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![Interview with Kanwal Singh Neel, [1973-2023] (interview content), interviewed 5 Jul. 2023 thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0011_002.jpg?width=280)
Interview with Kanwal Singh Neel
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19607
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [1973-2023] (interview content), interviewed 5 Jul. 2023
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 video recording (mp4) (50 min., 32 sec.) : digital, col., sd., stereo ; 30 fps
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Kanwal Singh Neel conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, Rajdeep. The interview was conducted and recorded on the Zoom platform. 00:00 – 00:06:47 Kanwal shares some of the mentors that influenced him in his life, education and …
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum fonds
- Series
- Museum Oral Histories series
- Subseries
- Many Voices Project Interviews subseries
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 video recording (mp4) (50 min., 32 sec.) : digital, col., sd., stereo ; 30 fps
- Material Details
- Interviewer: Rajdeep Interviewee: Kanwal Singh Neel Interview Date: July 5, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 1 Total Length of all Tracks: 50 min., 32 sec. Recording Device: Zoom video communication platform
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Kanwal Singh Neel conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, Rajdeep. The interview was conducted and recorded on the Zoom platform. 00:00 – 00:06:47 Kanwal shares some of the mentors that influenced him in his life, education and career, how his three-year grandson has been an inspiration and how important it is to educate yourself in different ways. 00:06:48 - 00:19:02 Kanwal talks about the diversity in the schools that he’s encountered over the years as a student and as an educator and shares his experiences getting hired as an educator on public television and being known as "the math guy". 00:19:03 - 00:46:39 Kanwal talks about the “Friends of Simon” tutoring out-reach program and his involvement. 00:26:40 - 00:30:24 Kanwal shares his experiences officiating the Canada Summer Games, the Harry Jerome Track Classic, the Commonwealth Games and other world class sporting events. 00:30:25 - 00:38:58 Kanwal describes a typical day while working at Simon Fraser University as Associate Director of Professional Programs, as a sports official and his involvement with Friends of Simon. Kanwal speaks about the importance of finding a balance between staying connected, finding your purpose and carrying on the passions that you enjoy. Kanwal talks about some of his favourite places in Burnaby including Simon Fraser University, Burnaby Mountain, Deer Lake and Central Park. 00:38:59 - 00:43:31 Kanwal talks about the changes that he’s seen in the lower mainland over his life time including; diminishing agricultural land, the fishing industry, public transportation, housing and retail infrastructure and homelessness. 00:43:32 - 00:50:32 Kanwal talks about his involvement with the Punjabi Cultural Association, the introduction of Punjabi language courses in public schools and his involvement in a Bhangra event. Kanwal imparts a final message to youth of today emphasizing the importance of, building relationships, giving back to your community, learning through education and being respectful of your own journey and others.
- History
- Interviewee biography: Kanwal Singh Neel was born in Mombasa, Kenya in 1953 and immigrated with his family to Canada in 1969. For the first few weeks after immigrating the family stayed at the Sikh Temple on Second Avenue before moving into a house which they rented. Kanwal attended Kitsilano Secondary School and later transferred to Steveston High School when his family moved to Richmond. In 1972, Kanwal and friends formed a bhangra group "Punjab Cultural Association" and in 1974 they performed at the World Exposition in Spokane, Washington. The group performed at various venues including the Pacific National Exhibition and other cities in the Province. In 1973, Kanwal was an officiate during the Canada Summer Games at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby. Kanwal obtained a Bachelor’s of Science Degree from University of British Columbia in computer science and mathematics and got his first teaching job in 1977. In 1978, he was an officiate of the Commonwealth Games in Edmonton, Alberta. Over the next ten years he devoted himself to becoming an educator and during this time he became more involved with the B.C. Math Teachers Association. Kanwal and his wife Nancy married in 1982 and have two daughters. In the early 1990's, Kanwal joined Simon Fraser University as a faculty associate to work, train and mentor student teachers. Kanwal became President of the B.C. Math Teachers Association and travelled throughout the province to help solve issues being faced by students. In 1993, he co-hosted a TV show "Math Shop" on The Knowledge Network and he later co-authored a textbook series titled "Math Makes Sense". Kanwal continued to advance his knowledge in the field of mathematics obtaining a Doctorate from Simon Fraser University in 2008. Kanwal developed his doctoral work in Haida Gwaii, studying the mathematics that the Haida peoples used in day to day life, applying the applications and integrating the mathematics concepts with their cultural knowledge. Kanwal also worked with the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation and the Stó:lō Nation in helping to develop resources for them. Kanwal has been recognized with various awards and honours including being awarded an honorary doctorate by Kwantlen Polytechnic University and in 2017 as an inductee in the Sports Wall of Fame in Richmond for his outstanding contribution to amateur sport as an International Athletics Official. Since retirement, Kanwal continues to be involved in a project at Simon Fraser University "Friends of Simon" where university students go out and mentor and tutor immigrant and refugee children from South Asia and Africa and other countries. Interviewer biography: Rajdeep was born and raised in the Lower Mainland and is of Punjabi (South Asian) descent. She has an Associate of Arts degree in Asian Studies from Kwantlen Polytechnic University, a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in Anthropology from the University of British Columbia. She is a student in the Restoration of Natural Systems program at the University of Victoria. Rajdeep works at Simon Fraser University as a Program Assistant and as a researcher with the City of Burnaby. At Burnaby Village Museum, Rajdeep contributed to the exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”.
- Creator
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Subjects
- Persons - South Asian Canadians
- Education
- Social Issues
- Social Issues - Racism
- Sports
- Events - Competitions
- Housing
- Performances
- Names
- Neel, Kanwal Singh
- Simon Fraser University
- Friends of Simon
- Canada Summer Games
- Swangard Stadium
- Punjabi Cultural Association
- Responsibility
- Rajdeep
- Geographic Access
- Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
- Central Park
- Accession Code
- BV023.16.11
- Date
- [1973-2023] (interview content), interviewed 5 Jul. 2023
- Media Type
- Moving Images
- Notes
- Title based on contents of item
Images
![Interview with Kanwal Singh Neel, [1973-2023] (interview content), interviewed 5 Jul. 2023 thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0011_002.jpg)
George H.F. McLean fonds
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription72150
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1961-1970
- Collection/Fonds
- George H.F. McLean fonds
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Physical Description
- 6 optical discs
- Scope and Content
- Fonds consists of 23 short film segments on 6 DVDs. The films were originally filmed in colour using an 8mm film camera, they have no sound. The films provide insight into the McLean family in Burnaby, their daily activities, celebrations and travels during the 1960s.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1961-1970
- Collection/Fonds
- George H.F. McLean fonds
- Physical Description
- 6 optical discs
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Access Restriction
- Open access
- Accession Number
- 2014-03
- Scope and Content
- Fonds consists of 23 short film segments on 6 DVDs. The films were originally filmed in colour using an 8mm film camera, they have no sound. The films provide insight into the McLean family in Burnaby, their daily activities, celebrations and travels during the 1960s.
- History
- George Henry Foster McLean was born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, in 1925 and lived with his family at their home located at the corner of Nelson and Burrard Streets in Vancouver. In 1942, at the age of 16, George enlisted with the Royal Navy at the HMCS Discovery located off Stanley Park. By the end of the war, he had been awarded numerous medals and awards, including the Italian Star, North African Star and the France/Germany Star and Malta Star. After the war, George returned to Canada, settling in Burnaby with his wife Edna. Together, the couple raised five children while George maintained a life of public service, becoming the Director of the Junior Chamber of Commerce in 1946, continuing his involvement until 1957. Following this, he was elected to Burnaby Municipal Council, serving as an alderman for 18 years, as Burnaby Parks Commissioner for 14 years, and as Burnaby Planning Commissioner for eight years. He also served on several civic committees including the Lower Mainland Planning Board, the Greater Vancouver Regional District Planning Committee, and the Greater Vancouver Regional District Water and Sewer Board. In his role as parks commissioner, he fostered the expansion of the Burnaby Parks system as well as the Burnaby Parkland Acquisition Program. George also found time for coaching sports such as minor hockey and softball and was an active member in community organizations such as the Royal Canadian Legion, the Rotary Club, and the Burnaby Hospital Society. In 1987, George retired from municipal politics and was honoured in 1989 by the Burnaby Municipal Council, when he was bestowed the title of Freeman for the Municipality. George continued his commitment to public service and became an active participant in the Memory Project, sponsored by Veteran Affairs of Canada, to help bring history home to schoolchildren, sharing his wartime experiences with younger generations. He also participated in a project entitled From the Heart: The Freeman Legacy, which was a collaboration between the City of Burnaby and Simon Fraser University. A feature film was produced as one element of the larger multimedia project and was broadcast nationally in 2007. In 2010, the Parks, Recreation and Culture Commission extended permanent recognition to Freeman George H.F. McLean by changing the name of Inman Green Park to George McLean Park in his honour. In his private life, George took pride in spending time with his family and was a successful businessman. George was also an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 83, The Burnaby Kingsway Rotary Club, and the Burnaby Hospital Society, and enjoyed working in his organic garden in his free time. George H.F. McLean died on May 7, 2015.
- Media Type
- Moving Images
- Photographer
- McLean, George H.F.
- Creator
- McLean, George H.F.
- Notes
- Title based on contents of fonds
- Photo/MI catalogue 567
Century Park Museum Association fonds
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription3781
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- 1971-1989
- Collection/Fonds
- Century Park Museum Association fonds
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Physical Description
- 1814 photographs + 219 architectural drawings + 17 technical drawings + 4 videocassettes + 3 audio reels + 17 audio cassettes + 1.6 m of textual records + 2 maps
- Scope and Content
- Fonds consists of records created and collected by the Century Park Museum Association (renamed Burnaby Village Museum Association after 1984), which managed Heritage Village (later named Burnaby Village Museum) from its opening in 1971 until it's dissolution in December 1989. Records include archi…
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Century Park Museum Association fonds
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Physical Description
- 1814 photographs + 219 architectural drawings + 17 technical drawings + 4 videocassettes + 3 audio reels + 17 audio cassettes + 1.6 m of textual records + 2 maps
- Scope and Content
- Fonds consists of records created and collected by the Century Park Museum Association (renamed Burnaby Village Museum Association after 1984), which managed Heritage Village (later named Burnaby Village Museum) from its opening in 1971 until it's dissolution in December 1989. Records include architectural drawings and proposals; photographs and films of the site; documentation of exhibits and artifacts, special events and programs; oral history interviews and other sound recordings; association meeting minutes; constitutions and bylaws; financial records; reports; correspondence; publications and research materials. Fonds has been arranged into the following series: 1) Century Park Museum Association photograph collection series 2) Century Park Museum Association film collection series 3) Century Park Museum Association architectural records and reports series 4) Heritage Village Museum oral history Interviews series 5) Heritage Village Museum presentations and Programming series 6) Century Park Museum Association reports series 7) Century Park Museum Association constitution, bylaws and agreements series 8) Century Park Museum Association minutes of meetings series 9) Century Park Museum association Board of Directors' administrative files series 10) Century Park Museum membership series 11) Heritage Village Museum exhibits and artifacts series 12) Century Park Museum Association committees' minutes and reports series 13) Museum staff adminstrative files series 14) Century Park Museum Association financial records series
- History
- The Heritage Village Museum was originally created as a British Columbia Centennial Project in 1971 through funding from the Federal, Provincial and Municipal governments. A sub-committee of the Burnaby Centennial '71 Committee was responsible for the creation of a permanent commemorative project. The concept for an open-air museum was developed with the location to be in Burnaby on lots 8,9, 10 and 11 of District Lot 79 and Lots 2 and 5, Block "R" of Districts Lots 79 and 85. The official sod turning for Heritage Village took place on April 11, 1971. In the spring of 1971, a museum director and curator were hired to oversee the development of the project and the acquisition of artifacts with funding from the Parks and Recreation Commission. The Century Park Museum Association (CPMA) was founded under the auspices of the Burnaby Centennial '71 Committee to govern Burnaby's Centennial '71 Commemorative Project, Heritage Village. The CPMA Board of directors were elected on October 26, 1971 with Donald (Don) Copan as the founding president (Don continued to serve on the Board until 1989). The Board of Directors reported directly to the Municipal Council. The association had an overall objective of providing a museum that was a historical resource for Burnaby and the region. The museum mandate was to collect, preserve, research, document and interpret artifacts and historical buildings that illustrated the history and lifestyle of the Lower Mainland in B.C. and Burnaby. The Museum focused on the period between 1890 and 1925 depicting a village lifestyle of a small community. This was achieved through the use of exhibits and displays within historic buildings and built reconstructions along with costumed museum interpreters. Many people contributed to the construction and design of the village. Architect, Rudy Kovach created the initial concept drawings and architecture designs were created by architectural design consultants Hopping, Kovach and Grinnell. Many carpenters and tradespeople worked on the construction of the buildings including Mr. Angelo Giacometti who was respsonible for much of the final decorative elements. The official opening of Heritage Village took place on November 19, 1971 with Burnaby Mayor Bob Prittie and Canada’s Governor General Roland Michener. Heritage Village was opened up to the public for a few days between November 19 and 21 with approximately 15,000 visitors. On July 1st, 1972 Heritage Village re-opened for the summer season with CPMA president, Don Copan and Mayor Bob Prittie officiating. This opening showcased further development of the site with more buildings and exhibits added. In 1984, Heritage Village Museum changed its name to “Burnaby Village Museum” and in turn, the Century Park Museum Association changed its name to the “Burnaby Village Museum Association”. Burnaby Village Museum continued to be governed by the Burnaby Village Museum Association until the end of 1989. In 1990, the Corporation of the District of Burnaby assumed the operation and management of Burnaby Village Museum under the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department and the Burnaby Village Museum Association was dissolved.
- Responsibility
- Century Park Museum Association
- Accession Code
- BV985.6028
- BV005.14
- BV000.18
- BV011.44
- BV011.50
- BV014.30
- BV016.56
- BV017.46
- BV018.21
- BV019.52
- BV020.4
- BV020.5
- BV021.5
- BV022.9
- Date
- 1971-1989
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Sound Recording
- Textual Record
- Architectural Drawing
- Moving Images
- Cartographic Material
- Technical Drawing
- Related Material
- Donald Copan fonds
- Burnaby Centennial '71 Committee collection
- Royal Bank exhibit collection
- Bell's Dry Goods exhibit collection
- Jesse Love farmhouse fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum fonds
- Arrangement
- Records are arranged by types and functions of the Century Park Museum Association. The series reflects how they were maintained by the associaton, it's members and staff of Heritage Village (Burnaby Village Museum) while under the governance of the association.
- Notes
- Title based on contents of fonds
- Further accruals are expected
- Some records within this fonds are Closed - contact Burnaby Village Museum for access