 The events preceding the formation of the BCCLA involved a Kootenays, British Columbia sect of the Doukhobors known as the Fraternal Council of the Sons of Freedom.On March 6, 1962, members of the sect used explosives to bring down a 100-meter tower supporting power transmission lines crossing Kootenay Lake to a lead and zinc mine in Kimberly, British Columbia.As a result, over one thousand mine workers were laid off until power to the mining operations could be restored.