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- Allder, Frank 6
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- City of Burnaby 1
- Davis, Anne Williams 1
- Nalliah, Ruth "Angela" 1
- Nalliah, Samuel "Sam" 1
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Interview with Ellen and Bill Schwartz
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19602
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [1969-2023] (interview content), interviewed 15 May 2023
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 2 sound recordings (wav) (68 min., 52 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (68 min., 53 sec.)
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Ellen and Bill Schwartz conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar and Researcher, Eric Damer. 00:00-16:47 Bill and Ellen share where they were born, grew up and went to school as citizens of the United States and how they met in Pe…
- 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., 52 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (68 min., 53 sec.)
- Material Details
- Interviewer: Eric Damer Interviewees: Ellen and Bill Schwartz Location of Interview: Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: May 15, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 2 Total Length of all Tracks: 01:08:52 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: Bill and Ellen Schwartz.
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Ellen and Bill Schwartz conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar and Researcher, Eric Damer. 00:00-16:47 Bill and Ellen share where they were born, grew up and went to school as citizens of the United States and how they met in Pennsylvania the 1970s. Bill and Ellen explain how in the 1970s, they were discouraged about the current politics in the United States under the Nixon administration and how they were inspired by the “back to the land” ideals, rejecting materialism and wanting an alternative lifestyle. With these ideals in mind, they recall how in 1972 they and a few other friends decided to leave the United States, move to British Columbia with the goal of buying land in the Okanagan or Kootenay region and starting a new lifestyle for themselves. Bill and Ellen recollect how they purchased 20 acres of land in Galena Bay in the Kootenays and how they lived in the area off and on until the early 1980s. They describe how they cleared three acres of land, built a cabin, put in a garden, chicken coop and honey bees. With the challenges of the isolated location and no access to electricity they explain how they decided that they had to live elsewhere in order to make a living. Ellen talks about working as a special education teacher in Revelstoke and Slocan and how Bill obtained his teaching certificate while they lived in Nelson. Bill and Ellen describe themselves as environmentalists and of how they both became active Provincial environmentalists during the construction of the Revelstoke Dam. Bill talks about getting work with the “Energy Van” program talking about energy conservation, renewable energy and recycling. They explain how after their first child was born in 1980, they returned to Galena Bay for about a year and a half until Bill was offered a job with the Department of Energy Conservation which lead them to move to Vancouver. 16:48 – 22:46 Bill and Ellen describe their first few years of living in Vancouver and at University of British Columbia while Ellen completed her master’s degree in creative writing. During this time, they had their second child. They recall how in 1988 how they purchased a house in Burnaby, selecting to live in the Deer Lake neighbourhood. They talk about the benefits of the neighbourhood including; a French immersion school for their children, proximity to the trails around Deer Lake and having transit close by. 22:47 – 33:55 Bill and Ellen talk about their consulting business “Polestar Communications”. A Burnaby based communications consulting firm composed of three people, Ellen and Bill and colleague Richard Banner. They describe how their business got started and some of the projects that they’ve worked on including; BC Hydro’s Power Smart Program, financial literacy curriculum that was introduced in B.C. schools and reports for the Province of British Columbia. Ellen and Bill convey how Bill has been a very active member with the City of Burnaby Environment Committee, the Steering Committee to develop a sustainable environmental strategy for Burnaby, how he’s been awarded for his contributions in coaching youth sports and other areas in which they have both volunteered. 33:56 – 43:07 Ellen describes how she got started in writing educational resources about the environment and how since she completed grad school in 1984, she’s published nineteen books. Ellen conveys how her first book was published and sold to the Province of British Columbia as part of the B.C. educational curriculum on the environment. Ellen talks about some of the children’s books that she’s written and published with themes including; social justice, the labour movement and racism in sports. Ellen describes some of her books and the research that she’s done. 43:08 – 51:04 Ellen and Bill Schwartz reflect on what they like about living in Burnaby. They talk about the benefits of their neighbourhood including; performances at the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, the Burnaby Blues and Roots Festival, the Burnaby Art Gallery and Deer Lake as well as having access to parks and community centres in Burnaby. 51:05-56:36 Bill and Ellen reflect on their involvement in the Jewish community, considering themselves non-secular Jews. Ellen talks about how they were involved with “Burquest” a Jewish Community Association and how they often observe some of the Jewish holidays including Hanukah and traditions including the Jewish coming of age ritual, bar mitzvah (masc.) and bat mistvah (fem.). Ellen mentions her involvement with the “Jone Betty Stuchner Oy Vey! Funniest Children’s book Award” where she acts a judge and her involvement with the Jewish Book festival and that she is a recipient of the Jewish Book award. 56:37 – 1:08:53 Bill and Ellen reflect on their 35 years living in Burnaby and how they’ve seen it change. They talk about the increased development and density in the city, how they are troubled by a lack of low income housing, the benefits and importance of public transportation and preservation of green space including Burnaby parks.
- History
- Interviewees' biographies: Ellen Schwartz was born in Washington, DC, (1950) but grew up in New Jersey. She attended the Universities of Chicago and Wisconsin before moving to a farm in Pennsylvania, where she met her future husband Bill Schwartz. Bill Schwartz grew up in and around Philadelphia (b. 1947), and attended Pennsylvania State University. After travelling, and discouraged with life in eastern America, he and Ellen decided that British Columbia held better prospects. Bill and Ellen quit their jobs in 1972 and moved to the Kootenay region where they adopted a “back to the land” lifestyle, a very new experience for both of them. After eight years of modest success, and occasional work in nearby towns, they opted to return to Vancouver where Bill had work and where they could raise a family more easily. They rented in Vancouver for a few years before moving to family housing at UBC, while Ellen studied creative writing. Bill founded a communications and writing company, and in 1988 they purchased a home in Burnaby. Ellen launched a new career as a writer, mainly for children young adults. Both were active in their careers, raising a family, and participating in local social and political activities. Interviewer biography: Eric Damer is a Burnaby Village Museum Interpreter, Museum Registrar, Researcher and Blacksmith. Eric pounded hot steel for the first time in 1977 in junior high. Fifteen years later, he joined Burnaby Village Museum where he has smithed for three decades. He also provides historical research for museum exhibits and special projects. Outside the museum, Eric is a social historian with a special interest in educational history.
- Creator
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Subjects
- Education
- Environmental Issues
- Environmental Issues - Environmental Protection
- Geographic Features
- Geographic Features - Parks
- Housing
- Occupations
- Occupations - Entrepreneurs
- Occupations - Writers
- Persons - Volunteers
- Persons - Jewish Canadians
- Social Issues
- Social Issues - Racism
- Religions
- Religions - Judaism
- Names
- Schwartz, William "Bill"
- Schwartz, Ellen
- City of Burnaby
- Polestar Communications
- British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority
- Responsibility
- Damer, Eric
- Accession Code
- BV023.16.6
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Date
- [1969-2023] (interview content), interviewed 15 May 2023
- Media Type
- Sound Recording
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Lake Area
- Notes
- Title based on contents of item
- Transcription available on Heritage Burnaby
Images
Documents
Audio Tracks
Interview with Ellen and Bill Schwartz, [1969-2023] (interview content), interviewed 15 May 2023
Interview with Ellen and Bill Schwartz, [1969-2023] (interview content), interviewed 15 May 2023
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0006_003.mp3Richard Low and Denis Nokony
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription3344
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- July 1, 2003
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. ; 19.5 x 26 cm laser print
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of (at left) photographer Richard Low and Denis Nokony, Assistant Director Cultural Services, standing in front of the bandstand at the Burnaby Village Museum during the Canada Day Celebration.
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. ; 19.5 x 26 cm laser print
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of (at left) photographer Richard Low and Denis Nokony, Assistant Director Cultural Services, standing in front of the bandstand at the Burnaby Village Museum during the Canada Day Celebration.
- Names
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Accession Code
- BV004.35.6
- Access Restriction
- Restricted access
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Date
- July 1, 2003
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Scan Resolution
- 600
- Scan Date
- 09-Jun-09
- Scale
- 100
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Anne Williams Davis in military nursing uniform
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription1647
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- 2002
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. ; 15 x 10 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of a black and white photograph of Anne Williams Davis in a military nursing uniform. The black and white photograph, sitting on the cushion of a couch, was likely taken in 1942 (as that is the year that it was originally sent to her then fiancee John Gordon Davis).
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. ; 15 x 10 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of a black and white photograph of Anne Williams Davis in a military nursing uniform. The black and white photograph, sitting on the cushion of a couch, was likely taken in 1942 (as that is the year that it was originally sent to her then fiancee John Gordon Davis).
- Names
- Davis, Anne Williams
- Accession Code
- BV003.15.3
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Date
- 2002
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Related Material
- For another view of the photograph, see BV003.15.2
- Scan Resolution
- 600
- Scan Date
- 09-Jun-09
- Scale
- 100
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Note in black ink on verso of photograph reads: "Anne (nee/ Williams) DAVIS", l.r. "Sent to/ her fiancee/ in Egypt in/ 1942"
Images
Blacksmith at work
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription3339
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- July 1, 1983 (date of original)
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. photocopy ; 16 x 23.5 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the blacksmith's shop at Burnaby Village Museum taken just as the blacksmith strikes his hammer, causing sparks to fly towards the camera.
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. photocopy ; 16 x 23.5 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the blacksmith's shop at Burnaby Village Museum taken just as the blacksmith strikes his hammer, causing sparks to fly towards the camera.
- Subjects
- Occupations - Blacksmiths
- Names
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Geographic Access
- Deer Lake Drive
- Accession Code
- BV004.35.1
- Access Restriction
- Restricted access
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Date
- July 1, 1983 (date of original)
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Scan Resolution
- 600
- Scan Date
- 09-Jun-09
- Scale
- 100
- Photographer
- Low, Richard
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- 1 (framed) duplicate col. photocopy accompanying
Images
Burnaby Fire Department rescue truck
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription1606
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [after 1976]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 25 x 25.5 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of an unidentified fireman walking towards the open door of Burnaby Fire Department's Rescue 1 truck (1976 Ford C 600 Rescue unit). Seven other unidentified men are visible standing in the background.
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 25 x 25.5 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of an unidentified fireman walking towards the open door of Burnaby Fire Department's Rescue 1 truck (1976 Ford C 600 Rescue unit). Seven other unidentified men are visible standing in the background.
- Names
- Burnaby Fire Department
- Accession Code
- BV002.10.4
- Access Restriction
- Restricted access
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Date
- [after 1976]
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Related Material
- For another photograph of the rescue truck taken from a different angle, see BV002.10.5
- Scan Resolution
- 600
- Scan Date
- 09-Jun-09
- Scale
- 100
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Burnaby Fire Department rescue truck
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription1607
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [after 1976]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.5 x 25.2 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of four unidentified firemen gathered beside Burnaby Fire Department's Rescue 1 truck (1976 Ford C 600 Rescue unit). The truck's side compartments are visible, housing fire extinguishers and other equipment. The truck appears to be parked at fire hall no. 1 at Sperling and Canada Way.
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.5 x 25.2 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of four unidentified firemen gathered beside Burnaby Fire Department's Rescue 1 truck (1976 Ford C 600 Rescue unit). The truck's side compartments are visible, housing fire extinguishers and other equipment. The truck appears to be parked at fire hall no. 1 at Sperling and Canada Way.
- Names
- Burnaby Fire Department
- Geographic Access
- Canada Way
- Sperling Avenue
- Accession Code
- BV002.10.5
- Access Restriction
- Restricted access
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Date
- [after 1976]
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Morley-Buckingham Area
- Related Material
- For another photograph of the rescue truck taken from a different angle, see BV002.10.4
- Scan Resolution
- 600
- Scan Date
- 09-Jun-09
- Scale
- 100
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Four Burnaby firemen
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription1605
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [after 1976]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 19 x 24 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of four unidentified Burnaby firemen in Burnaby Fire Department jackets, standing in front of the cab of what looks to be Burnaby Fire Department's Rescue 1 truck (1976 Ford C 600 Rescue unit). One fireman appears to be holding a rope that is also attached to the truck, while another fir…
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 19 x 24 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of four unidentified Burnaby firemen in Burnaby Fire Department jackets, standing in front of the cab of what looks to be Burnaby Fire Department's Rescue 1 truck (1976 Ford C 600 Rescue unit). One fireman appears to be holding a rope that is also attached to the truck, while another fireman holds a loop of rope.
- Names
- Burnaby Fire Department
- Accession Code
- BV002.10.3
- Access Restriction
- Restricted access
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Date
- [after 1976]
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Scan Resolution
- 600
- Scan Date
- 09-Jun-09
- Scale
- 100
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Inside of the surveyor's office
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription13035
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [198_]
- Collection/Fonds
- Century Park Museum Association fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. ; 20 x 25 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the interior of the "Surveyor's Office" inside of the Heritage Village Museum. A long wood table, wood stove, roll top desk, survey plans and surveying equipment are visible.
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Century Park Museum Association fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. ; 20 x 25 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the interior of the "Surveyor's Office" inside of the Heritage Village Museum. A long wood table, wood stove, roll top desk, survey plans and surveying equipment are visible.
- Subjects
- Occupations - Land Surveyors
- Names
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Accession Code
- BV020.5.665
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Date
- [198_]
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Related Material
- See also photograph BV020.5.664
- Scan Resolution
- 600
- Scan Date
- 1-May-20
- Scale
- 100
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Interior of land surveyor's office at Burnaby Village Museum
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription13768
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- Sept. 1987
- Collection/Fonds
- Century Park Museum Association fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. ; 9 x 12.5 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the interior of the land surveyor's office at Burnaby Village Museum. Office is furnished with a roll top desk, maps and plans and various surveying tools.
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Century Park Museum Association fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. ; 9 x 12.5 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the interior of the land surveyor's office at Burnaby Village Museum. Office is furnished with a roll top desk, maps and plans and various surveying tools.
- Subjects
- Occupations - Land Surveyors
- Names
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Geographic Access
- Deer Lake Avenue
- Accession Code
- BV020.5.958
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Date
- Sept. 1987
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Scan Resolution
- 600
- Scan Date
- 22-Sep-2020
- Scale
- 100
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Interior of real estate office at Burnaby Village Museum
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription13773
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- Sept. 1987
- Collection/Fonds
- Century Park Museum Association fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. ; 12.5 x 9 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the interior of Burnaby Village Museum realestate office.
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Century Park Museum Association fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. ; 12.5 x 9 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the interior of Burnaby Village Museum realestate office.
- Subjects
- Occupations - Land Surveyors
- Names
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Geographic Access
- Deer Lake Avenue
- Accession Code
- BV020.5.963
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Date
- Sept. 1987
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Scan Resolution
- 600
- Scan Date
- 22-Sep-2020
- Scale
- 100
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Interior of surveyor's office
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription13495
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [198_]
- Collection/Fonds
- Century Park Museum Association fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. negative ; 5.5 x 5.5 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the interior of the Land Surveyor's office "Hill & Burnett" inside of Burnaby Village Museum. The exhibit includes a roll top desk, a pendulum wall clock as well as land surveying equipment.
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Century Park Museum Association fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. negative ; 5.5 x 5.5 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the interior of the Land Surveyor's office "Hill & Burnett" inside of Burnaby Village Museum. The exhibit includes a roll top desk, a pendulum wall clock as well as land surveying equipment.
- Subjects
- Occupations - Land Surveyors
- Surveying and Navigational Tools and Equipment
- Timekeeping Tools and Equipment
- Names
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Accession Code
- BV020.5.838
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Date
- [198_]
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Scan Resolution
- 1200
- Scan Date
- 25-Aug-2020
- Scale
- 100
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- 1 col. print; 8.5 x 9 cm accompanying negative (negative no.4)
Images
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.mp3Jimmy Chow as waiter in "I Man"
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19200
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [1986]
- Collection/Fonds
- Hipman "Jimmy" Chow and Donna Polos fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. ; 10 x 15 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Jimmy Chow acting as a waiter on set during the filming production of "I Man". Leading actor, Scott Bakula is seated at the table inside what is supposed to be a Chinese restaurant.
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Hipman "Jimmy" Chow and Donna Polos fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. ; 10 x 15 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Jimmy Chow acting as a waiter on set during the filming production of "I Man". Leading actor, Scott Bakula is seated at the table inside what is supposed to be a Chinese restaurant.
- Names
- Chow, Hipman "Jimmy"
- Accession Code
- BV022.21.45
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Date
- [1986]
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Scan Resolution
- 600
- Scan Date
- 2023-03-03
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Hipman "Jimmy" Chow also used the name "James H. Chow" as a propety master in the film industry and was often credited by this name
Images
Jimmy Chow with actor Halle Berry
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19208
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [2002]
- Collection/Fonds
- Hipman "Jimmy" Chow and Donna Polos fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. ; 15 x 10 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of property master Jimmy Chow posing for a photograph with leading actor Halle Berry on the set of the film "X2: X-Men United". Other crew members are visible behind. The film was released in 2003.
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Hipman "Jimmy" Chow and Donna Polos fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. ; 15 x 10 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of property master Jimmy Chow posing for a photograph with leading actor Halle Berry on the set of the film "X2: X-Men United". Other crew members are visible behind. The film was released in 2003.
- Names
- Chow, Hipman "Jimmy"
- Accession Code
- BV022.21.52
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Date
- [2002]
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Scan Resolution
- 600
- Scan Date
- 2023-03-06
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Hipman "Jimmy" Chow also used the name "James H. Chow" as a propety master in the film industry and was often credited by this name
Images
Jimmy Chow with Sean Connery
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19212
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [1989]
- Collection/Fonds
- Hipman "Jimmy" Chow and Donna Polos fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. ; 20.5 x 25.5 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of property master Jimmy Chow with actor, Sean Connery during the filming of "The Russia House". Jimmy and Sean Connery are standing outside amongst large trees on Bowen Island with a view of Howe Sound behind them. The film was directed by Fed Schepisi and released in 1990.
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Hipman "Jimmy" Chow and Donna Polos fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. ; 20.5 x 25.5 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of property master Jimmy Chow with actor, Sean Connery during the filming of "The Russia House". Jimmy and Sean Connery are standing outside amongst large trees on Bowen Island with a view of Howe Sound behind them. The film was directed by Fed Schepisi and released in 1990.
- Names
- Chow, Hipman "Jimmy"
- Accession Code
- BV022.21.56
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Date
- [1989]
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Scan Resolution
- 600
- Scan Date
- 2023-03-06
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Hipman "Jimmy" Chow also used the name "James H. Chow" as a propety master in the film industry and was often credited by this name
Images
Richard Low and Mayor Derek Corrigan
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription3345
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- July 1, 2003
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. ; 19.5 x 26 cm laser print
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of photographer Richard Low standing with Mayor Derek Corrigan at the Canada Day Celebration at the Burnaby Village Museum.
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. ; 19.5 x 26 cm laser print
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of photographer Richard Low standing with Mayor Derek Corrigan at the Canada Day Celebration at the Burnaby Village Museum.
- Names
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Accession Code
- BV004.35.7
- Access Restriction
- Restricted access
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Date
- July 1, 2003
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Scan Resolution
- 600
- Scan Date
- 09-Jun-09
- Scale
- 100
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Staff at Chaffey-Burke Elementary
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription2857
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [1979-1980]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Scope and Content
- Photograph: Chaffey-Burke Elementary staff photograph for the 1979 to 1980 school year.
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Scope and Content
- Photograph: Chaffey-Burke Elementary staff photograph for the 1979 to 1980 school year.
- Subjects
- Occupations - Teachers
- Accession Code
- BV007.26.38
- Access Restriction
- Restricted access
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Date
- [1979-1980]
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Scan Resolution
- 300
- Scan Date
- 29-Nov-2018
- Scale
- 96
Images
Staff at Sperling Elementary School
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription2856
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [1983-1984]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Scope and Content
- Photograph: Sperling Elementary School staff photograph for the 1983 to 1984 school year.
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Scope and Content
- Photograph: Sperling Elementary School staff photograph for the 1983 to 1984 school year.
- Subjects
- Occupations - Teachers
- Accession Code
- BV007.26.37
- Access Restriction
- Restricted access
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Date
- [1983-1984]
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Scan Resolution
- 300
- Scan Date
- 29-Nov-2018
- Scale
- 96
Images
Staff at Sperling Elementary School
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription2858
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [1980-1981]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Scope and Content
- Photograph: Sperling Elementary staff photograph for the 1980 to 1981 school year.
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Scope and Content
- Photograph: Sperling Elementary staff photograph for the 1980 to 1981 school year.
- Subjects
- Occupations - Teachers
- Accession Code
- BV007.26.39
- Access Restriction
- Restricted access
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Date
- [1980-1981]
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Scan Resolution
- 300
- Scan Date
- 29-Nov-2018
- Scale
- 96
Images
Staff at Sperling Elementary School
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription2859
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [1981-1982]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Scope and Content
- Photograph: Sperling Elementary staff photograph for the 1981 to 1982 school year.
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Scope and Content
- Photograph: Sperling Elementary staff photograph for the 1981 to 1982 school year.
- Subjects
- Occupations - Teachers
- Accession Code
- BV007.26.40
- Access Restriction
- Restricted access
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Date
- [1981-1982]
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Scan Resolution
- 300
- Scan Date
- 29-Nov-2018
- Scale
- 96