The Dr. Mary Thomas Bridge on Highway 1 in Salmon Arm. (Photo credit: Province of B.C/Flickr)

By Pete McIntyre

Highway 1

New bridge named after First Nations leader

Oct 27, 2023 | 2:30 PM

A ceremony was held Friday in Salmon Arm to name a new bridge after a respected First Nations Elder.

The Dr. Mary Thomas Bridge runs over the Salmon River on the new four-lane Trans-Canada Highway alignment in Salmon Arm.

Thomas, a Neskonlith Elder, was born and raised in Salmon Arm and was a residential school survivor. She learned about Secwepemc culture from her grandparents. This, and her later work with Elders, led her to become an expert on traditional plants and their uses.

As well as receiving two honorary degrees from the University of Victoria and one from the University of North Carolina, Thomas taught at Okanagan College and was awarded for her seminal work in early childhood development.

“Dr. Mary Thomas was a devoted teacher, an avid environmentalist and a strong believer in building relationships across all cultures,” Alan Harrison, mayor of Salmon Arm, said. “Dr. Thomas built bridges between people, earning the respect of all who knew her. The City of Salmon Arm is honoured to dedicate the naming of the new highway bridge to this extraordinary Neskonlith Elder.”

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Thomas was born in Salmon Arm in 1918 and passed away in 2007.

“Dr. Thomas left such an important legacy when it comes to the environment, preservation of Indigenous language and culture and social development,” Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, said. “The naming of this bridge near the community in which Dr. Thomas was raised will be a reminder of her important accomplishments.”

Other improvements to Highway 1 between 1st Avenue S.W. to 10th Avenue S.W. in Salmon Arm include upgraded intersections, a new interchange at First Nations/Salmon River Road, and the conversion of the adjacent former highway alignment into a frontage road for local businesses and residents.