COMMUNITY TRUST RESTORING HISTORIC KWADACHA TRAIL

PRINCE GEORGE – Twenty-two forest workers will be reclaiming, restoring and upgrading sections of the Aatse Davie Trail that extends from Fort Ware to the Yukon border, thanks to $534,000 from the Community Development Trust’s Job Opportunities Program, Forests and Range Minister Pat Bell and Community Development Minister Kevin Krueger announced.

“The Job Opportunities Program is creating employment for forest workers and preserving a valuable piece of history,” said Bell. “The program is providing Fort Ware families with immediate incomes and is helping preserve and re-establish a legacy for all British Columbians.”

The funding is for two projects. The first involves nine forest workers salvaging, transporting and preparing logs that have been provided at no cost by Canada Zinc to the Kwadacha First Nation. The logs will be used for a trail reclamation project.

The second project involves 13 forest workers upgrading the trail to include the construction of a few 13-square metre cabins, bridge crossings and protection for marsh and wetland areas along the trail. Approximately half of the 300-kilometre trail will be targeted by the workers. The project is part of a larger Kwadacha First Nation goal of restoring the trail so it can be accessed by residents and visitors interested in the experience of British Columbia’s wilderness.

“The Community Development Trust is assisting forest workers, their families and communities across this province. During a time when every job counts, we are providing stability,” said Krueger. “We are supporting this project, while at the same time improving trails and tourism opportunities in B.C.’s backcountry playground.”

“British Columbia’s system of trails forms a major part of our unique attraction to visitors from all over the world,” said Bill Bennett, Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts. “Not only do they provide a spectacular recreation opportunity, but in upgrading the Aaste Davie Trail with this project, we are creating jobs too.”

The trail runs along the Kechika River in the Rocky Mountain Trench and is historically significant to Fort Ware since it was used as a route to Lower Post, and for hunting, trapping and trading. The trail served as a key connection between the Kaska and Tsek’ene people and is named after Aatse Davie. Aatse means “grandfather” in the Tsek’ene language, and most Kwadacha Tsek’ene people see him not only as a grandfather figure but also as their founding ancestor. Aatse Davie lived from 1856 to 1935 and founded the Fort Ware settlement. Davie served as a Kwadacha Chief and spoke on behalf of his people throughout his adult life.

“The Job Opportunities Program is helping restore an important piece of history and providing employment at a time when it is greatly needed,” said Kwadacha First Nation Chief Donny Van Somer. “The economic downturn has really been felt by the Kwadacha, and these projects are helping our forest workers and families get through it.”

The $26.25-million Job Opportunities Program is reducing the impact of current layoffs on workers employed in the forest industry, retaining skilled forest workers for the anticipated future upturn, and preserving the characteristics of the labour force in forest-dependent communities.

A forest-dependent community or organization and forest licensees or forest contractors working in cooperation with a forest-dependent community, are eligible to submit a project proposal to the Job Opportunities Program. To date, the program has approved over $16 million to support 93 projects which will employ more than 750 forest workers in communities across the province.

The Job Opportunities Program is one component of the Community Development Trust, which was announced last spring. B.C.’s share of the federal trust is $129 million over three years, with funds also directed to a Tuition Assistance program and Transition Assistance for Older Workers Program.

In the 2009/2010 budget, the Province has committed an additional $30 million in funding to allow for further programs similar to those offered under the Community Development Trust.

For more information about the Community Development Trust and Job Opportunities Program, go to: www.cd.gov.bc.ca/cdt/.

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Media

Contacts:

Jennifer McLarty

Public Affairs Officer

Ministry of Forests and Range

250 387-4592

Leanne Ritchie

Public Affairs Officer

Ministry of Community Development

250 387-4089




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