Many people helped to open the new library in Bella Bella.
Photo: Courtesy Government House
Adapted from The Vancouver Sun
Level 3
Many First Nations people live far away from cities. They do not have high speed Internet or libraries. First Nations people need the Internet and books to help them learn.
Volunteers build new libraries.
The Write to Read Project builds new libraries in First Nations communities.
The libraries have books and high speed Internet. The buildings, books and computers are donated. Many organizations, businesses and people help:
- The Lt. Governor of British Columbia and the Government House Foundation
- Rotary Clubs of District 5040
- First Nations of British Columbia
- Socially responsible businesses in British Columbia
- Non-profit societies with an interest in literacy
- The general public
The project helps First Nations people gain literacy skills.
People gather in these new libraries to learn. The skills they learn make new opportunities possible.
They are working to create jobs for aboriginal people. They want to improve the economy.
Nine communities in BC have Write to Read Projects.
The libraries are places for people to gather and learn.
Photo: Courtesy Government House
Bob Blacker, left, and former Lt.-Gov. Steven Point with a native elder at a library opening.
Photo: Michael McCarthy / PNG
Bob Blacker and Steve Point started the project.
Bob Blacker is with the Rotary Club.
Steve Point was the first aboriginal Lieutenant-Governor of BC.
