April 29, 2003 For Immediate Release

A unique look at Northern BC history will characterize the annual conference of the British Columbia Historical Federation, which will be held in Prince George from May 8-11 at UNBC's Prince George campus. The event will mark the first time in the Historical Federation's 81-year history that it has ever held its annual conference in Northern BC.

"With nearly 100 people expected to attend, this will be one of the largest northern history events in recent years," says UNBC Archivist Ramona Rose, who is helping to organize the conference. "Because the conference is being held in the North for the first time, we're highlighting the history of northern BC and research that is being undertaken by UNBC faculty and students."

Thursday, May 8, UNBC Conference Centre
Workshops on preserving historic photographs and marketing heritage institutions and historic sites. The opening reception will be that evening at CNC.

Friday, May 9, Prince George & Area Field Trips
Field trips to the Lheidli T'enneh cemetery and church; a downtown heritage walk and talk at the PG Public Library; a tour and talk at the PG Railway and Forestry Museum; and tour of the Upper Fraser sawmill communities east of Prince George.

Saturday, May 10, UNBC Conference Centre and Winter Garden
The annual general meeting of the BC Historical Federation will be held in the morning. The afternoon will feature research presentations throughout campus on such topics as the effect of mining on the environment during the Barkerville gold rush, popular attitudes to the Chinese in Prince George during the early 1900s, the history of the Cassiar asbestos mine, and genealogy research of the Carrier Sekani. There will also be a public book fair and displays from 10am-4pm in the Winter Garden.

That evening, a keynote presentation will be given by UNBC History professor Bill Morrison, one of Canada's most prominent northern historians.

Many of the conference activities are open to registered delegates only; interested residents can contact the Northern BC Archives at UNBC for more information on registration. Please register by May 2. The contact phone number is 960-6603.