Former Diversity Coordinator, Access Facilitor, CNC Nechako
“Let’s build some bridges… We’re very excited about the project, the community and the change that we can see happen.”
Gerry Thiessen
Mayor, District of Vanderhoof
“The whole community is enriched when you can reach out and embrace other people, bring them in and work together and enjoy each others’ company.”
Jackie Thomas
Chief, Saik’uz First Nation
“My hope of an inclusive community would be just to accept people how they are.”
Reg Mueller
Diversity Coordinator, Good Neighbours Committee, CNC Nechako
“I’m looking forward to working with the leaders … and the different organizations to bring about change.”
Calvin Desmarais
Principal, First Nations Education, SD91 and GNC member
“I thought it was a good idea because the schools are always involved in being welcoming and inclusive.”
Maureen Mallais
Regional Director, Nechako Campus, CNC
“It’s about people honouring our differences and diversity, but really valuing our uniqueness, because it’s that very uniqueness that make us a stronger and better community.”
Ken Young
Vice Principal, Nechako Valley Secondary School, GNC member
“There’s been a lot of progress made, but we need to continue.”
Kevin Moutray
President, Chamber of Commerce, GNC member
“I’m really excited to sit on the committee and make Vanderhoof a more inclusive community.”
Kathie LaForge
Economic Development Officer, District of Vanderhoof
“I recognize the need for our community to present itself as a welcoming and inclusive community.”
Peter Rycks
Rotary Club of Vanderhoof, GNC member
“We’re supportive of the idea that we should reach out to each other in the different communities and that we should treat everyone as if they’re good neighbours.”
Darren Carpenter
Counselor, District of Vanderhoof, GNC member
“Our ongoing commitment is to the community accord… Working in partnership with the Good Neighbours Committee in terms of making our community more welcoming and diverse.”
Annerose Georgeson
Artist in residence, CNC Nechako, GNC member
“We went to lots of meetings at the Potlatch House and ate great bannock, people from Saikuz and people from Vanderhoof, we all sat together and talked about things.”
Colleen Erickson
Former Chief, Saik’uz First Nation, GNC member
“The Good Neighbours Committee creates opportunities for us to get together and share, share ourselves and our communities and create bonds.”
The GNC’s mission statement is to have a society where racist behaviour is unacceptable and mutual respect between individuals is honoured. The Community Accord is the culmination of ten years of work towards an inclusive and welcoming community. Some of the projects the GNC initiated:
Legacy of Lights
Respect . . . Accept Youth Project
Video: Youth-created and designed
Community dialogue: “What is a Welcoming and Inclusive Community?”
Earth Day Celebrations, 2004: Saik’uz and Vanderhoof tree-planting festival
Social interaction opportunities among diverse groups
Cultural activities
Arts Unlimited Banner Project: “Celebrating Our Diversity”
