Skeena Economy Christmas Countdown

Let's Talk About S.E.X Baby!

Skeena Economy Xmas (Christmas)

A 24 day Countdown of gift giving from the Skeena!

Did you know we have secret superheroes in our watershed?

This holiday season SWCC is offering gifts of adventure, innovation, beauty and a sense of Skeena pride in a 24 day countdown of inspiring gift ideas from our secret Skeena Superheroes.

All our superhero businesses featured in the 24 days of the Skeena Economy Xmas are people who have contributed to SWCC and/or supported conservation in our watershed. So this season we decided to offer our heartfelt thanks to them.

This Christmas purchase gifts that are more sustainable, environmentally sound and watershed friendly.

What does this have to with me?
We're glad you asked!

Make sure you are a Facebook Fan to receive the countdown notifications everyday for 24 days.
Buy a gift knowing your gift purchase is supporting your local neighbour, going to a worthy cause and helping to sustain a healthy environment.
Encourage your friends to do the same, spread the word and like the events each day so others can feel the love.

Love the SWCC crew.

Before you start - know what the symbols mean:

Handmade right here in the Skeena

1% of the entire annual revenue from this business gets donated to SWCC through the 1% for the planet program.

Day 1: Art & Antler - Profiling: "Heart of the Headwaters" print

The coolest shop in the north! Visit this shop in Hazelton. Hours of Operation: Tuesday to Saturday 10:30am - 5:30pm and Sundays 12-4pm
There is a whole bunch of eclectic and unique northern art work. Has to be seen to be believed!

Art + Antler owner and artist, Leah Pipe, was so inspired by the victory in the Sacred Headwaters that she couldn't help herself and her creative genius went to work. "I didn't know what it was going to be when I started," said Leah, "it sort of created itself." Leah spoke her inspiration for this piece, she said it came from all the amazing women behind the victory in the Sacred Headwaters and those who continue to fight for the protection of the birthplace of our wild salmon watersheds. There are so many elements of the Sacred Headwaters in this piece. The raven seems to be the manifestation of the legendary "Raven who created the world," a legend in several First Nations, or in the story of "Raven Brings the Light," the title of the recent best-selling book by Roy Henry Vickers. "I think this is a career piece," said Leah, "it's a piece I'm really proud of."

This Christmas, you can give the gift of the story of the Sacred Headwaters with this amazing piece of art. $250 for the large unframed print - ALL sales go to SWCC!!

Go check them out at Art & Antler Facebook Page.

Day 2: Bear Mountaineering & the Burnie Glacier Chalet

An amazing backcountry experience. The introduction course entails instruction from ACMG guides and CAA instructors and complete instruction for solid grounding in glacier and backcountry travel. The bonus; fabulous heli flight over the Telkwas into the Howsons, great food, accommodation with comfortable beds and a whole lot of awesome skiing!
Not looking for an intro course and big alpine and glaciated terrain doesnt appeal to you? There are plenty of comfortable gladed ski run's too. Something for everyone. What a great gift to experience.
(You also hang out 30 km upstream from one of the proposed pipeline routes and see through what kind of country they are going)

Day 3: Craft Fairs Around the Region

Take some time and get around to the diverse range of Craft Fairs this month. Great gift opporunities that are hand made and made in the Skeena:

Smithers - One of a Kind Artisan Christmas Gift Shop at Smithers Art Gallery. 30+ local and regional artisan's work and handmade gifts. December 3-21: Tues-Fri 12-5pm, Sat 10a-5pm.

Smithers - Join Alana Wadley, Sam Combs and countless other crafting geniuses who will be at the Smithers Craft Fair at the Smithers Secondary School. December 6 (6-9pm) and 7 (9am-3pm).

Hazelton - Gitanmaax Hall: December 6, 2013 all day, Christmas Bizaaar. Booths from food to traditional art work to bath salts, beads, books on history of Hazeltons.

Terrace - Terrace Art Gallery & Gift Shop, Annual Arts and Crafts showcase, Fri Dec 6th 5-9pm, Sat 7th 10am - 4pm.

Day 4: Roy Henry Vickers

Roy HenryVickers was born on the Nass River but raised in Kitkatla, Hazelton. He is one of Canada’s most celebrated artists and his artwork can be found around the world. "Salmon are honoured and celebrated by all coastal peoples; the fish serves as a powerful symbol of regeneration, self-sacrifice and perseverance". He is also an accomplished carver, design advisor of prestigious public spaces, a sought-after keynote speaker, and publisher and author of several successful books.

We are blessed to be hosting Vicker's art show here in Hazelton this month at Misty Rivers Gallery @ the River Boat, Old Hazelton 250 842 0096. In fact, Roy will be signing and meeting with the public on December 8th 12-4pm.

If you can't make it down to the River Boat you can purchase gifts online from with his amazing collection of artwork including prints, 2014 calendar and many books including his new book 'Raven Brings the Light':

Raven Brings the Light Roy Henry Vickers 2014 Calendar

Go visit his website to view the full collection of his brilliant work.

Day 5: Mercedes Beans Model Teas

Experience the amazing Sacred Headwaters Blend of coffee, from our very own on-site coffee roasting connection. Proceeds of the Sacred Headwaters blend go directly to SWCC.
Mercedes Beans coffee not only tastes better, it is also easier on our digestive and nervous systems due to less acid then most beans. They choose coffee that is grown 3,000+ vertical feet. Research has proven plants grown at such elevations hold fewer acidic and caffeine properties. Mercedes Beans also specialize in Fair Trade, Arabica coffee beans.
A great gift for coffee lovers.
Check out all their details online.

Day 6: Todd Stockner

"A passion for the material is one of my prime drivers in creating wood furniture" says Todd' stockner. His artistry consists of intricately designed furniture, fine woodwork, cabinetry and millwork. Try and get bored picking this gift out for a loved one. Check out the beautiful workmanship on his facebook page.

Day 7: Skeena Valley Expeditions

Our guide outfitter for the YOW & WOW programs. SVE are committed to the preservation of wilderness habitats and leave the environments they visit unspoiled for a future generation of explorers. Enjoy a day of backcountry skiing in some amazing wilderness with people who care. Or take a family float trip down the river in summer and share it with the Pacific Salmon runs, which in turn attract the grizzly bears and bald eagles, wolf, moose, wolverine, and lynx. A great outdoor experience with Skeena Valley Expeditions no matter what time of year you choose to share it with them.

Day 8: Net Zero Structures Ltd

Cost Effective. Healthy. The Right Thing to do! Is the motto of our next local Superhero.
Not only environmentally beneficial, but in the long term fantastic benefits to your wallet. "Net Zero use of materials made from rapidly renewable resources, better indoor air quality and temperature control and available tax credits & environmental certifications for the builder and homeowners". The Net Zero homes even have greater resistance to earthquake damage, snow and wind loads. On average they are built up to 55 percent faster in the construction time. It's a pretty simple choice if you are planning on building or renovating. Give your partner the gift of a super efficient house plan with so many environmental benefits! Go on, take a peek, you know you want to, a simple click to Net Zero Structures' website or facebook page. Feel free to give them a call on 250 877 8678.

Day 9: Two Sisters Cafe

The fantastic food is locally sourced and they use organic ingredients as much as possible. Specialty coffees, delicious desserts and great food and sometime live entertainment! They cater weddings, reunions, boardroom meetings, birthday parties and more. A great place for a Christmas coffee with a friend. Grab a gift certificate or take your staff for a Christmas party, weekends are sold out until Christmas, but week nights are available.

Day 10: Skeena Bookstores

We are inherently wealthy in read's from local writers. We have outlined just some of the great books that are available in our local bookstores and online. Grab a cuppa, stay warm and read up a mountain full of interesting, educational and informative books.

Between Dusk and Night by Emily Mcgiffin, features poems about reconciling environmental and social issues and the cover photo is our very own Brian Huntington's shot. Emily is one of Canada's leading poets, a Canadian literary award winner as well as an SWCC staffer!!

Moose Book by Penny Louie, Kaska/Tahltan artist, explains step-by-step how to prepare a hide for tanning. Louie shares her knowledge about preparing moose hides and sewing skins so that the art of tanning skins the old traditional way will continue for future generations.

The Sacred Headwaters, Wade Davis The fight to save the Skeena, Stikine and Nass rivers. A book portraying the rugged and wild lands while Wade Davis provides compelling text of the region's beauty and the threat the large corporate industry is playing in fossil fuel development proposals.

The Salmon Recipes: It's such a special book that has brought a diverse group of people together along the North Coast to protect an environment that is so highly valued. Not just a deliciously visual salmon recipe book, but it also has so much love and authenticity behind the cultural lives of those that live from the land. Recipes from grandmothers who are passing on "our culture, our cuisine and our way of life down to our children.…..the best recipe we have for stopping a coalition of government and big oil interests with plans for destroying our land". This one can be found online at Prince Rupert Environmental Society.

Check out these stores for the assigned books:

Mountain Eagle Books:
Lose yourself in the delicious food as you browse the large array of used books and some great new ones! Also a great place to pick up tickets for local shows around town, another great gift idea!

Prince Rupert Rainforest Bookstore
Enjoy a cuppa while you browse the selection of great reads and local art. Or if you can't make it to the store you can utilize their online store.

Misty River Books - Terrace
Shop online or browse the store for the selection of good books.

Day 11: Rachelle Van Zanten

Voice of the Skeena, Rachelle has inspired communities with her voice to help raise awareness about the region and the battles they’re facing with the corporate energy industries.

"And I cannot forget Mother Earth. She constantly moves me, shakes me, rolls me, and enlightens me with her surprises." Rachelle van Zanten
If you Request "I Fight For Life" on radio or purchase the track online, Rachelle will donate all royalties to Skeena Watershed Conservation Coalition Kids Camps.

You can purchase Oh Mother online. Or check out more albums and items on her website.

Day 12 Boat's Soup & Juice

Experience home made and seasonal food on the banks of the Skeena River. Catering dates are still available for Christmas parties. Roy Henry Vickers prints, calendars and books for sale in the Misty River Gallery in December and early January. You can contact the staff on 842-0096.

Day 13: Spatsizi Wilderness Adventures

A remote fly-in lodge for pristine fly fishing, hiking, horseback riding, bird watching and river floats. A gift that would never be forgotten. Extra bonus, you get Dr Wade Davis hosting this adventure! The Collingwood's have donated numerous trips to local organizations and abroad to further the study of wildlife and protect and enhance key habitats around the world. They really take protecting the environment seriously, the lodge is on a complete solar power/ inverter system reducing the use of fossil fuel. Their garbage is composted, recycled and flown out of the Park. Come and spend some time in this amazing untouched wilderness.
Keep in touch on the Spatsizi Wilderness Facebook page.
Take a peek at the video, it will tease you to book a trip.

DAY 14 Dawn 2 Dusk

Two Dudes, one BIG philosophy! North Americas First and ONLY fully solar powered gear store. Dawn 2 Dusk strive to carry the independent brands that have the best environmental initiatives and give those options to the conscious consumer. These guys are constantly figuring out ways to improve our ecological footprint by making the best possible choices in their store for YOU. They only carry brands that share their philosophy, and use the best current environmental practices.
Featured brands include:
Niche snowboarding: Industry Eco Award for Sustainable innovation and Eco responsibility.
Picture Organic: Outerwear made from 100% recycled or upcycled product, they even produce the world first fully Recyclable snowjacket and snowpants.
10 tree clothing: They plant 10 trees for every item sold.
Dawn 2 Dusk carry the LARGEST selection of Skis and snowboards made in Canada and the USA here in BC
You can visit their store or shop online. Feel good about the consumer choice you make with these guys.
Follow them on their very active Facebook page.

Day 15: Bear Claw Lodge

The kids may never want to come back inside!
They get taught swift water safety, various boating skills, saving trapped salmon fry, making bread and jams, identifying tracks and planting trees. The kid's also get to spend enough time with friendly horses enabling them to become comfortable and confident around them. Plenty of instructors and guest speakers to share some wisdom and great knowledge with your kids. The parents have the option to stay in the luxury of the gorgeous lodge and partake in their own activities so you aren't too far away from you children. Check out who the Bear Claw family of wisdom are and find out full details online.

Day 16: Tyler Meers Photography

Beautiful photography makes an artistic statement in any room, and if you're looking for a unique gift, Tyler Meers Photography offers a variety of striking subjects, from still life and landscapes to wildlife and people. He documents life on the coast and looks to capture moments in time that resonate long afterward.
Find Tyler’s framed archival prints, art cards and gallery-wrapped canvas at The Argosy Gallery & Studio (985 3rd Ave West, Prince Rupert, B.C), or browse his current work online on his Facebook page.
Orders for artwork can be placed by email at [email protected], or by contacting Tyler through Facebook.
Deadline for Christmas orders is Wednesday, Dec. 18.

Day 17: Dawn Chorus Guesthouse

A valued supporter of SWCC check out this gorgeous little guesthouse. Located in the middle of the Kispiox Valley, a half hour drive from New Hazelton on Highway 16, in northwest British Columbia. Got family or friends coming to visit who need some extra space, this is the destination. If you are on your way to Alaska, the Yukon, Prince Rupert, the Queen Charlotte Islands, or just having an adventure in northwest B.C, then you will be travelling on this route and will be in close proximity to the Dawn Chorus B&B. Drive this way.

Day 18: Nature's Pantry

A tasty health food store, great looking staff and a whole lot of community spirit. Bulk food section with fresh nuts, seeds, bulk medicinal herbs.
Best selection of snacks including fair trade chocolate bars, crunchy munchies and stevia-sweetened soda pop. Large gluten-free section. Fantastic selection of tea, spices, and herbs.
Stay healthy on the Facebook page.

Day 19: Storytellers Foundation

You can purchase the beautiful $10 Skeena calender from Storytellers' Foundation, Upper Skeena Development Centre, Bulkley Valley Credit Union and in Smithers at Mountain Eagle Books.
Storytellers Foundation runs the Learning Shop in Old Hazelton. They are the amazing crew behind several community economic development programs such as YouthWorks catering. They successfully work with people who have been pushed to the margins and help make them thriving, resilient community members. They also demonstrate the importance of our existing social economy and how it is a strong part in our community.
Their latest Genuine Progress Calendar showcases much of the heart and soul of our community with amazing local photography.
A great resource for educating and facilitating community development in the local economic development of the Upper Skeena while maintaining sustainability.
Their objective is to deliver this through education on food security and literacy by providing workshops, and seminars, conducting projects and publishing research on these subjects.
Check out all of what they do online.

Day 20: Ksan Historical Village

First Nations Museum and Historical village stands where the village of Gitaanmax has stood for centuries. Comprised of both ceremonial and utilitarian materials, this collection illustrates the great diversity within the material culture of the Gitxsan. Items include bent boxes, ceremonial masks, shaman’s regalia, fishing gear, hunting and assorted lithic artifacts housed in a proper museum facility with environmental controls.
Ksan museum is not government funded and they currently have a campaign running to donate $5 to help celebrate and preserve the OLDEST cultural facility in Canada. Visit them online for further details or send them an email.

Day 21: The Human Health Project

Servaas Mes has served Northern BC since 1989. He is a Somatic Practitioner and Physiotherapist with training in a variety of supportive disciplines. Servaas is known for his unique knowledge of how the human body works and his fun easy presentation style.
Servaas provides one-on-one treatment sessions, teaches group classes, navigates work place wellness, is a motivational speaker as well as offers lectures and workshops upon request.
You can reach The Human Health Project in Smithers at (250) 877-3528, website , or on Facebook: The Human Health Project.