Kitimat, What&#39;s the Future is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with local businesses, community leaders, and other organizations who share their experiences and perspectives on life and business in Kitimat, British Columbia. Produced by Spruce Tree Media ltd. and The Kitimat Chamber of Commerce, the podcast explores the town&#39;s unique businesses, culture, history, and resilience.

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In this podcast episode, Devin interviews Thom Meier about the 70th anniversary of the Kitimat Chamber of Commerce. Tom discusses his initial involvement with the Chamber in the late 1980s, inspired by local business leaders and his father. He reflects on his tenure as Chamber President during the 1990s when he addressed divisive community issues like power sales. Tom highlights the Chamber&#39;s evolving roles, especially the Fish Derby and tourism management, and emphasizes the importance of networking for local businesses. He talks about the Chamber&#39;s collaboration with the BC and Canadian Chambers of Commerce, which helped Kitimat&#39;s businesses grow despite economic setbacks. Towards the end, Tom encourages small businesses to join the Chamber for collective strength and networking benefits, predicting a bright future for the organization as a bridge between small and large businesses.

Past Chamber President Thom Meier

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In this episode of Kitimat, What’s the Future?, Devin chats with Karolina Wenzel, one of the organizers behind the upcoming Nation2Nation Women’s Gathering, happening April 24–25 in Kitimat. Karolina walks us through what’s in store for this two-day Indigenous-led event focused on leadership, entrepreneurship, and community connection.From keynote speaker Gina Jackson of Bear’s Lair to hands-on workshops, panel discussions, business pitches, and even a boat tour—this year’s gathering is packed with inspiring and practical opportunities for growth. Topics range from supporting women in trades and navigating grief, to building businesses that align with your values.Karolina also gives us a sneak peek at the fall Economic Forum, returning to Kitimat this October, where Indigenous leaders, industry, and government come together to talk partnership and progress.

Nation2Nation Women's Gathering

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Doing things a bit different for International Women&#39;s Day!

International Women's Day Bingo

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In this episode of Kitimat, What&#39;s the Future?, host Devin Wall sits down with Lisa, the visionary behind the Nation to Nation Women’s Gathering, to discuss the inspiration, impact, and evolution of this incredible event.Lisa shares how the gathering was born out of the challenges and transformations women faced during the pandemic and how it has grown into a powerful space for leadership, connection, and empowerment across Northern BC. With a rotating location, this year’s event is coming to Kitimat under the theme &#34;Taking Chances&#34;, encouraging women to step into leadership roles, make bold career moves, and support one another in their journeys.We also explore the importance of Indigenous-led spaces, the challenges of organizing large-scale events, and why fostering real conversations and relationships is at the heart of Nation to Nation. Whether you’re a leader, entrepreneur, or simply someone looking for inspiration, this conversation is for you!🎟 Want to attend or learn more? Visit <a href="https://nationtonation.ca" rel="nofollow">nationtonation.ca</a> to explore the agenda, apply to be a speaker, or access financial support through the Angel Application.🔗 Follow Nation to Nation on Facebook, LinkedIn, and X for speaker announcements and event updates.✨ Don’t miss this inspiring episode about taking chances, supporting women, and building stronger communities in Northern BC.

Nation 2 Nation Women's Gathering

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n this episode of Kitimat, Laurel introduces two missionaries, Elder Fleming and Elder Cranmer. They discuss their backgrounds and experiences since moving to Kitimat, British Columbia. Both Elders share stories about their mission work, including community service tasks like helping at the Kitimat Humane Society and shoveling snow. They talk about the unpredictable nature of their assignments, as well as the excitement of receiving mission calls. The Elders also highlight the welcoming nature of the Kitimat community, contrasting it with their experiences in larger cities. They reflect on the spiritual growth and joy they have found through their interactions and service. Lastly, they provide contact information for community members seeking assistance.

Welcoming Kindness in Kitimat

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In this episode of &#39;Kitimat: What&#39;s the future?&#39; host Devin explores the &#39;Coldest Night of the Year&#39; event, organized by Tamitik Status of Women (TSW). Guests Brittany and Jordana share insights about the event scheduled for February 22nd, 2025, which aims to raise awareness and funds for programs addressing homelessness, hunger, and hurt in Kitimat. They discuss TSW&#39;s mission, the event&#39;s logistics, fundraising goals, and community involvement. Success stories from previous events highlight the positive impact and the critical role of community support in ensuring the event&#39;s success. The conversation also touches upon challenges faced in organizing such events and the broader vision of TSW for a more equitable and supportive community.If you want to get invollved, make a donation or just find out mor einformation go to <a href="https://cnoy.org/location/kitimat?fbclid=IwY2xjawHr8vxleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHUdH9rg14xzh7UD5mEol-00SP0Q-FXYniPMHXa10tvQbQQQhYhzGAgWN6g_aem_9a4b61scrNEIRvSLjOVQkg" rel="nofollow">https://cnoy.org/location/kitimat?fbclid=IwY2xjawHr8vxleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHUdH9rg14xzh7UD5mEol-00SP0Q-FXYniPMHXa10tvQbQQQhYhzGAgWN6g_aem_9a4b61scrNEIRvSLjOVQkg </a>

Coldest Night of the Year

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In this episode of Kitimat, What&#39;s the Future?, host Devin Wall sits down with Sahib Tatwell, the dynamic owner of The Office Bar and Bistro, a cornerstone of Kitimat’s dining scene. Sahib shares his journey from university to becoming a successful restaurateur, inspired by his father and his passion for food and exceptional dining experiences.Listeners will get an inside look at The Office Bar and Bistro’s menu, which blends Japanese-inspired Asian fusion cuisine with a local twist, featuring standout dishes like the Mount Fuji roll and pork ramen. Sahib discusses the challenges of operating a restaurant in Kitimat, including staffing in a competitive market, and how the supportive community has shaped his experience as a business owner.Whether you&#39;re a foodie or curious about what it takes to run a business in Kitimat, this episode offers inspiration, innovation, and a glimpse into the future of local hospitality.

Office Bar and Bistro

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In this episode of Kitimat, What&#39;s the Future?, Devin Wall interviews Kelly Marsh, a Kitimat-based photographer and filmmaker, to discuss his creative journey and how Kitimat’s stunning landscapes and rich culture inspire his work. Kelly shares his transition from a 40-year career as a millwright to discovering photography in retirement. He delves into the story behind his feature-length documentary Following the Good Story, submitted to the Skeena Wild Film Festival, which highlights the Haisla Nation’s cultural resilience and connection to the land. Through his stories and insights, Kelly offers inspiration for aspiring photographers, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, creativity, and exploring the beauty around us.

Kelly Marsh, Kitimat Photographer

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In this festive episode of Kitimat, What&#39;s the Future?, Devin and Laurel dive into the holiday spirit as they discuss the upcoming Light Up Kitimat event. Taking place on the first Sunday of December, this cherished community tradition is packed with exciting activities, local vendors, and plenty of holiday cheer.Highlights of the episode include:🎄 A walkthrough of this year&#39;s event schedule:<ul><li>Santa&#39;s grand arrival on a fire truck at 4:15 PM.</li><li>The ceremonial tree lighting by Santa and the mayor, followed by performances from local choirs at 4:45 PM.</li><li>Inside the mall: vendors, the Ukulele Ladies, and plenty of warmth!</li><li>Outside the mall: food booths offering hot chocolate, chili, and hot dogs from favourites like Seville and Save-On-Foods.</li></ul>🎅 A new addition for 2024:<ul><li>Kids can have a private moment with Santa at the former Allen Travel location from 2-3 PM to share their holiday wishes.</li></ul>🌟 Fun competitions:<ul><li>Best decorated booth competition for local businesses.</li><li>Elementary school tree decorating contest, with the winning school receiving a pizza party in January courtesy of Ken Controls.</li></ul>Devin and Laurel also share tips for enjoying the event, like trying the different hot chocolates and cider, and kindly remind attendees to leave pets at home for the comfort of all visitors.The hosts wrap up by expressing gratitude to the District of Kitimat, the Chamber of Commerce, City Centre Mall, and local vendors for making this free community celebration possible.Join us next time for more conversations about Kitimat’s exciting future! 🎙️

Light Up Kitimat

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The Kitimat Chamber of Commerce has the most comprehensive event calendar.

Community Calendar

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n this episode of &#39;Kitimat, What&#39;s the Future?&#39;, host Devin Wall speaks with Holly and Magda from the Kitimat Museum and Archives about the new traveling exhibit &#39;BC&#39;s Marvelous Mushrooms&#39;. They discuss the importance of mushroom education, the various activities set up for visitors, and the public&#39;s enthusiastic response to the exhibit. The conversation highlights the museum&#39;s role in the community and the significance of understanding local biodiversity.

Mushroom Exhibit

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In this episode of Kitimat, What&#39;s the Future?, host Devin speaks with Will Gye of the Kitamaat Valley Education Society (KVES) to explore the organization’s role in supporting Northwest BC communities through education and employment training. Will explains KVES&#39;s foundation in 2007 through a partnership between Rio Tinto and the Haisla Nation, highlighting its mission to empower individuals—especially within Indigenous communities—through career-focused learning.KVES offers training in essential fields, including industrial certifications, corporate skills, and cutting-edge programs using virtual and augmented reality. Will also shares KVES’s approach to job placement and its focus on safety and sustainability, ensuring candidates are well-prepared and that programs contribute positively to the region’s long-term development.

Kitamaat Valley Education Society

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Devin sits down with candidate Claire Rattée to talk about her campaign a

Conservative Candidate Claire Rattée

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In this episode of Kitimat, What&#39;s the Future, Devin sits down with Karolina Wenzel to dive into the details of the upcoming Nation2Nation Forum, taking place in Terrace from October 8th. Karolina, an integral part of the forum, shares insights on the event&#39;s focus on fostering relationships between First Nations, governments, and industry leaders. The conversation covers the key themes of collaboration, economic development, and cultural exchange, while also highlighting the importance of the forum in shaping the future of partnerships in the region. Whether you&#39;re a local business, community leader, or someone interested in the growth and reconciliation efforts in Northwest BC, this episode will provide valuable context and encourage engagement in this impactful event. Tune in to learn more about what to expect from Nation2Nation and how you can get involved!

Nation2Nation Forum

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In this episode of Kitimat, What&#39;s the Future, Laurel and Devin discuss the opening of the voting for the Kitimat Business Excellence Awards. Laurel explains that voting is now open until October 4th, and encourages the community to vote for their favorite businesses on the Kitimat Chamber of Commerce website. Voters can skip categories they’re unfamiliar with, and it&#39;s emphasized that this isn’t a popularity contest, but rather an opportunity to recognize truly deserving businesses. The Business Excellence Awards event will take place on Thursday, October 25th, with tickets available online for $50.The episode also covers the upcoming all-candidates forum for the provincial election, which will be held on September 25th at the Mount Elizabeth Theatre. The event will include a moderated Q&amp;A session, with questions both pre-prepared and submitted by the audience. For those unable to attend in person, the forum will be streamed live on the Chamber&#39;s Facebook page.Listeners are reminded about the importance of voting and making informed decisions for the future, especially for younger generations. The hosts encourage participation in both the awards and the provincial election, emphasizing that community engagement is crucial for shaping Kitimat’s future.

BEA Voting is Open!

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In this episode of Kitimat, What&#39;s the Future, Devin sits down with Howard Smith from Contact North to discuss the valuable services they offer to Kitimat. Contact North acts as a resource, connecting individuals with educational opportunities, including online courses from universities and trades programs. Howard explains how they provide access to a computer lab, loaner laptops, and other support to help people pursue their education remotely. He also shares his personal experience with online learning and how Contact North is helping bridge the gap in education for northern communities.

Contact North

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Devin went to the last artisan market of the season and had a chance to talk to a few of the vendors

The Last Artisan Market of the Year

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Devin and Laurel talk about the end of summer and about the summer students leaving. They talk about the amazing program that the government offers to help out organizations get summer students.

End of Summer

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Laurel and Devin Talk Community events.

Community Events

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Hosts Devin and Laurel discuss the upcoming Business Excellence Awards, highlighting the changes to the nomination process. They delve into various award categories, including Leader of the Year, Community Impact, and Home-Based Business. The hosts emphasize the importance of detailed information in the new online nomination system. They also mention the event, which will be held on a Thursday evening, featuring networking opportunities, cocktails, and high-end appetizers. The conversation briefly touches on the Kitimat Humane Society&#39;s annual dinner and auction.

BEA Awards

Kitimat, What's the Future is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with local businesses, community leaders, and other organizations who share their experiences and perspectives on life and business in Kitimat, British Columbia. Produced by Spruce Tree Media ltd. and The Kitimat Chamber of Commerce, the podcast explores the town's unique businesses, culture, history, and resilience.