A Tla-o-qui-aht man has completed a trail building program delivered by Parks Canada.
The skills Cory Charlie acquired during the three weeks of training will be used to build boardwalks and staircases on important and delicate pathways through the giant cedars on Meares Island.
According to Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, the trail building workshop is offered every year in partnership with First Nations.
This year there were seven local First Nations involved, with 20 taking part in the course which started Feb. 23 and ran until March 12.
“…with many job opportunities within Parks Canada, this kind of workshop helps First Nations members pursue job opportunities and develop their own economic opportunities through tourism,” said Laura Judson,
public relations and communications officer .
Other Nuu-chah-nulth Nations involved in the training were Yuu-thlu-ilth-aht First Nation, Toquaht Nation, Uchucklesaht Tribe, Huu-ay-aht First Nations, Ditidaht First Nation and Pacheedaht First Nation.
According to Charlie the training involved decommissioning old structures on Willowbrae trail at Halfmoon Bay. That included about 80 metres of old boardwalk and a massive staircase.
The students went on to rebuild boardwalks and a steep, multi-tier staircase.
Charlie said he learned valuable skills about constructing boardwalks and stairs to code. These skills will enable him and his co-workers to build better trails at Big Tree and Lone Cone in Tla-o-qui-aht’s Tribal Park.
“It was a good group of people and the training course was insightful,” said Charlie.
Parks Canada also appreciates the many strengths First Nations people bring to trail building, including great insight into the cultural history of this area and a shared commitment to protecting the land.
