“The Barkerville Heritage Trust (BHT) is pleased to announce the appointment of Coralee Oakes to its board of directors,” said Al Richmond, Chair of the BHT. “Coralee brings a wealth of experience and a profound understanding of the diverse interests and needs of the North Cariboo region, which will be invaluable assets to the BHT as we strive to uphold the organization’s commitment to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of Barkerville and Cottonwood House. We extend our warmest welcome to Coralee, whose insights and expertise are poised to enhance our efforts in serving the community and safeguarding our shared history.”
Oakes is a dedicated community builder and supporter of tourism as a critical component to growing B.C.’s economy. Elected as the MLA for Cariboo North in 2013, she served as a B.C. cabinet minister from 2013 to 2017 and continued as the area’s MLA until 2024. Coralee also served two years as a Quesnel city councillor.
Prior to elected office, Oakes worked for 14 years as an executive director supporting the tourism and small business sector as well as serving on numerous boards including the Minister’s Council on Tourism, the Small Business Roundtable, Canadian Chamber of Commerce Executives, and the BC Chamber of Commerce.
“I am thrilled to join the team as Director with the Barkerville Heritage Trust,” states Coralee. “I have long been an advocate for Barkerville. This National and Provincial treasure is vital for regional economic diversification. As a living museum, its educational programs and interpretive activities foster relationships and advance Indigenous reconciliation.”
Barkerville is a heritage property and park owned by the Province of British Columbia, as well as a National Historic Site designated by the Government of Canada in 1924. It was later recognized as a Provincial Heritage Property in 1958 and is now the largest living-history museum in Western North America.
The Barkerville Heritage Trust is a not-for-profit charitable organization governed by a volunteer Board of Directors that has stewarded Barkerville under a Heritage Site Management Agreement in partnership with the Province since 2005. The BHT’s role is to ensure the continued operation of Barkerville as a high quality heritage site, and is also responsible for the management, protection, and operation of the Richfield Courthouse, Blessing’s Grave Site, the Cariboo Wagon Road Northern Terminus Memorial Cairn, and Cottonwood House Historic Site.
To learn more about the Barkerville Heritage Trust’s Board of Directors, as well as upcoming events including Olde-Fashioned Christmas on December 14-15, visit www.barkerville.ca.