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Vancouver Fire Department La France truck in parade
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription13372
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- 11 April 1971
- Collection/Fonds
- Donald Copan collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. ; 8.9 x 12.7 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Vancouver Fire Department "1926 La France" fire truck in antique car parade leading to the Heritage Village sod-turning event on April 11, 1971. Heritage Village (now Burnaby Village Museum) was Burnaby's Centennial '71 Commemorative project.
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Donald Copan collection
- Series
- Copan album series
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. ; 8.9 x 12.7 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Vancouver Fire Department "1926 La France" fire truck in antique car parade leading to the Heritage Village sod-turning event on April 11, 1971. Heritage Village (now Burnaby Village Museum) was Burnaby's Centennial '71 Commemorative project.
- Names
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Accession Code
- BV005.54.396
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Date
- 11 April 1971
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Morley-Buckingham Area
- Scan Resolution
- 600
- Scan Date
- 4-Aug-2020
- Scale
- 100
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Viewing floral display
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription2119
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- May 1971
- Collection/Fonds
- Donald Copan collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. ; 8.9 x 8.9 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of acting-mayor Hugh Ladner, Burnaby Centennial '71 Committee vice chair, Rose Bancroft (right) and an unidentified woman viewing a floral display at the Burnaby Rhododendron Festival. The Rhodendron Festival was held inside of the James Cowan Centre as was part of the Burnaby Centennial…
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Donald Copan collection
- Series
- Copan album series
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. ; 8.9 x 8.9 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of acting-mayor Hugh Ladner, Burnaby Centennial '71 Committee vice chair, Rose Bancroft (right) and an unidentified woman viewing a floral display at the Burnaby Rhododendron Festival. The Rhodendron Festival was held inside of the James Cowan Centre as was part of the Burnaby Centennial '71 celebrations.
- Accession Code
- BV005.54.167
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Date
- May 1971
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Scan Resolution
- 600
- Scan Date
- July 21, 2020
- Scale
- 100
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Vintage automobile in parade
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription13242
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- 20 July 1971
- Collection/Fonds
- Donald Copan collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 8.9 x 12.7 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of a vintage automobile as part of the Centennial celebration event "The Day We Joined - a Confederation Celebration 1871 - 1977" held at Empire Stadium, Vancouver.
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Donald Copan collection
- Series
- Copan album series
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 8.9 x 12.7 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of a vintage automobile as part of the Centennial celebration event "The Day We Joined - a Confederation Celebration 1871 - 1977" held at Empire Stadium, Vancouver.
- Geographic Access
- Vancouver
- Accession Code
- BV005.54.256
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Date
- 20 July 1971
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Scan Resolution
- 600
- Scan Date
- July 23, 2020
- Scale
- 100
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Woman on Pioneer Day
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription13325
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- 22 September 1971
- Collection/Fonds
- Donald Copan collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 8.9 x 12.7 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of an unidentified woman standing outside of the James Cowan Centre on Pioneer Day. Pioneer Day was part of the Burnaby Centennial '71 celebrations and included entertainment, games, displays, dinner and dancing. A giant birthday cake was created for the occasion marking Burnaby's sevent…
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Donald Copan collection
- Series
- Copan album series
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 8.9 x 12.7 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of an unidentified woman standing outside of the James Cowan Centre on Pioneer Day. Pioneer Day was part of the Burnaby Centennial '71 celebrations and included entertainment, games, displays, dinner and dancing. A giant birthday cake was created for the occasion marking Burnaby's seventy-ninth birthday.
- Names
- James Cowan Theatre
- Accession Code
- BV005.54.343
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Date
- 22 September 1971
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Douglas-Gilpin Area
- Scan Resolution
- 600
- Scan Date
- 4-Aug-2020
- Scale
- 100
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Woman with two men at Centennial Ball
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription2131
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- 15 May 1971
- Collection/Fonds
- Donald Copan collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 8.9 x 12.7 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of an unidentified woman with two unidentified men at the Burnaby Centennial Ball held at British Columbia Institute of Technology arena. The Centennial Ball was part of The Rhodendron Festival and sponsored by Burnaby Centennial '71 Committee.
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Donald Copan collection
- Series
- Copan album series
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 8.9 x 12.7 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of an unidentified woman with two unidentified men at the Burnaby Centennial Ball held at British Columbia Institute of Technology arena. The Centennial Ball was part of The Rhodendron Festival and sponsored by Burnaby Centennial '71 Committee.
- Accession Code
- BV005.54.179
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Date
- 15 May 1971
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Scan Resolution
- 600
- Scan Date
- July 21, 2020
- Scale
- 100
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Bygones of Burnaby : an anecdotal history
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary5462
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Author
- McGeachie, Pixie, 1921-
- Publication Date
- 1976
- c1975
- Call Number
- 971.133 MCG COPY 4
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Digital Reference Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Call Number
- 971.133 MCG COPY 4
- Author
- McGeachie, Pixie, 1921-
- Place of Publication
- Burnaby, B.C.
- Publisher
- Century Park Museum Association
- Publication Date
- 1976
- c1975
- Physical Description
- 108 p. : ill. ; 23 cm.
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Burnaby (B.C.)--History
- Notes
- 4 copies held: copy 4.
Digital Books
Interview with Harman Pandher
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19609
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [1968- 2023] (interview content), interviewed 5 Jan. 2023
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 2 sound recordings (wav) (105 min., 23 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (101 min., 39 sec.)
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Harman Pandher conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Assistant Curator, Kate Petrusa. 00:00 - 37:38 Interview opens with Harman Pandher sharing information on his oldest living relative, Kirpal Singh Pandher who immigrated to Canada arou…
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum fonds
- Series
- Museum Oral Histories series
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 2 sound recordings (wav) (105 min., 23 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (101 min., 39 sec.)
- Material Details
- Interviewer: Kate Petrusa Interviewee: Harman Pandher Location of Interview: Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: January 5, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 2 Total Length of all Tracks:1:45:23 min Digital master recordings (wav) were edited into one recording and converted to mp3 format for access on Heritage Burnaby
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Harman Pandher conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Assistant Curator, Kate Petrusa. 00:00 - 37:38 Interview opens with Harman Pandher sharing information on his oldest living relative, Kirpal Singh Pandher who immigrated to Canada around 1968. The interview continues with Harman Pandher providing details about his childhood in Burnaby while occasionally sharing photographs with the interviewer. He provides detailed descriptions of the homes and neighbourhoods while living on Second Street and 15th Avenue and shares his experiences as a South Asian Sikh attending Second Street elementary school, Cariboo Hill Secondary School and Kahlsa School. Pandher recalls some of his family and childhood experiences including, family events and gatherings; participation in school clubs and sports; playing basketball, ball hockey and street hockey with his Punjabi friends and other Burnaby kids; racism that he faced as a Sikh wearing a turban and delivering newspapers for the Vancouver Sun. 37:39 – 52:54 Pandher talks about family and cultural celebrations and traditions within the Sikh community including Vaisakhi, Diwali and celebrations of the birth of Guru Ravidas and Guru Nanak. Pandher conveys that while he was growing up many of these events took place in Vancouver but now they are also celebrated in Burnaby. He recalls events that took place in school while growing up in Burnaby including; his sister wearing a Sari to a fashion show; a visit to a Sikh temple; celebrating the birthday of Guru Nanak and outreach to teachers to learn about South Asian culture, games, food and traditions. Pandher also shares his experiences working as a student teacher at Capital Hill Elementary in North Burnaby where he took his class on a tour of the Sikh temple in 2001 and reflects on learning that it is his responsibility to be proactive in educating the public in his own culture while also learning about other communities. 52:55 - 1:19:56 Pandher shares personal experiences of racism and his experiences as a teacher and author. He recalls and reflects on a traumatic experience where he was physically assaulted while shopping at Lougheed Mall and recollects his father carrying around his field hockey stick in his car to defend himself. Pandher reflects on the lack of representation of racialized people like himself within the school curriculum while he was growing up which lead him to become a teacher and an author of children’s literature. Pander provides detailed information on his education and training in becoming a teacher, his love of poetry and literature and how he became an author. Pandher describes some of the works of poetry and literature that he’s written about the Sikh religion, history and culture, growing up as a Sikh Canadian and a non-fiction work about the history of Paldi titled "Welcome to Paldi: A Place for Everyone". Pandher also talks about beginning to record some of his own family stories from relatives. 1:19:57 - 1:29:58 Pandher talks about raising his own family in Burnaby, living as an extended family with his parents, his son’s education and Pandher's experience on the Burnaby School Board (2011-2018) . Pandher shares locations of residences that he and his family have lived before living at their current home on 17th Avenue. Pandher explains that since he was a teacher in Surrey, his son attended Khalsa School as well as public elementary and high school in Surrey but did his extracurricular activities in Burnaby where the family lived. 1:29:56 – 1:41:39 In closing, Harman Pandher reflects and shares what he hopes for younger generations of South Asian Canadians and future generations. Pandher articulates “be who you are, stay true to who you are, maintain your family’s traditions, learn their stories, learn their story and how they got to Burnaby”. He conveys that even though there’s more work to be done eliminating racism completely he sees the importance in volunteering, teaching others about yourself and making an effort to learn all parts of Burnaby and other cultures represented here. Pandher speaks about his concerns of youths falling victim to a lifestyle of drugs and gangs and how it’s important to remove the stigma around mental health issues.
- History
- Interviewee biography: Harman Pandher was born in Vancouver in 1976 to parents, Rajinder and Raj Pandher who immigrated to Canada in 1973. A few weeks later after Harman was born, the family moved to Burnaby. While living in Burnaby, Harman Pandher and his sister attended Second Street Elementary School and Cariboo Hill Secondary School. Pandher obtained a master's degree in education from the University of British Columbia and has worked as an elementary school teacher for over 20 years. Pandher has been recognized for his efforts in building bridges across communities as the recipient of the 2021 B.C. Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Award. Pandher has served on the Board of the Burnaby Multicultural Society and is co-founder of two noon-profit organizations; “Through SONG” (Seeking Oneness for the Next Generation) “About bringing youth together form diverse backgrounds and using their talent in the community for good causes” and "SACH" (South Asian Community Hub) providing one-stop services for those impacted by alchohol and substance use and mental health issues. Harman Pandher is also the author of two children's books titled, "Gurpreet Goes to Gurdwara: Understanding the Sikh Place of Worship" and "Once Upon the Golden Temple: A Journey to Sri Harmandir Sahib". Interviewer biography: Kate Petrusa is the Assistant Curator at the Burnaby Village Museum. In her role, she manages all aspects of the collection – including caring for physical artifacts and making their digital counterpart accessible. Before coming to Burnaby Village Museum in 2019, Kate has worked at several Museums around the Lower Mainland as a Curator and contractor since 2013.
- Creator
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Subjects
- Education
- Occupations - Teachers
- Occupations - Writers
- Persons - South Asian Canadians
- Religions
- Religions - Sikhism
- Social Issues
- Social Issues - Racism
- Sports - Basketball
- Sports
- Responsibility
- Petrusa, Kate
- Geographic Access
- 2nd Street
- 15th Avenue
- Accession Code
- BV023.1.1
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Date
- [1968- 2023] (interview content), interviewed 5 Jan. 2023
- Media Type
- Sound Recording
- Historic Neighbourhood
- East Burnaby (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Second Street Area
- Notes
- Title based on contents of item
- Transcript available upon request
Audio Tracks
Interview with Harman Pandher, [1968- 2023] (interview content), interviewed 5 Jan. 2023
Interview with Harman Pandher, [1968- 2023] (interview content), interviewed 5 Jan. 2023
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0001_0001_003.mp3Burnaby Centennial '71 Committee collection
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription12986
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- 1970-1971
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Centennial '71 Committee collection
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Physical Description
- 57 architectural drawings + approx. 45 cm of textual records + 94 photographs + 1 video recording (mp4) + 1 film reel
- Scope and Content
- Collection consists of records documenting the planning and development of the Burnaby Centennial '71 Committee's commemorative project, Heritage Village (Burnaby Village Museum) prior to it's opening in November 1971. These records were created and/or accumulated by various members of the Burnaby…
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Centennial '71 Committee collection
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Physical Description
- 57 architectural drawings + approx. 45 cm of textual records + 94 photographs + 1 video recording (mp4) + 1 film reel
- Scope and Content
- Collection consists of records documenting the planning and development of the Burnaby Centennial '71 Committee's commemorative project, Heritage Village (Burnaby Village Museum) prior to it's opening in November 1971. These records were created and/or accumulated by various members of the Burnaby ’71 Centennial Committee sub-committee, Heritage Village staff and the Century Park Museum Association.
- History
- The Burnaby Centennial '71 Committee was formed in accordance with the British Columbia Centennial '71 Act and was directed by the Provincial Centennial '71 Committee. In April 1970, a representative group of Burnaby citizens were appointed to the committee. Members of the committee included: Ex-Officio Mayor Robert W. Prittie; Chairman, James A. Barrrington; Vice Chairman, Gordon H. Skene; Secretary-Treasurer, Charles B. Brown; Alderman, John D. Drummond; Mrs. Joan Johnston; Mrs. Martin Dunsmuir; Miss Rose Bancroft; Msgr. J.E. Brown; Messrs. Elmer Buckingham; A.B. "Sandy" Stewart; Vic Stusiak; Fraser Wilson; Don Copan and Richard Smith. The purpose of the committee was to ensure that all Burnaby citizens as individuals, family groups or members of community organizations had an opportunity to participate and contribute to celebrations marking the 100th Anniversary of the entry of British Columbia into Confederation and further to make written suggestions of a permanent Centennial project of lasting value and significance to the community. Programs and special events sponsored by the committee included; Flag raising ceremony on January 1, 1971, New Year's Day Ceremony, parades, plays (including "Barkerville '71"), musical events, Burnaby pioneer award presentations, a horse show, lacrosse jamboree, minor baseball, volleyball, tennis, football, soccer, judo and field hockey tournaments, a swim meet, an antique car rally, Easter egg hunt, Rocketry meet, Boy Scouts outdoor action show, Girl Guides "camporee", Midsummer Festival at Burnaby Arts Centre, Rhododendrun Festival at Century Gardens, Variety show, Centennial Ball, Burnaby Rhodendrun Flower show, a Miss Burnaby Pageant, Sports Day, Burnaby Amateur Radio Club party, Centennial '71 Caravan, Centennial High School Art Contest, Sod Turning Ceremony at Heritage park Museum and opening of Heritage Village Museum in November. A sub-committee of the Centennial Committee was responsible for the development of a City of Burnaby permanent commemorative project which became Heritage Village. Sandy Stewart was the sub-committee chair who worked with Richie Smith and Vic Stusiak to develop the concept for an open- air museum reflective of a tram stop community. Architect Rudy Kovacs was hired to come up with a design for the project. Official sod-turning of Heritage Village took place on April 11, 1971. Mayor Bob Prittie officially turned the sod in front of the Elworth house before a crowd of 500. In the spring of 1971, a Heritage Village Director and Curator were hired to oversee the development of the project and acquire artifacts. Salaries were paid through the Parks Commission. The sub-committee continued to assist in overseeing the project to completion. Vic Stusiak set up an administrative structure to govern the new museum. The building of the museum was contracted by Ballarin Bros. Construction at a cost of $121,000 and work began in mid July. Trevi Construction Co. was contracted to do the finished carpentry on the project. The Century Park Museum Association was formed to govern Heritage Village with directors elected on October 26, 1971. Heritage Village officially opened on November 19, 1971 with Mayor Bob Prittie and Governor General Roland Michener in attendance. On January 27, 1972 the committee turned over the Heritage Village Project to the Corporation of the District of Burnaby. After this, the committee was dissolved and all remaining funds were transferred to the Century Park Museum Association which took over the governance of Heritage Village, later known as Burnaby Village Museum.
- Creator
- Burnaby Centennial '71 Committee
- Accession Code
- BV985.6018
- BV000.18
- BV019.52
- BV020.5
- BV022.9
- Date
- 1970-1971
- Related Material
- Century Park Museum Association fonds
- Donald Copan collection
- Burnaby Village Museum fonds
- Arrangement
- Records were accumulated and donated by various donors over time. They were arranged and described by subject and format as discrete items originating from this committee.
- Notes
- Title based on content of collection
- Some records within this collection have restricted access - contact Burnaby Village Museum for further information
- Further accruals are expected
Burnaby Centennial Anthology subseries
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription25
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1892-1992
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Physical Description
- Textual records and photographs
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consists of articles, stories, and photographs submitted for inclusion in the "Burnaby Centennial Anthology: Stories of Early Burnaby". Photographs are predominantly copy prints and proofs used for the publication of the anthology.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1892-1992
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Burnaby Centennial Anthology subseries
- Physical Description
- Textual records and photographs
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Access Restriction
- Open access
- Accession Number
- BHS1994-04
- BHS2003-16
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consists of articles, stories, and photographs submitted for inclusion in the "Burnaby Centennial Anthology: Stories of Early Burnaby". Photographs are predominantly copy prints and proofs used for the publication of the anthology.
- History
- In 1992, the City of Burnaby celebrated its 100th birthday. To mark the anniversary, a Centennial Committee was struck by the Mayor and Council to coordinate activities and oversee the year-long celebrations. The History and Heritage sub-committee was formed with the goal of collecting and preserving historic materials detailing the development of Burnaby. In November of 1992, the committee advertised for the submission of personal stories, photos and other memorabilia and received material from over 150 early Burnaby residents in response. Although the Centennial Committee disbanded at the end of 1992, the work that had been begun by the History and Heritage Sub-Committee continued under the direction of the Burnaby Heritage Advisory Committee (later named the Community Heritage Commission) and proceeded under its authority until the project was completed. The stories that were captured to accompany this material and the memories of some of Burnaby’s earliest residents were brought together in the form of book, published in 1994: "Burnaby Centennial Anthology: Stories of Early Burnaby".
- Formats
- All photographs are scanned
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Photograph
- Creator
- Community Heritage Commission
- Notes
- Title based on contents of subseries
- MSS108, PC315
Burnaby Girl Guides fonds
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription4614
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- 1914-2009
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Girl Guides fonds
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Physical Description
- 22 scrapbooks : photographs + textual records + illustrations + digital files : col. (pdfs) + photographs : col. (tiffs) + col. (jpegs) + 222 photographs : b&w ; col. + 12 cm of textual records + ephemera
- Scope and Content
- Fonds consists of a collection of scrapbooks containing photographs, textual records, illustrations and ephemera along with individual photographs and textual records related to Burnaby Girl Guides. Records document the activities and functions of Burnaby Girl Guides through histories, journals, ne…
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Girl Guides fonds
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Physical Description
- 22 scrapbooks : photographs + textual records + illustrations + digital files : col. (pdfs) + photographs : col. (tiffs) + col. (jpegs) + 222 photographs : b&w ; col. + 12 cm of textual records + ephemera
- Scope and Content
- Fonds consists of a collection of scrapbooks containing photographs, textual records, illustrations and ephemera along with individual photographs and textual records related to Burnaby Girl Guides. Records document the activities and functions of Burnaby Girl Guides through histories, journals, newspaper clippings, certificates, awards, programmes, photographs, illustrations and newsletters. Scrapbooks were created by Burnaby Girl Guides and Girl Guide leaders and deposited with the Burnaby Girl Guide Archivist prior to being donated to the Burnaby Village Museum. Record descriptions are available at both item and file level. Fonds is arranged into the following series: 1) Burnaby Girl Guides scrapbooks and photographs series 2) Burnaby Girl Guides administrative records and histories series 3) Burnaby Girl Guides newsletters series 4) Burnaby Girl Guides memorabilia series
- History
- The Girl Guide Movement began in England in 1909 when girls in England demanded to take part in a Boy Scouts rally at the Crystal Palace in London, organized by Chief Scout and Boy Scout founder Lord Robert Baden-Powell. Following this event, Baden Powell asked his sister, Agnes Baden-Powell to help him start a similar organization for girls and Girl Guides was formed. Girl Guides came to Canada in 1910 and the first troop in British Columbia was registered in Victoria in 1912. In 1913 Amy Leigh moved to Burnaby from England and enquired about a Guiding company in her area and was disappointed to find none. On June 11, 1914 at the age of 17 years, Amy registered the 1st Burnaby Girl Guide Company and became the captain. On April 2, 1916 the 2nd Burnaby Guide Company registered and met at Edmonds School. In this same year, the very first Burnaby Girl Guide Rally event took place at Central Park and by 1920 another took place at the Burnaby Municipal Hall (Edmonds) and was attended by both Burnaby and New Westminster Guides. The First Burnaby Brownie Pack was registered on December 1922 with Mrs. W.J. Matherson as Brown Owl. The Brownie Pack met in a West Burnaby facility. The First Burnaby Land Ranger Co. was formed on November 29, 1923 and by 1924 Burnaby became a District with four Guide companies, four Brownie Packs and the Rangers. In 1923 records show Mrs. Gavin as commissioner, Mrs. C.F. Carter in 1924 and Miss Amy Leigh between 1926 and 1928. The first District camp was held near Sechelt in 1927 on the property of Mrs. Deal and Mrs. Nixon with annual camps held here until 1930 when the Guide camp at Wilson Creek was established. In 1929 Guides and Brownies began taking part in the Annual May Day Celebrations at Central Park. In 1930 Burnaby became a Division with Mrs. C.F. Carter as Division Commissioner and Mrs. G. Peel as District Commissioner for South Burnaby and in 1931 Miss Amy Leigh became the first North Burnaby Commissioner. The 5th Burnaby Girl Guide Company in North Burnaby began publishing a bulletin in 1935. In this same year Burnaby Girl Guides attended a rally for Lord and Lady Powell who were visiting Vancouver and Burnaby Girl Guides became affiliated with Greater Vancouver Girl Guide Council. The packs and companies of North Burnaby were attached to the eastern section of Vancouver while South Burnaby and South Vancouver District became another Division. Mrs. Pochin organized the Burnaby Lake District in 1943 becoming the first District commissioner (In 1927 Mrs. Peel had guides in this area). The first training classes for Girl Guides were held in 1943 in a hall on Buller Avenue at the BCER tracks and also Phillips Hall on McKay Avenue. By 1945 a training camp was held on Mrs. Pochin’s property on Deer Lake. South Vancouver, South Burnaby and Burnaby Lake Districts took part in the training which was a change over from war time service and the return of Pioneer camping. Miss E. Perition was in charge of camp which was attended by Mrs. J. Quinnell, Mrs. J. Albertson and many guiders. In 1946 Lady Baden Powel returned for a visit to Vancouver and there was a rally at Connaught Park and Chief Scout Lord Rowallyn held a rally at Brocton Point. In 1947 Mrs. J. Albertson became Division Commissioner for South Vancouver and South Burnaby. Districts of Burnaby Lake and South Burnaby each adopted a European child and undertook to send regular parcels and by 1948 these Districts became a Burnaby Division once more under Division Commissioner Mrs. W.M. Wall. In September 1949 the first Sea Ranger Crew “S.R.S. Royal Oak” was formed under the Skipper, Miss E. Periton. The S.R.S. Royal Oak met at All Saint’s Church Hall on Royal Oak Ave. In 1950 Packs and Companies in North Burnaby organized into a District under Mrs. Hebron and in 1953 Sperling District was organized by District Commissioner Mrs. Hancock. 1953 was also the same year that South Burnaby District was divided into three Districts: Central Park District under Commissioner Miss Perition, Douglas District under Commissioner Mrs. J. McKee Wilson and Kingsway under Commissioner Mrs. J.G. Fowler. A few years later, in 1955 the guides and brownies were out in force to welcome Lady Baden Powel at a rally held in the PNE Gardens building and by March 1956 Burnaby ceased to be a part of Greater Vancouver Area and was organized under two Divisions of the Province. The Sperling, Willingdon and Vancouver Heights Districts in North Burnaby became North Burnaby Division with Mrs. H. Hebron as Division Commissioner. With rapid population growth further decentralization became necessary and South Burnaby Division was split in two, adding the new division of Central Burnaby under Commissioner Miss E. Perition. Central Burnaby was composed of three Districts: Burnaby Lake, Central Park and a new District named “Windsor” under Mrs. C. Dumfries. South Burnaby was composed of three Districts: Kingsway, Edmonds and Lakeview (the latter two also referred to as Douglas with Mrs. McGeachie and Mrs. J. Park as the first commissioners of these two Districts). In 1957 Burnaby became an Area unto itself with three Divisions, and 9 Districts under Miss Periton as the first Area Commissioner. In February 1957, Burnaby entered into a contract with Vancouver Girl Guide Council to lease a part of the Wilson Creek campsite. Under the leadership of Area Commissioner, Miss Periton, work started on the development of the site with funds raised by both the Girl Guides, local citizens and associations. A camp committee was formed with representation from each Division and a lot of help from Miss Norah Weller, the Wilson Creek camp manager. Plans were laid for the site with a dining shelter, store room and cook stove contracted for while a subcommittee of men was appointed to purchase building supplies and organize work parties to build cabins, a staff house, water pipes and sanitary facilities. The site opened in May 1958 with $6000 expended on building and equipping the camp, while an official opening took place on June 8 and by July Girl Guides began camping on the site. The Burnaby Area Committee became a member of the Burnaby Community Council and a participant in Community Chest in 1958 and on May 1, the Burnaby Area office opened. By 1959, with further participation in North Burnaby, Sperling District was split to form Sperling and Hillview Districts and by 1960 Kingsway District of South Burnaby split to form Kingsway and Royal Oak Districts. By December 1960, Burnaby Area had 3 Divisions, 11 Districts with a total membership of 2, 331.
- Creator
- Girl Guides of Canada
- Accession Code
- BV015.35
- BV015.36
- BV016.49
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Date
- 1914-2009
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of fonds
- Some scrapbooks are only available in digital formats
- Accessions that form part of this fonds include: BV015.35; BV015.36; BV016.49
Burnaby pamphlets and clippings
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription58413
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1966-1992
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 1 file of textual records
- Scope and Content
- File consists of pamphlets and newspaper clippings pertaining to various events taking place in Burnaby including centennial celebrations and Burnaby Days.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1966-1992
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Gladys Killip subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 file of textual records
- Description Level
- File
- Record No.
- MSS081-026
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Accession Number
- BHS1996-12
- Scope and Content
- File consists of pamphlets and newspaper clippings pertaining to various events taking place in Burnaby including centennial celebrations and Burnaby Days.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Notes
- Title based on contents of file
Century Park Museum Association photograph collection series
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription13983
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- 1971-1989
- Collection/Fonds
- Century Park Museum Association fonds
- Description Level
- Series
- Physical Description
- 763 photographs
- Scope and Content
- Series consists of photographs documenting the history of the Heritage Village (Burnaby Village Museum) while it was under the governance and administration of the Century Park Museum Association (Burnaby Village Museum Association) between November 1971 and December 1989. Photographs document and …
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Century Park Museum Association fonds
- Description Level
- Series
- Physical Description
- 763 photographs
- Scope and Content
- Series consists of photographs documenting the history of the Heritage Village (Burnaby Village Museum) while it was under the governance and administration of the Century Park Museum Association (Burnaby Village Museum Association) between November 1971 and December 1989. Photographs document and include the official opening weekend in November 1971, the re-opening in 1972, special events and celebrations, staff and volunteers, school and public programming, construction and restoration projects as well as professional photographs created for promotional materials.
- Accession Code
- BV016.56
- BV017.46
- BV020.4
- BV020.5
- BV022.9
- Date
- 1971-1989
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Related Material
- See also Don Copan fonds; Burnaby Centennial '71 Committee collection
- Notes
- Title based on contents of series
- Further accruals are expected
Civic ceremonies, awards and special events series
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription157
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1919-2004
- Collection/Fonds
- Mayor's Office fonds
- Description Level
- Series
- Scope and Content
- Series contains records created by the Mayor’s Office during the Mayor’s participation in civic ceremonies, awards presentations, or other special events undertaken in or for the City of Burnaby. Records include: photographs, correspondence, memoranda, speeches, reports, newspaper clippings, progr…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1919-2004
- Collection/Fonds
- Mayor's Office fonds
- Description Level
- Series
- Scope and Content
- Series contains records created by the Mayor’s Office during the Mayor’s participation in civic ceremonies, awards presentations, or other special events undertaken in or for the City of Burnaby. Records include: photographs, correspondence, memoranda, speeches, reports, newspaper clippings, programmes, agendas, proclamations, plaques, itineraries, invitations, and ceremonial certificates and memorabilia. As the official representative for the citizens of Burnaby, the Mayor hosts and attends numerous ceremonies and special events throughout his/her term in office. Included in this series are records from events such as the 1984 and 1997 B. C. Summer Games, the 1992 Burnaby Centennial celebrations, and the 1971 Royal Visit from Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. During the course of these events, the City of Burnaby often is presented with ceremonial plaques, letters, or certificates that commemorate the special occasions and this material is included in the series. The Mayor is also responsible for seeing that awards are bestowed upon other deserving parties and ensures that achievements and special occasions are formally recognized by the City of Burnaby. Each year the Mayor presents the Kushiro Cup Award – which is named after Burnaby’s Sister City Kushiro, Japan – to an outstanding Burnaby resident and hosts such functions as municipal appreciation dinners. The records that are produced while carrying out these activities include criteria lists, resumes, correspondence, proclamations, and certificates.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
Elwood Veitch and Lulu Sweet
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription45295
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1979, published March 27, 1979
- Collection/Fonds
- Columbian Newspaper collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 19.5 x 24 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Elwood Veitch, then Minister of Tourism and Small Business Development breaking a bottle of champagne over the nose of the Royal Hudson as part of the tourism celebrations. Lulu Sweet is by his side, breaking the bottle with him. Elwood Veitch was the Social Credit Party of Canada's M…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1979, published March 27, 1979
- Collection/Fonds
- Columbian Newspaper collection
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 19.5 x 24 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 480-191
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No restrictions
- Accession Number
- 2003-02
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Elwood Veitch, then Minister of Tourism and Small Business Development breaking a bottle of champagne over the nose of the Royal Hudson as part of the tourism celebrations. Lulu Sweet is by his side, breaking the bottle with him. Elwood Veitch was the Social Credit Party of Canada's Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Burnaby-Willingdon from 1975 to 1978 and again from 1983 to 1991.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Photographer
- Hodge, Craig
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Newspaper clipping on verso of photograph reads: "GOOD TIMES '79 LAUNCHED... Tourism Minister Elwood Veitch and Richmond Centennial celebrity Lulu Sweet bust a bottle of champagne over the nose of the Royal Hudson as the shiny relic from the days of steam prepares to chug off on its annual tourism promotion run. The train will tour thorough 39 B.C. communities this spring with side trips to Washington, Idaho and Alberta. Her regular summer excursion run between North Vancouver and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh begins May 18th."
Images
![Esther Love Stanley photograph album 1, [1900-1928] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Images/2022/2022_0032_0001_003.jpg?width=280)
Esther Love Stanley photograph album 1
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19284
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [1900-1928]
- Collection/Fonds
- Esther Love Stanley fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph album (429 photographs)
- Scope and Content
- Photograph album consists of photographs of various members of the Love family, relatives, friends and descendants including the members of the Brandrith, Stanley, Whiting and MacKenzie families. Album includes photographs taken by family members as well as portrait photographers that document even…
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Esther Love Stanley fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph album (429 photographs)
- Scope and Content
- Photograph album consists of photographs of various members of the Love family, relatives, friends and descendants including the members of the Brandrith, Stanley, Whiting and MacKenzie families. Album includes photographs taken by family members as well as portrait photographers that document events, celebrations, gatherings, travels throughout British Columbia, various residences and vacation homes. Album and annotations were created by Esther Love Stanley and descendants.
- Creator
- Stanley, Esther Love
- Accession Code
- BV022.32.1
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Date
- [1900-1928]
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of album
- Individual photographs within album are described at item level BV022.32.2 to BV022.32.430
- Duplicate photographs within album were not accessioned or described
Images
![Esther Love Stanley photograph album 1, [1900-1928] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Images/2022/2022_0032_0001_003.jpg)
Documents
George H.F. McLean Films
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription85414
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [Between 1961 - 1970]
- Collection/Fonds
- George H.F. McLean fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 6 optical discs (approx. 1 hr., 37 min ) : digital , col., si.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of a collection of 23 silent, colour digital movie files of the McLean family in Burnaby. Footage provides highlights of family celebrations including birthdays, Christmas and New Years celebrated at their family home located at 4378 Halley Avenue South in Burnaby ; family travels and…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [Between 1961 - 1970]
- Collection/Fonds
- George H.F. McLean fonds
- Physical Description
- 6 optical discs (approx. 1 hr., 37 min ) : digital , col., si.
- Description Level
- File
- Record No.
- 567-001
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Accession Number
- 2014-03
- Scope and Content
- File consists of a collection of 23 silent, colour digital movie files of the McLean family in Burnaby. Footage provides highlights of family celebrations including birthdays, Christmas and New Years celebrated at their family home located at 4378 Halley Avenue South in Burnaby ; family travels and vacations including visits to Expo '67, The Seattle's World Fair in 1961, Bowyer Island and Hawaii. The films were created by Freeman George H.F. McLean. The 23 film segments have been described at item level with a selection being available for viewing on line.
- Names
- McLean, George H.F.
- Media Type
- Moving Images
- Photographer
- McLean, George H.F.
- Notes
- Title based on content of films
- Films originated in an 8mm format and were digitized by George McLean before being donated to the CBA
- Films are identified by MI#s 567-001-1 to 567-001-23
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
George Jeffery subseries
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription57762
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1899-1959
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Physical Description
- Textual records and photographs
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consists of personal and professional records, notebooks and papers pertaining to George Jeffery. Also included in the subseries are May Day programmes, invitations, and photographs of May Day, Diamond Jubilee of Confederation celebrations, and the Burnaby Police department.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1899-1959
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- George Jeffery subseries
- Physical Description
- Textual records and photographs
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Accession Number
- BHS2007-04
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consists of personal and professional records, notebooks and papers pertaining to George Jeffery. Also included in the subseries are May Day programmes, invitations, and photographs of May Day, Diamond Jubilee of Confederation celebrations, and the Burnaby Police department.
- History
- George Jeffery was a well-respected Burnaby police constable, having served first as a solider. Upon joining the police force in 1912, he was appointed to patrol the Central Park district, a position he held for 22 years. From his experiences confronting young shoplifters, he determined the reason groups of boys were getting into trouble was due to a lack of recreational activities on offer. He established the Burnaby Athletics Association in an old barn behind the Royal Oak Hotel to combat this, turning it into a competitive boxing ring and gym. George and his wife Harriet lived most of their married life in Central Park district with their three daughters: Patricia, a teacher in Burnaby prior to her marriage; Winnifred, Burnaby's 1929 May Queen; and Elsie who excelled at badminton. Patricia married William Poole; Winnifred married Fred Shaughnessy; and Elsie married Art Winteford. In 1935, when the BC Provincial police replaced the Burnaby Police, George quit the force in order to stay in Burnaby and worked at Oakalla Prison farm. He retired in 1945.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Photograph
- Creator
- Jeffery, George
- Notes
- Title based on contents of subseries
- MSS013, PC013
Interview with Prem Kaur Gill, Santokh Singh Gill and Mohinder Kaur Gill
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19347
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [1957-2022] (interview content), interviewed 11 Nov. 2022
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 sound recording (m4a) (118 min., 39 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (115 min., 20 sec.)
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of an oral history interview with Santokh "Gurmail" Singh Gill and Mohinder Kaur Gill and their daughter, Prem Kaur Gill conducted by interviewers, Anushay Malik and Rajdeep. The interview is conducted in English, Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu. The three members of the Gill family share the…
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum fonds
- Series
- Museum Oral Histories series
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 sound recording (m4a) (118 min., 39 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (115 min., 20 sec.)
- Material Details
- Interviewers: Anushay Malik, Rajdeep Interviewees: Prem Kaur Gill, Santokh "Gurmail" Singh Gill and Mohinder Kaur Gill Location of Interview: Gill family residence on Warwick Avenue in Burnaby Interview Date: November 11, 2022 Total Number of tracks: 1 Total Length of all Tracks: (1:58:39) Digital master recording (m4a) was converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of an oral history interview with Santokh "Gurmail" Singh Gill and Mohinder Kaur Gill and their daughter, Prem Kaur Gill conducted by interviewers, Anushay Malik and Rajdeep. The interview is conducted in English, Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu. The three members of the Gill family share their ancestral background, their personal experiences immigrating to Canada, living in Burnaby and working in British Columbia as South Asian immigrants. 00:00 – 27:34 Santokh “Gurmail” Singh Gill and Mohinder Kaur Gill share their migration stories and experiences living and working in British Columbia as South Asian immigrants and their eldest child, Prem Kaur Gill shares her own experiences as a child of South Asian immigrants and growing up in British Columbia as a South Asian Canadian. Gurmail Singh Gill was born in the District of Jalandhar and Mohinder Kaur Gill was born in Hoshiapur of the Indian state of Punjab. Gurmail describes how he moved from India to England with his family in 1957, immigrated to Canada from England in 1966, married his wife Mohinder in England in 1968 and brought his family (parents and two siblings) to Canada from England in 1970 and other relatives including his wife’s family in the 1970s and 1980s. Mohinder and Gurmail Gill recollect their arranged marriage in England in 1968, their immigration process and explain how they arrived in Burnaby residing with a cousin at 4649 Georgia Street until they were able to purchase their own home after a few years. Gurmail shares names and connections to the relatives that came to British Columbia before him. Gurmail and Mohinder tell how they lived in the basement of the house and rented out the upper floor to save money. The couple recall what they brought with them when they immigrated to Canada and Mohinder Kaur Gill tells of how before leaving India, she and her mother made a special rajai for her to take with her. Mohinder describes the process of making a rajai (a quilted blanket that was made by hand). Gurmail and Mohinder Gill talk about the challenges that they’ve experienced as new immigrants including not being fluent in English, the cold weather and not having very many family or friends nearby to provide support. They attended the Gurdwara on Ross Street or Akali Singh Sikh Society Gurdwara on Skeena in Vancouver. They explain how there was limited access to grocery stores that supplied Punjabi and Indian spices and other cooking supplies. They talk about how they used a food mill and mortar and pestle to grind their own spices and flour and how Mohinder often made traditional sweets like barfi and laddo and pakoras using pea flour when they couldn’t get Besan flour. 27:35 – 36:11 Gurmail provides more details on his family’s immigration story, including names of relatives, how his six siblings and parents all immigrated to British Columbia in 1970 and how in the early 1970s and mid 1980’s Gurmail and his family sponsored approximately 70 friends and relations from India (including Mohinder’s family) to immigrate to Canada. When Mohinder’s family arrived they lived with them in their house until they were able to purchase property next door and build their own home. Children in the families all attended elementary and high school in Burnaby which now amounts to three generations. 36:12 – 59:28 Gurmail and Mohinder Gill talk about their experiences of racial discrimination. Gurmail recalls members of the South Asian community, Dr. Hari Prakash Sharma, Harinder Mahil and Charan Gill starting the British Columbia Organization to Fight Racism. Gurmail tells of how he got involved contributing some of his union dues as a member of CAIMAW (Canadian Association of Industrial Mechanical and Allied Workers Union- Local 15) and as a friend of Charan Gill and Raj Chouhan of the Canadian Farm Workers Union. Gurmail Gill explains how he was a founding member of CAIMAW and treasurer until the union merged with the Canadian Auto Workers Union (in 1991). Mohinder and Gurmail tell of how people from the South Asian community were discouraged from wearing Punjabi dresses or head coverings for fear of being yelled at with racial slurs and how it was often scary to go outside. Many from their community often avoided attending the Akali Singh Gurdwara since a head covering was required and people were afraid of being a target. Gurmail provides details about his work with A1 Steel, how different unions were formed pertaining to various skillsets and jobs per company and how he became a member of CAIMAW Local 15 (foundry workers). Mohinder recollects her experiences as a mother, the daily tasks involved and friends that she made who’d also emigrated from Punjab. Mohinder describes how she designed and sewed many Punjabi dresses using her electric sewing machine and how she learned English by attending adult classes at a church on Commercial Drive. Mohinder and her mother attended the classes for two hours per day for six years at a cost of twelve dollars for ten weeks. Once Mohinder could speak a little English, she started working and was able to practice more. 59:29 – 1:06:08 Mohinder, Gurmail and Prem talk about some of their favourite traditional foods including corn roti and spinach curry and how they grow many of their own vegetables including peppers, eggplant, saag (spinach), onions, garlic, cilantro, zucchini, squash and fenugreek. Mohinder reflects on how access to Punjabi clothing and fabric stores in Vancouver has changed and that ready made food is now more available. Traditional foods were previously made from scratch with women gathering together and cooking for hours and now it’s gotten easier but more expensive and less of a community feel. 1:06:09- 1:55:20 Mohinder and Gurmail Gill discuss and share their perspectives and experiences on raising a family in the past versus today. Gurmail imparts that all of his siblings became educated and secured professional careers while he continued to work in the trades. Prem Kaur Gill shares her own experiences growing up and attending school in Burnaby. Gurmail and Mohinder Gill recall the type of suitcase that they brought with them when they immigrated and how they recently they got rid of it. Gurmail and the group reflect and discuss the confusion with racial identity terms that have been used in this country. They comment that South Asians were referred to as “Hindu” and “East Indian” and Indigenous peoples were referred to as “Indian” and the controversy and racism behind some of these terms. The group discusses the impact of the caste system and other discriminatory experiences and compare their experiences of living in England to living in Canada. Prem comments on how it’s just recently that South Asian customs, celebrations and practices have been recognized and celebrated here in Canada, like Diwali and yoga. They comment on how much of the language, culture and customs have been retained in Surrey where many can still communicate in Punjabi and don’t need to be fluent in English. The group discusses how many South Asians immigrants first lived and worked in Vancouver but with rising property prices many moved to Surrey expanding and establishing a much larger South Asian community with resources. The group discusses and compares the differing travel routes that many of them and their relatives took when immigrating and travelling between India and Canada. The group talks about Rajdeep’s ancestral village in India which is near the Gill village of Firozpur. Gurmail explains the origins and details behind his family name that was changed from “Shergill” to “Gill” and the name “Santokh” from his maternal side.
- History
- Interviewees' biographies: Santokh "Gurmail" Singh Gill was born in the District of Jalandhar in Punjab, India. Gurmail moved to England with his family in 1957 and immigrated to British Columbia in 1966. Gurmail married his wife, Mohinder Kaur Gill in England in 1968 and she immigrated to British Columbia from England soon after. Gurmail first lived with a cousin in Burnaby before purchasing a home of his own in Burnaby where he raised his family. Gurmail worked in the steel industry and was a member and treasurer of the CAIMAW before the union merged with the Canadian Auto Workers Union. Mohinder Kaur Gill was born in the Hoshiapur in Punjab, India. She married her husband Santokh "Gurmail" Singh Gill in England in 1968 and immigrated to Burnaby, British Columbia to join her husband. Mohinder and Gurmail Gill have four children, all born in Burnaby. Prem Kaur Gill was born in Burnaby in 1969 and is the eldest child of Santokh "Gurmail" Singh Gill and Mohinder Kaur Gill. Prem grew up and attended school in Burnaby. Interviewers' biographies: Anushay Malik is labor historian with a geographical focus on South Asia. Anushay studied at the University of London and was a research fellow at the International Institute of Social History in Amsterdam, Netherlands. In 2014, Anushay moved back to her native Pakistan and joined Lahore University of Management Services as an Assistant Professor. In 2023, Anushay is a visiting scholar at Simon Fraser University and lives in Burnaby with her family. Anushay was a co-curator of the Burnaby Village Museum exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”. 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
- Clothing
- Foods
- Indigenous peoples
- Buildings - Religious - Temples
- Food Processing Tools and Equipment
- Persons - South Asian Canadians
- Social Issues
- Social Issues - Racism
- Migration
- Occupations
- Organizations - Unions
- Responsibility
- Rajdeep
- Malik, Anushay
- Accession Code
- BV022.29.2
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Date
- [1957-2022] (interview content), interviewed 11 Nov. 2022
- Media Type
- Sound Recording
- Notes
- Title based on contents of item
- Transcript available upon request - contact Burnaby Village Museum
- Indian Family System Reference notes: Baba = informal way to say grandfather; old man Bibi = informal way to say grandmother; old woman Dada= paternal grandfather Dadi= paternal grandmother Dadke= paternal family members; paternal side (Various spellings might exist for the following terms) Thaiyya= father’s elder brother (uncle) Thaiyyi= father’s elder brother’s wife (aunt) Chacha= father’s younger brother (uncle) Chachi= father’s younger brother’s wife (aunt) Bua= father’s sister (older or younger) (aunt) Phuphar= father’s sister’s husband (uncle) Nana= maternal grandfather Nani= maternal grandmother Nanke/nanka= maternal family members; maternal side Mama= mom’s brother (older or younger) (uncle) Mami= mom’s brother’s wife (aunt) Maasi= mom’s sister (older or younger) (aunt) Maasard= mom’s sister’s husband (uncle)
Audio Tracks
Interview with Prem Kaur Gill, Santokh Singh Gill and Mohinder Kaur Gill, [1957-2022] (interview content), interviewed 11 Nov. 2022
Interview with Prem Kaur Gill, Santokh Singh Gill and Mohinder Kaur Gill, [1957-2022] (interview content), interviewed 11 Nov. 2022
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2022_0029_0002_002.mp3
Interview with Samuel Nalliah and Ruth (Angela) Nalliah
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19604
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- 1949-2023 (interview content), interviewed 29 May 2023
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 2 sound recordings (wav) (68 min., 6 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (68 min., 7 sec.)
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Samuel Nalliah and Ruth (Angela) Nalliah conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, James Binks. 00:00:00 - 00:13:30 Interview opens with introductions. Samuel (Sam) and Angela Nalliah provide biographical details including their p…
- 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
- 2 sound recordings (wav) (68 min., 6 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (68 min., 7 sec.)
- Material Details
- Interviewer: James Binks Interviewees: Samuel Nalliah and Ruth (Angela) Nalliah Location of Interview: Nalliah family home Interview Date: May 29, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 2 Total Length of all Tracks: 68 min., 6 sec. Digital master recordings (wav) were recorded onto two separate audio tracks, edited and merged together and converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby Photograph information: Ruth (Angela) Nalliah with husband Samuel Nalliah WARNING: Some of the content discussed in this interview (00:40:58 – 00:57:31) regarding the Tamil genocide may be upsetting to some people.
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Samuel Nalliah and Ruth (Angela) Nalliah conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, James Binks. 00:00:00 - 00:13:30 Interview opens with introductions. Samuel (Sam) and Angela Nalliah provide biographical details including their parentage, place of birth (Sri Lanka), spoken language and education. Sam Nalliah shares details on his education while living in Sri Lanka, his later education in Wales where he obtained a Master’s Degree in Computer Science and his migration to Halifax in 1978 after obtaining a job at Dalhousie University as a systems analyst. Sam conveys how he decided to relocate from Halifax to Vancouver in 1986 and started his employment with BC Tel. Angela Nalliah shares details on her education and employment after immigrating to Canada from Sri Lanka in 1986. Angela conveys how she first lived in Ottawa, moved to Toronto in 1989 where she began working for TD bank and moved to Vancouver in 1999. 00:13:31 – 00:20:03 Sam Nalliah talks about how he and his wife Angela first met and married in 1999 and moved to Vancouver. Sam shares information on where his other family members immigrated to and why he decided to immigrate to Canada. Angela shares information on other members of her family who immigrated to Canada before her and how her uncle sponsored them all to come. 00:20:04 – 00:29:30 Sam provides further details regarding his family make up including; his first wife, his daughters (born in 1983 and 1985), his step daughter (born in 1991) and his youngest daughter (born in 2000). Sam tells how he worked as a Systems and Operations Manager at Shaughnessy Hospital and later at BC Hydro. Sam provides locations of homes that they lived in Burnaby and Vancouver. Sam and Angela describe what they liked about living in Burnaby, where their daughter attended school and where they did their shopping. 00:29:31 – 00:32:11 Angela talks about working for Prospera Credit Union from 2003 after TD bank downsized. Sam describes how they rented out their house in Vancouver and lived in a rental home in Burnaby that was owned by the City of Burnaby. Sam and Angela recollect the time period that they lived in Burnaby and Vancouver before deciding to move to Surrey in 2015. 00:32:12 – 00:35:59 Sam and Angela provide details regarding their daughter’s post-secondary education and careers. Angela talks about her social activities, volunteer work and involvement with the Thamil Cultural Society of British Columbia, the Women’s Network as well as the Westminster Bible Chapel Church in Burnaby and the Green Timbers Evangelical Covenant Church in Surrey. 00:36:00 – 00:40:57 Sam recalls hearing Prime Minster Pierre Elliott Trudeau speak about the Charter of Rights and Freedoms at Dalhousie University and the effect that his speech made on him. Sam talks about joining the National Democratic Party when Peter Julian was elected as a Member of Parliament for Burnaby. 00:40:58 – 00:57:31 (WARNING: Some of the content discussed in this portion of the interview may be upsetting to some people) Sam and Angela speak about their involvement with the Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC). Angela describes the brutal violence that she witnessed while living in Sri Lanka during the Anti-Tamil state sponsored genocide in the 1980’s. Sam and Angela recollect and discuss their views and actions pertaining to the MV Sun Sea incident where a Thai cargo ship carrying Sri Lankan Tamil refugees to British Columbia were identified as terrorists by the Canadian Government and held in detention facilities. 00:57:32 – 01:08:07 Sam reflects on what he likes about Burnaby. Angela and Sam talk about Hindu temples attended by many Tamil and Sri Lankan people living in Burnaby and the lower mainland. Angela talks about the many cultural events and celebrations that are celebrated within the Tamil and Sri Lankan community including the Pongal Festival. Angela and Sam reflect on how grateful they are to be residents of Canada.
- History
- Interviewees biographies: Samuel (Sam) Nalliah was born in Jaffna, Sri Lanka in 1949. Sam immigrated to Halifax in 1977 after obtaining a position as a systems analyst at Dalhousie University. In 1986, Sam sponsored his parents to come to Canada. In 1986, after being introduced to the milder weather in Victoria, Sam decided to move to British Columbia. He moved to Burnaby in 1990 and began working for BC Tel in Burnaby. Following his job at BC Tel, Sam worked as a Systems and Operations Manager at Shaughnessy Hospital and later at BC Hydro. Ruth (Angela) Nalliah was born in Jaffna, Sri Lanka in 1964 and immigrated to Canada in 1986. As a Tamil living in Sri Lanka in the 1980’s Angela witnessed first hand the brutal violence during the Anti-Tamil state sponsored genocide. In 1986 Angela was relieved to be able to immigrate to Canada after being sponsored by her uncle. Angela first lived and worked in Ottawa and Toronto before marrying Samuel Nalliah in Ottawa in 1999 and the couple moved to Burnaby. Angela worked for TD bank in both Toronto and Vancouver until it downsized in 2003 and she began working for Prospero Credit Union. While living in Burnaby, Angela attended the Westminster Bible Chapel and after moving to Surrey she became a member of the Green Timbers Evangelical Covenant Church. Sam and Angela Nalliah have four daughters and since moving to British Columbia they’ve lived in Vancouver, Burnaby and Surrey. Both Sam and Angela are involved with the Tamil Cultural Association of British Columbia and the Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC) as well as participates in Sri Lankan and Tamil community cultural events. Interviewer biography: James Binks has lived in the Lower Mainland since 2009 after relocating from Ontario. James holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of British Columbia, where he conducted researched on heritage, environment, and globalization in India, Nepal, and Italy. At Burnaby Village Museum, James contributed to the exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”.
- Creator
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Subjects
- Education
- Events - Festivals
- Government
- Government - Federal Government
- Migration
- Occupations
- Organizations - Political Parties
- Persons - South Asian Canadians
- Religions
- Religions - Christianity
- Religions - Hinduism
- Rights
- Rights - Human Rights
- Social Issues
- Social Issues - Racism
- Social Issues - Discrimination
- Names
- Nalliah, Ruth "Angela"
- Nalliah, Samuel "Sam"
- Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC)
- Westminster Bible Chapel
- Thamil Cultural Society of British Columbia (TCSBC)
- Responsibility
- Binks, James
- Accession Code
- BV023.16.8
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Date
- 1949-2023 (interview content), interviewed 29 May 2023
- Media Type
- Sound Recording
- Notes
- Title based on contents of item
- Transcription available upon request - contact Burnaby Village Museum
Images
Audio Tracks
Interview with Samuel Nalliah and Ruth (Angela) Nalliah, 1949-2023 (interview content), interviewed 29 May 2023
Interview with Samuel Nalliah and Ruth (Angela) Nalliah, 1949-2023 (interview content), interviewed 29 May 2023
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0008_003.mp3