When I asked Anne Marie Sam – our candidate in Nechako Lakes – why she decided to run, she told me she’s been thinking a lot about her grandmother from the Nak’azdli First Nation.

Anne Marie glows when she talks about her 89-year old grandmother, a knowledge keeper who still makes moccasins and tans moose hides, and passes on traditional practices.

The opportunity to be elected to the Legislative Assembly in BC was not something available to Anne Marie’s grandmother.

“My grandmother attended residential school for part of her life. She used to have to ask permission to go on and off reserve.”

“She would have to give up her Indian Status if she wanted to vote in a Provincial or Federal election up until 1960,” said Sam.

“It’s a testament to her strength and her survival that this opportunity is available to me.”

Anne Marie was born and raised in Nak’azdli Territory and has been based in the Fort St. James area for most of her life. She says it was her family who encouraged her to learn and become the first woman among them with a university degree. And she’s familiar with political life, as a former school board trustee and current elected councilor with the Nak’azdli Nation.

Sam is also motivated by a deep commitment to northern and small communities, and her connection to the Dakelh traditions and culture.

“We’re so connected to forestry up here, and we have such a respect for the land.”

The BC NDP have announced a plan to revitalize the forestry sector and ensure more of the logs harvested in BC are processed here.

“Christy Clark has neglected our forest industries and our communities are struggling. My goals it to have a vibrant forest economy with good-paying jobs that last in communities like ours.”

Are you near Fort St. James? Get involved in Anne Marie Sam’s campaign.