Hartley Bay celebrated the grand opening of their improved community kitchen with the Prince Rupert Port Authority (PRPA).

Earlier this month on Oct. 4, Hartley Bay was able to invite the PRPA to a grand opening for the community kitchen which was completed with the help of the PRPA Community Investment Fund.

Although the kitchen was complete in 2021, Gitga’at Band Manager Theresa Robinson explains that due to the community’s strict COVID-19 protocols, they were unable to gather and celebrate. Robinson said that this marks the first time that the community was able to get together in that capacity. 

Manager of Community Relations Brittany Pederson says the fund has already invested $16 million in community projects around the Prince Rupert area since it started in 2011.  

Receiving $78,850 from the fund, upgrades to the kitchen feature stainless steel countertops, dehydrators, and industrial sized freezers were completed. Robinson says that the upgrades are meant to help facilitate cultural practices like feasts and harvesting season events. 

This marks the first time the PRPA has worked with Hartley Bay, but Robinson said that they currently have a plan in the works for a community smokehouse.

Listen to the full CFNR story below: