The announcements went out last week awarding the BC residents who went above and beyond to foster community support during the pandemic.

Christopher Horner (gudangaay k’uuk ahl iiwaans) is the Elders Center Coordinator with Old Massett Village Council and provides supports for elders including adults with ability challenges.

He has incorporated the food bank into the program that services all of Old Massett, Masset, New Town, Port Clements, and Tow Hill Rd Community.

As pantry coordinator under ‘Local Food 2 School’, Christopher teaches life skills and incorporates client participation in support of the program. In his work he is also involved with The Warrior Program (funded through Gwaii Trust and Old Massett Village Council) where he facilitates mental health wellness programming for young and adult men.

Christopher has led the greenhouse and community gardens programs teaching children all aspects of greenhouse operations from planting to harvesting. Through knowledge sharing and intergenerational participation, children learn about building community food stocks and how to grow, harvest and preserve food. They gain skills in canning, jarring, dehydrating, smoking and vacuum sealing. This program was responsible for providing 259 raised garden beds at homes in Old Massett, Masset and New Town and if requested, seeds, education and support with germination, planting and harvesting was provided.

Since the onset of the pandemic Christopher has overseen these programs every week and has chosen to continue working in the evenings and weekends consistently. He always finds time to participate in evening community meetings, grant proposal writing or whatever is asked of him. Chris’ work has made a positive impact on the residents in this community.