(Hudson’s Hope BC) The second meeting to discuss the redesign the WAC Bennett Dam visitors centre was held on October 22nd and October 23th 2013 at the Peace Canyon Dam. The GMS Visitors Centre Upgrade- Aboriginal advisory committee was well attended by the BC Metis Federation and the Kelly Lake Metis Settlement Society to provide recommendations to BC Hydro representatives and the design team.
Currently, the preliminary concept drawings intertwines the interconnected history of the First Nations and Metis people whose lives were touched by the development of the WAC Bennett Dam, and the impacts upon generations of aboriginal people.

Earlene stated, “After the meeting I am reassured there is a greater understanding of who the Metis people are and the contributions and effects this project had on the lifestyle of the First Nations and Metis who lived in the Peace River country.”

WAC Bennett Dam receives annually in estimate 10,000 visitors a year, with a highest recorded volume when the spill gates are open of 100,000 visitors. Construction on the project is projected within the year with a grand re-opening in the spring of 2015. Earlene further stated, “The timeline to provide input to the redesign from the Metis community is within the next few months, It is very important that Historical photos and stories come forward to tell the true and accurate history of the Metis people in the Peace River Country.

BC Metis Federation is searching the Metis Community for your story and historical photographs; you can contact Earlene Bitterman @ e.bitterman@bcmetis.com
Media Inquiries:

Earlene Bitterman
Board Member
BC Métis Federation
#300-3665 Kingsway
Vancouver, BC V5R 5W2
Office 1 604-638-7220
Cell 1 (250) 783-4540

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