May 3, 2001 For Immediate Release

Efforts being undertaken by UNBC researchers to document the historical heart of the northern BC forest industry are including a series of open houses to gain information and review the research that has been conducted so far.

The Upper Fraser Historical Geography Project is documenting the historical, cultural, social, and economic geography of the communities along the Upper Fraser. Those communities include Giscome, Aleza Lake, Sinclair Mills, Penny, and Crescent Spur - all located along the Fraser River between Prince George and McBride.

Archive research, mapping, and oral histories will tell the story of the Upper Fraser region. To date, more than 75 interviews have been conducted with pioneers in the region and hundreds of photos have been collected.

"The roots of the northern BC forest industry can be traced to communities located along the Upper Fraser, and it's important that we properly document their histories," says UNBC History prof Aileen Espiritu, one of the researchers working on this project. "Their stories are similar to those of many other communities right across Canada - communities that developed around a resource industry. We're looking at how these communities changed over time, the impact of government policies, gender issues, the effects of industry consolidation, and the role of new technologies."

The open houses are open to those who would like more information about the research or those who have their own stories about the history of Upper Fraser communities:
Prince George, UNBC Winter Garden
Thursday, May 3, 7-10 pm
Friday, May 4, 10am-4:30pm
Saturday, May 5, 10am-4:30pm

Open houses will also be in Dunster (June 7-9), McBride (June 14-16), and Sinclair Mills (June 21-23).