This year’s Cowboy Heritage Week (CHW) falls March 8-15. This annual event is a time for British Columbians to recognize and acknowledge the contributions of cowboys and the importance of the ranching industry as part of our economic, social and cultural heritage.
Cowboys have had an important role in B.C. for two centuries. Communities in the Fraser-Nicola, Boundary-Similkameen, and in the Cariboo-Chilcotin were founded by cowboys. Raising and herding cattle, providing a secure food source, and preserving the natural environment were some of the jobs cowboys historically have carried out.
Cowboy heritage is a story that needs to be told because it both highlights our cultural history and remains a critical part of our province today. Further, cowboys all over the province continue to act as stewards of our lands and care for livestock by encouraging richer encounters between cowboy enthusiasts worldwide.
The B.C. Cowboy Heritage Society has been working since 1996 to preserve cowboy and ranching cultures through events such as the Kamloops Cowboy Festival and awards such as the Cowboy Hall of Fame. Scholarships are awarded to young graduates who wish to pursue careers in agriculture. Every year dedicated ranchers and longtime cowboys from the Cariboo-Chilcotin and Thompson-Nicola regions are inducted into the Williams Lake Cowboy Hall of Fame.
CHW not only recognizes the importance of cowboy history and celebrates our western heritage throughout the province but is an opportunity to share western music, cowboy poetry and showcase B.C.’s cowboy artists and artisans.
I extend thanks to the many individuals, organizations, and volunteers who promote cowboy culture and heritage, including those who contribute to the BC Cowboy Heritage Society such as Mark and Kathy McMillian who work tirelessly to organize the annual 100 Mile House Cowboy Concert and the KCF.
Information on the BCCHOF, the KCF, and/or the BCCHS can be found at www.bcchs.com or by phoning 1-888-763-2221.
Donna Barnett is the Liberal MLA for Cariboo-Chilcotin.