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
Our team
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
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.
