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The Kamloops Indian Residential School, which was in the building now known as the Chief Louis Centre, was opened in 1890, and closed in 1978. Those who attended were between the ages of four and 18, from over 108 communities and at least 38 different Indigenous nations from across British Columbia.
Now the school, along with three other properties on the site have been designated as a national historic site by the Government of Canada and Parks Canada.
“Our survivors, and our intergenerational survivors and those not yet born, they are going to be able to take pride in that real collective history is what is being made today,” said Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir.
Read the full article here.
It’s a small greenspace sitting in the shadow of Christ Church Cathedral and across from the Provincial Law Courts on Quadra Street. While there are several monuments inside the park, it’s not obvious that Pioneer Square was once Pioneer Cemetery.
John Adams, with the Old Cemeteries Society of Victoria says it’s a popular stop on his walking tours.
“There are benches, there’s grass, there are trees. But underneath what most people don’t know is that there are still 1,300 people,” he says.
“These treasures that were gifted to their grandfather and father are going to be in the exhibit and hadn’t been seen by the nation since 1923 when they left and went to Ontario…” — Dr. Jennifer Kramer, curator, Pacific Northwest at the Museum of Anthropology
Vancouver’s Museum of Anthropology (MOA) is opened its doors on Feb. 21 to the very first exhibition dedicated to the Nuxalk Nation.
The year-long show titled Nuxalk Strong: Dancing Down the Eyelashes of the Sun, will feature 71 treasures, artwork, dances, and stories acquired from private collections, six different museums and from the MOA’s own collection.
The Nuxalk Nation have lived for more than 14,000 years on the central Northwest Coast located at Bella Coola, B.C. They are recognized for their distinct style of painting, carving and weaving. Additionally, many of the treasures from the community incorporate a unique colour of blue used in their masks and regalia.
The Exploration Place is joining forces with BC Bob Kronbauer, one of British Columbia’s most popular content creators, for a limited-time fundraiser featuring exclusive merch inspired by Mr. PG, the local museum and Loki the Magpie.
Kronbauer, is known for his engaging storytelling about provincial history and fun facts, has built a dedicated following of 150,000 on TikTok and 85,000 on YouTube, where he shares fun stories about the province’s past and present.
He hosts a new show, “Now You Know BC” on CHEK in Vancouver Island. His content highlights the quirky, unexpected, and iconic elements of our province. He’s referred to The Exploration Place as his favourite charity in Prince George.
The merchandise collection includes hoodies, crewneck sweatshirts, t-shirts, toques, tote bags, and a limited-edition Mr. PG neon sign.
Here is a roundup part 2 of more Black History Month events/exhibitions taking place throughout BC, compiled by Madison Bridal, Special Events Coordinator for the BCMA.
AVC: Black History Walking Tour 2025 Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite
DARK MATTER (presented by Kickstart Disability) Tickets| Eventbrite
Community Treasures | City of Surrey
Roots of Resilience Collection by Tarcila Neves
Museums, galleries, heritage sites, and cultural institutions matter - it’s time to come together and make our voices heard!
Join the BCMA Advocacy Committee for an online town hall discussion on February 26 at 12:00 pm and discuss how we can help our sector unite in collective advocacy.
Economic pressures and the looming instability of the United States have the potential to increase government austerity and decrease grants, funds, and support programs that our sector relies on. While the BCMA advocates for the museum sector as a whole, we are strongest together. Now is the time to be bold, bringing together the hundreds of voices of our members to advocate with shared messages. We have the potential to change government policies and spending and ensure a brighter future for our sector.
Register here.
Exploring Pastimes through the VHEC Collection
Thursday, February 20 at 6 pm
What do a wooden dog, a chess set, jump ropes, and a dollhouse have in common?
Join the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre for a unique exploration of pastimes and memories before, during, and after the Holocaust.
The event begins with a guided tour of our cornerstone exhibition, In Focus: The Holocaust Through the VHEC Collection. We’ll highlight how everyday objects, such as toys and games, provided moments of respite and connection during some of history’s darkest times.
After the exhibition tour, join VHEC’s expert archivists for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at our archives, where we’ll delve deeper into personal artefacts and testimonies—including the newly acquired Oberlander family fonds. This rare opportunity will reveal more about how objects and memories of leisure were intertwined with survival and continue to speak to the human experience.
This event is free and open to the public. Recommended for ages 12 and older.
From the Golden Museum:
"The Golden Museum and Archives is excited to announce a major building upgrade coming in early 2025. This project focuses on the installation of a large solar array designed to bring the Golden Museum’s power usage to net zero, meaning the building will generate as much power as it uses.
Throughout 2024, the Museum has been working with A Fit Right Efficient Energy Company Inc. and GreenLight Power to create a design that will reach the goal of being net-zero. This project, funded by Columbia Basin Trusts Non-profit Smart Grant, Destination BC’s Tourism Climate Resiliency Initiative Grant, and BC Hydro’s Solar Rebate Program, will create organizational and environmental sustainability.
“We are seeing more buildings and businesses take on solar projects,” Brittany Newman, Executive Director of the Golden Museum says, “I think that climate change and the visible effects it is having globally have really impacted the way people think. Solar is a great way to cut down on gas emissions and create a more sustainable community. We’ve seen what extreme weather has been doing, especially locally, so people are taking whatever steps they can to lessen their environmental impact. There is currently a lot of public and financial support out there for environmental sustainability projects, right now. I encourage people to do some research and look into it. Also, propane, gas, and electricity are not getting any cheaper, so installing a system that makes a building self-sufficient has a definite appeal.”
The Museum was built from a kit in 1970 by community volunteers. The 3300 sq. ft. building relies on electricity for heat, and costs between $6,000 - $7,000 a year to power. The Solar Array being installed on the museum will greatly reduce this cost and we estimate that the system will pay for itself within 12 years. Additionally, with the effects of climate change, including the on-going droughts, a self-generating system means that the museum is no longer reliant on hydroelectric generated power.
The unique shape of the building and its age have provided some challenges. Engineering inspections of the roof and upgrades to the building’s electrical service were required before the project could even begin. It took many months of planning and designing to ensure the optimal output of energy from the placement of panels. The building’s rounded roof ensured that a simple system wouldn’t work.
“The Museum has been a fun system to design, as [the panels] are being place on the side of a Quonset which has added a level of difficulty, but these are the types of challenges I enjoy most,” Thad Mertick, owner of A Fit Right Efficient Energy Company says. “Especially when we are able to find such a great answer, which has turned into a very efficient, clean, and advanced system.”
While the main focus of this project is to become sustainable, the museum is also a place of learning. Because of this, part of the project includes a display that will be installed in the museum gallery so that visitors can understand how the system works and monitor the energy production. This display is the first part of a future exhibit exploring power generation in Golden and Columbia Valley. The team is excited about the learning components this project offers, with Thad stating, “I love the thought of the museum and the mixture of old with the new technology. It’s really exciting.”
The 39.4KW system, worth approximately $100,000, is expected to be installed on the Museum this spring."
The Philippine Mars water bomber, a legendary aircraft that fought wildfires in B.C. for nearly 50 years, has completed its final flight.
The massive plane left its longtime base at Sproat Lake in Port Alberni, B.C., on Sunday, bidding farewell to B.C.
After a brief stop in San Francisco, the aircraft landed in Arizona's Lake Pleasant on Monday evening.
Read the full article from CBC here.
From the Sooke Region Historical Society:
"The Sooke Region Historical Society invites the community to play an active role in shaping the future of the Sooke Region Museum & Visitor Centre.
“As the museum approaches its 50th anniversary in 2027, we’re looking for input from residents and visitors from East Sooke to Port Renfrew to reflect the needs, values, and stories of the region and create a shared vision for the future,” said Doni Eve, Society president.
Residents are invited to respond to a community-wide survey on the museum’s current offerings and provide new ideas. You can access the survey at sookeregionmuseum.ca
“Your ideas belong in a museum,” said Michelle Richard, Museum executive director. “We’re also excited to use this opportunity to reveal a new logo. We asked local designer Jen Eckert to update the best elements of the former logo, and local artist Shelley Davies added Indigenous elements.”
Jen's design is inspired by the tin roof of the museum, the lighthouse, and the tree that symbolizes the Sitka and Western Red Cedar, so important to our local history and an integral part of our natural heritage.
Shelley describes her inspiration, “I chose the Bald eagle “Qelensen” for its wisdom . Known to be highly regarded by Coast Salish as it flies high and close to Creator.
I also chose the Raven (SQTO) not because he is a trickster but because he is also known to bring back higher knowledge from the Creator. Raven has also been referred to as a storyteller which I feel represents the Museum well as they tell the story of the community.”
“Your input will help us grow with the changing needs of the region ensuring the museum remains a vibrant hub of culture, education, and connection for generations to come,” Richard said.
Since its founding in 1977, the Sooke Region Museum has been dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich human and natural history of the Sooke region. From exhibits and archives to community programs, the museum celebrates stories and heritage that make the region unique. Follow the museum’s Facebook and Instagram or visit www.sookeregionmuseum.ca."
British Columbia Historical FederationPO Box 448, Fort Langley, BC, Canada, V1M 2R7Information: info@bchistory.ca
The Secretariat of the BCHF is located on the unceded territories of the Coast Salish speaking Peoples.
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