"Digging Deeper" Themed Indigenous Workforce Development Discussion Panel
This past Sunday marked a significant milestone for both the Gitxsan Development Corporation and the broader conversation on sustainable community development. Our COO, Chaz Ware, took the stage at the "Digging Deeper" themed Indigenous Workforce Development Discussion Panel by ERM. Chaz’s presentation delved into the innovative strategies to transition Indigenous community members from jobs to rewarding careers. His insights provided a profound look at the importance of a holistic approach that respects cultural values, emphasizes education and skill development, and fosters strong partnerships for sustainable success.
We extend our deepest appreciation to the event organizers and attendees for this opportunity to contribute to such a significant dialogue. Together, we are shaping a future that honors tradition while embracing innovation.
Employee Photo Contest Winners Part 2
We’re excited to announce the winners of the second GDC Employee Photo Contest! We requested photos in two categories: Best Individual Photo and Best Group Photo. We received several great submissions and after some deliberation have chosen the top 2. Congratulation to our winners!
Best Group Photo
Arlene M - GSS Teamwork
Best Individual Photo
Vidya P - GES
Corey Hirsch on Mental Health and Hockey
GDC in partnership with ICBA hosted a community luncheon featuring Corey Hirsch for a talk about mental health and hockey at the Upper Skeena Recreation Centre yesterday. Corey is a retired goaltender from the NHL who played for the New York Rangers and Vancouver Canucks. He also won an Olympic silver medal as part of Team Canada.
Corey Hirsch talks about mental health while he was an NHL goaltender.
Unbeknownst to the public and even teammates, friends and family, Corey suffered internally from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). It caused him to spiral into dark thoughts that he knew weren’t correct, but still would be screaming at him continuously. Often, the only reprieve was his time on ice. No one knew of his internal struggles. His OCD wasn’t physical like a broken leg. It also wasn’t a type of OCD where a person would notice him handwashing constantly. Instead, he would have uncontrollable thoughts for weeks and frequently months at a time causing him to have severe anxiety, panic attacks and depression.
In the locker room of the Rangers and the Canucks, Corey did his best to hide his struggles. He cared about everything at heightened levels, but the thoughts driven by his OCD would keep tearing him down relentlessly. He would skip meals, not sleep and have difficulty paying attention. This resulted in him losing weight, being late and not joining his teammates out. He even skipped the Stanley Cup parade when he won it with the Rangers. Corey felt insecure that his teammates would think he didn’t care when in reality he cared deeply about being a part of his team. It just took all his energy to function through a day. He was scared if he spoke up about what he was going through, it would end his NHL career.
Unmasking Mental Illness Video
After many years of this, Corey drove straight towards a cliff at high speed intending to end his life. Fortunately, he hit the brakes in time. His OCD persisted, but he did not give up. It would take more years to get diagnosed properly with pure OCD. Then, two decades more to find the right doctor to truly help him significantly. He will always have OCD, but he now has the tools to live a happier and more peaceful life through therapy and medication.
Corey’s struggles are deeply personal and yet, he chooses to share his story with an openness and honesty with communities all over North America. His goal is to share hope for people suffering and to encourage them to tell someone “I need help.”
Tears were shed, kindness was felt and our Gitxsan and local community came together. Mental health and especially suicide is not something easy to talk about, but so many of us have felt its effects directly or through people we love. We, at GDC, share Corey’s message of hope. If you or someone you know is struggling, here are places you can get help:
Gitanmaax Health and Wellness Centre
Tel: 250-842-6320, ext 252
robertryan@gitanmaaxhealth.ca
Hazelton Community Services
Tel: 250-842-5355
2610 Hwy 62, Hazelton, BC V0J 1Y0
If you would like to learn more about Corey’s story, you can read his book The Save of My Life.
Kickoff to Winter GSS Safety Meeting
Last week, GSS team members gathered for a Winter Safety Meeting at our South Hazelton office with the goal of reviewing and updating our safety policies and procedures. Our field staff included a mixture of Security, Medics, TCP’s (Flaggers), Shuttle Drivers and office support staff. The meeting was led by Jennifer Jenner, GSS Operations Manager, with contributions from Kelsey Harmse, GDC CAO, and Chaz Ware, GDC COO.
The day included interactive presentations, talking about daily routines, and how safety could be improved. Many of our staff shared suggestions and lessons learned from the past year. Our Fleet Coordinator, Brody Jack, reviewed the procedure for how and when to chain up tires for winter conditions. The day concluded with workers receiving new truck kits and gripons.
Safety is one of our key values for all of GDC. This includes continually working on to improve worker safety, equipment safety, and safety systems. Thanks to all participants who joined us at the meeting.
GSS staff listening to Walter J talk about safety tips he has learned as a TCP.
National Truth and Reconciliation Day 2023
GDC recognizes the importance of National Truth and Reconciliation Day. It’s a day of important reflection on the history and legacy of residential schools and the intergenerational trauma it caused for indigenous people across Canada. Several of our team members were out to show their support wearing orange shirts to stand in solidarity. Here are some of our photos.
Photos are from Sylvan Lake, AB (courtesy of Wallace M) and Vancouver, BC (courtesy of Emily H).
Employee Photo Contest Winners
We’re excited to announce the winners of the first ever GDC Employee Photo Contest. We received 11 submissions totaling 38 photos. There are five category winners and one overall winner. Any categories not mentioned had no submissions.
The first three winners are actually featured in their photos. Vidya P won for Best Environmental Technician photo, Walter J won for Best TCP (traffic control person) photo and Neil J won for Best Medic photo.
Best Environmental Technician Photo (by Vidya P)
Best Traffic Control Person Photo (by Walter J)
Best Medic Photo (by Neil J)
The winner for the Best Vehicle Photo Featuring the GDC Logo is from Jazz P who got part of the pipeline under construction in the background of his medic truck.
Best Vehicle Photo (by Jazz P)
Here are some honorable mentions from the vehicle category which you’ll notice are all from Jazz P who smartly entered several photos giving him a higher chance of winning!
by Jazz P
by Jazz P
By far the most competitive category with 25 photos received was the Best Scenic Nature Photo. The winner is Tristan H.
Best Scenic Nature Photo (by Tristan H)
Here are some honourable mentions which include photos from Samantha P (rainbow road), Tom M (lightning strike), Jazz P (beaver), Jessica D (sun over waterway), and Jazz P (sunbeam).
The overall best photo winner went to Shelley B for her artistic photo capturing a GDC truck with an amazing sunset in the background. The judges liked her unique composition and warm colours.
Best Overall Photo (by Shelley B)
We plan to have more Employee Photo Contests, so to all our staff, keep taking pictures. It could win you a prize.
Thanks to all the people who participated in our photo contest!
Welcome to the GDC Blog
Sharing with the Community
Welcome to the official blog of the Gitxsan Development Corporation (GDC). Whether you're a member of the Gitxsan Nation, a potential investor, a curious observer, or simply someone passionate about Indigenous-led economic development, this blog is your window into our mission, progress, and the stories that shape our corporation.
Our mission is to empower the Gitxsan people through sustainable economic initiatives that not only benefit our community but also foster positive relationships with partners and stakeholders.
With a commitment to the principles of transparency, accountability, and community-driven decision-making, GDC is dedicated to pursuing opportunities that uphold the Gitxsan way of life while contributing to the well-being of our people and the broader region.
Our blog will serve as a platform for sharing our journey, insights, and achievements. Here's what you can expect:
Success Stories: We'll highlight the projects and initiatives that have made a positive impact on our community, from renewable energy ventures to cultural tourism endeavors.
Community Spotlight: Get to know the individuals, businesses, and organizations that work closely with GDC to create opportunities and build a stronger Gitxsan Nation.
Cultural Heritage: Explore the rich cultural heritage of the Gitxsan people, from traditional stories to art forms, and how it informs our development initiatives.
Events and Updates: Stay up-to-date with GDC's participation in events, conferences, and community activities.
Our blog isn't just about showcasing our achievements; it's about sharing our values and principles. We believe that open communication is the foundation of trust, and by sharing our experiences, challenges, and successes, we hope to inspire others on their own journeys toward sustainable development.