Highway 1 bridge near Salmon Arm named after Neskonlith First Nation Elder

The Dr. Mary Thomas Bridge, which runs over the Salmon River on the four-lane Trans-Canada Highway, was officially dedicated Friday. (BC Government)

By Emma Crawford

Posted October 27, 2023 7:49 pm.

A bridge on the Trans-Canada Highway near Salmon Arm has been named after a Neskonlith Elder who is known for being a teacher, academic, and environmentalist.

Born in Salmon Arm in 1918, Dr. Mary Thomas is being honoured for her contributions to her community and to the study of early childhood development and ethnobotany. She taught at Okanagan College and was considered to be an expert on traditional plants and their uses.

“Dr. Mary Thomas was a devoted teacher, an avid environmentalist and a strong believer in building relationships across all cultures,” said Salmon Arm Mayor Alan Harrison.

“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.”

The Dr. Mary Thomas Bridge, which runs over the Salmon River on the four-lane Trans-Canada Highway, was officially dedicated Friday.

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