B.C.’s Lieutenant-Governor, Judith Guichon, visited area residents in the Village of Chase on Monday, Jan. 28.
Following a tour with Chase Mayor Ron Anderson, the lieutenant-governor attended a reception at the Chase Community Hall, where she spoke briefly to a small audience before mingling and posing for photographs.
Outlining her responsibilities as the newest representative of the Crown in B.C., Guichon received a few laughs from those gathered when describing how to give royal assent to laws – a subtle nod of the head.
Throughout her speech she stressed the importance of small communities and their relationships to large urban centres.
She also gave an overview of the priorities she intends to focus on.
“My main goal is to travel to every single corner of this province and meet as many people as I can,” she said. “Particularly those involved in resource industries such as agriculture, mining and forestry.”
A long-time rancher – her granddaughter is now the sixth generation of her family working a 700-head cattle operation in the Nicola Valley – environmental stewardship has long been a part of her life.
“It’s very important to me that our agriculture, our logging, our mining and everything we do is sustainable,” she said.
Other priorities include working with various groups on leadership, music and the arts and literacy.
Neskonlith Chief Judy Wilson, Adams Lake Chief Nelson Leon, Adams Lake Coun. Henry Anthony, and Neskonlith Coun. Randy Sam also welcomed the lieutenant-governor, congratulated her on her appointment and spoke to those present.
Wilson, on behalf of the Secwepemc Nation, presented the lieutenant-governor with a hand-painted, birch- bark basket made by elder Harold Thomas.
“I was impressed with what you had to say about your tenure and we look forward to building a strong, positive relationship for all of us,” said Wilson, adding the basket serves as a reminder of the caretakers of the land.
Leon said he hoped the lieutenant-governor would use her new position to rekindle the relationship between aboriginal people and Canada.
“Take a look at building and recognizing the Crown relationship with the aboriginal people of B.C.,” said Leon. “I look forward to seeing if you take up that cause, that initiative.
“We’re all here to stay, we’re working toward the common good of our communities, our children and our elders.”
