Legendary Canadian singer/songwriter Bruce Cockburn did not disappoint as he played to a sold-out crowd at the Wild Horse Theatre in Fort Steele on Thursday night, Oct. 2.

A JumboWild benefit concert, Cockburn wasted no time voicing his concerns over the proposed resort.

“The beautiful things are there to be seen and appreciated, but enough is enough,” Cockburn told the packed theatre.

Prior to Cockburn taking the stage, Ktunaxa Nation Council (KNC) chief Sophie Pierre addressed the crowd in the KNC’s traditional tongue, before introducing KNC elder Herman Alpine who spoke of the importance of the Jumbo Valley to the Ktunaxa people, and the sanctity of the grizzlies that reside there.

“Imagine no grizzlies. It’s time that we stood back. We have to leave something for our children,” said Alpine. “We have to at all cost keep Jumbo wild.

"When the time comes, stand up and say no. Let the grizzly keep what he has.”

Both Pierre and Alpine’s comments were well received by the 490 strong crowd of supporters from the East and West Kootenay.

The concert raised money for Wildsight’s JumboWild campaign, and according to Dave Quinn, continued to promote interest and raise awareness regarding the proposed Glacier Resort Ltd. development.

“The provincial government promised residents of the East Kootenay that the decision would be kept local,” Quinn said.

“We hope the excitement and renewed commitment this concert generates will encourage government leaders to honour that promise.”