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About Us

Columbia Valley Pride exists within the territories of the Ktunaxa and Secwepemc Nations, and the Columbia Valley Metis Association. We are grateful to be living in these territories and are committed to the decolonization of Pride and of the land we reside in. 

 

Servicing the East Kootenays, Columbia Valley Pride aims to empower the LGBTQ2IA+ community with an approach emphasizing intersectionality. Though our organization is small, our numbers increase each year and we're eager to see our outreach grow.

 

It is our hope to help foster a community that celebrates freedom of gender expression, gender identity, and sexual orientation.  

About Us

7 members of Columbia Valley Pride jump in the air. The person in the middle holds a Pride flag.

Our team

Available Roles/Team Members

PRESIDENT

Darian Ariss

She/Her

After getting married here in 2018, Darian and her husband decided to make Invermere their permanent home. Like many, they fell in love with the mountains (and Super Barry, local hunk) and couldn't bring themselves to leave. She currently works as a healthcare assistant and is studying for her LPN, helping out Columbia Valley Pride with website design and special events.

VICE PRESIDENT

Bio Incoming

SECRETARY

Gemma Beierback

She/Her

After two decades of dreaming of calling the East Kootenays home, the flexibility of remote work (thanks COVID-19) provided the opportunity she needed to follow her heart to the Columbia Valley with her two dogs Jezzie and Pickles.  Grateful every day for this beautiful valley and the lifestyle it provides.  Gemma is a national not-for-profit CEO and volunteers on several not-for-profit boards.

TREASURER

Bio Incoming

YOUTH LIASON

Currently open! Apply now

GENERAL BOARD MEMBERS

 Kendra Day

She/Her

I made my move to Columbia Valley about 6 years ago after a couple of amazing summers being acquainted with the area while working at the Horsethief Pub in Radium. I have happily traded my busy Vancouver lifestyle for the peaceful beauty of the valley. Over the years, I have become a stepmom, a full time teacher, and a homeowner here. I joined Columbia Valley Pride in 2021 and I am happy to be part of our growing ability to serve our wonderful community. 

Board member Darian, wearing a cheese costume and posing next to two singers.
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