Cutting a new ribbon at the old Emporium Restaurant is the perfect way to open a new trail that links ancient heritage routes dating back to the Gold Rush, say the trail creators.
The public is invited to the trail's grand opening on Wednesday, Aug. 17, starting at 3 p.m. at the restaurant located on Highway 97 at Soda Creek. The official name for the new trail will also be unveiled during the opening.
And afterwards, people can bike or walk the multi-purpose trail. Shuttles back to the restaurant will also be available.
“Our community is very excited for the grand opening of our trail,” said Miriam Schilling, Community Economic Development Co-ordinator for the Soda Creek Indian Band and Xatśūll Heritage Village.
“The crew has been working hard and is very proud of the work that has been completed.”
This project in the traditional territory of the Secwepemc People is a partnership between the Xat’sull First Nation, New Pathways to Gold Society (NPTGS) and the Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT).
NPTGS is contributing $30,000 towards the project while NDIT is providing matching funds.
“It’s exciting to see another project complete,” said NPTGS Co-chair Terry Raymond. “This trail is an example of how we can work together in partnership with First Nations and corridor communities to preserve and celebrate ancient historic trails in British Columbia.”
The multi-purpose trail links historic Gold Rush trails around Deep Creek and Soda Creek (Xat’sull).
For more information, please contact Miriam Schilling at 250-989-2311.
The Xat'sull First Nation is member of the Great Secwepemc Nation. Xatśūll Heritage Village is located 35 km north of Williams Lake and offers visitors an opportunity to experience the spiritual, cultural and traditional First Nations way of life in an inclusive learning atmosphere.
NPTGS is a non-profit, non-partisan organization working with communities along the Gold Rush/Spirit Trails corridor.
The society is dedicated to heritage tourism, First Nations reconciliation and economic development.
Information is available at www.newpathwaystogold.ca.
NPTGS gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.