approved by Queen Elizabeth II on October 15th, 1987. 

The Coat of Arms has several important  elements of BC incorporated into it.

At the top of the shield is the royal crest which is a crowned lion who wears a collar of Dogwood Flowers which are the Provincial Flower and it stands upon a Golden Helmet of Sovereignty.
It is interesting to note that Supporting the shield is a stag and a ram who represent the former colonies of Vancouver Island and British Columbia.

Within the shield is a variation of the BC Provincial Flag which I also drew by hand.

As you can see at the top there is a Union Jack and symbolizes our Colonial origins. It is nearly identical to the British Flag with the exception of a crown in the middle.

Below that are wavy Blue and Silver lines which represent our Geographic Location between the Pacific Ocean and the Rock Mountains with a setting sun sitting at the bottom. The setting sun can be viewed as a representation of our position as Canada's Western most Province. Or it can also been seen as symbolic interpretation of the phrase "The sun never sets... on the British Empire."

The sun could also be a reflection of the British Columbia Latin Motto which is Splendour Sine Occasu and translates to Splendor Without Diminishment. The Provincial Latin Motto is represented at the bottom of the coat of Arms seen surrounded by more Dogwood Flowers.


Also seen within British Columbia's Coat of Arms is traditional heraldic elements of a wreath and mantling in Canada's Colors.



When BC first joined confederation in 1871 the Province used a variation of the Royal Crest incorporating the letters BC into the design.  The use of the royal crest through out the Common wealth nations of the Royal British Empire.

It took awhile for British Columbia to identify with any kind of Provincial Coat of Arms. In the 1890's Canon Arthur Beanlands from Victoria set out to encourage the Province to adopt an official coat of Arms and even designed his own idea of what it should look like.

In 1906 King Edward VI granted British Columbia it's first Coat of Arms and it has since gone through several different changes.


Did you know that today there are a few different official versions of the British Columbia Coat of Arms. The honorable Judith Guichon was sworn in as British Columbia's 29th Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia back on November 2nd, 2012.

Lastly here is the great seal of British Columbia which is fairly similar to the Provincial Coat of Arms. 

2015 Miss Osoyoos Pageant

During the evening of June 30th it came time for the annual Miss Osoyoos Pageant where the community gathered to say good-bye to the 2014 Osoyoos Royalty Team and reflect upon their accomplishments. It's also a time to celebrate the journey of self Growth of the annual group of Miss Osoyoos Candidates and welcome in the new royalty.

This year's pageant was very well attended with a crowd made up of Dignitaries, honorable judges, Visiting Royalty & ambassadors,  family, friends and members of the

Osoyoos community and beyond. The Osoyoos Pageant is often recognized as the lead in to the annual duo celebrations of Canada Day and the Cherry Fiesta that take place on July 1st.

The evening saw the last of the judged events for the Miss Osoyoos Candidates with the evening gown walks and answering of Impromptu Questions. The event was also a fundraiser for the Osoyoos Royalty Program through the wide variety of items available at the Silent Auction which included a Large Screen TV!

 Miss Osoyoos Candidates 

Miss Osoyoos Buy-Low ~ Tianna Morgan

 Miss Osoyoos Elks Lodge - Bailey Toepfer 

Miss Desert Aire Realty - Emma Fernandes 

2014 Osoyoos Royalty

Osoyoos Princess Amara
Osoyoos Princess Ali
Miss Osoyoos 2014 Teagen

Through out the pageant dignitaries made presentations, as did the Osoyoos Royalty Program.  We also got to hear from Visiting royalty where Viveka and myself were also introduced and allowed to address the crowd. Of course the evening included Fare Well speeches by the girls and a slideshow presentation of their year as Royalty.

All of this was leading up to the long anticipated awards portion and crowning of the 2015 Royalty.
The People's choice award which is comprised of Monetary donations to the candidates during each event was Bailey - Miss Elks Lodge
The Talent, the speech and knowledge Award all were  presented to Emma Fernades - Miss Desert Aire Realty

Finally the crowning of the 2015 Osoyoos Royalty

 

Presenting Miss Osoyoos 2015 - Emma Fernandes 

Osoyoos Princess 2015 - Tianna Morgan 

Osoyoos Princess - Bailey Toepfer

Finally the much awaited announcement of the 2015 Osoyoos Royalty
Miss Osoyoos - Emma [Center]
Osoyoos Princess - Tianna [Left]
Osoyoos Princess - Bailey [Right]

The last part of the evening including a swearing in ceremony of the new royalty as led by Mayor McKortoff before Visiting Royalty were invited to get up on stage for a group photo. Lastly a post-pageant reception was held for Visiting Royalty, newly crowned and retired Osoyoos Royalty and various family and friends.

Congratulations to the outgoing royalty for your successful reign, as well as to the New 2015 Osoyoos Royalty for all that you have accomplished during your time as Sparkleheads in training, 

Lastly thank you to the Osoyoos Royalty Program for hosting me during the pageant and congratulations on continuing to foster positive change and self growth in the young ladies of Osoyoos!