People

Friendly folks and intrepid adventurers

The wild, untouched landscape of the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast inspires artists, coaxes the intrepid adventurer, and lures lovers of nature to the forests, shores and plains of this wondrous land.

Rick Hansen, Man in Motion

Between 1985 and 1987, Rick Hansen circled the globe in his wheelchair, raising $24 million dollars for spinal cord research on the way. Hansen grew up in Williams Lake and suffered an accident as a youth that caused a spinal cord injury, his Man in Motion tour covered 40,000 km, (24,901 mi) 34 countries and four continents. Today, he lives in Vancouver where he is president and CEO of the Rick Hansen Man in Motion Foundation, an organization that researches and raises money for spinal cord studies. More information on the foundation can be found at www.rickhansen.com

Silyas Saunders, a famed Elder carver

Nuxalk carver, Silyas Saunders began life as a fisherman and a logger, embarking upon his carving career as he approached 60. Today, people from all over the world arrive at Silyas’ Gallery at the Four Mile Reserve in Bella Coola to view his masks, some of which are in the traditional style, while others relate to ancient Nuxalk myths. Silyas is one of the last generation to speak the Nuxalk language and at 68 was the first international artist to be awarded the prestigious Native Artist Fellowship from the National Museum of the American Indian in New York City in 1999. His work can be viewed online at www.silyasgallery.com

The Bracewells, a true pioneer family

Jerry and Alf Bracewell are legendary Chilcotin figures. Their roots go back three generations; their homestead was first settled in 1918 and today the family owns 360-acres. Their real-life tales are as thrilling as any Hollywood script. Jerry, a guide for 50 years, can tell hair-raising wildlife stories, and interesting tales about Alf working on the Freedom Highway while raising a family in the wilderness. Bracewell’s Alpine Wilderness Adventures invite guests to experience their own adventure by reliving early days in the high alpine country, packing up a horse to fish and camp at far-flung lakes, or Nordic ski and snowmobile from a snow-draped lodge into silent backcountry. The Bracewells also offer packages designed for people with disabilities. Whatever adventure is embarked upon, Jerry will regale you with tales of life in the Chilcotin. More information can be found at www.bracewell.com

George Vanderwolf, gold panner extraordinaire

Hunched over a silt-filled pond, gold panners do a swivel motion with their hips. The wish is for gold among the gravel in the bottom of the pan. While this vision seems to belong to days long past, there is still gold to be found on the Bridge River according to George Vanderwolf, a Bridge River miner since 1953. Today, George leads seekers of the bright yellow metal on half-day excursions most often resulting in a small harvest of gold. Along with the excitement of finding the tiny nuggets, George will enthrall with stories of where he found a 1- ¼ ounce gem in Bridge Canyon and where, years ago, he and his father-in-law laboured by horseback to stake a successful jade claim. At Horseshoe Bend, he’ll tell the tale of how miners made millions here from 1908 to 1914. Most find a day with George golden in many ways.

Ma Murray, an icon in BC journalism

Politicians feared the blazing editorials while locals loved the homespun homilies of Ma Murray. She began publishing the Bridge River-Lillooet News in 1934 and her wit and forthright dealings with public figures earned her the respect of many. Ma Murray appeared on the television show, Front Page Challenge and in Time Magazine and could always be counted on for a peppery quote. Margaret Lally Murray was given the Order of Canada in 1972. She died in 1982 at the age of 94. Her newspaper office can be visited at the Lillooet Museum.