Background

Marian and Bob Laval have been holding vision for a "place" since the early 90's.

• 1993 - The first incarnation of the vision was as a retreat centre called "The Morningstar Center". Though they did not have a physical location, they did not let that stop them. They registered the business name in Saskatchewan and began supporting people.
• 1994-95 - While staying in the end duplex at the Alders Beach Resort near Courtenay they rented the other half of the duplex as their "Retreat Centre". They held workshops with visiting elders, supported individuals in need, and continued to hold the vision.
• 1995 - They joined up with a family on 160 acres in the mountains half way between Cranbrook and Kimberley in BC in early July. The vision had a possibility of jointly building a retreat centre with 40 acres of land in exchange. Their home was a 16 by 16 cabin, off the grid with no running water. They began creating the vision and preparing for the winter. The attempt to manifest the vision was a great learning experience that lasted only two months as the vision did not have the necessary alignment.
• 1996 to 2000 - They rented a large house again off the grid on a 105 acre woodlot north of Courtenay and continued to give form to their vision of supporting people. Many circles, ceremonies, gatherings, and healing activities where held there. Visitors began to come from all around the world, eg. Tasmania, China, Tibet, Japan, etc.
• 2000 to 2003 - They went back to school at the University of Victoria and Royal Roads University and the vision was temporarily put on the back burner. They kept their camper for visitors even though they had sold their truck.
• 2003 to 2006 - They rented a larger home with a big living room and with the camper as a guest cabin were now able to hold ceremonies, workshops, and gatherings to support the people. It was during this time they requested and were given the name Kawpesawkawstake for their place.
• 2006 - With the loving support of many people, on August 28th they took possession of the present place in Terrace BC, a large home with 5 bedrooms, a large meeting area in the basement and 10 acres land. The vision now has a more permanent form for Kawpesawkawstake.