Back in 2006, the Elders’ Council had several ideas for projects to (1) document the history of BC Parks and the evolution of Parks Branch over time (2) to identify, honour, and celebrate the careers of selected “Elders” and (3) collect, prepare, communicate, and display historic information materials for public education.
A Comprehensive written history of the evolution of the BC Parks system documenting the leadership role of the Parks Branch and its personnel has been compiled and published in two formats by J.D. Anderson. For further information, please contact Link.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Volunteer to help! See the list of possible projects (Link) that need your help. Offer your services and provide leadership to see these tasks get started and completed!
Discuss with your family members what and where personal memorabilia/collections should go. Many of you have personal collections of photographs, documents, uniforms, carvings etc. What’s in your basement, garage, photo albums? Ensure that these belongings will be looked after while you are in good health and sound mind. Please email either Gail Ross or Bill Henwood for further information.
A Call for Nominations – Elders Recognition Project
The Elders Council for Parks in British Columbia is calling for nominations to celebrate individuals who have devoted much of their lives to the park system in B.C. All nominations received will be reviewed by the Elders Council executive, and successful nominee(s) will be recognized at a celebration event with the Lieutenant Governor at Government House in March 2022.
Nominees must have shown a dedication and committed effort for much of their life-time to parks and protected areas, and may be active or retired. Nominees must have focused their efforts on any of a variety of roles related to park and protected area management, such as: administration, planning, conservation, education, indigenous relations, appreciation, research, volunteer or recreation. When nominating an individual please consider the following criteria:
- Works with integrity and is recognized by their peers as ‘an inspirational visionary’.
- Represents the belief in and the need to advocate for the protection of nature.
- Recognizes and respects indigenous title and rights, and the importance of honouring the First Nations role in protected areas.
- Been key to helping build out the park system in BC – by participating in a regional, provincial, national, volunteer and/or NGO capacity.
- Shows a cumulative effect of persistent work over time.
- Devoted to the value of setting aside nature for its protection and human enjoyment – and delivered on that legacy.
Please submit your nomination with a description of how the individual nominated fits the stated criteria, plus contact information and a brief biography of the nominee. All nominations will be kept in confidence.
For inquiries or to submit your nomination contact Bob Peart by January 15th, 2022.