Learn about the
Northern Trails Hertiage Society
EXPLORE THE REMARKABLE!
The Northern Trails Heritage Society believes that understanding the paths that brought us to our present day civilization will set us on the right routes to future development for the best outcome for humanity.
Trails come in all forms in Northeastern BC. Among the heritage trails are the extensive river systems, horse-packing freight trails, native hunting trails, bush pilot routes, railways and logging roads. Modern trails are paved roads, walking paths, bike lanes, ski trails and hiking paths.
The Northern Trails Society aims to rediscover heritage trails, document trails that connect our history, and forge new trails in the pursuit of preserving the heritage of Northeastern BC.
Trails come in all forms.
Among the ancient trails are the extensive river systems, dinosaur paths, and animal migration trails.
Heritage trails include horse packing freight trails, native hunting trails, bush pilot routes, roads, railways and logging roads.
Adding to these are modern trails such as highways, walking paths, bike lanes, ski trails and hiking paths.
Becoming the Northern Trails Heritage Society
GAINING OFFICIAL CHARITABLE STATUS
- The Northern Trails Historical Society (established in 2007) had a similar mission to the Museum Gatherings. They aimed to reopen the historical trails used by the freight hauling horse pack trains that moved supplies north from Fort St. John.
- Gaining access to these historical routes which now cross private and Crown lands was increasingly frustrating and key members of the Society had moved out of the region which prompted the Northern Trails Society to disband their society.
- The Museum Gatherings was approached by the board members of the Northern Trails Historical Society to assume the society name and its charitable status.
- With approval from Registration of Companies BC and Revenue Canada the Northern Trails Heritage Society was established in 2016 acting under the business name of the Northern Trails Historical Society.
The Mission of the Society
- Northern Trails Heritage Society believes that understanding the paths that brought us to our present day civilization will set us on the right routes to future development for the best outcome for humanity.
- The Northern Trails Heritage Society aims to rediscover heritage trails, document trails that connect our history, and forge new trails in the pursuit of preserving the heritage of Northeastern BC.
Membership
- Members of the NTHS include individuals and representatives from heritage attractions and organizations in Chetwynd, Tumbler Ridge, Pouce Coupe, Dawson Creek, Hudson’s Hope, Fort St. John, Fort Nelson, Taylor, Charlie Lake Caves, and Bear Flats.
- Many communities are represented by both organizations and individuals.
- Membership fees are $10.00/year for individuals and $25.00/year for organizations or groups.
Benefits to Members
Meetings are held in each community which allows more local people to attend.
Each community is able to showcase their work and share their successes.
Summer students, interns, and new staff members become familiar with neighbouring museums and can direct visitors to the next community.
Members share their concerns and challenges and often receive good advice.
Challenges & Opportunities
A recurring theme at every meeting is the sense of cooperation and boost in enthusiasm and energy that members take back to their community.
Belonging to the NTHS enables the small museums to attend workshops and access resources that they would struggle to achieve on their own.
Members return to their communities and organizations with valuable insights and information that they share with others.
Results of Sharing Resource Information
Each meeting is a new opportunity for members to share knowledge and support one another.
At one of the early meetings, the representative from Pouce Coupe brought up a challenge that they were having with getting designated Visitor Centre signage within their community. Several other members had information to share about how they went about it in their own communities.
Pouce Coupe’s representative was happy to share this photo with the group and thanked everyone for their advice.
DON’T MISS THE
Be sure to get your hands on this amazing auto tour booklet to learn about some of the unique stops along your Journey. The Heritage Auto Tour is a must-see resource for anyone planning a Journey to the north.