Caledonia Courier, February 29, 2012 by Black Press Media Group

Inside

PHONE: 996-8482 www.caledoniacourier.com

WEDNESDAY, February 29, 2012

NEWS BRIEFS

VOL. 35 NO. 01 $1.34 inc. GST

Poker ride

Cullen adds his voice to protesters at Enbridge JRP

By Jonas Gagnon Caledonia Courier

Fort St. James’ local MP, Nathan Cullen, said his part in front of the Joint Review Panel in a 40-minute speech in defense of B.C.’s nature on February 17. “We have a saying in the Northwest: “The land makes the people, the people don’t make the land,” Cullen said.

Province looks at privatizing liquor distribution The Province announced it intends to approach the private sector to see how liquor distribution in B.C. can be delivered in a modernized and costeffective manner. The Province will conduct a Request for Proposals to transfer the government-owned and operated liquor distribution branch warehouses in Vancouver and Kamloops to the private sector by 2015. Currently, liquor is distributed throughout the province by both public and private services. The two government-owned warehouses distribute approximately 55 per cent of the liquor that is sold in British Columbia. The Liquor Distribution Branch is responsible for the implementation, distribution, wholesaling and retailing of alcohol in B.C., and operates 197 government liquor stores and two warehouses. The government-operated liquor stores will not be affected by this Request for Proposals.

◆ Historic Site P. 5 ◆ Hockey P. 9

◆ Pink Day P. 2, 7 ◆ Editorial P. 4

Adrian Barr and son Owen sit ready for action on their snowmobile at the Poker Ride, Feb. 18. “We’re coming out here for a ride every year,” said Adrian. Photo by Jonas Gagnon

This year’s poker ride was one of the most successful in the event’s history. “It was the biggest turn out for selling (poker) hands,” said Wayne Moll, president of the Fort St. James Snowmobile Club. A total of 405 poker hands were sold for the event which was a significant jump in hands. Previously the highest number of hands sold at the Poker Ride was 325. With people doubling up on snowmobiles, and riders buying more than one hand the actual snowmobile count was lower than the hands count. Organizers estimate anywhere between 250 to 285 actual snowmobiles made their way out to the ride. Besides selling a record breaking number

of hands the event was also successful in drawing people from all over the region. “We got people from Prince George, Burns Lake, Stoney Plain, Vanderhoof and Fraser Lake,” said Moll. Though the collection of cards to complete a poker hand was the key to the event, there was a plethora of draws at the clubhouse for everything from a chainsaw to a helicopter ride, along with a small concession to warm up the riders with coffee and hot chocolate when they got back. The event was a fundraiser for the snowmobile club, the proceeds of which goes to paying for the fuel and up keep for the machines that keep the trails groomed. The club keeps 256 km of trails groomed throughout the winter for snowmobilers. The poker ride also doubled as a member-

ship drive, as the organization hopes to lure in younger members. “We are really looking to getting some younger people out here” said Moll. The average age of the senior members in the club keeps creeping up, with one of their groomers still at it after turning 80. With 54 memberships sold the club saw some success in bringing in new people as well. Poker Ride Results First. Ashden Scheper 4 Queens. $1,600. Second. Cullen James. Flush King high. $ 800 Third. Grant Mortenson Flush Queen high $ 480 4th. Donna Leslie. Flush Nine high. $ 160 5th. Alicia MacDougall 3 Aces Nine high $ 160

B.C. budget taxes business, caps spending By Tom Fletcher Black Press VICTORIA – The B.C. government is restricting spending increases and keeping its small business income tax alive to meet its balanced budget target before the 2013 election. Finance Minister Kevin Falcon presented his first budget Tuesday, with a deficit of $969 million for the fiscal year starting April 1, as B.C. pays to end the harmonized sales tax. His three-year plan predicts a $154 million surplus in 2013-14 and $250 million surplus the following year. To do that, the budget aims to hold government spending growth down to two per cent for three years, with most of it going to health and education. That leaves most other ministries

with little or no increase for inflation, a restriction that is expected to reduce overall B.C. government staff from about 27,000 this year to 25,000 by 2014-15. Falcon also reversed course on business taxes. The government has been promising for years that it would eliminate the small business income tax this spring, after lowering it to the current 2.5 per cent. Now it will continue at 2.5 per cent until B.C.’s financial picture improves. Falcon is also considering a one per cent increase in the general corporate tax rate to 11 per cent, but not for another year depending on financial conditions. That move positions the B.C. Liberals politically for an election against NDP leader Adrian Dix, who has called for a corporate

tax increase. Canadian Federation of Independent Business spokesperson Shachi Kurl said business people understand the need for government revenue, but the extra tax burden will affect investment. The last scheduled carbon tax increase will go ahead on July, from 5.56 cents on a litre of gasoline to 6.67 cents. The budget holds that level while a review of the carbon tax program looks at the rate and offsetting income tax cuts. Falcon promised carbon tax relief soon for greenhouse operators, and hinted at additional help for other farmers. The cash-strapped government is putting surplus provincial assets up for sale starting next year, includ-

ing a seven-hectare property north of Kelowna that was proposed for a new Okanagan correctional centre before a new site near Oliver was chosen. Another six-hectare parcel in Surrey is to be sold, along with about 100 others around the province, many of them school properties. The budget also reveals a plan to sell B.C.’s liquor distribution system and warehouses to a private operator. Falcon called the move “an opportunity to get out of a business we don’t have to be in,” as well as a way to raise money. Falcon said the deal will protect union workers in the transition to a private wholesaler. Government retail liquor stores are not affected. Liquor and tobacco taxes will be adjusted to keep prices the same once the HST is phased out.

Student accosted on walk home By Jonas Gagnon Caledonia Courier Last Wednesday a student was accosted while walking home from school.

During lunch hour, while the student was walking home for lunch a male in a blue car, with dice hanging from the rear view mirror and flower deco-

rated seat covers, accosted her. The student was not injured and was able to return to her house. The male is described as being an

older teenager or young adult, medium build, medium height, light complexion, either bald or very close shaven, a full dark beard and goatee and

facial piercing. The male was wearing a black and grey jacket over a blue shirt and a hat with hand written lettering on it. Anyone with in-

formation regarding this incident is asked to call the Fort St. James RCMP at 250996-8269 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222TIPS

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Wednesday, February 29, 2012 Caledonia Courier

Courier

NEWS

Real men and women wear pink By Jonas Gagnon Caledonia Courier

the cheery coloured shirts. It originated in 2007 by two students from Nova Scotia high school in support of another student who was bullied, harassed and threatened for wearing pink to school. The two students brought 50 pink shirts to school for others to wear the next day.

If you’ve wondered at the pink shirts you’ve seen around today you’re probably not alone. It’s Pink Shirt Day. As whimsical as that sounds, the meaning behind the day has a weight that belies

From there it caught on across Canada. Fort St. James High school now recognizes and supports the day with pink t-shirt sales and promotion of the event. So if you see kids wearing pink, show them your support, and if you have the chance maybe throw on a little pink of your own.

Lakeshore Realty

613 ROBIN ROAD Modern chic 4 bedroom full basement home with outstanding view. Main floor has been updated with custom built kitchen cabinetry, appliances, flooring, laundry room and some windows. All bathrooms have been renovated with just the right finishing touches. Wood burning fireplaces in the living room and family room. Additional bonus is the location just minutes from town on over 2 acres. $329,000.

You’ll ﬁnd us at 169 STUART DRIVE, FSJ lkshore@telus.net 250-996-8618

Fas Gas

New resources for community members By Jonas Gagnon Caledonia Courier A host of new books are available to the community as a result of a new initiative from local government. “As part of the “Capacity Building” funding sponsored by Northern Development

Initiative Trust, I thought it would be empowering for community members to be able to take their learning into their own hands,” said Emily Columbo, Economic Development Officer for the district. There are a total of 38 books being offered to members of the community. The books range

from entrepreneurial in nature, to aboriginal law to environmentally focused. “We’re pretty cut-off from a lot of the supports in the rest of the province in regards to accessing knowledge for business start-up, non profit development, or partnership building, so the books seemed like

a good idea. I wanted people to be able to access them where they are already comfortable, which is why I included donations to the Public Library, Nak’azdli and the Secondary School,” said Columbo. The books are available through a range of different access points. Books can be borrowed

from the public library, the district office, the Nak’azdli Band and the Fort St. James Secondary School. Columbo is happy with the program and would like to pursue it further. “I hope to be able to add to this community resource again next year,” said Columbo.

250-996-7305 UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT Open 6am to 10pm

3 cents a litre back to you!

642 Stuart Drive, Fort St. James B.C.

District of Fort St. James Calendar SUNDAY 26

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

WOMEN’S RELATIONSHIP GROUP, 2-4PM, NVCSS BRDRM, CALL 996-8083/8411

‘WALK FOR FRIB’ FEB 25 12NOON FROM KWAH HALL

1 ZUMBA FITNESS

MIDGET ZONES @ ARENA

March, 2012

3 MENS’ BONSPIEL, CALL 250-996-7783

BEGINNER HOOP CLASSES, 4 PM, SOWCHEA ELEMENTARY

MIDGET ZONES @ ARENA

7 HARM REDUCTION 8 HARM REDUCTION 9

MENS’ BONSPIEL, CALL 250-996-7783

6:30 PM, FSJSS

A weekly feature highlighting meetings, proposals, & events important to Fort St. James residents.

HARM REDUCTION CONFERENCE

CONFERENCE CONFERENCE WOMEN’S RELATIONZUMBA FITNESS SHIP GROUP, 2-4PM, 6:30 PM, FSJSS NVCSS BRDRM, CALL 996-8083/8411 BEGINNER HOOP CLASSES, 4 PM, NAK’AZDLI AGM, 8:30-4PM SOWCHEA ELEMENTARY

COUNCIL MEETING 7PM

10 CABIN FEVER DAY, 10-2PM, KWAH HALL

ZUMBA FITNESS 6:30 PM, FSJSS

PARKS CANADA FORT ST. JAMES NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE OPENING DAY, CALL 250-996-7191

21 WOMEN’S RELATIONSHIP GROUP, 2-4PM, NVCSS BRDRM, CALL 996-8083/8411

17 LOGGERS OPEN BONSPIEL, CALL 250-996-7783

WOMEN’S RELATIONSHIP GROUP, BEGINNER HOOP 2-4PM, NVCSS CLASSES, 4 PM, BRDRM, CALL SOWCHEA ELEMENTARY 996-8083/8411

SATURDAY

NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE GUIDED TOUR AND AFTERNOON OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. CALL 250-996-7191

FRIDAY

Municipal Website: www.fortstjames.ca For more info check the e-calendar

February, 2012

ZUMBA FITNESS 6:30 PM, FSJSS BEGINNER HOOP CLASSES, 4 PM, SOWCHEA ELEMENTARY

Community Arts Council of FSJ All Thursdays until March 8 - Rug Workshops, Hosted by FSJ Arts Council, 7-9pm, Old Credit Union Bldng Adult Education 8:30-3:30pm Mon-Fri Upstairs in the Goodwin Bldng. 477 Stuart Drive West

250-996-8233

ofﬁce@fortstjames.ca

Caledonia Courier Wednesday, February 29, 2012

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NEWS

Courier Simulating success Emergency broadcast By Jonas Gagnon Caledonia Courier

Video games have moved from kids bedrooms to the classroom. CNC, in collaboration with the Mt. Milligan mine, has created the Mine Industry Ticket, which includes simulators like pictures above. “The program is designed to ease wear and tear on the equipment,” said Ann McCormic, campus supervisor. The first class is

By Jonas Gagnon Caledonia Courier

Joe Sinclair practices his moves in a frontwheel loader on one ot the ten new simulators at CNC. Photo by Jonas Gagnon now only two-weeks from completion of the course. This first batch

of students was partially funded by the Mt. Milligan mine.

The Arts Council thanks the Community for a successful evening! Thanks to the amazing response and support from the community $3600 was raised for The Stephen Lewis Foundation!!! On January 13 the Community Arts Council of Fort St. James and GAGUH hosted an evening of music, featuring blues musician Russell Jackson. This raised funds for the Stephen Lewis Foundation that sponsors grandmothers who have to raise their grandchildren due to the overwhelming plight of AIDS in Africa. GAGUH is our local group for the Stephen Lewis Foundation: Grandmothers Assisting Grandmothers Unsung Heroines. 100% of the tickets sales went towards the Foundation and another $525 was given in kind! Again, thank

you Fort St. James. The Arts Council would also like to thank and recognize some individuals that donated their time and energies to the cause: The sound equipment was donated by Kevin & Mia Moutray of Vanderhoof, Jason Harasti donated his time as the sound tech., Sam Rasmussen for the space, Margo & Rick Claughton, hosted the musicians free of charge, Bill & Ingrid Phillips played a repertoire of their own music and some old classics, Lisa Striegler, Scott Klassen and, Valerie Pagdin from Vanderhoof, performed, and local singers Annie Thatcher and Mel Chesnutt, JoAnne Alexander, of GAGUH, Mary

Wants You! What is your Interest? ] Do you have a passion to write, cover sports, photography? ] Are you a student, retired? Interested in English/Journalism? ] We are looking for LOCAL writers, photographers, contributors in Fort St. James. Interested? Please call Pam

250-567-9258

Willick and, Mel Chesnutt for coordinating the event, and Wayne Cochrane for his muscles! Another thanks to the performers for a great show and we hope to have them back sometime: Russell Jackson (vocalist and bass) from Mission, BC, Max Jones (drums) from PG and Mike Smith (guitar) from PG.

If you were listening to 97.7 on Feb. 18 you probably noticed a slight change in your listening schedule. In an effort to raise awareness about the emergency radio broadcast, the emergency communications system in town took over the airwaves in the early afternoon. “With this we can get any critical or important information to the public,” said Coun. Dave Birdi, Town Councillor and president of the Fort St. James TV and Radio Society. The emergency radio is a joint venture between the TV and radio society, and the emergency operations in town. The radio announcement was made in conjunction with the fire hall open house, from which the signals from

the emergency radio are broadcast. Emergency operations did its best to open up its doors to everyone who came through the open house, which included a presentation on both the TV and radio capabilities to broadcast emergency information. The emergency broadcast system started to keep the community well informed in the case of an emergency. “We’re that one source of accurate information,” said Birdi. The idea for the program came from a major snowstorm in 2006 that had firefighters going door-to-door so every one in the community would know what was happening. “To get better communications in those kinds of situations, that’s where the idea came from,” said Birdi. The society has chosen 97.9 FM as their

Community Events Community Events are free of charge as they are sponsored by the Caledonia Courier COMING EVENTS... Will appear as space is available, free of charge in this section. Coming events are available to non-profit organizations only. This area is not intended for thank you submissions or selling products. It is simply a place for nonprofit organizations a place to announce upcoming free activities. You can e-mail your item to advertising@ominecaexpress. com or by fax: 567-2070. Your organizations’ announcement can also be dropped off at our office located at #111-250 Stuart Drive, Fort St. James. Decision of the publisher is final. *** FORT ADULT CENTRE FOR EDUCATION...Suite 221-250 Stuart Drive, in the Goodwin Building. Open daily 8:00-4:00. Call 250-996-7712 for more information. *** ST PATRICK’S ANGLICAN CHURCH... hosts a free lunch every Tuesday from 11.00am 1.00pm. All are welcome. This lunch is made possible through the generous giving of time and resources,by many people in the region, including Sylvia Isaac, The Roman Catholic Church, Camp Living Water, and many other individuals.We wish to thank all those who contribute their labour to this program as well as those who provide food and other necessities. We also run a small food bank on Tuesday morning, and are very thankful for all who contribute to this endeavor. For further information please call Gwen Andrews 567-6744. *** SERVICE TIMES... at St Patrick’s Anglican Church, Fort St James, will be 2.00pm every Sunday. Friday at 6.00pm - Each

week we offer a Fellowship time with soup, music, and prayer, at St Patrick’s Anglican Church Hall beginning at 6.00pm. Please come and join us. *** FIREWEED WINTER CLOTHES DRIVE...The Fireweed Safe Haven is doing a winter clothes drive. We are looking for jackets, boots, snow pants, mitts, hats, scarves, fleeces, etc, for men, women and children. The items will then be given to families in the community that need them. If you do not have anything at home that you can part with but still wish to contribute, you can purchase mitts, socks, or thermal underwear. Please drop items off at the Fireweed Safe Haven. For more information please contact Talia at (250) 996-8081. Every little bit helps. *** AUXILIARY TO STUART LAKE HOSPITAL... Monthly meeting 2nd Wednesday each month. Hospital Cafeteria 7:00 p.m. *** FORT ST. JAMES PUBLIC LIBRARY HOURS... Tuesday 11:30-8:00 Wednesday 11:30-4:30 Thursday 11:30-4:30 Friday 11:30-8:00 Saturday 11:00-3:00 *** NECHAKO VALLEY COMMUNITY SERVICES SOCIETY...Child and Youth Mental Health and Counseling Services available at no cost. Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Call 996-7645 for appointment. *** FORT TRAP AND HANDGUN CLUB... meets last Sunday of every month. Contact Sharon at 996-8373 for more

information. *** FORT ST. JAMES SEARCH & RESCUE... steering committee meetings first Tuesday of every month. 7:00 p.m. above the Fort St. James Firehall. Training is the third Tuesday of every month at the Firehall at 7 p.m. New members welcome. *** MUSIC MAKERS...New members always WELCOME. Not everyone has to be on stage, there is lots of work behind the scenes. Call Rosemary Allan at 250-996-8997 for more info. *** THE THRIFT STORE...has a new name! “The Bargain Basement”. We are still at the same location, across from Shoppers Food Mart. Donations of clean clothing and small housewares are greatly appreciated. Please, no books or magazines. Proceeds are used for community needs. Open Wed-Sat, 12 noon to 4pm. *** PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT...If you know anyone, including a child, who has been abused or harmed by a psychiatrist call the Citizens Commission on Human Rights at: 1-800-670-2247. *** ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS... Every Thursday, 8 p.m. at the United Church Hall on 2nd Avenue. Contact 9968290. *** FIREWEED SAFE HAVEN...a safe place for women and their children leaving violence or abuse. 24 hour access - please call 996-8000. ***

emergency radio channel, and can broadcast over all local TV channels. The system has various redundancies set up to cover any contingencies that may come from an emergency. It even has two studios which they can broadcast from, upstairs at the firehall and the head end near the Hospital. The next major upgrade for the emergen-

cy operations is making sure any power outages won’t affect their communications by installing a generator. “The only thing we’re waiting for now is back up power at our head site,” said Birdi. Once that is in place the emergency operations will be able to make sure that the community is kept in the loop despite what may come.

RHN SCHMITZ de GRACE CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS • • • • • •

CORPORATE AND PERSONAL TAX BOOKKEEPING AND DATA PROCESSING ASSURANCE RHN SCHMITZ de GRACE FINANCIAL STATEMENT PREPARATION ESTATE PLANNING COMPUTER CONSULTING Fort St. James Of¿ce, 169 Stuart Drive Fort St. James, BC V0J 1P0 To schedule an appointment, please call 1-800-976-7780 (toll-free) Josh.Benham@rhngroup.ca www.rhngroup.ca

EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH WELCOMES YOU! 4th Avenue W & Birch Street

SUNDAY SCHOOL..........10:30 am - 12 Noon MORNING WORSHIP ....10:30 am - 12 Noon Church Ofﬁce 996-7261

OUR LADY OF THE SNOWS ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH (Across from the Petrocan Station)

SUNDAY LITURGY: Saturday 7:30 pm & Sunday 10:30 am DAILY MASS: Monday - Friday 9:00 am PASTORAL TEAM: FATHER FRANK SALMON 250-996-8343 SR. JANE DWYER, SR. PAT MACAULAY, SR. DIVINA PEDRO

250-996-2275

ST. PATRICK’S ANGLICAN CHURCH Stuart St. (Across from RCMP) SUNDAY WORSHIP .......................... 2:00 PM Contact: Revd’s Roy & Gwen Andrews 250-567-6744

ALL ARE WELCOME

THE CHURCHES OF FORT ST. JAMES WELCOME YOU!

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1 /

Wednesday, February 29, 2012 Caledonia Courier

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• Guest Editorial...

• Letter...

The two sides of budgets By Jonas Gagnon Caledonia Courier Government budgets are everywhere these days. The B.C. Government just came out with theirs; the Bulkley Nechako Regional District has come out with their draft; and council is wrestling with its first budget with its new members. While the regional district’s budget hasn’t seemed to raise storms of any type, the B.C. budget has just about every group, up in arms. The courts don’t like it; the teachers don’t like it, of course the opposition doesn’t like it. Some business associations seem to like it though. Fiscal prudence is what Finance Minister Kevin Falcon calls it. Others, like children’s watchdog Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond, call it harsh. Watching budget deliberations on the inside this year, although on the much smaller community level, has been at times enlightening, and at other times somewhat less than engrossing. All those numbers, and dollar signs get thrown around, sometimes it gets hard to see the realities behind the dry, dry numbers. So when Falcon’s looking at his numbers he’s happy because he sees a budget that isn’t going to over run, and dollar signs that won’t need higher taxes levied. But when people with their noses in the everyday see

the bill it can feel like the government’s turning its back. Take the teachers for example. They have a union, and they expect to talk with their employers to negotiate their fees. Well talks seem to have broken down, and now the truth, as put down by Falcon, is the budget doesn’t have any more money for the teachers. So much for negotiations.

Look for us online at : caledoniacourier.com

www.bcpresscouncil.org

The courts, as mentioned above, are another example. Falcon gives them modest funding bumps and sees it as a job well done. The bar association sees a mountain of a problem with a molehill for funding. So goes the tug of war between those in charge of the purse strings, and those in need of the dollars the purse strings close off. But it makes me wonder if this ‘age of austerity’ we have entered with global downturns and countries threatening bankruptcy, will see so much ‘fiscal prudence’ that we hollow out our social safety net. It can be frustrating sometimes, watching dollars swirl around in business, and then looking at government turn out the pockets when services come knocking. And in other news the Conservative government seems to be drawing fire once again. This time the trouble traces its origins back to the election and phone calls that were made in ridings with close races that told Liberal and NDP supporters that the polling stations had moved, even though they hadn’t, to dissuade voters from voting. There’s a million words to be written about the calls, and probably more than those million words have been written, but it’s just the beginning of what promises to be a bit of a wild ride, so I’ll pause my pen until we get a little more info on who decided these calls were a good idea.

Special thank you Appreciation and a special thank you to the nurses, doctors and staff at Stuart Lake Hospital for their excellent care and attention to Bev during her short stay in the hospital. Thank you to our friends for your cards, flowers, food, phone calls and your words of caring at our time of need. A special thank you to Charlotte & Randy Diston, Rosemary Allan and Dennis Gladue for your help at Bev’s Celebration of Life. The Johnson Family, Murray, Dean, Julie, Janine & Nathan

E-mail us at : newsroom@caledoniacourier.com

Caledonia Courier Wednesday, February 29, 2012

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Courier

NEWS

A new take on an old site By Jonas Gagnon Caledonia Courier If you think you’ve seen everything the Fort St. James Historic Site has to offer you might want to think again. “This,” Kevin Gedling, Product Development Officer at the park, said, motioning his arm over the visitor centre, “is what people aren’t going to recognise.” Various tools and equipment lay scattered around the newly painted room. Though still incomplete the room is starting to take on its own character. The National Historic Site was officially opened in 1977, and the display room in the visitor center had not been changed since. A new initiative, to display the story of the Métis, led to funding and the push to renovate the room. “Big chunks of the story were missing,” said Gedling, “like the whole Carrier experience or the Métis story.” Since the exhibits were so old, a single new exhibit about the Métis was not enough

the site as it tells the story, not only of the European settlers, but of the Carrier people during that time, and the Métis contribution. The renovation covers more than just the people of the region. “One of the things people have told us is they want to learn more about area wildlife,” said Gedling. So, with the renovations, comes a fish tank that will house local fish species from Stuart Lake. The historic site has kept most of the construction in house, with 80 to 90 per cent of the work being done by the site manager, Bob Grill, and maintenance, Alex Mitchell.

Kevin Gedling, Product Development at the park, and Dennis Cumberland, a park volunteEr, stand in the future fish tank at the Fort St. James National Historic Site. The floor below the planned fishtank had to be braced to deal with its weight. Photo by Jonas Gagnon

to tell the whole story. “In order to tell the Métis story you have to

tell the whole story better,” said Gedling. This led to the com-

plete overhaul of the space and the creation of committees to guide

Gedling is proud of the exhibition. “This will bring us right up to the level of what people want,” said Gedling.

The site will be opening to the public in early May, with the opening of the exhibition hopefully trailing it soon after.

Thank You

British Columbia Police Curling Association 2012 - North District Zone Playdowns Fort St. James Curling Club Jan 13 - 14, 2012 We would like to thank the following sponsors for their generous support, making the event a huge success. The curlers were very impressed with our community and the dedication of local business to promote and support our sport. We will be sending 2 teams from the North to the Provincial Championship in Chilliwack, Feb 24, 25, 26, 2012. Integris Credit Union Ft. St. James Fort Hotel Lakeside Pharmacy Royal Bank, Ft. St. James Pronto Glass Sana’aih Market Carrier Food & Fuel Tim Hortons, Vanderhoof A special thanks to Don Martin, Don King and Norm Leggatt for a spectacular Banquet Dinner.

NOTICE The Caledonia Courier pick-up & drop off location has moved to 169 Stuart Drive West @ the Lakeshore Realty ofﬁce

A sneak peak of what the Historic Park renovation has to offer. Submitted

250-996-8618

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Wednesday, February 29, 2012 Caledonia Courier

Courier Open fire house By Jonas Gagnon Caledonia Courier The fire hall was a hive of activity on February 18, just not the usual activity, with firefighters scrambling to save lives, but rather children scrambling through blow up castles and clamouring for burgers. The fire hall was opened to show the community what the volunteer fire department is doing. “It’s all about awareness,” said Fire Chief Rob Bennett. The fire department had all their tools on display, from their new fire truck, to their highway rescue tools. Kids, in particular, had a great time looking through the cab of the firetruck and sitting in the driver’s seat, while the fire chief gave adults tours around the truck and explained the plethora

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of tools it held. Volunteer firefighters were also present to answer any questions people had about the department. More than just information about the department, Bennett wanted to spread awareness about other dangers. “One of the things we’re trying to promote is CO2 awareness,” said Bennett. To that end the department had a pile of CO2 detectors to give away to draw winners in an effort to combat the ‘silent killer.’ “Everyone should have at least one CO2 detector in their house,” said Bennett Sparky, the department mascot, was also on hand for photo ops, and to play with the kids. After the kids were played out and full, they got colouring books, stickers and balloons to take home Aidan (left) and Nyah Duncan hang out with Sparky at the volunwith them. teer fire department’s open house on Saturday, Feb. 18.

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Caledonia Courier Wednesday, February 29, 2012 Why Should We Try To Stop Bullying? Bullying is bad for both the bully and the victim. Victims suffer by: • Feeling unhappy. • Feeling that “I can’t do anything”. • Feeling lonely and rejected. • Lacking enthusiasm for school and their class work. • Not participating in school activities. Bullies suffer because they: • Have difficulty in communicating. • Have difficulty relating to and making real friends. • May develop social problems as adults. • Can develop poor attitudes to school and learning. What Is Bullying? • Bullying is an abuse of power. • Bullying is hostile or aggressive behaviour that harms the victim.

• Bullying thrives in a climate of secrecy and fear. • Bullying is repeated negative behaviour towards someone else. Types of Bullying Physical Bullying: fighting, kicking, punching, hitting, pushing, pinching, and moving in close on the victim’s space. Verbal Bullying: using words to hurt a person’s feelings in the form of teasing, swearing, spreading rumours about the person or their family. Visual Bullying: using graffiti, rude gestures, writing threatening letters or passing notes around or using SMS messages. Emotional Bullying: hiding another child’s things or tormenting them to get a reaction. Exclusion: deliberately leaving someone out of a game, ignoring them or not letting them into a group.

www.caledoniacourier.com A7

Be proud to be pink: support anti-bullying

I Commit to “A BULLY-FREE LIFE” LIFE ”

CKNW It started in September 2007, when two online (cyber bullyteens at a Nova Scotia high school stood ing), says Tuckwell. up for a younger student. “By wearing pink, www.pinkshirtday.ca David Shepherd and Travis Price, both in people show they’re makGrade 12, heard about a Grade 9 student ing that commitment, to not let at their school who had been bullied and bullying happen,” she says. The provincial government has taken threatened for wearing a pink polo shirt In 2009, 20,000 pink shirts were sold steps to address bullying in recent on his first day of school. and in 2010, 30,000 helped the effort. years, including a Ministry of Education They decided they Last year, 46,000 resource brochure for parents in 14 lanshould do someT-Shirts were sold guages that can be found online at www. thing about it and ‘It isn’t just a rite of passage. and this year we bced.gov.bc.ca/sco. went to a discount hope to sell 60,000. It doesn’t have to happen.’ Tuckwell and Net proceeds benefit the CKNW store, where they Orphans’ Fund in support of the Boys bought 50 pink others emphasize & Girls Clubs of South Coast BC. Boys shirts and tank tops that the pink shirt & Girls Clubs of South Coast BC: BGC to wear to school is secondary to programs foster self-esteem, social enthe next day. They raising awareness gagement, academic success, inclusion, also went online to about bullying acceptance, respect for self and others, round up support and getting people and connection to community – all for their anti-bullying cause, which they involved. of which are key elements of bullying dubbed a “sea of pink.” B.C. is no stranger to tragedy related prevention. CKNW Orphans’ Fund: The It worked. The next day, dozens of stuto bullying.From Surrey’s 14-year-old CKNW Orphans’ Fund is committed dents were outfitted with the discount Hamed Nastoh, who jumped off the to enhancing the lives of children with shirts, but even better – hundreds of Patullo Bridge and killed himself after physical, mental and social challenges students showed up wearing their own leaving a note behind blaming the conliving in BC communities. The fund pink clothes, some from head to toe. stant bullying he endured at school, to includes children who are bullied under The bullies were reportedly never heard Mission’s Dawn-Marie Wesley, 14, who the scope of the funds work, because from again. committed suicide by hanging herthese children will need extra support This year, Feb. 29 is Pink Shirt Day in self after relentless bullying, there are for their development. B.C. and other parts of Canada, an ancountless told and untold stories that nual anti-bullying event that started remain horrific. after the now-famous 2007 “sea of pink” campaign. Q Has trouble sleeping or has frequent Possible warning signs that a child The need for awareness and action bad dreams is being bullied include: against bullying remains as strong as Q Experiences a loss of appetite ever, say those involved in the pink Q Appears anxious and suffers from low Q Comes home with torn, damaged, or missing event, including radio station CKNW, self-esteem pieces of clothing, books, or other belongings Black Press, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Q Has unexplained cuts, bruises, and scratches Possible warning signs that a child may Greater Vancouver, and London Drugs, Q Has few, if any friends, with whom he or she be a bully include: where people can buy the official ‘Bullyspends time Q Positive views towards violence ing Stops Here’ pink shirts for 2012. Q Seems afraid of going to school, walking Q Often aggressive towards adults – including “Awareness of what bullying is and unto and from school, riding the school bus, or teachers or parents taking part in organized activities with peers derstanding that it hurts is important,” Q Marked need to control and dominate others (such as clubs) says Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater and situations Q Takes a long, “illogical” route when walking Vancouver president and CEO Carolyn Q Boy bullies tend to be physically stronger to or from school Tuckwell. than their peers Q Has lost interest in school work or suddenly “It isn’t just a rite of passage. It doesn’t Q Hot-tempered, impulsive, easily frustrated begins to do poorly in school have to happen. And it’s relevant to evQ Often test limits or break rules Q Appears sad, moody, teary, or depressed Q Good at talking their way out of difficult eryone, whether in school, after school when he or she comes home situations or in the workplace.” Q Complains frequently of headaches, Q Show little sympathy toward others who are According to www.bullyingcanada.ca, stomachaches, or other physical ailments bullied as many as 25 per cent of children in Grades 4 to 6 have been bullied and approximately one in 10 children have bulFor more information and resources on bullying: lied others, while a 2004 study published in the Medical Journal of Pediatrics www.pinkshirtday.ca found that about one in seven Canadian www.mychildsafety.net children aged 11 to 16 are victims of www.bced.gov.bc.ca/sco/ bullying. www.healthlinkbc.ca/kb/content/special/uf4870.html It is important to recognize what bullying is, and that it happens in many www.bullyingcanada.ca forms – verbally, socially, physically and

2012

Battle bullying on Pink Shirt Day February 29

sponsored by

John RUSTAD, MLA Nechako Lakes No-one has the right to bully you. If you speak out about it, there are people who care they will listen to you and help you. 183 First Street, Vanderhoof Tel: 250-567-6820 Fax: 250-567-6822 2500 Butler Avenue, Houston Tel: 250-845-7770 Fax: 250-845-7780 Toll Free: 1-877-964-5650 E-mail: john.rustad.mla@leg.bc.ca Website: www.johnrustadmla.bc.ca

A8 www.caledoniacourier.com

Wednesday, February 29, 2012 Caledonia Courier

NEWS

Courier Candidate for NDP leadership swings north to share platform DeLynda Pilon Prince George Free Press The private sector and environment can have a positive working relationship according to Martin Singh, a declared candidate for the leadership of the federal New Democratic Party. Singh visited Prince George last week, stopping in at Books and Company to discuss his platform. “I believe huge opportunities are being missed,” Singh, president of the NDP’s Faith and Social Justice commission and president of the Sackville - Eastern Shore NDP riding association, said.

The adversarial relationship is unnecessary, he said, since environmentalists know the problems out there very well while the solution to those problems often lie in the private sector. Singh, who has a background as a businessman in both urban and rural settings, said he wants to broaden the conversation between those two groups. He added he has three main goals within the party. The first is the environment. Besides focusing on opportunities between the private sector and environmentalists, he said he has deep concerns about the Enbridge pipeline proj-

Martin Singh stopped in at Books and Co. in Prince George to share his views as he campaigns for the leadership of the federal NDP. Submitted

ect. “The whole process concerns me,” he said. He added the NDP wants to make sure the process of consultation remains fair and transparent while the Conservatives seem to want to marginalize different groups. “In a society of free speech, you are supposed to have free speech,” he said. Singh also said job creation, particularly entrepreneurship, is important. “The Conservative party is currently lowering corporate taxes. I have two issues with that. First, we will see it reach a point of dimin-

ishing returns.” Secondly, it is an insufficient business policy, he said, especially when it comes to encouraging entrepreneurs who will likely have to wait a few years before seeing profits. “So we neglect other areas of need,” he said. Providing financing and training for both employees and employers, especially when it comes to financial literacy, would be more beneficial, he said. The national Pharmacare plan is another area Singh wants to focus on. Instead of doing another study, Singh said it’s time to look at the studies already com-

pleted, evaluate them then take action. “We need to find out the impact and time line of implementation,” he said. “We need to look at where we are, where we need to go and the steps in between.” Affordable pharmaceutical care is important to all sectors of the population, he said. Singh said he was scheduled to visit Prince George earlier in the campaign, however he couldn’t so when another opportunity came up, he jumped at it. “I am making an effort to reach as many different areas of the country as possible,” he said.

Hydro rates may rise due to debt Somet e v

pear to be a plan to reduce the balance of these accounts” is supported by the utilities commission decision.

Want to

NDP energy critic John Horgan said the auditor’s report showed the B.C. Liberal government was using BC Hydro as

You

actually exists, and place undue burdens on future taxpayers,” he said. Doyle’s conclusion that “there does not ap-

utilities. The practice can “mask the true cost of doing business, creating the appearance of profitability where none

ng hi

The B.C. Utilities Commission has approved an extra 2.5 per cent interim increase in BC Hydro rates, which means a seven per cent increase in electricity bills starting April 1. The commission’s decision is a setback for the B.C. government, which conducted a cost-cutting review of BC Hydro last year that cut 700 jobs to bring the 2012 rate increase down below four per cent. The decision is still an interim rate increase. BC Hydro can argue for a reduction, which would result in a rebate on electricity bills if it is granted by the commission later this year. The commission ruled that the latest 2.5 per cent increase, about $5 a month on the average residential bill, is needed to pay down BC Hydro’s ballooning deferred debt, which was identified in October by B.C. Auditor General John Doyle. Doyle reviewed BC Hydro’s books and found that as of March 2011, $2.2 billion of the utility’s debt was placed in deferral accounts. Deferred expenses were forecast to grow to $5 billion by 2017. Doyle said deferral accounts for major capi-

tal costs are an acceptable practice to smooth out rate increases, but BC Hydro’s use of it runs ahead of other Canadian

By Tom Fletcher Black Press

an “ATM machine,” collecting $463 million in revenue last year and forcing the utility to pile up debt to do it.

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NEWS Late goals pull Williams Lake to victory Courier

By Jonas Gagnon Caledonia Courier

fought first place against a combination Vanderhoof/ Fort St. James team in a rep hockey tournament hosted

here in the Fort. Teams from all over the central interior, including Williams Lake, Prince

George and Quesnel, came to play at the tournament. The teams were remarkably well Williams Lake took a hard matched in strength, leading to more than a few games that had everyone watching the games on the edge of their seats. The final game was tied 3-3 until the last 43 seconds of play, when a Williams Lake player managed to blast a slapshot past the Vanderhoof goalie to seal their win. Williams Lake had just managed to squeeze into the finals with a win over Prince George that was tied down to the last few minutes, before Williams Lake pulled a couple of late period goals out to take the win and propel them to the finals, and then do The Vanderhoof Bears (in the white and blue jerseys), with players from both Vanderhoof and the same over the the Fort, come down hard on the Williams Lake Timberwolves goalie in the Bears round robin 7-5 boys from Vanderwin. Williams Lake would pull out some last minute goals later in the tournament to squeeze by hoof and Fort St. both PG and Vanderhoof to take first. James. Photo by Jonas Gagnon

Teacher contract legislation next week By Robert Mangelsdorf Black Press B.C. Education Minister George Abbott announced Thursday that he intends to introduce legislation next week to end the ongoing teacher job action, and impose a contract. The decision comes after the release of a report by assistant deputy minister for industrial relations Trevor Hughes stating a negotiated settlement between the B.C. Teachers’ Federation and the government’s bargaining agent, the B.C. Public School Employers’ Association would be unlikely. B.C. Liberal house leader Rich Coleman said the legislation could be presented as early as mid-week, but the debate on the provincial budget would take precedence until next Thursday unless there is an emergency situation. The BCTF had proposed a three-year contract that would see teachers given a 15 per cent increase over that span. BCTF estimates the contract will cost an extra $300 million per year,

however BCPSEA pegs that number at upwards of $500 million in the first year alone. Abbott wouldn’t give specifics about the terms of the teacher contract he plans to impose, but said it would conform to the Liberal government’s net-zero mandate of no wage increases for public sector employees. “We have three-quarters of public employees, with 100-plus contracts negotiated with the net zero mandate,” Abbott said. “We have to proceed on that basis.” Abbott said he was disappointed and saddened to impose the contract, but said he felt he had no other option. “Teachers will be upset, but in some cases they will be relieved,” he said. “The union leadership will take a dim view of it, but I will not let a dispute among adults affect kids.” Teachers across the province have been doing essential service only since September, refusing to meet with school administration or complete report cards. Teachers have been without a contract since June 2011.

THE STUART NECHAKO ADVERTISER CAN BE PICKED UP AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS... VANDERHOOF Omineca Express ofﬁce Vanderhoof Co-op Vanderhoof Co-op C Store Careb Entertainment Extra Foods Janet’s Hair Gallery Vanderhoof Post Ofﬁce Riverside Place Nechako View Senior’s Home Speedway Road Mapes Blackwater Road CJ’s Trailer Court Loop Road Prairiedale Braeside Road Jones Road ENDAKO Endako Bar & Grill

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Wednesday, February 29, 2012 Caledonia Courier

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Required Immediately! Journeyman RV Technician for Kamloops largest RV Dealership. Jubilee RV Centre offers excellent wage compensation, medical & dental benefits, ongoing industry training and year round employment. Come join our team in sunny and warm Kamloops, where you will be appreciated, love our climate and enjoy all our outdoor activities! Please forward your resume to service@jubileerv.com Attention Steve Joyce - Service Manager

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In Memoriam Donations P.O. Box 1480, 7th Ave Prince George, BC V2L 3P2

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250-996-8482 E-Mail: wendy@ ominecaexpress. com Caledonia Courier published every Wednesday Stuart/Nechako Advertiser published every Friday ADVERTISING DEADLINES Courier -- Friday, 11-noon Advertiser -- Tuesday, 12-noon

TERMS & CONDITIONS Advertisements should be read on the first publication day. We are not responsible for errors appearing beyond the first insertion. NO CASH REFUNDS AGREEMENT: It is agreed by any display or classified advertiser requesting space that the liability of the paper in the event that errors occur in the publishing of any advertisement shall be limited to the amount paid by the advertiser for the portion of the advertising space occupied by the incorrect item only, and there will be no liability in any event beyond the amount paid for such advertisement. DISCRIMINATION LEGISLATION: Advertisers are reminded that provincial legislation forbids the publication of any advertisement which discriminated against any person because of race, religion, sex, colour, nationality, ancestry, place of origin, or age unless the condition is justified by a bona fide requirement for the work involved. COPYRIGHT: Copyright and/or property rights subsist in all advertisements and in all other advertising material appearing in this edition of the Omineca Express. Permission to reproduce wholly or in any part and in any form whatsoever, particularly by a photographic or offset process in a publication, must be obtained in writing from the publisher. Any unauthorized reproduction will be subject to recourse in law.

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SPROTT-SHAW RCA training info session Feb 28th, 12-6pm at Mariposa Gardens. Bring this ad and your registration fee will be waived! Find out how to save an additional $800 on tuition! Call 250-4958124 for more info.

Education/Trade Schools Become a Psychiatric Nurse - train locally via distance education, local and/or regional clinical placements and some regional classroom delivery. Wages start at $30.79/hr to $40.42/hr. This 23 month program is recognized by the CRPNBC. Gov’t funding may be available. Toll-free 1-87-STENBERG www.stenbergcollege.com INTERIOR HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR SCHOOL Locations in Alberta & BC. Hands on real world training. Full sized equip. Job placement assist. Funding Avail. www.iheschool.com 1-866399-3853 TRAIN TO be an Apartment/Condominium Manager at home! We have jobs across Canada. Thousands of graduates working. 31 years of success! Government certified. www.RMTI.ca or 1-800-6658339, 604-681-5456. WORK FROM Home. Largest Medical Transcriptionist employer in Canada looks to CanScribe for 100 more Mt’s. We need more students! Enroll today! 1-800-466-1535 www.canscribe.com admissions@canscribe.com

Business Opportunities Be Your Own Boss! Attention Locals! People req. to work from home online. Earn $500$4500+ P/T or F/T. Toll Free 1.877.880.8843 leave mess. DON’T MISS this opportunity. 30 year manufacture expanding across Canada. Fencing, decks and docks. Expanding your business or start new. 1800-465-9968. Email: info@friendlyearth.com www.friendlyearth.com.

FIND EVERYTHING YOU NEED IN THE CLASSIFIEDS

Help Wanted

ASPHALT PAVING Personnel Required: Paving contractor in the beautiful BC Interior requires paving personnel for all aspects of Asphalt Lay-down. Applicants should have minimum 1 years’ experience in Highway, commercial and residential paving, although candidates with construction experience will be considered for training. Please forward resume to: paverswanted@yahoo.ca. ASPHALT PAVING Personnel required: Paving contractor in Kamloops area requires Foreman and personnel for Asphalt Lay-down. Applicants should have minimum 1 years’ experience in commercial and residential paving, although candidates with construction experience will be considered. Training and benefits will be available to the successful applicants. Please forward resume to: paverswanted@yahoo.ca. DIRECT SALES REPRESENTATIVES. Canada’s premiere home automation and Security Company is NOW hiring AprilAugust. No experience necessary. Travel Required. E-mail resume: kkurtze@vivint.com Visit: www.vivint.ca SERVICE MANAGER - Hanna Chrysler Ltd. (Hanna, Alberta). Opportunity in a perfect family environment. Strong team, competitive wages, benefits, growth potential. Fax resume: 403-854-2845. Email: chrysler@telusplanet.net.

Help Wanted

Work when you want For more information call Bob Grill at 250-996-7191 ext 21

Accounting Manager We are currently looking for an Accounting Manager to join our management team at our mill site located in Fort St. James, BC. This position will play a key role in implementing a new strategic direction for Finance within our organization. Along with at least ﬁve years experience in progressively more challenging roles, the ideal candidate will be working towards or possess an accounting designation, a proven track record of professional development, and have excellent verbal, written and presentation skills. Someone with a keen analytical mind, coupled with a strong desire to effect change, will thrive in this challenging role. If you feel you are ready to grow your career, please send your application to laura@tlohforest.com prior to March 9th, 2012.

Baker Hughes Alberta based oilfield services company is currently hiring;

DRIVER EQUIPMENT OPERATORS & SERVICE SUPERVISORS Class 1 or 3 License required.

Drivers

HD MECHANICS 3rd or 4th apprentice or Journeyman Heavy Duty Mechanics with their Red Seal and CVIP License to work in Red Deer & Hinton. Please call 250-718-3330 or Fax: 1-888-679-0759 For more information or send your resume & current drivers abstract to: driverclass1@shaw.ca

Income Opportunity EARN EXTRA Cash! - P/T, F/T Immediate openings for men & women. Easy computer work, others positions are available. Can be done from home. No experience needed. www.HWC-BC.com

Help Wanted

P.O. Box 1329, Fort St. James, BC, V0J 1P0 Telephone: (250) 996-7171 Fax: (250) 996-8010

Prenatal Outreach & Brighter Futures Coordinator Job Posting Nak’azdli Health Centre is looking for an energetic, caring and committed individual to fill the Canadian Prenatal Nutrition Program and the Brighter Futures Program Coordinator. Minimum qualifications will include; O Grade 12 or higher education level O Willing and able to attend training O Excellent oral and written communication skills O Training and/or experience working with community members O Knowledge of Carrier culture and customs O Office and computer skills O Valid BC Drivers License O Clear criminal records check The purpose of this position is: O to provide pre- and post-natal counseling on a variety of health issues O Provide prenatal nutrition services and programs O Provide emotional & physical support to clients in child birth including postpartum support O Provide breastfeeding support to clients O Provide community workshops/sessions on teen sexuality, STDs, family planning, FASD, etc. O Connect clients to other community resources as needed O Develop strategies to engage the community in healthy activities O Plan and carry out cultural activities involving community members O Work with other Nak’azdli departments to develop healthy living strategies This is a full time position with benefits. Submit resumes to:

WEBCO LEDUC - division of Sun Media, requires Full-time Heatset/Coldset Journeyman Pressman. 15 unit Goss Community. Competitive rates and benefits. Email resume: et@webcoleduc.com. WEBCO LEDUC - division of Sun Media, requires Full-time Heatset/Coldset 1st & 2nd Pressmen. 15 unit Goss Community. Competitive rates and benefits. Email resume: et@webcoleduc.com.

Services

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Health Products

NAK’AZDLI BAND COUNCIL

Help Wanted ON CALL GUIDES NEEDED for Fort St. James National Historic Site

is hiring on behalf of Baker Hughes

Maureen Isadore, Executive Assistant P.O. Box 1329 Fort St. James, BC V0J 1P0 Fax: 250-996-8010

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Help Wanted

Lake Babine Nation JOB POSTING

PRACTICING LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE JOB SUMMARY: Seeking an energetic practicing Licensed Practical Nurse [aka Registered Practical Nurse] to work with a team of Nurses and Home Care staff. Position is required to monitor and drive clients, gather health vital information, develop care plans, and share information with registered nurse/doctor/nurse practitioner to determine best care for the clients. DEADLINE: March 9, 2012 at 12:00 PM SUBMIT RESUME & CERTIFICATION TO: Vincent Joseph, Health Director Lake Babine Nation P.O. Box 297, Burns Lake, B.C. V0J 1E0 Fax: 250-692-4792 “Only those selected for interview will be contacted.”

JOB POSTING

Head Librarian The Fort St. James Public Library is accepting resumes for the position of Head Librarian. Starting salary is $33,000 plus bene¿ts. This permanent position is based on 32 hours per week. Start date is June 1, 2012. Applicants should have previous experience in library management. Community library certi¿cation or equivalent is a minimum requirement. Knowledge of the Sitka library system is desirable. Resumes should be sent to: Fort St. James Public Library Board 425 Manson Street Box 729 Fort St. James, B.C. V0J 1P0 Or fax to: 250 996-7484 Deadline for applications is March 15, 2012. We thank all applicants, however only those who are selected for an interview will be noti¿ed. For more details see the job posting on the library web page at http://fortstjames.bclibrary.ca

Caledonia Courier Wednesday, February 29, 2012

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Wednesday, February 29, 2012 Caledonia Courier

Brought to you by your MLA John Rustad

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Human Interest

Serving the community of Fort St. James

Featuring the spirit of the local people A bigger community By Jonas Gagnon Caledonia Courier The National Historic Site brings together the community both in studying the actions of the past, and the events of the present. Kevin Gedling, the Park’s Product Development Officer, has a great desire to share the park with the community here in Fort St. James/Nak’azdli and in the greater community in Northern BC. In this desire to share the park the size, and openness of the community has been a boon for Gedling, allowing him to gather and share knowledge more easily compared with parks that are cut off from municipalities. “The ability to share knowledge with people is really great,” said Gedling Gedling made his way here from Banff National Park 2 years ago. During his time here Gedling has really seen the community gather around the park. “We’ve had some really cool success with special events, when you see people from both sides of our community, Nak’azdli and Fort St. James, really melting and coming together here,” said Gedling. To this end the park

has a few events in the summer aimed at getting the local community out to the park to mingle and learn about the history of their own area. One of those events is Salmon days, where teams are invited to take part in an ‘Iron Chef’ style salmon cook off. “It’s a free admission day,” said Gedling “Visitors can come in for free, get free salmon, and judge the salmon. The teams are all reflective of the community as well. Nak’azdli enters a team, and last year Mt. Milligan entered a team, then you have teams from Prince George. Last year we had a team from Tachie/Friends (of Fort St. James). During events like this Gedling has seen all types of members of the community gather together. “You got all these different community groups, like mayor and council or folks from Nak’azdli, just coming together and enjoying salmon,” said Gedling. As an educational site the park also reaches out to the schools, to help teach the kids something a little more localised. But beyond the immediate surroundings Gedling sees the need for Northern BC to come together as a

community and support each other. “One of the key things is I try to think of the sense community as being more than just our community,” said Gedling “Every single community is totally reliant on each other. Fort St. James relies on people on Hwy 16 to speak favourably about the experiences you can have in Fort St. James, otherwise people won’t turn off the highway and come visit.” Gedling works with this greater community to strengthen these ties, in the hopes that as the communities help each other they will be able to use the strengths of each community to create a stronger whole. It’s the immediate community’s involvement with the park, though, that has encouraged Gedling and made his job of making a better park easier. “Nak’azdli is next door and so is the district,” said Gedling “So if I want to go talk to the Economic Development officer, or the Mayor, or the Chamber (of Commerce) manager, it’s as simple as picking up the phone and going over and having a conversation. The close proximity of the Nak’azdli community has also offered Gedling easy access to

Kevin Gedling stands in the Historic Park in front of Stuart Lake and a slowly sinking sun. Photo by Jonas Gagnon

a fount of wisdom as he delves deeper into the local culture. “If I want to learn something from our First Nations Elders all I need to do is walk across the street to the natural resource office and there’s somebody at work making something with juniper berries,” said Gedling The opportunities expand beyond simply talking as well. “I was able to go out

and follow them around on a traditional nature walk. They went out to go gather one day, and if I was still an interpreter in Banff National Park where I started I would probably have been paying easily $100 for the same privilege,” said Gedling Through his close work with the community, and the members that frequent the park, Gedling has seen how much the community

John Rustad, MLA Nechako Lakes 183 First Street Vanderhoof Tel: 250-567-6820 Fax: 250-567-6822

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treasures the park, and how much it brings together everyone, whether members of Nak’azdli or citizens of Fort St. James. “This site is a source of pride for everybody,” said Gedling. Because of the symbiotic relationship between the park and the community the last event of the summer season is the Open House, something which Gedling calls ‘a

kind of thank you day.’ “A lot of our summer events might be geared towards international visitors that might be traveling the highway, but that event is really a big community event,” said Gedling. In that way the park ties together the local community, the community of Northern BC and the greater global community as it makes it’s way through Fort St. James.