“The Mary F. Thomas Bridge… this symbolizes a bridge between our past, our future, our traditions and our aspirations.”
Neskonlith Kukpi7 Irvin Wai described the newly named bridge, part of the Salmon Arm West project along Highway 1, as more than just “steel and stone.”
Members of the Neskonlith and Adams Lake bands joined the Thomas family, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and the City of Salmon Arm in this announcement that honours the local pioneer who accomplished so much.
This bridge dedication serves to pay tribute to the late Dr. Mary Thomas’ contributions to not only early childhood development and the environment, but also the preservation of her culture and her pioneering work in bringing the essence of First Nations-based education to classrooms across the region.
“Dr. Mary Thomas was a bridge builder… she was a strong believer in building relationships across all cultures. She was inclusive, she was collaborative, she reached out to everyone,” Salmon Arm Mayor Alan Harrison stated. “Mary was ahead of her time.”
Her namesake bridge crosses the Salmon River on the new four-lane section of the Trans-Canada Highway, with additional improvements there including upgraded intersections, a new interchange at First Nations/Salmon River Road and the conversion of the old highway into a frontage road.
While the bridge is a part of ongoing improvements to Highway 1 between Kamloops and Alberta, Mary’s son Louis Thomas sees it as much more.
“I think it’s a significant bridge because it’s a way of uniting our people, and it’s about Truth and Reconciliation,” he said. “I think this is a start of maybe something better.”
Transportation minister Rob Fleming also acknowledged that the naming of the bridge recognizes those efforts, which Mary started long ago.
“This is a very right and fitting ceremony to recognize somebody who was incredible and gave so much, not only to this region, but to what is now an entire direction for our province in terms of education and reconciliation,” said Fleming. “The naming of this bridge near the community in which Dr. Thomas was raised will be a reminder of her important accomplishments.”
The ceremony unveiled a temporary sign on the frontage road at the base of the bridge. The ministry will install permanent versions at either end of the bridge.
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