Recent History – 2001-2003
Feb. 12, 2001
DAWSON CREEK — First Nations communities in northeastern British Columbia could soon be producing their own monthly newsletter if a study funded with $5,000 from the province shows it’s feasible.
Community Development, Cooperatives and Volunteers Minister Jenny Kwan announced the funding Friday. The money will go to the Dawson Creek Aboriginal Women’s Awareness Resource Society (DCAWARS).
“The study will show if it is possible to produce a monthly newspaper targeted at First Nations residents living in the vast area from Chetwynd to Dawson Creek, from Tumbler Ridge to Fort St. John,” Kwan said. “I am sure other First Nation communities will be watching this project with interest to see if the business plan shows potential for a newspaper that meets the needs of aboriginal people and their families.”
A project co-ordinator will determine if a self-sustaining publication is feasible and, if so, develop a business plan and design the layout. There will be a public meeting from 2 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 27, at the Nawican Friendship Centre in Dawson Creek to gather comments.
DCAWARS president Theresa Gladue said the newspaper would include news stories and features with an aboriginal focus. “We already have a lot of interest and support from aboriginal communities in the region. Our goal is to create a newspaper that provides a strong, positive influence for First Nations people, one that builds bridges between communities, bands, cultures and age groups.”
The money comes through the ministry’s community solutions program, which supports projects that create community benefits like jobs and training for marginalized residents, and grassroots projects that build new capital assets for disadvantaged people and communities.
Funding is provided to community-based, non-profit organizations and co-operatives and First Nations organizations across the province to develop projects that stabilize or create housing, training and employment, public space, art and cultural amenities, and that have social, economic and environmental benefits.