THORNHILL, B.C. – A promise made to one of Thornhill’s most dedicated local historians is blossoming into a new community celebration this Riverboat Days. For the first time, a special event on August 4 will be dedicated entirely to honouring the rich history of Thornhill.
The gathering, organized by community members Debbie Letawski and Kam Siemens, was inspired by the late Yvonne Moen, a beloved community historian who passed away in 2023. Letawski explained that Moen had long wished for an event that would bring the community together to celebrate its specific heritage, and she was inspired to help make that vision a reality.
The event will take place from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Thornhill Landing, a location chosen for its deep historical significance. It was here, near traditional Kitselas First Nation fishing sites, that the community’s namesake, Tom Thornhill, and his wife, Eliza Wright of the Kitselas Nation, first built their cabin in 1892. The site later served as a vital docking point for a ferry across the Skeena River, and remnants of that era, like anchoring rings embedded in the rock, can still be spotted.
Attendees will have the chance to connect with this past through short, engaging talks on local history—including the story behind why a major thoroughfare was named Queensway.
For co-organizer Kam Siemens, the planning process itself has been a personal journey of discovery. She noted that delving into the area’s history has been a profound learning experience, highlighting a past rich with Indigenous heritage and pioneer stories.
The event aims to bring together leaders from across the entire region to mark the occasion. The guest list includes Kitselas First Nation Chief Councillor Glenn Bennett and council, Thornhill regional district director Ted Ramsey, Terrace rural director Bruce Bidgood, Terrace Mayor Sean Bujtas and council, Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP Ellis Ross, and Skeena MLA Claire Rattee.
It serves as an opportunity not just to look back, but to strengthen Thornhill’s distinct community identity for the future.
