Here we are, Gabe and myself and our two young kids on a research trip to snow-covered central BC. Prince George has little co-op presence, but Vanderhoof and Quesnel each have a significant number of co-operatives, given their size.

The pungent smell of the mills reminds us the area is heavily dependent on the forest industry, which is presently undergoing massive changes. Many mills are shutting down, and others are laying people off. Despite this, people in the region are looking for new ways of creating economic sustainability.

The co-op members we have been meeting with are trying to figure out new ways to secure the economic future of the area. Some co-ops aim to provide training and employment for the younger generation, while other co-ops have organised to make use of forestry industry byproducts.

The University of Northern BC seems a promising centre for co-op growth, with a growing interest in food distribution co-ops, health co-ops and other ventures into developing sustainable forestry practices.

There is potential here to explore co-operative organisation as part of an economic and social response to the challenges posed by the decline of the forest industry -- and there are many great people to work with in such a undertaking.

Lloy Wylie

Greetings from the Peace!

Nicole and I have been prancing around Dawson Creek and area for a few days now learning about the co-ops and committed co-operators of this region.

Our first stop was a Livestock Auction where we attempted to learn the ropes of the cattle business, accompanied by experienced ranchers. As we were trying to learn which breeds sold for the highest price, Nicole at one point asked how one could tell whether it was female or male. Our rancher replied with a twinkle in his eye, "Look between the legs."

Anyway, the co-op presence as we know it today in the Peace goes back to the European pioneering days dating to the 1890s. I had the privilege of speaking with people who had been involved with co-ops since the 1940s as well as 3rd generation co-operators.

This photo is of a mural in Dawson Creek celebrating the co-operative heritage of the area..

Laura Sjolie

(Nicole Chaland and Laura were in Dawson Creek area in a surprisingly warm mid-February)

It's hard not to get excited about co-op development as evidenced by the number and diversity of co-ops in the West Kootenay region. From what I have witnessed so far, there is a very definite co-op "movement" underway. The exciting part is that so many of these co-ops appear to organise around intentional community based value systems. Many of the co-ops I've spoken to position themselves in a larger conscious movement toward local social, environmental, and economic sustainability. It's evident that these co-ops intend to play a role in increasing the capacity of the community.

Besides conducting research, we've spent as much time as possible building relationships within the community. In collaboration with co-ops such as the Kootenay Co-op Radio we organised a community co-op celebration that brought co-ops together to meet informally in a fun setting. As a researcher I am always aware of my power and my location as an outsider to the community. I feel very grateful to all the people in this community are so willing to share their stories and donate their limited time to this research. I hope I can give back even a fraction of the benefit they have been to me.

Colleen Shepherd