Joan Chess, Smart Planning for Communities Sustainability Facilitator, offers an overview of community sustainability mo

(Vanderhoof, Winter 2009) The learning Initiatives for Rural and Northern Communities (LIRN) initiative resulted in a successful event at the Saik’uz Potlatch House located on beautiful Nulki Lake.

Over 60 people from Vanderhoof and surrounding rural area including Saik’uz First Nation spent the evening of November 3, socializing, learning and sharing ideas. Mayor Gerry Thiessen and Councillor Dixon Alexis welcomed everyone to the event. Joan Chess from the Fraser Basin Council spoke about what is meant by Community Sustainability and how their Smart Planning for Communities program helps develop a Community Sustainability Plan.

Joan then invited everyone to enjoy a fabulous meal prepared by Derek Williamson of Cluculz Lake Catering. The dinner was made possible through the efforts of members of the Nechako Valley Food Network and funding was provided by BC Healthy Living Alliance. Members and family members of the Food Network along with the Katimavik Team played a critical part in this evening by providing help with set up, food prep, serving and clean-up.

Joan then re-convened the evening and we were asked to move in groups, World Café style around the room and spend 10 minutes at each table responding to questions that were designed to help stakeholders determine the level of commitment from the community with regard to developing and implementing a sustainability plan. The groups showed great enthusiasm in their contributions to the discussion. All the ideas that came forth were recorded and shared.

For more information about LIRN BC initiatives visit the BCRN website.