Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (Mar 17/03) - When one of Parks Canada's top officials announced Sophie Borcoman as the winner of the heritage presentation staff member of the year award, Borcoman could hardly contain herself.

"I was so excited I jumped up and ran to the podium and almost kissed the director general," she recalled of the Feb. 18 awards gala in Quebec City.

Borcoman, senior heritage programs officer for Nahanni National Park Reserve, didn't even know she was nominated until the day before she departed for Quebec City for a conference that coincided with the awards ceremony. Her supervisor and co-workers quietly made her a candidate for the award, citing her "unbelievable infectious enthusiasm."

The two-page nomination reveals a lengthy list of initiatives that Borcoman has organized to benefit the park, many entailing improved communications and raising the park's profile. Her other duties include training and orienting guides, residents and Parks staff, and identifying funding sources.

Park guests come ready to experience the raging white water, the spectacular canyons and the wildlife.

Yet few arrive at the park with any idea that Dene culture exists, according to Borcoman.

Having local people there to explain that their ancestors have travelled the watershed for many generations is invaluable, she said.

"I think what the students are doing out there is so heartfelt and so honest, I think the visitors are just touched by it," said Borcoman, who has resided in Fort Simpson for four years.

She noted that Nahanni National Park Reserve has the highest rate of visitor participation and satisfaction in interpretive programs of all the parks in which she has worked.

She said she is inspired by working in the park. In particular, she has found it rewarding to work with park interpreters Trina Marcellais, Felix Isiah and Adele Laramee.

Elizabeth Hardisty and Suza Tsetso also offered park visitors information on how to make objects out of natural materials.

"It just makes you want to jump out of bed in the morning," said Borcoman.