An illustrious British Columbian will now forever be intrinsically linked with the region's celebrated heritage site Barkerville.
Iona Campagnolo, former B.C. lieutenant-governor, is the historic town's inaugural honourary patron, announced Barkerville Heritage Trust chair Sue Morhun yesterday.
"As an iconic champion of the North, and with an unwavering commitment to excellence, Iona will help advance Barkerville with its not small dreams, at a time when we are creating a vibrant and sustainable future," said Morhun.
Campagnolo, the first woman to be named the province's lieutenant-governor, is a lifelong supporter of B.C.'s heritage.
"In all our diversity of backgrounds, complicated beginnings and bright promises for tomorrow, B.C. remains unique in Canada," said Campagnolo. "Sustaining that special trust demanded by our shared past is what Barkerville is all about.
"It is a joy to be associated with a living, breathing evocation of who we were 150 years ago and how we came to be who we are today."
Barkerville Historic Town, the largest and most significant living history museum in western North America, was the undisputed centre of the Cariboo Gold Rush.
A designated provincial heritage site, Barkerville has three national historic site of Canada designations.
"We are genuinely thrilled that Iona is adding another by joining us at this significant time in Barkerville's history - its 150th anniversary in 2012," said Morhun.
"As an influential and respected Canadian, Iona is a woman of many roles and, among them, many firsts."
Barkerville is the anchor tourism destination in central and northern B.C., drawing on average 66,000 visitors per season and creating an annual economic impact of $16.9 million.
"We are charged with keeping faith with all those individuals who helped to create and build the rich legacy that we and future generations inherit," said Campagnolo.
The site is owned by the Province of British Columbia and managed on their behalf by the Barkerville Heritage Trust, a non-profit society and registered charity.
