Sunday is a watershed day on the city's annual calendar.
The rippling waters that sustain our environment, inspire our souls and form the basis of our local culture - what with 10,000 years of food and trade also floating through the Fraser and Nechako watersheds - are the focus of civic attention. It is B.C. Rivers Day across the province, and in Prince George that means a full slate of activities.
The day's events begin at 10 a.m. with a gathering for all at the Bank of Gratitude (the park space on the Fraser River shore on the west end of the CN Rail bridge). The opening ceremonies include a performance by the Khast'an Dummers and speaking by Imani Miller and the Northern Warrior Women.
At 11 a.m., the Bank Of Gratitude then becomes the spot for two hours of free-will meditation and art making, with the passing river as a symbolic participant.
"The Bank of Gratitude is a time to personally connect with the river, share your gratitude, listen, and then give something back in creative expression," said co-organizer Helen Styles.
"Bring your own supplies for solo meditation time (cushion or blanket to sit on) and art-making. Or join us in a group meditation in the medicine wheel and then add your gratitude expression to the medicine wheel which will be left as a gratitude offering on the riverbank. The family Bank Of Gratitude will have children's water gratitude crafts and activities, including take-home ideas for honouring water."
Not far away, a short and picturesque walk down the city's trail system, more activities will be underway at Cottonwood Island Park. A free lunch of salmon and bannock will be on offer at the park's canoe launch area, with community information booths, crafts, and live music until
2:30 p.m. co-organized by the Aging With Attitude group.
From 2:30-3:30 p.m., just a bit farther west up the same groomed trail system on the Nechako River's shore, the Polar Coachmen will lead a fly fishing demonstration at the power-boat launch.
Farther up the trail, still an easy all-ages walk along the trail, the Spruce City Wildlife Association Fish Hatchery (1384 River Rd.) will be the site for tours, displays, children's art activities, storytelling, First Nations insights and other waterways knowledge.
The hatchery building will then be the site for the closing ceremonies between 5:30 to 6 p.m.
"Here in Prince George, we will be joining with millions of people in more than 60 countries participating in World Rivers Day, a celebration of the world's waterways," said Styles.
"PG Rivers Day 2016 aims to bring together community members in appreciating our local Rivers and salmon in a variety of ways," said a statement issued by Terri McClymont of the Recycling & Environmental Action Planning Society (REAPS) organization, another key organizational partner in the Rivers Day events for 2016.
"Art and music will be common threads throughout the day. PG Rivers Day 2016 is the first P.G. community project chosen for the Emily Carr Neighbourhood Time Exchange. Look for artists Rachel and Sarah Seburn who will be creating an interactive art piece during the day. This event will appeal to anyone who loves rivers and salmon."
For more information call REAPS at 250-561-7327 or email [email protected].
