Aboriginal tourism and artisan centre suffer cutbacks
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Updated: September 22, 2009 4:18 PM
The Sto:lo Tourism Commission and Sto:lo Artisan Centre have gone under due to budget cuts.
Paula Cranmer-Underhill, founder of both agencies, announced last week she'd received a termination notice from the Sto:lo Community Futures Development Corporation.
"I have taken great satisfaction in the work we have all achieved working together to build these fine community organizations," she wrote in a letter sent out to the community.
"I am thankful for all the people I have had the benefit to work with, who through our work and sharing, have assisted me to further develop the skills and knowledge that I walk with today, and am grateful I was able to contribute where I could."
Cranmer-Underhill was terminated due to "financial constraints" suffered by Sto:lo Community Futures, according to her letter. Her last day of work will be on Sept. 24.
But she pledged to still be around to help with the Aboriginal Tourism Trailblazers Business Development Program info session on Sept. 30.
She also plans to continue to coordinate an independent as-yet-to-be-formed Artisan Co-op, which has passed an initial screening process. But the art work has to be removed shortly from the former artisan centre.
"I will be contacting all of the 65 artisans to pick up their works over the next two weeks," she said.
She has also resigned from several positions including her position on Tourism Chilliwack, Aboriginal Business Service Network, Xá:ytem Resource Development and Spirit of B.C. But she was asked to remain on the 2010 Torch Relay committee.
"I look forward to the path that has been set down for me, as determined by our Creator, and move forward with an anticipation and excitement for what the future will bring," she concluded.
jfeinberg@theprogress.com
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