Oral History is an important way of preserving our past and provides a way for residents to learn more about their community through the stories and memories of others.   It is through the stories told that history will be captured and we as a community will learn more about our community – the place, the people, and the history.

In 2018, the Friends of Bouchie-Milburn partnered with local film maker Tracey Cochrane and produced the film “Up Six Mile, Down Nine Mile”.  This film premiered on August , 2018 at the Bouchie Lake Hall and can be viewed online at https://vimeo.com/283769235.   Approximately 150 people were in attendance.  Admittance was by donation with all funds received allocated to the Bouchie-Milburn Scholarship Fund (include link to Scholarship Fund page).  Over $700.00 raised.

The project will bring residents together and newcomers will have an opportunity to learn more about where they live and through this, a sense of place, will ultimately be created for many.

This project will be an “Oral History Project that will involve interviewing some of the elders and long term residents of “Bouchie-Milburn” so their stories and memories are captured on audio before they are lost. The project will focus on sites, buildings, activities and events of days gone by (e.g. old hall, school houses, rodeo grounds, dances, upgrading of the highway (1985), new hall construction (1976), fire department establishment, community picnics, pioneer families, Senior’s Luncheon (established 1982), place names, etc.). Many of the original buildings in Bouchie-Milburn are gone; all that are left are photos and stories associated with them. Many of the existing community buildings were constructed by volunteers who are now elderly.

One of the challenge that was identified while making the film was the apprehension of people had in speaking on film. We are hoping that people will be more comfortable being interview off film, their stories / memories captured on audio and then incorporated into a film. The film will include photographs of days gone including the old hall, schools, rodeo grounds, saddle club events, parades, the construction of the existing hall and skating rink, formation of the fire department, etc.) in conjunction with film footage of these sites today and activities.

It is known that Oral History is a form of preserving history and it is recognized as a way to capture gaps in the written record, preserve the recollection of individuals in his / her own voice, and enrich the work of historians and curators. In days gone by Bouchie – Milburn were very active communities with regular dances, a Women’s Institute and was the original location for the Quesnel Rodeo. Many of the community facilities were constructed by the very volunteers with whom we hope to listen to. Many people today do not know this important history.

Through this project, our community will be brought together, connections will be made and new relationships formed. Bonds and f friendships may form between people who not know one another. As with many other regions throughout British Columbia, our community has an aging demographics. These older people have stories and memories to share that many of us do not know. Additionally, many new people are moving into the area whom may not identify with the community, how to get involved and /or the important role this long term residents had in creating the community we know today. Though the project, an avenue will be created for people to learn more about the history of our community and who has helped shape it to become the community it is today.