Not far from the intersection of Birch Avenue and 4th Street are a collection of murals dedicated to the Tsq̓éscen̓ First Nation, whose reserve is located in Canim Lake. To the furthest right of the mural collection stands one dedicated to Sister Mary Alice Danaher, also known as Sister St. John of the Blessed Sacrament.
According to an Aug. 17, 2006 article for the simplymastery, Danaher began teaching in Quebec, the province where she was born, before coming to Canim Lake in 1970 at the request of the departing Father Bourne. Despite leaving Canim Lake in 1972, she returned to the area in 1978. She spent the majority of her teaching career in the Cariboo, where she worked closely with the Tsq̓éscen̓ First Nation, as well as the Cariboo Tribal Council, according to the plaque that describes the mural.
"Through education and a great deal of courage, she brought much-needed hope to the band. It was only fitting that her contribution be recognized and honoured," said Ruth Peterson, the former president of the 100 Mile Mural Society who commissioned the piece.
Some of her accomplishments include Danaher setting up an alternative school program, in addition to her serving as a principal and a teacher at Eliza Archie Memorial School. Band members were able to further their education with a special partnership with Gonzaga University - a private Jesuit university located in Spokane, Washington State.
Danaher had also been instrumental in setting up the Weekend University through the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) as well as Thompson Rivers University (TRU). This program allowed members of the 15 First Nations in the Cariboo-Chilcotin to obtain post-secondary education while being able to live in their communities.
Danaher was awarded an honourary doctorate from TRU and UNBC, and in 2003, she was made a member of the Order of Canada. Meanwhile, Gonzaga University awarded her the DesMet medal. Most fittingly, she was named an honourary elder and a member of the Tsq̓éscen̓ First Nation. She died suddenly on August 13, 2005, while on a trip in Howe Sound, Ontario.
The mural was painted by Ivan Christoper and Dwayne Davis in 2007, with the 100 Mile Mural Society having collaborated on the design of the mural. Peterson says that Davis did such an amazing job capturing the likeness of Sister Mary Alice.
"When I look at her, I feel as though I can actually hear her talking," said Peterson. "I had many people contact me to say they were filled with joy at seeing her large as life. It felt really special to be a part of something that had that kind of impact."
With files from Heather Colpitts.
