Jan Burnikell

My family immigrated to Canada from the Netherlands  in 1951 and I grew up on a farm in southern Ontario. I came to BC to attend UBC and met my husband on an archaeological salvage project sponsored by the University. I agreed to move to Powell River to accommodate a short term career move on his part in February, 1976 – and have been here ever since.  Powell River has been very good to us.  We raised our three children here and eventually I pursued my own career at Powell River Child, Youth, and Family Services, until retirement in 2008.  I’ve always loved gardening and locally produced, in-season food has been a priority. I’m on the Board of Youth and Family, and am a member of the Sunshine Gogos and the Powell River Diversity Initiative Steering Committee.  I enjoy volunteering at the Community Resource Centre and with the Townsite Inter-generational Project.  I believe strongly in the power of people working together to achieve positive change. I am a founding member and acting secretary for Skookum Food Provisioners’ Cooperative.