Five generations celebrate one woman’s 73rd birthday By JESSIE GIES JUNE 21 is not only a day for celebration of her people for Gloria Wesley. it’s also a day to celebrate her life. Wesley, a descendant of Walter Wright from Gitse- guecla, turns 73 the same day that area First Nations ga- ther in Terrace for National Aboriginal Day celebrations in George Little Memorial Park. Wesley will be surrounded by scores of family mem- bers. In fact. she has 107 direct descendants in the Wright family bloodline. “Every time the family gets together is joyous,” said Lynn Wright. a-grand daughter who is playing a large role in organizing National, Aboriginal Day here. Joy is something Wesley longs to feel. “Ever since I lost my husband, 1 don't feel very good,” she said. Wesley was married to Herbert for 55 years. Since his passing. she has had difficulty coping. “I always miss him everyday,” Wesley said. “We were always together.” June 21 will be a day when Wesley will feel the comfort of having her family so near. “I'm so grateful for each one of them,” she said. Gloria and Herbert Wesley had eight daughters and four sons. ‘ To those daughters and sons, 33 children were born. And to those daughters and sons, 61 children were born. Of those 61, Crystal Wright, one of Wesley's great grand children. had young Isaiah. the sole great, great grand child in the Wright family. Isaiah can sit on the lap of his 73-year-old great, great grandmother while watching bands like Moontan and Kingfish, unaware how lucky he is to feel the love of Terrace Furniture Mart & ®) RadioShack. You're gol questions. We've gol answers. 24 gre (STARTING TOP LEFT) Patricia Wright (second generation), Crystal Wright (fourth generation), Anne Wright (third generation), Gloria Wesley (lirst generation) and newest member to the family- Isaiah Wright, PHOTO CONTRIBUTED National Aboriginal £ m9 five generations of family. “J didn’t expect to live this long.” Wesley said. “I'm happy to be a 73-year-old. I'm so happy for my From Page A7 Tenure a Forest minister Mike de Jong and Attorney General Geoff Plant signed a deal with Gitxsan June | pro- viding them with 1.2 mil- lion cubic metres of timber over seven years. - Kitsumkalum, along with Kitselas. are forming a joint venture with Alm- wood Contracting to maxi- mize their timber resourc- es through similar’ agree- ments. It means more jobs and more opportunity. said Bolton, greement inevitable, Bolton Bolton started his ca- reer at 21 as a tree spacer for his father’s company, Zymacord Ventures. He went to the Nicola Valley Institute of Tech- nology in Merritt, B.C. from 1992 to 1996 to be- come a forest technician. “Working with the pro- vincial government was a good experienced.” he said, “I learned a lot.” Bolton was the only First Nations person on the job site, “IF you go out into any SAFEWAY s FOOD & DRUG %" a S TERRACE BC wisi our wes sire WWRW.SAFEWAY.COM Sie 4525 Lakalse Ave., ferrace, B.C. 1-800-479-4511 Delivacy 1s Yerroca, Kitiwet, Prince apart & Serreending Arent big family.” National Aboriginal day is from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sa- children. great children and great grand children. It's a turday, June 21, at George Little Memorial Park. field of work, there are not many minorities,” Bolton said, “I wanted to come back and help my people for that reason,” Bolton said his desire from the beginning was to bring knowledge. back to his community to help his people. ; He said his goal is to bring jobs to the Kitsum- kalum community. “Getting as many of our people back to work is a its’ way. He said. it’s not a | primary goal.” Bolton, now 33, feels he is on the road to realiz- 4916 Hwy. 16 West, Terrace « www.terraceautomali.com ing the goals of his youth. “We're really making Q 63 2 I187 © I «800-3 13-71 87 progress,” he said. Phe titanate toeatetoerinarietacheedatthetts IOI ITSO Bolton said the joint- venture set-up is well on Seon matter of if the band will receive tenure, but when. Bolton. said it’s tough for minorities to get out there and fit into society. “I'm living proof that it can be. done,” he said. ¢ Jack Talstra and City Council George Little Park Saturday, June 21* Terrace ‘Fax CLINIC LED. The Hearing Professionals