The New Pathways to Gold Society (NPTGS) is a vehicle to realize sustaining community legacies from the BC 2008 centenary activities, in terms of economic development, investment in heritage and continued reconciliation with First Nations. The society arose from the successful BC 2008 conference held in Lytton in February 2007 and is governed by a board representative of broad skill sets, inclusive of First Nations and regions from Hope to Barkerville.

The NPTGS is taking a leadership role in bringing together various disciplines and working actively with existing bodies such as the BC150 Secretariat, tourism associations, 2010 Legacies Now, Simon Fraser University and other community organizations to make 2008 a success. In partnership, we want to:

• Promote a grassroots reconciliation process between First Nations and communities based on a stronger understanding of our shared history.
• Encourage British Columbians to rediscover and explore BC’s unique history.
• Create heritage legacies that will generate new and sustaining tourism opportunities.
• Support initiatives throughout B.C., with a specific focus on the Hope to Barkerville corridor.

The NPTGS has already successfully staged the Canada Day in the Canyon celebration at Yale and the Fraser River War Symposium in Lytton, held Sept. 21-23, 2007. Both these successful events were staged in partnership with First Nations, local residents and businesses, and with generous assistance of corporate donors like CN and Telus.

The NPTGS wants to know what you are planning on doing for 2008. How can we help? What do you need to bring the story to life? We’ll work with our partners in the communities, government, universities and corporate sector to find the resources to help British Columbians and the world rediscover the Fraser and its people and make BC 2008 a success now and into the next 150 years. Please contact:

Don Hauka
Communications/Creative Director
Tel: 604-524-1884
Email: ddclauka@shaw.ca.

The NPTGS gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through BC150 Years, a Ministry of Tourism, Sport and the Arts initiative.

NPTGS Board of Directors

C. Chapman (First Nations Co-Chair & representing Tourism Marketing Organizations)
T. Raymond (Canyon, Co-Chair)
Chief D. Harris (Canyon, First Nations)
C. O'Connor (Thompson)
K. Dunstan (Thompson, First Nations)
E. Duckworth (Ashcroft)
Chief Dr. R. Ignace (Ashcroft, First Nations)
B. Rutherford (South Cariboo, Secretary)
R. Christopher (South Cariboo, First Nations)
I. Johnson (North Cariboo, First Nations)
R. Paull (North Cariboo)
L. Chow (Multicultural)