Barkerville Welcomes Coralee Oakes to its Board of Directors

Former MLA is now a board member for the historic town of Barkerville.

“The Barkerville Heritage Trust (BHT) is pleased to announce the appointment of Coralee Oakes to its Board of Directors,” says Al Richmond, Chair of the BHT, in a press release on December 7. “Coralee brings a wealth of experience and a profound understanding of the diverse interests and needs of the North Cariboo region, which will be invaluable assets to the BHT rich heritage of Barkerville and Cottonwood House.”

Oakes is a dedicated community builder and supporter of tourism as a critical component to the growing BC’s economy.

Elected as MLA for Cariboo North in 2013, Oakes served as a BC Cabinet Minister from 2013 to 2017, and continued as the area’s MLA until 2024. Oakes also served as a Quesnel City Councillor.

Prior to elected office, Oakes worked for fourteen years as an executive director supporting the tourism and small business sector. Oakes also served on numerous boards including the Minister’s Council on Tourism, the Small Business Roundtable, Canadian Chamber of Commerce Executives, and the BC Chamber of Commerce.

“I am thrilled to join the team as Director with the Barkerville Heritage Trust,” says Oakes. “I have long been an advocate for Barkerville. This National and Provincial treasue is vital for regional economic diversification. As a living museum, its educational programs and interpretive activities foster relationships and advance Indigenous reconciliation.”