ISH FRIENDLY: Heather Ramsey.

Environmental

' stewards in Terrace

EVERYONE from weekend anglers to techni-

- cally-inelined fish habitat experts will find
something of interest at a provincial confer-
ence taking place in Terrace over the May
long weekend.

Up to 200 delegates from across B.C. are
expected to take part, organizer Brenda Ram-
sey of Terrace says.

Children will also find lots to do at Work-
shop 2003, a weekend of practical, hands-on

‘information aimed at community volunteers
and environmental consultants.

“The title, “Northern Exposure” was chosen
with our region in mind, Ramsey says. “We
need to ‘expose’ the north to all the programs
and services they have down south.”

' Many people in the northern half of the pro-
vince are unaware of the wide range of ser-

’ yices and programs-available to B.C, residents
who volunteer in environmental stewardship
roles. :

Those include DFO’s school and commun-
‘ity programs and the provincial government's
WILD BC program.

Ramsey said the May 16-18 event could
potentially result in a lasting legacy for Ter-
race. She'd like to see more people become
involved as volunteers in programs like the
Pacific Streamkeepers: Federation.

The workshop takes place every two years
in a B.C, community. It’s. the first time it’s
ever been held in northern B.C., Ramsey says.

Most sessions take place at Thornhill Junior
Secondary. There are two workshops for kids.
Fun in a Very Big Fish is an hour long. Kids in
Creeks is an all day kids session at Howe

Creek. There will also be a salt water touch,

tank with starfish and crabs.
Please register in advance by calling 638-
8436.

ADJUDICATOR Marianne Weston, lett,
named Rebecca McEwan best actress at
the zone high school drama festival.

Encore performance

THE CAST and crew of The Great Gromboo-
lian Plain, the award-winning high school pro-
duction featuring Caledonia Fine Arts stu-
dents, are getting ready to head to the provin-
cials.

The hour-long play, which took home hon-
ours for best actress and best play at the recent
zone festival, is entered in competition at the
B.C. High School Drama Festival, May 22-25
at U.B.C.’s famed “Freddy” Wood Theatre.

Director Robin McLeod is taking 10 stu-
dents to Vancouver for the three-day festival.
She says it’s a great opportunity for the kids to
meet other actors and theatre types their age
from across the province. |

To help them get there, come oul to to-
night’s benefit performance of The Great
Gromboolian Plain.

The haunting story centres around a girl
who believes she can time trayel. She’s been
put into a mental institution by her sister be-
cause she refuses to divulge some information.

Cal’s Rebecca McEwan turned in an award-
winning performance at the zones for her chal-
lenging but draining role.

Adjudicator Marianne Weston praised Mc-
Ewan’s performance, saying she didn’t think

she'll see anything stronger. at the adult drama

festival. ee
. The Great Gromboolian Plain. takes the
stage lonight, May 14, at the-R.E.M. Lee. The
performance begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $5.

TERRACE STANDARD

a

at :

3
a What’s up, Doc?
HOW’S OUR PATIENT DOING? Benita Chapdelaine, left, and
nurse Crispina Cote fuss over Dr. .Lennox Brown. The Terrace
physiclan and surgeon speaks on having a good bedside

manner at the Health and Wellness conference later this
month. The free two-day conference is designed for the gen-

eral public, More than 22 local experts are lined up to speak
on common health issues and answer your questions. Topics
range from menopause and diabetes prevention to infant
care, Tai Chi, stress management, psychology and traditional
‘medicine. To register, call 635-7670. JENNIFER LANG PHOTO

By JESSIE GIES
KITSELAS ELDERS tap-
ped their feet to the drum-
beat as traditional Xbish-
uunt Dancers paraded
through a crowd of about
150 people outside the
Kermode Friendship Soc-
iety for a ground breaking
ceremony last week.

The gathering was a ce-
lebration of a new. initia-
tive to hit Terrace called
Head Start, a preschool
program for First Nations
children funded by Health
Canada.

The purpose of the pro-
gram is to expose First
Nations children to culture
and language at an early
age, before they go to
school, to help give them
a strong foundation to
build on as they continue
their education.

Such programs already
exist at the Kitselas and
Kitsumkalum villages, but
the Kermode Aboriginal
Head Start _-

a

A DANCER drums.

liams said the program
will be a valuable addition
to the community.

“T believe this is impor-
tant because there’s a
great number of First Na-
tions living off-reserve,”
she said.

“It's giving them that

extra boost

program is
the first off-
reserve pro-

gram in the
Terrace area.
It will welcome its first
participants in September.
Coordinator Liz Wil-

oy to go into
that extra boost.’ system and
it’s getting

parents involved.”
Williams said the fed-

eral government will spend

$300,000 a year on Ker-

Huge celebration kicks off new

aboriginal preschool program

ELDERS CELEBRATE the start of construction on the building that will

house the Kermode Friendship Society's Head Start program.

mode’s head start program.

She expects to draw in
as many as 50 local First
Nations children between
the ages of three to five.

In addition to learning
more about culture and
language, head start parti-
cipants will learn crucial
facts about nutrition and

health.

The new building where
the preschool children will
spend. two and a half days
a week will cost the Ker-
mode Friendship Society
$300,000 to build.

Construction is expec-
ted to be complete this

_ July.

Williams said the soc-
iety’s mortgage should be
paid off in three years with

governmental assistance.

Eight staff members
will be running the free
program.

Free bus transportation
for the children will also
be provided.

year.

end of May. ;

The Terrabe Standard wants to hear from
former students, school principals, teachers --
and staff so we can publish. your memorie:
and photos in an upcoming issue.

Drop us a line, fax us a favourite story, or
email your old class photo.

We'd like them soon, because we hope to
share them with the special committee that’s .
organizing a birthday party for Skeena at the

The committee is urgently seeking sub-
missions from past students and staff,

The Skeena Birthday Committee is look-
ing for everything from old school annuals,
photographs and your memories to the music
and words to the old school song.
'. The birthday party takes place Saturday,
May 31 from 2-4 p.m. It’s a garden party ce-
lebration that will-be held at the school.

Everyone is invited. Tour the school.
Waltz down memory lane. Have a slice of
birthday cake. ;

But don't forget to bring your fondest
memories and funniest stories to shar
the open mike.

If you can’t drop by i
- bye to Skeena, please send your. grectings,

e over

n person to say good |

Happy 50th — and so long — to Skeena

By JENNIFER LANG
THERE’S STILL time to help make Skeena
Junior Secondary’s 50th anniversary an event
Terrace will never forget.
Skeena Junior, built in 1953 os Terrace’s
first high school, turns half a century this

635-6693. |

Send -your email

thollett@emsd.be,ca

next month,

school field.

memories and stories to the school by mail:
c/o the Skeena Junior Birthday Committee, -
4411 Munroe St., Terrace, B.C, V8G BC or
call 250-635-9136. The fax number is 250-

The party will be bittersweet. Just as the
school celebrates half a century, staff and
students are preparing to say good bye.

Skeena Junior closes ils doors forever

The school is being torn down in early
July to make. way for the replacement school
being built right next door on the former

The last day of classes is Friday, June 13.

contributions to