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Friday, November 2, 2012
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Outgoing B.C. Lt.-Gov. Steven Point became emotional upon launching his dugout canoe on Ross Bay Beach along Dallas Road in 2010. It was the same location where Point found the log from which he carved the canoe along with renowned artist Chief Tony Hunt. The ceremony, and Point’s reaction were fairly typical of the down-to-earth lieutenant governor. Black Press file photo
Point paddles into the sunset Steven Point, B.C.’s first aboriginal lieutenant governor, reflects on five years representing the Queen
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is Honour Steven Point may look on his years in Victoria with satisfaction, but he’s up front that he won’t miss living in the stately Government House. “This is fancy, but you’re also in a jail here,” he said with a chuckle. “The gates are locked and there’s security here all the time.” After five years as B.C.’s 28th lieutenant governor, Point is eager to return to his home with his wife, Her Roszan Holmen Honour Gwendolyn Point. Over his term as the Reporting Queen’s representative in British Columbia, he’s accumulated “too much” mileage
travelling to Chilliwack once or twice a month to visit family. “It’s nice to go home,” he said. “Our grandchildren are there, all our kids are there.” Once back, he hopes to resume his post as a provincial court judge – “Knock on wood,” he said, with another soft chuckle. Among locals who got the chance to know him, Point has garnered a reputation for being warm and down-toearth – and for being a great storyteller. He particularly had a knack for drawing in young people with tales from his youth. “Talking to kids is not easy,” he said at his office, before his departure ceremony yesterday at the legislature. The best way to engage them is to talk about your
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own life and make sure you don’t come off as too important, he added. “They ask all sorts of questions. They want to know if you sleep in a golden bed. It’s very funny.” Point inspired aboriginal youth, as B.C.’s first aboriginal lieutenant governor. “We get a lot of excitement when we get out to First Nations communities,” he said. “I think it gives a lot of pride to the kids.” The children also write him letters. “His Honour personally responded to literally thousands of letters back and forth,” said Michael O’Connor, who got to know Point well as president of the Government House Foundation. “He takes the time to talk with everyone.” The role took a bit of getting used to, however.
“I think it was unexpected when he was asked (to take the job) and he had to think about it. I think he was a bit apprehensive at first (but) I watched him become more relaxed in his role,” O’Connor said. “He is very engaging with people of all walks of life … and he makes everyone relax.” Victoria MLA Carole James has attended many events with Point. One of her favourite memories of him happened just a few months ago, during a ceremony dedicated to a new totem pole outside Government House. “He saw that some of the little kids were having trouble seeing,” James said. PLEASE SEE: Point proud, Page A4
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