THORNHILL, B.C. – The community of Thornhill came together to honor its deep roots at the first-ever Thornhill Heritage Day on August 4, a new event that brought local history to life at the historic Thornhill Landing.
The afternoon was filled with stories of Thornhill’s past, with a lively start thanks to a black powder cannon demonstration by Kitimat-Stikine regional district director Ted Ramsey, with Kitselas First Nation Chief Councillor Glenn Bennett doing the honors.
The event, organized by community members Debbie Letawski and Kam Siemens, fulfilled the long-held dream of the late local historian Yvonne Moen to create a community celebration focused on Thornhill’s heritage. The gathering successfully brought together regional leaders and residents to share in that vision.
A Journey Through Time at Thornhill Landing
Held at the historically significant Thornhill Landing, the event highlighted the area’s origins. Master of ceremonies Debbie Letawski welcomed a variety of speakers, each of whom spoke to Thornhill’s place within the wider region.
Chief Councillor Bennett gave attendees an overview of Kitselas history, explaining that Thornhill lies within Kitselas territory and highlighting the Nation’s connection to the Skeena River, particularly its role in the era of riverboat travel. Bennett also emphasized the Kitselas First Nation’s ongoing ties to the Kitimat-Stikine Regional District.
Terrace Mayor Sean Bujtas shared the story of how Thornhill got its name, recounting how Eliza Wright, a Kitselas member, and her husband Tom Thornhill were able to claim land in 1892. Since Eliza could not claim the land as an Indigenous person, it was registered in Tom’s name, and the community was named after him. This year marks 133 years since the couple built their home at the Landing.
The event was also attended by Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP Ellis Ross and Skeena MLA Claire Rattée, who both spoke to the resiliency of the Thornhill community. Kitimat-Stikine Area C director Bruce Bidgood also spoke, acknowledging how Thornhill Landing serves as a place for neighbors to gather.
The celebration was financed by local philanthropist Bob Erb, who used the opportunity to advocate for greater recognition of Thornhill, including the need for a local post office to give residents a proper Thornhill address.
The event, which brought together stories of Indigenous heritage and pioneer settlement, served as a powerful reminder of how history continues to shape the community and its identity today.
