A national non-profit group has named the Storytellers’ Foundation in Hazelton one of the top change makers of 2013 in its annual list of groups who are making a difference in their communities.
Tides Canada is a charity that focuses on people and the environment.
Every year they look for organizations that align with their mission of supporting actions that foster a healthy environment and serve the community.
Program officer in the strategic grant making part of Tides Canada, Kim Hardy said the Storytellers’ Foundation demonstrates that by promoting community economic development through an integrated and collaborative approach.
“We are always looking to support projects that have a high impact in their local communities and Storytellers’ does that in a really unique and empowering and entrepreneurial way. That is what stands out for us. They are having a really transformational impact on the Gitxsan First Nation community, where their focus is.”
She said the Storytellers’ Foundation is leading the way in meeting the needs in the community. Tides Canada wants to share their story with other communities so they can take lessons from what Storytellers’ has done with the Gitxsan First Nation.
The Storytellers’ Foundation was established in 1994 in the Upper Skeena Region. The group provides workshops and seminars to educate the public about community economic development, food security and literacy.
“Being recognized for this award means a lot to us because one of our principles is that we can disagree and still live together as neighbours,” said Storytellers’ Foundation Executive Director of Operations, Beth DeMaio.