Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Recently I received a letter from a group of students at the Acho Dene School in Fort Liard. They wrote to tell me that their school had been selected to participate in a student exchange trip and they were very excited about it.
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These students will be visiting the Heiltsuk First Nation community of Bella Bella. Bella Bella has
about 2,200 residents and is on Campbell Island in the central coast area of British Columbia.
I think that exchange trips give students a wider view of the world, so this should be quite an experience for them. This exchange is sponsored by the Society for Educational Visits and Exchanges in Canada, and also, I believe, by contributions from our government.
The Society for Educational Visits has brought more than 300,000 young Canadians together in forums, visits, and exchanges. The Society for Educational Visits promotes safe and fun activities where youth can get to know each other, learn by doing, and gain confidence to be leaders.
The students from Bella Bella will be visiting Fort Liard the week of March 22nd to March 28th and the
school is planning celebrations. I’m not too sure about the details, but they do plan to include a community feast and drum dance.
I’d like to thank Ms. Diane Nelson, the group coordinator, the Acho Dene School staff, and all the parents and community volunteers who will have made this exchange possible. I commend you all and good luck with the exchange.