A special event was held yesterday (Wednesday) morning at the Williams Lake Visitor Information Centre.
The Williams Lake and District Chamber of Commerce held an official recognition ceremony of the new Secwepemculecw welcome sign.
Chamber Executive Director Tamara Garreau said this gathering celebrated the inclusion of Secwepemc language at the Tourism Discovery Centre.
“The new sign is part of a larger Indigenous enhancement project at the Centre. Our goal is to make the building itself an experience,” Garreau said, “It’s already such a beautiful building that we wanted it to be an experience for visitors and we wanted visitors to learn about the Indigenous Nations in our area so one of the highlights is the beautiful welcome sign created by Spirit Carver Dean Gilpin welcoming everyone who stops by to see us.”
The recognition gathering was attended by Indigenous leaders, community partners, elected officials, the Chamber Board was there along with members of the Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin, elders, knowledge keepers, and members of the public.
“Inside the Tourism Discovery Centre we also have Indigenous languages, artwork and interactive display and the display itself we’ve called it Indigenous Journey. It will include experience recordings and they are currently being filmed with Indigenous partners throughout our region and they’ll be added to the interactive display.”
Garreau said you’ll be able to put on headsets and stand up to a screen and you get a first hand experience of the culture and a tour of the land.
“We want folks to learn more about our area and become encouraged to explore it.,” Garreau said.
The Williams Lake and District Chamber of Commerce acknowledge that this project was possible by funding support from Destination BC Indigenous Experiences Enhancement program and in partnership with the City of Williams Lake, and with the guidance and collaboration of many Indigenous partners.
“I also want to recognize Tanya Hutchinson she is our Visitor Centre Coordinator,” Garreau said, “Tanya was the driving force behind this initiative and her passion and creativity brought the project to life. We are grateful for the care and detail she put in. I also want to acknowledge Spirit Carver Dean Gilpin who did the Secwepemculecw welcome sign. He worked hard on over the last two years and it really is amazing .”
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