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The 2007 Spirit of BC Summit brought more than 120 people from 80 Spirit of BC community committees to Vancouver for two days of inspiration, information and networking.
2010 Legacies Now and the BC 2008 Secretariat welcomed committees from across the province to celebrate their successes and share plans for the year ahead.
"It is our time to showcase the story of the people, our province and our past. It's an opportunity to retell the rich record of the place we call home," said Premier Gordon Campbell in his welcoming address. "It gives us an opportunity to experience the 'splendour without diminishment' that B.C. bears as its own, and to be inspired to continue building on the accomplishments and achievements that have made British Columbia truly the best place on Earth."
Premier Campbell along with Tourism, Sport and the Arts Minister Stan Hagen announced $1 million in funding to help Spirit of BC community committees stage BC 2008 celebrations to honour B.C.'s heritage, multiculturalism, Aboriginal peoples, arts and culture, and the unique nature of each community.
"2008 is an opportunity for us to proudly showcase our rich cultural diversity, First Nations heritage and our shared history as British Columbians," said Minister Hagen. "It's a chance for our children to hear the stories of elders about the building of our great province. It's a chance to reflect upon what it means to each of us to be British Columbians, to celebrate our many accomplishments and capture our imaginations as we continue to build a strong future for British Columbia."
The funding announcement was a terrific opportunity to get all of B.C. excited about 2008, said Karen Baker-McGrotty, vice-chair, New Westminster Spirit of BC Community Committee. "Our committee looks forward to working with local groups and those in other communities around the province as we join together in celebration to catch the spirit of BC 2008!"
