Building a sense of pride in our past is all part of A History of Forestry in Northern BC presentation that Chris Lear, Forest Education Manager, Northern Operations has been taking to elementary schools throughout northern BC. Dressed as a logger from the early 1930's, complete with double bit axe and crosscut saw, Chris has entertained and informed more than 2000 elementary students and their teachers in over 25 elementary schools from Quesnel to Granisle.

Through the use of rich archival photos, students and teachers are introduced to the beginnings of forestry as they learn about lumberjacks, skinners, teamsters, tie hackers, horse logging, broad axes, whipsaws and water flumes. The students witness the development of their towns as they follow how early pioneers used trees for everyday use and then developed the forest industry with the discovery of gold and the coming of the railways.

"Definitely a presentation to be had - informative and educationally fun especially since many students are loggers' kids. Suggest schools invite in 'old timers' to see the presentation."

Peter Roberts
Teacher,
Francois Lake Elementary