Coast Mountain News Thursday, June 23, 2011
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$1.00 + HST Vol. 27 | No. 13 Thursday, June 23, 2011
Meg Greive photo
The ribbon was cut by Noel Pootlass, Robyn Willis, Jim Alkins, Denise Perry, Billy Andy Jr., Carrigan Tallio, Jeremy Baillie, and Connor Kopas
SAMS celebrates opening of brand new gymnasium Students, staff, administration, and community members gathered at Sir Alexander Mackenzie School last week to celebrate the opening of their long-awaited full size gym. As SAMS Principal Jeremy Baillie expressed, the community had waited a long time for this day after the original gym was condemned in 2008. Many were uncertain as to whether or not the gym would be replaced or if the students would simply have to settle for
the much smaller gym at the former Nusatsum Elementary School. Thankfully, this proved not to be the case. “The hard work of our superintendent Denise Perry, the Board of Education, and many community user groups have resulted in this wonderful new facility,” said Baillie. The SAMS Band, which is also benefiting from the construction with a new music room, opened the ceremonies by playing three well-received
pieces for the attendees. Hereditary Chiefs Noel Pootlass, Billy Andy Jr., and elected Nuxalk Nation Chief Andrew Andy were on hand to assist in the opening remarks. Pootlass urged the community and the children to take care of the new facility and pointed out that the community now has three venues to host various sporting and cultural events. “I have visions of Bella Coola hosting coastal sport-
ing tournaments and with these three buildings that can become a reality,” he said. “I want to thank everybody that worked so hard for this gym.” A traditional Eagle Down Blessing ceremony conducted by the Chiefs and elder Lillian Siwallace ensured the gym is opened in the spirit of peace. From there an emotional Robyn Willis, Chair of the Board of Education, took to the microphone to express how important the facility will
be to the community in the years to come and how hard everyone worked on the project. “It’s a very emotional celebration for the school and the district,” said Willis. “It’s no secret that this province is going through difficult times and declining enrollment and we’re no different. Denise harassed the Ministry of Education daily to make sure SEE SAMS ON PAGE 5