Alyson Gourley-Cramer believes the secret to a successful major project in Northern B.C. isn’t found in a sleek app or a viral post. Instead, it is often found pinned to a community bulletin board or discussed over a shared potluck dinner.
As she wrapped up her second year leading a communications workshop at the Natural Resources Forum, her message to proponents was clear: do your homework before you show up. For Gourley-Cramer, successful engagement requires more than just a digital presence. It demands a deep, physical presence within the communities most affected by industry.
The rural reality
Communication in the North is often a literal uphill battle against geography and infrastructure. Many communities are “contained” or remote, with “shaky” internet that makes digital-first strategies fail. Gourley-Cramer notes that while some members live on preserves, others live elsewhere while remaining “acutely aware” of local happenings.
“Don’t rely on digital,” she warns. She advocates for “old-school” methods like knocking on doors, hosting community lunches, and specifically engaging with elders. During recent wildfires, one community stayed informed by printing internet updates and pinning them to a physical board. People gathered there to read, share news, and look out for one another. This brand of local resilience is what industry must learn to respect.
The push and pull of opportunity
There is a palpable sense of “drowning in opportunity” across the North. Residents see the massive scale of proposed projects and feel the “push-pull” of wanting to participate. However, that excitement is often tempered by a lack of clarity. People want to know exactly how a project benefits their specific family and their specific town.
Gourley-Cramer observes that many Canadians feel isolated behind “digital barriers.” This isolation breeds skepticism. She argues that face-to-face relationships are the only tools strong enough to move projects forward. When people sit down for a meal, the abstract “proponent” becomes a human being. This shifts the conversation from corporate jargon to genuine community planning.
A new era of partnership
In Prince George, there is a growing sense of optimism that remains largely misunderstood by those in Vancouver. Gourley-Cramer sees a region that is “open for business” and ready to lead. This is driven by an unprecedented level of cooperation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
She highlights smaller nations that are now “working together to build their own capacity.” These nations are sharing traditional territories and land to ensure they are partners, not just bystanders. For 2026, Gourley-Cramer is excited about this return to “authentic” communication. Whether through direct mail or a phone call, cutting through the digital noise is the only way to build a future that everyone can see themselves in.
Ian Biana writes for the Resource Works Accelerate team and can be reached at [email protected].
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