There have been many projects led by the Good Neighbours Committee in its 20+ year history. Many other smaller programs are listed in our blog, but here are some summaries of the larger projects of the GNC.
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The making of this book was a creative journey that led the community through a process of growth and understanding of place, people, and nature that make up the communities of Vanderhoof and Saik'uz in the Nechako Valley of British Columbia. Through this project, community collaboration, capacity and networking have been built around issues of immigration, settlement, multiculturalism, racism, workplace diversity, and building and sustaining welcoming and inclusive communities. Through community participation, individuals shared stories and images of the area and the way of life here, while at the same time providing the residents an opportunity to learn more about the place they live and the diversity of people that exist here.
The primary ojective of this project was to involve community in the process. From the first version of the book to its last revision, the insight from the community was used to guide the project. Over the course of one year, the book was presented to the community through focus group forums and group presentations. These presentations invited youth, First Nations, new immigrants from otside of Canada, and local long-time residents of Vanderhoof to be a part of the process. They shared their stories, images, and interpretation of diversity and what a welcoming and inclusive community means to them. Additionally, the many reviewers of this book added another level of involvement in the process. Each reviewer, having a different background and knowledge base, fine-tuned the book to this, its final version.