BC Hydro Crews Recognized for Power Restoration in Kitamaat Village

BC Hydro’s Melissa Prouse, Jeff Nelson, Lia Wallace and Dan Davies pose with mask presented to them by Haisla First Nation Chief Councillor Ellis Ross.

Haisla Nation recently presented BC Hydro employees with a mask to recognize the work that crews did to restore power to Kitamaat Village in February after an unprecedented snow fall caused extensive damage to the wires and poles that bring power to the community.

The mask was presented by Haisla Nation ChiefCouncillor Ellis Ross and created by Haisla member Garry Wilson.

Wilson, who currently lives in Vancouver, works professionally as a carver, drum-maker and painter. He apprenticed under his uncle Henry Robertson, and studied at the Emily Carr University of Art and Design.

In February, a blizzard buried the communities of Terrace, Kitimat and Kitamaat Village with nearly two metres of snow, leaving thousands without power. More than 200 BC Hydro customers in Kitamaat Village were without power for several days.

The snow storm caused extensive damage to the only distribution line delivering power to Kitamaat Village. Multiple spans of wire and numerous poles were brought down and had to be rebuilt.

The mask will be displayed in BC Hydro’s office in Terrace.