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Photo By: Constance R. Everitt |
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The Haisla People currently make their home across the bay from the city of Kitimat, which got it's start when the Aluminium Company of Canada (aka "Alcan Aluminium Company Ltd.) began construction of a huge aluminium smelter, and the accompaning townsite for the smelter workers, in the early 1950's. Here you will find many talented people who specialize in carving, jewellery making (gold & silver), Dreamcatchers, basket weaving, totem Poles, canoe building ( luckily the Young People are taking an interest in doing this also) and more. If you ever come here for holidays make sure you visit "The Village" for some great souvenirs. You will find the people here very friendly and easy to talk to. There are approximately 450 people living in our village not to mention the band members who live in town(kitimat) and Terrace as well as other places now in Canada and in the United States. |
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While isolation was a factor prior to the arrival of Alcan, a rail line opened by CN Rail in 1954, and a highway connection to Terrace in 1957, ensured that the residents would no longer be limited to the arrival and departures of seaplanes or boats. Today, goods arrive primarily by truck and barge, while scheduled airline service into Kitimat/Terrace Airport provides the connection for out-of-town visitors. Bus and passenger rail service is obtainable in Terrace (40 miles north) but no longer from Kitimat. Kitimat is a very rich multi-culture society for a town of approximately 11,500. Many of it's residents immigrated to Canada in the two decades following World War ll and at last count there were more than 48 different languages spoken in Kitimat, ranging from Haisla to Arabic to Vietnamese and Welsh to just mention a few. Kitimat celebrates its citizens rich cultural heritage each year during Multiculture Week in February and during the Canada Day festivities in July. The international nature of Kitimat's three largest industries strengthen the communities global outlook. Alcan's Kitimat Work's is the largest aluminium smelter in Canada, and the only one located west of the Rockies. About 90 percent of it's production is sold to markets located in the Pacific Rim. Eurocan Pulp and Paper Ltd. is Canada's largest exporter of unbleached packaging paper, while Methanex Corporation is the largest single consumer of natural gas in BC 570 million cubic meteres annually. This gas is used to produce ammonia and methanol, a fuel additive. Kitimat offers lots of interesting activities to do in and around Kitimat ranging from water slides located between Terrace and Kitimat at Lake Else Hot Springs. Freshwater/saltwater Golf, tennis, hiking, racketball/squash, volleyball and fishing on the Kitimat River (which draws tourists every year from all over the world every year.), basket ball, indoor swimming, Lazing on sandy beaches. bowling, Craft Fairs. In the winter we enjoy snow shoeing, cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, hockey in our two indoor arenas. One thing we ask is that people be aware of the Wild life in this area when they go out. Remember you will be in their territory. We have Grizzly's, Black Bears, maybe if your lucky you'll see a (Click) White Kermode Bear (To See One). We also have Fox, Couger and wolves. So be careful and remember enjoy yourself. We also have a new library located downtown with free internet access and our museum is also located downtown in here you will find out more of Kitimat and Kitamaat's rich history contained in artifacts and written works as well as in pictures. (note: The canoe located on the main floor of the museum was built by my Grandfather "Thomas Nyce" who lived in the Village. The canoe is called "The Little Blackfish", Granddad, had also built a racing canoe called "The Big Blackfish" which is still housed in the Village today.) |
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Please sign My guest book to let me know you were here, Thanks. If you want to get ahold of someone you haven't seen in awhile and still think they might be here leave a message for them. Maybe someone else might know them and forward the message. Last Updated: January 20, 1999 |
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