Meet Jay! He is a resident of Kamloops and a visiting guest in unceded Tk'emlups te Secwepemc for five years.
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
District Bicycle Company. They are the best bike shop in town.
Describe yourself in one word.
Maskawisiwin (strength)
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Mariannas Trench. Because less people have been there than have been in space.
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
All the mountain biking.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
While in addiction I defecated in my pants. Addiction sucks.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Learning about my First Nation Heritage and returning to my culture. Learning that we are incredibly resilient people. Even for myself having gone through the abuse as a child leading into a very heavy addiction then coming out and being where I am today. I should be dead but here I am. Niya maskwa nimaskosan.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My nicimos (sweetheart) Heather Lewis. She is my partner in everything.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Ashes to Dust Mtn Bike Camp is my big focus. Its a program that enables youth, up to age 24, ride bikes. We spend 2 days at the Bike Ranch teaching riding skills and safety. We provide all the gear, helmets, bikes, tool kits, then at the end of the camp the youth are given the gear and bike to join the rad world of riding. It helps spread the stoke and gives some of them a positive outlet for life or a mode of transportation.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
The dependence on fossil fuels.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
Its a secret spot I go to quite often.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
Acknowledgement of the territory Secwepemculucw. These people have been here since the beginning. We need to listen to them to learn how to care for the land.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
The world class riding and the proximity to other top riding spots.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
I don't really have one. I don't want to have regrets on my deathbed, plus if I die tomorrow there's nothing I haven't done that I would've wanted to do.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I used to mainline Meth.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Facebook, Instagram are my 2 go to's.
What is the name of your business/organization?
I don't have a business but I'm associated with Ashes to Dust Mountain Bike camp.
Why did you get into/start this business?
To bring the rad sport of riding to those that would have had a chance otherwise.
What is the goal of your business?
To give a positive outlet instead of substance abuse.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
The ever-present addict mindset.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Dude
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Don't do meth. lol
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
An elder or knowledge keeper in my home territory.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Money spent at home gets returned to our economy. It supports our locals.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Getting to where I'm am today.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Dylan at Mostly Mental Shuttles for being a rad dude and understanding.
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Amanda Passmore
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE. Thank you, Kamloops.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great!
