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Indigenous History in Burnaby Resource Guide

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary7493

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Author: Burnaby Village Museum; Fortney, Sharon

Edition: First

Publication Date: 2019

Call Number: 971.100497 BVM

lands and resources, and the lack of treaties in British Columbia. Delegates were chosen from the Cowichan, Secwepemc, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations to undertake this long journey. However, these efforts did little to stop the alienation of local Indigenous people from their lands

1 image 1 digital book

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection: Digital Reference Collection

Material Type: Digital Resource

Accession Code: BV019.64.1

Call Number: 971.100497 BVM

Edition: First

Author: Burnaby Village Museum; Fortney, Sharon

Contributor: Kwantlen First Nation; Sḵwx̱wú7mesh First Nation; Tsleil-Waututh First Nation; ʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) First Nation

Place of Publication: Burnaby, BC

Publisher: City of Burnaby

Publication Date: 2019

Library Subject (LOC): Indigenous peoples--British Columbia; Indigenous peoples--British Columbia--History; Indigenous peoples--Canada--History

Subjects: Indigenous peoples - British Columbia; Indigenous peoples - British Columbia - Languages; Indigenous peoples - British Columbia - Societies, etc.

Name Access: Burnaby Village Museum

Object History: 2019 version of working document developed by Burnaby Village Museum in collaboration with a number of First Nations partners over the course of several years. We recognize that Burnaby falls within the shared, ancestral and unceded territories of the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh speaking people. We equally respect each of the Nations who share territory in Burnaby, and invite and welcome their ongoing participation in developing the contents of the Indigenous History in Burnaby Resource Guide.

Images

Digital Books

Where rivers, mountains and people meet : Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Lil'wat Cultural Centre

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary7602

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Publication Date: 2010

Call Number: 970.3 SQU

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection: Reference Collection

Material Type: Book

Call Number: 970.3 SQU

Contributor: Sḵwx̱wú7mesh First Nation; Lil'wat Nation; Spo7ez Cultural Centre & Community Society

Place of Publication: Whistler, BC

Publisher: Spo7ez Cultural Centre & Community Society

Publication Date: 2010

Physical Description: 162 p. : ill. (chiefly col.) ; 26 cm.

Subjects: Indigenous peoples - British Columbia; Indigenous peoples - British Columbia - Social life and customs

Notes: Text in Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, Lilwat7ul & English

Man turned to stone : T'xwelátse

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary1452

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Author: T'xwelátse; Stó:lo Nation; Reach Gallery Museum Abbotsford

Publication Date: c2012

Call Number: 971.1004 TXW

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection: Reference Collection

Material Type: Book

ISBN: 9780987966100

Call Number: 971.1004 TXW

Author: T'xwelátse; Stó:lo Nation; Reach Gallery Museum Abbotsford

Place of Publication: Abbotsford, B.C.

Publisher: Reach Gallery Museum Abbotsford

Publication Date: c2012

Physical Description: 71 p. : ill. (some col.), maps, ports. ; 36 cm

Library Subject (LOC): T'xwelátse; Stó:l¯o Indians--History--Pictorial works; Spirituality--Indigenous--North America; Cultural property--Repatriation--British Columbia--Pictorial works

Subjects: Indigenous peoples; Indigenous peoples - British Columbia

Notes: Includes bibliographical references; Published in conjunction with the exhibition, Man turned to stone: T'xwelátse, held at the Reach Gallery Museum Abbotsford, April 14-May 29, 2011; Oversized book

Price paid : the fight for First Nations survival

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary7446

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Author: Sellars, Bev, 1955-

Publication Date: c2016

Call Number: 971.00497 SEL

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection: Reference Collection

Material Type: Book

ISBN: 9780889229723; 0889229724

Call Number: 971.00497 SEL

Author: Sellars, Bev, 1955-

Place of Publication: Vancouver, BC

Publisher: Talonbooks

Publication Date: c2016

Physical Description: 209 p. : ill. ; 22 cm.

Library Subject (LOC): Indigenous peoples--Canada--History; Indigenous peoples--Legal status, laws, etc.--North America; Indigenous peoples--Legal status, laws, etc.--Canada

Subjects: Indigenous peoples - British Columbia

Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index; "Foreword and excerpts by Hemas Kla - Lee - Lee - Kla (Hereditary Chief Bill Wilson)" -- title page.

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…

1 audio

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Series: Museum Oral Histories series

Subseries: South Asian Canadian Interviews subseries

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

Names: Gill, Prem Kaur; Gill, Mohinder Kaur; Gill, Santokh "Gurmail" Singh

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

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2022_0029_0002_002.mp3

Interview with Josephine Chow by Denise Fong February 7, 2020

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription12337

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1900-2020] (interview content), interviewed Feb. 7, 2020

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 sound recording (mp3) (00:43:19 min.)

Scope and Content: Recording consists of an interview with Josephine Chow (nee Hong) conducted by BVM researcher Denise Fong at the Burnaby Village Museum. Josephine describes her family history and recollects her childhood experiences in 1950s and 60s while growing with her family on their "Hop On" farm in Burnaby. …

1 image 1 audio

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Series: Museum Oral Histories series

Subseries: Chinese Canadians in Burnaby subseries

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 sound recording (mp3) (00:43:19 min.)

Material Details: Interviewer: Denise Fong Interviewee: Josephine Chow Location of Interview: Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: February 7, 2020 Total Number of Tracks: 1 Total Length of all Tracks: 00:43:19

Scope and Content: Recording consists of an interview with Josephine Chow (nee Hong) conducted by BVM researcher Denise Fong at the Burnaby Village Museum. Josephine describes her family history and recollects her childhood experiences in 1950s and 60s while growing with her family on their "Hop On" farm in Burnaby. The farm is situated in the Big Bend area along Marine Drive and is still in operation today. 0:00-08:45 Josephine Chow provides some historical background on the history of “Hop On Farm” and her family in British Columbia. She tells of how her grandfather Gay Tim Hong and three partners pooled money together to purchase twelve acres on Marine Drive in 1951. Prior to this, most of them farmed on the ʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) First Nation Reserve for 20-30 years. It all began when her great grandfather Sui Wing Hong, first came to Canada from China and slowly brought over her grandfather, father and other members of the family. Her grandfather, Gay Tim Hong went back and forth between Canada and China at least four times since he and her grandmother had four children including her father, who was born in 1931. Her father came to Canada at 10 years of age to live with his father. Josephine’s great grandfather came to Vancouver from Zhongshan county in Canton Province (also known as Guangdong). 8:46- 14:20 Josephine provides the names of her siblings from the eldest to the youngest; Pauline, Josephine (herself), Catherine, Noreen, Gary, Darlene and Marlene. She describes what life was like on the farm with her parents working from sunrise to sunset. The family farmed vegetable produce taking orders from local stores in the lower mainland. Often the children helped their parents with the orders starting at eight or nine years of age. Other workers on the farm travelled by bus from Vancouver’s Chinatown. She also tells of how her father was an animal lover and raised chickens, pigeons, geese, koy, goldfish and dogs. 14: 21 – 16:56 Josephine describes what Burnaby was like during the time that she grew up in the late 1950s. She explains that Burnaby was very quiet with nothing being open on Sundays. On the farm, she and her siblings would entertain themselves by playing games like soccer, baseball and kick ball or also by catching frogs, snails, caterpillars and ladybugs. There were neighbours living on Marine Drive and almost every house had someone who we went to the same elementary school. The neighbourhood children would often come to play with them on their farm. 16:56- 26:47 Josephine describes how when they were young there were farms all around them and how on Sunday drives with her father, they would go to feed horses or look at the cows. Josephine shares that her elder sister Pauline was the only one born in China and how when she first arrived that she lived on the ʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) First Nations Reserve with their parents before they moved to Burnaby. Josephine recollects that most of her friends were farmer’s kids from the neighbourhood but while in school, she had more Caucasian friends. Josephine and her siblings attended Glenwood Elementary on Marine Drive and later Junior Secondary at McPherson Park (grades 8-10) and Burnaby South Senior Secondary (grades 11-12. ). She shares some of her experiences while attending school. She said that there were about a dozen Asians in school with her, mostly from farming families in the “Flats”. 26:48- 30:45 Josephine describes what life was like for her and her siblings after school. They often helped on the farm when they got home, usually taking care of orders for green onions. Her mother made dinner and did all of the cooking for family and workers on the farm as well as working in the fields. Her father did all of the grocery shopping in Vancouver’s Chinatown two or three times per week where he purchased meat and fish. She says that her grandfather, often travelled by bus every Saturday or Sunday to meet up with friends in Chinatown. Extracurricular activities for her and her siblings included volley ball and soccer as long as it didn’t interfere with their work schedule on the farm. 30:46- 37:03 Josephine describes what occurred while living at home, the food they ate, shopping and attending Chinese school. Her mother cooked only Chinese food, she didn’t know how to cook “Western food”. For school lunches, the kids made their own sandwiches. She tells of a Chinese language school arranged by Mrs. Joe [sic] who lived on Gilley Road and was Canadian born Chinese. Mrs. Joe [sic] also arranged an English class for farmer’s wives on Tuesday nights in which her mother attended. Josephine recollects learning Mandarin from Mrs. Joe [sic] a few days a week after her regular school. Chinese school took place at Riverway School on Meadow Avenue in Burnaby. Mrs. Joe also taught them a lot about Chinese culture including Kung Fu, Chinese Dance and Chinese brush painting. 37:04- 39:39 Josephine describes Medical Care for her and her family in the 1950s and 1960s. She tells of a female Chinese doctor in Vancouver, Dr. Madeline Chung. Dr. Chung was responsible for delivering a lot of Chinese babies including Josephine. The family also visited herbalists in Vancouver Chinatown. They would often buy herbs for colds etc. Josephine also tells of how her parents stayed in touch with family in China by writing letters. Her mother’s family, including her parents and siblings were still in China while most of her father’s family were here in Canada. 39:40- 43:19 – In closing, Josephine shares how life is much busier now and of how she misses the quietness of her days growing up. She briefly describes her life on the family farm now and how different it is from when her parents worked the farm. She explains how farming methods have changed and how they don’t have to work as hard as her parents did.

History: Interviewee biography: Josephine Chow (nee Hong) is the second eldest child of Chan Kow Hong and Sui Ha Hong. In 1925, Josephine's grandfather, Gay Tim Hong immigrated to Canada from Zhongshan county in Canton Province (also known as Guangdong). In 1952, her father, Chan Kow Hong joined his father, Gay Tim Hong and by 1953, he established "Hop On Farms" in the Big Bend area of Burnaby near Marine Drive. Josephine grew up on the farm with her parents and six siblings; Pauline, Catherine, Norine, Gary, Darlene and Marlene. In 1969, Josephine's elder sister Pauline and her husband Jack Chan took over the family farm and in 1972 their father and grandfather moved to Kamloops to open a restaurant. As an adult, Josephine worked in several different areas including owning and running her own Aesthetics business. Josephine eventually retired and returned to the farm to assist her siblings. The farm is still in operation. Interviewer biography: Denise Fong is a historical researcher at Burnaby Village Museum. She has degrees in Anthropology (BA) and Archaeology (MA), and is completing her doctoral degree at UBC in Interdisciplinary Studies. Her primary research interests are in Chinese Canadian history and critical heritage studies. She is the co-curator of BVM’s “Across the Pacific” exhibition, and the Museum of Vancouver’s “A Seat at the Table – Chinese Immigration and British Columbia”.

Creator: Burnaby Village Museum

Subjects: Persons - Chinese Canadians; Agriculture - Farms; Education; Buildings - Schools; First Nations reserves - British Columbia

Names: Chow, Josephine; Glenwood Elementary School; McPherson Park Junior Secondary School; ʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam)

Responsibility: Fong, Denise

Geographic Access: Byrne Road

Accession Code: BV020.6.1

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [1900-2020] (interview content), interviewed Feb. 7, 2020

Media Type: Sound Recording

Historic Neighbourhood: Fraser Arm (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Big Bend Area

Related Material: See also BV017.36*

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 12/3/2017

Scale: 100

Notes: Title based on contents of interview; Photograph info: Gary Hong and Chan Kow Hong harvesting celery at Hop-On Farms [1969]. BV017.36.4

Images

Audio Tracks

Interview with Josephine Chow by Denise Fong February 7, 2020, [1900-2020] (interview content), interviewed Feb. 7, 2020

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2020_0006_0001_001.mp3

Interview with Jiro Kamiya, 2015

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription4476

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [2015]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 sound recording (mp3) (01:11:02 min)

Scope and Content: Recording of a interview with Jiro Kamiya about the ofuro he built as an exhibit for display at Burnaby Village Museum, and his work in Canada generally. When he speaks in Japanese, his son Frank Kamiya does the English translation. Frank recalls how his father, a Japanese-trained carpenter, came …

1 audio

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Series: Museum Oral Histories series

Subseries: Museum research interviews subseries

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 sound recording (mp3) (01:11:02 min)

Material Details: Interviewer: Lisa Codd Interviewees: Jiro Kamiya and his son Frank Kamiya Location of Interview: Nikkei Home, Burnaby Interview Date: [2015] Total Number of Tracks: 1 Total Length of all Tracks: 1:11:02

Scope and Content: Recording of a interview with Jiro Kamiya about the ofuro he built as an exhibit for display at Burnaby Village Museum, and his work in Canada generally. When he speaks in Japanese, his son Frank Kamiya does the English translation. Frank recalls how his father, a Japanese-trained carpenter, came to be involved in the project, which was donated to the Museum by the Japanese Canadian Citizens Association. An unidentified woman is also present and contributes to the discussion. 0:00 – 6:38: Frank Kamiya recalls the museum’s ofuro project, describing how his father became involved with it. He talks about the ofuro in Canada, speaking of their importance to Japanese Canadians but noting that they have been superseded by newer products. Frank also mentions that ofuros are now subject to modern building regulations. 6:38 – 20:30: Jiro Kamiya describes the construction of the ofuro. He explains the technique of water-proofing and talks about the different sizes of baths, discussing the differences in Japanese and Canadian styles and in the way water was supplied. 20:30 – 28:27: This portion of the recording pertains to Jiro Kamiya’s background as a carpenter in Shizuoka, Japan, in the family’s business, and how he came to immigrate to Canada. Frank talks about his father’s innovations and skills. He discusses the differences between Japanese and Canadian tools. Lisa Codd asks about the tools Jiro donated to the museum. 28:27 – 36:00: Frank talks about his father’s involvement in the building of the Museum’s ofuro. He notes that he himself drew up the plans and submitted them to City Hall. He asks about the ofuro’s plaque and the building’s condition. Lisa explains how the classification of buildings as replica or heritage determines how conservation choices are made. 36:00 – 45:47: Frank describes the purpose and use of the ofuro and the kind of accessories which should be included in the Museum’s display. The exact meaning of ‘ofuro’ is discussed with Jiro, as is bathing protocol for the larger and smaller kinds. 45:47 – 59:13: Jiro recalls New Year and other traditions and Lisa and Frank remark on the differences between the established infrastructures of Japan and those of rural Canada. Frank describes his father’s work in Canada. Jiro talks of being unable to join the carpenters union, but advancing in his profession through his ability and experience with Japanese techniques. 59:13 – 1:11:02: Jiro talks about the work that he did during internment during World War II and his choice to go to Winnipeg with his family. Frank relates how his father adapted to shipyard work, and Jiro tells anecdotes about his working years.

History: Interviewee: Jiro Kamiya (ne Tsuneki) was born on August 29, 1910 in Shizuoka Ken, Japan to parents Torakichi Tsuneki and Sono Ssuneki. In 1936, Jiro married Toneko Kamiya. The Tsuneki family were Master Carpenters for over 500 years and the family business, Torakichi Tsuneki Construction Co was the largest and best known construction company in Shizuoka Ken. Jiro also became a master carpenter working for his father's company. In 1933, Jiro immigrated to Canada and in 1936, he returned to Japan to marry. In 1937 he got work at the Hammond Cedar Mill leading a crew of six men and worked there for about three or four years. In 1942 along with over 21,000 Japanese Canadians, Jiro and his family were forcibly removed from the coastal area of British Columbia. Jiro and his family were relocated to Oak Bluff, Manitoba to work on the beet farms. JIro chose this location of internment so that he could keep his family together. While living in Manitoba, Jiro also found work as a carpenter. In 1948 when he was permitted to return to British Columbia, Jiro and his family relocated to Kamloops. In 1951, he began working as a carpenter for Matsumoto Shipyard in North Vancouver and between 1961 and 1974, he worked for Grimwood Construction. From 1975, he worked for Dawson Hall Construction until his retirement at the age of 68. Following his retirement he built a house for his nephew on Mayne Island and a summer house for himself which he completed in 1988. In 2001, Jiro and his wife, Toneko moved to Nikkei Home. While living at Nikkei Home, Jiro made chopsticks out of hardwood, creating over a thousand pairs up until he was 99 years old. Jiro passed away in 2015. Interviewer: Lisa Codd has worked in the museum sector since 2000 and between 2005 and 2019, she worked as the curator at the Burnaby Village Museum. In 2019, Lisa began her work as the City of Burnaby Heritage Planner.

Creator: Burnaby Village Museum

Subjects: Persons - Japanese Canadians

Names: Kamiya, Jiro; Kamiya, Frank

Accession Code: BV019.13.1

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [2015]

Media Type: Sound Recording

Notes: Audio is only available to listen at the Burnaby Village Museum

Audio Tracks

Interview with Jiro Kamiya, 2015, [2015]

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2019_0013_0001_001.mp3

Interview with John Templeton, Alan James and Christine Leston by Kathy Bossort October 26, 2015 - Track 7

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory593

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1995-2015

Length: 0:18:22

Summary: This portion of the interview is about the Stoney Creek Environment Committee members’ description of the history, structure and operation of the Stoney Creek Environmental Working Group (SCEWG), and examples of how the group brings stakeholders together and support one another. They also talk abou…

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about the Stoney Creek Environment Committee members’ description of the history, structure and operation of the Stoney Creek Environmental Working Group (SCEWG), and examples of how the group brings stakeholders together and support one another. They also talk about working with various City of Burnaby departments and the management of the conservation area on Burnaby Mountain.

Date Range: 1995-2015

Length: 0:18:22

Names: Stoney Creek Environment Committee; Stoney Creek Environmental Working Group; Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area; Simon Fraser University; Trans Mountain Oil Pipeline Company

Subjects: Geographic Features - Streams; Geographic Features - Parks; Persons - Volunteers; Public Services - Municipal Services

Geographic Access: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area; Stoney Creek

Interviewer: Bossort, Kathy

Interview Date: October 26, 2015

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with John Templeton, Alan James & Christine Leston, members of the Stoney Creek Environment Committee, conducted by Kathy Bossort. The three members of SCEC were among 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about the history and work of the stream keeper group Stoney Creek Environment Committee (SCEC) and the Stoney Creek Environmental Working Group, and about SCEC’s founder Jennifer Atkinson. The interview is made richer by the complementary views of the three interviewees, John Templeton (SCEC Chair), Alan James (Member-at-Large - Education), and Christine Leston (Treasurer).

Biographical Notes: The Stoney Creek Environment Committee is a streamkeeper group and registered non-profit society dedicated to protecting and restoring viable salmon-bearing streams within the Stoney Creek Watershed. (Stoney Creek originates on Burnaby Mountain and is part of the Brunette watershed which empties into the Fraser River.) The volunteer group, formed in 1995, was guided by the tireless efforts of Jennifer Atchison (1938-2010) after whom the Jennifer Atchison Environmental Centre in North Burnaby is named. The volunteer members of SCEC monitor water quality, generate inventories and reports on the biophysical assets and health of the watershed, provide educational opportunities, enhance stream and stream bank habitat, and speak on behalf of the Stoney Creek watershed. One of its key events is The Great Salmon Send-Off, the release of young salmon into Stoney Creek in May, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2015. The Stoney Creek Environmental Working Group (1999-present), managed by the City of Burnaby, undertakes to coordinate the actions of all stakeholders in the Stoney Creek watershed. It is comprised of representatives from community groups, such as SCEC, governmental and institutional agencies, and industries who are committed to sustaining and improving the quality of the Stoney Creek watershed’s water, wildlife and environment. John Templeton, currently SCEC Chair, joined SCEC in 2004. He was born in Coleraine ,County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, in 1957, and after immigrating to Canada, came to live in Burnaby in 1992, first in Forest Grove (1992-2014) and then in Forest Hills. He works as a millwright. Alan James,Member-at-large - Education, joined SCEC in 2003 He was born in 1939 in Berkeley, California, and came to live in Burnaby in about 2000. He is a retired geophycisist and computer consultant. Christine Leston joined SCEC in 1997, serving first as Secretary and then as Treasurer. She was born in 1943 in Cheshire, England, and came to live in Burnaby in 1974, first in Greentree Village, then Simon Fraser Village (1974-2004) and now the Edmonds area. She is a retired technical writer.

Total Tracks: 9

Total Length: 2:08:27

Interviewee Name: Templeton, John R.; James, Alan C.; Leston, Christine

Interview Location: Jennifer Atchison Environmental Centre, Burnaby

Interviewer Bio: Kathy Bossort is a retired archivist living in Ladner, BC. She worked at the Delta Museum and Archives after graduating from SLAIS (UBC) in 2001 with Masters degrees in library science and archival studies. Kathy grew up in Calgary, Alberta, and, prior to this career change, she lived in the West Kootenays, earning her living as a cook for BC tourist lodges and work camps. She continues to be interested in oral histories as a way to fill the gaps in the written record and bring richer meaning to history.

Collection/Fonds: Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds

Series: Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series

Media Type: Sound Recording

Audio Tracks

Track seven of interview with John Templeton, Alan James & Christine Leston

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-006/MSS196-006_Track_7.mp3

Interview with John Templeton, Alan James and Christine Leston by Kathy Bossort October 26, 2015 - Track 5

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory591

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1990-2015

Length: 0:20:51

Summary: This portion of the interview is about the Stoney Creek Environment Committee members’ description of the history of the stream keepers program in the province, how it meets its goals, funding sources, support from Department of Fisheries and Oceans, importance of the stream keeper manual, and how …

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about the Stoney Creek Environment Committee members’ description of the history of the stream keepers program in the province, how it meets its goals, funding sources, support from Department of Fisheries and Oceans, importance of the stream keeper manual, and how information is shared among stream keeper groups. They also talk about key events for restoring fish habitat on Stoney Creek.

Date Range: 1990-2015

Length: 0:20:51

Names: Stoney Creek Environment Committee; Pacific Streamkeepers Federation; Pacific Salmon Foundation; Canada, Department Fisheries and Oceans

Subjects: Geographic Features - Streams; Organizations - Societies and Clubs; Persons - Volunteers; Public Services

Geographic Access: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area; Stoney Creek

Interviewer: Bossort, Kathy

Interview Date: October 26, 2015

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with John Templeton, Alan James & Christine Leston, members of the Stoney Creek Environment Committee, conducted by Kathy Bossort. The three members of SCEC were among 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about the history and work of the stream keeper group Stoney Creek Environment Committee (SCEC) and the Stoney Creek Environmental Working Group, and about SCEC’s founder Jennifer Atkinson. The interview is made richer by the complementary views of the three interviewees, John Templeton (SCEC Chair), Alan James (Member-at-Large - Education), and Christine Leston (Treasurer).

Biographical Notes: The Stoney Creek Environment Committee is a streamkeeper group and registered non-profit society dedicated to protecting and restoring viable salmon-bearing streams within the Stoney Creek Watershed. (Stoney Creek originates on Burnaby Mountain and is part of the Brunette watershed which empties into the Fraser River.) The volunteer group, formed in 1995, was guided by the tireless efforts of Jennifer Atchison (1938-2010) after whom the Jennifer Atchison Environmental Centre in North Burnaby is named. The volunteer members of SCEC monitor water quality, generate inventories and reports on the biophysical assets and health of the watershed, provide educational opportunities, enhance stream and stream bank habitat, and speak on behalf of the Stoney Creek watershed. One of its key events is The Great Salmon Send-Off, the release of young salmon into Stoney Creek in May, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2015. The Stoney Creek Environmental Working Group (1999-present), managed by the City of Burnaby, undertakes to coordinate the actions of all stakeholders in the Stoney Creek watershed. It is comprised of representatives from community groups, such as SCEC, governmental and institutional agencies, and industries who are committed to sustaining and improving the quality of the Stoney Creek watershed’s water, wildlife and environment. John Templeton, currently SCEC Chair, joined SCEC in 2004. He was born in Coleraine ,County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, in 1957, and after immigrating to Canada, came to live in Burnaby in 1992, first in Forest Grove (1992-2014) and then in Forest Hills. He works as a millwright. Alan James,Member-at-large - Education, joined SCEC in 2003 He was born in 1939 in Berkeley, California, and came to live in Burnaby in about 2000. He is a retired geophycisist and computer consultant. Christine Leston joined SCEC in 1997, serving first as Secretary and then as Treasurer. She was born in 1943 in Cheshire, England, and came to live in Burnaby in 1974, first in Greentree Village, then Simon Fraser Village (1974-2004) and now the Edmonds area. She is a retired technical writer.

Total Tracks: 9

Total Length: 2:08:27

Interviewee Name: Templeton, John R.; James, Alan C.; Leston, Christine

Interview Location: Jennifer Atchison Environmental Centre, Burnaby

Interviewer Bio: Kathy Bossort is a retired archivist living in Ladner, BC. She worked at the Delta Museum and Archives after graduating from SLAIS (UBC) in 2001 with Masters degrees in library science and archival studies. Kathy grew up in Calgary, Alberta, and, prior to this career change, she lived in the West Kootenays, earning her living as a cook for BC tourist lodges and work camps. She continues to be interested in oral histories as a way to fill the gaps in the written record and bring richer meaning to history.

Collection/Fonds: Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds

Series: Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series

Media Type: Sound Recording

Audio Tracks

Track five of interview with John Templeton, Alan James & Christine Leston

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-006/MSS196-006_Track_5.mp3

Interview with Mary Lumby by Kathy Bossort January 8, 2016 - Track 5

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory675

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 2007-2015

Length: 0:17:35

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Mary Lumby talking about her move to UniverCity in 2007, why she likes living there and some of the disadvantages. She talks about the challenges of creating a sense of community in UniverCity, comparing it to the active involvement of Forest Hills and Forest …

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Mary Lumby talking about her move to UniverCity in 2007, why she likes living there and some of the disadvantages. She talks about the challenges of creating a sense of community in UniverCity, comparing it to the active involvement of Forest Hills and Forest Grove residents in civic affairs, and about problems of isolation on the mountain top, and separation between campus and the residential area.

Date Range: 2007-2015

Length: 0:17:35

Names: Simon Fraser University; UniverCity

Subjects: Geographic Features - Neighbourhoods; Public Services; Planning; Persons - Volunteers

Geographic Access: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area

Interviewer: Bossort, Kathy

Interview Date: January 8, 2016

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Mary Lumby conducted by Kathy Bossort. Mary Lumby was one of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about Mary Lumby’s experience living in Forest Hills, raising her children there, and her involvement in community groups and advocating for improved community services in the Forest Hills and Forest Grove neighbourhoods, and her later move to UniverCity. She talks about the history of the Forest Hills subdivision and what she liked about living there, its links with Forest Grove, and challenges facing both communities as a result of their isolation. Her description of living in UniverCity provides an interesting comparison in how community is created. Mary Lumby also talks about her teaching career, her volunteer activities especially related to the environment, the relationship Trans Mountain tank farm had with adjacent neighbourhoods when she lived in Forest Hills, and what the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area means to her.

Biographical Notes: Mary Lumby was born in Vancouver B.C. She moved to Burnaby and the Parkcrest area in 1977, and then to the new Forest Hills subdivision. Later she moved into another developing community, UniverCity, at the top of Burnaby Mountain and adjacent to the Simon Fraser University campus. Mary has been an active community member, volunteer and community advocate. She has been particularly interested in environmental issues, as a teacher, volunteer coordinator for civic events, and citizen representative on Burnaby’s Environment Committee. She continues to be active in community affairs and enjoys living on Burnaby Mountain.

Total Tracks: 7

Total Length: 1:31:47

Interviewee Name: Lumby, Mary M.

Interview Location: Mary Lumby's home in Burnaby

Interviewer Bio: Kathy Bossort is a retired archivist living in Ladner, BC. She worked at the Delta Museum and Archives after graduating from SLAIS (UBC) in 2001 with Masters degrees in library science and archival studies. Kathy grew up in Calgary, Alberta, and, prior to this career change, she lived in the West Kootenays, earning her living as a cook for BC tourist lodges and work camps. She continues to be interested in oral histories as a way to fill the gaps in the written record and bring richer meaning to history.

Collection/Fonds: Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds

Series: Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series

Media Type: Sound Recording

Audio Tracks

Track five of interview with Mary Lumby

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-016/MSS196-016_Track_5.mp3

Interview with Steve Mancinelli by Kathy Bossort September 13, 2015 - Track 8

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory554

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1995-2015

Length: 0:10:34

Summary: This portion of the interview is about the Burnaby Mountain Preservation Society’s reaction to the final 1995 agreement which met its goal to preserve the conservation area. Steve Mancinelli describes the ceremony at which Mayor Drummond awarded the Society Burnaby’s 1998 Environment Award. He talk…

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about the Burnaby Mountain Preservation Society’s reaction to the final 1995 agreement which met its goal to preserve the conservation area. Steve Mancinelli describes the ceremony at which Mayor Drummond awarded the Society Burnaby’s 1998 Environment Award. He talks about his letter writing and his belief about the positive impact people can have if they get politically involved. He illustrates his point with examples.

Date Range: 1995-2015

Length: 0:10:34

Names: Burnaby Mountain Preservation Society; Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area; Simon Fraser University

Subjects: Organizations - Societies and Clubs; Persons - Volunteers; Protests and Demonstrations; Public Services; Ceremonies - Award

Geographic Access: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area

Interviewer: Bossort, Kathy

Interview Date: September 13, 2015

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Steve Mancinelli conducted by Kathy Bossort. Steve Mancinelli was one of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about the activities of the Burnaby Mountain Preservation Society between 1988 and 1997 and its advocacy for the protection of green space on Burnaby Mountain prior to the land transfer from SFU to Burnaby in 1995. Steve Mancinelli also talks about his other environmental and political activities, recreation on Burnaby Mountain, and the value of its natural assets.

Biographical Notes: Stephen Mancinelli was born in Vancouver in 1953 to Mario and Joan Mancinelli, one of three sons. The Mancinelli family moved to Burnaby in 1955 to the Cascade-Schou District. Steve attended Schou School (Gr. 1- 7) and Moscrop School (Gr. 8-10), playing as a child in the bush on the future Discovery Park site, before the family moved to Port Coquitlam. Steve moved back to Burnaby when he was 18, married his wife Glenda in 1980, and raised his family of two daughters (Julia and Aimee) in the Capital Hill District, before moving to Coquitlam in 2002. Employed as a sheet metal worker for 25 years, Steve has recently worked as a custodian for Coquitlam School District 43 for 19 years. Steve was one of the founding members of the Burnaby Mountain Preservation Society, and has also been a member of the Capital Hill Community Association, on the Board of Directors for Burnaby Psychiatric Services, and a Regional Director for the Green Party. Steve took an early interest in organic gardening, planting trees, and finding inventive ways to recycle waste and promote responsible use of the environment. Steve’s experience working on environmental issues was an important asset to the Burnaby Mountain Preservation Society, which formed ca. 1988 to become a key advocate for preserving parkland on Burnaby Mountain. The Society was awarded the City of Burnaby 1998 Environment Award in Communications for its work in preserving the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area. In 2001 Steve was awarded an Environmental Star in Community Stewardship for being “active in preserving and enhancing Burnaby’s natural environment for over thirty years”.

Total Tracks: 9

Total Length: 1:31:42

Interviewee Name: Mancinelli, Stephen J. "Steve"

Interview Location: Steve Mancinelli's home in Burnaby

Interviewer Bio: Kathy Bossort is a retired archivist living in Ladner, BC. She worked at the Delta Museum and Archives after graduating from SLAIS (UBC) in 2001 with Masters degrees in library science and archival studies. Kathy grew up in Calgary, Alberta, and, prior to this career change, she lived in the West Kootenays, earning her living as a cook for BC tourist lodges and work camps. She continues to be interested in oral histories as a way to fill the gaps in the written record and bring richer meaning to history.

Collection/Fonds: Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds

Series: Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series

Media Type: Sound Recording

Audio Tracks

Track eight of interview with Steve Mancinelli

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-001/MSS196-001_Track_8.mp3

Interview with Alekxos Sarter by Kathy Bossort October 16, 2015 - Track 8

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory584

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1995-2015

Length: 0:12:25

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Alekxos Sarter’s explanation of the City of Burnaby’s Official Community Planning process and its application to development of SFU’s UniverCity.

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Alekxos Sarter’s explanation of the City of Burnaby’s Official Community Planning process and its application to development of SFU’s UniverCity.

Date Range: 1995-2015

Length: 0:12:25

Names: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area; Simon Fraser University; UniverCity; Burnaby Planning and Building Department

Subjects: Public Services - Municipal Services; Planning

Geographic Access: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area

Interviewer: Bossort, Kathy

Interview Date: October 16, 2015

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Alekxos Sarter conducted by Kathy Bossort. Alekxos Sarter was one of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about the history of setting aside parkland on Burnaby Mountain from Alekxos Sarter’s perspective and experience as employee in the City of Burnaby Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services. The interview provides an excellent explanation of the history and function of kinds of park dedications used by the City of Burnaby; an overview of issues around including the Trans Mountain tank farm in the conservation area; and the background to the land use and ownership disagreement between the City of Burnaby and Simon Fraser University, its resolution, and the subsequent development of SFU’s UniverCity. Alekxos Sarter talks about Richard Bolton, Burnaby’s Acting-Commissioner who was responsible for dedicating the first park on Burnaby Mountain in 1942, and the creation of a park named after him in UniverCity.

Biographical Notes: Alekxos Sarter was born in Vancouver in 1961, to Daine and Kasandra Sarter. She grew up in North Vancouver and since 1994 has lived on a sailboat in False Creek. After attending UBC where she studied landscape architecture, she was hired by the City of Burnaby Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services in 1986. Working first in parks design, Alekxos quickly moved into parks planning, her preferred career. As Research Officer she covers research, planning, public consultation, parks and facility inventory, parkland acquisition, among other duties.

Total Tracks: 9

Total Length: 2:20:47

Interviewee Name: Sarter, Alekxos T.

Interview Location: City of Burnaby Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services meeting room

Interviewer Bio: Kathy Bossort is a retired archivist living in Ladner, BC. She worked at the Delta Museum and Archives after graduating from SLAIS (UBC) in 2001 with Masters degrees in library science and archival studies. Kathy grew up in Calgary, Alberta, and, prior to this career change, she lived in the West Kootenays, earning her living as a cook for BC tourist lodges and work camps. She continues to be interested in oral histories as a way to fill the gaps in the written record and bring richer meaning to history.

Collection/Fonds: Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds

Series: Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series

Media Type: Sound Recording

Audio Tracks

Track eight of interview with Alekxos Sarter

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-005/MSS196-005_Track_8.mp3

Interview with Alekxos Sarter by Kathy Bossort October 16, 2015 - Track 9

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory585

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 2000-2015

Length: 0:14:42

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Alekxos Sarter’s story about the naming, planning and development of Richard Bolton Park at SFU’s UniverCity.

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Alekxos Sarter’s story about the naming, planning and development of Richard Bolton Park at SFU’s UniverCity.

Date Range: 2000-2015

Length: 0:14:42

Names: Bolton, Richard; Simon Fraser University; UniverCity; Burnaby Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department

Subjects: Public Services - Municipal Services; Geographic Features - Parks; Planning

Geographic Access: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area; Richard Bolton Park

Interviewer: Bossort, Kathy

Interview Date: October 16, 2015

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Alekxos Sarter conducted by Kathy Bossort. Alekxos Sarter was one of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about the history of setting aside parkland on Burnaby Mountain from Alekxos Sarter’s perspective and experience as employee in the City of Burnaby Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services. The interview provides an excellent explanation of the history and function of kinds of park dedications used by the City of Burnaby; an overview of issues around including the Trans Mountain tank farm in the conservation area; and the background to the land use and ownership disagreement between the City of Burnaby and Simon Fraser University, its resolution, and the subsequent development of SFU’s UniverCity. Alekxos Sarter talks about Richard Bolton, Burnaby’s Acting-Commissioner who was responsible for dedicating the first park on Burnaby Mountain in 1942, and the creation of a park named after him in UniverCity.

Biographical Notes: Alekxos Sarter was born in Vancouver in 1961, to Daine and Kasandra Sarter. She grew up in North Vancouver and since 1994 has lived on a sailboat in False Creek. After attending UBC where she studied landscape architecture, she was hired by the City of Burnaby Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services in 1986. Working first in parks design, Alekxos quickly moved into parks planning, her preferred career. As Research Officer she covers research, planning, public consultation, parks and facility inventory, parkland acquisition, among other duties.

Total Tracks: 9

Total Length: 2:20:47

Interviewee Name: Sarter, Alekxos T.

Interview Location: City of Burnaby Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services meeting room

Interviewer Bio: Kathy Bossort is a retired archivist living in Ladner, BC. She worked at the Delta Museum and Archives after graduating from SLAIS (UBC) in 2001 with Masters degrees in library science and archival studies. Kathy grew up in Calgary, Alberta, and, prior to this career change, she lived in the West Kootenays, earning her living as a cook for BC tourist lodges and work camps. She continues to be interested in oral histories as a way to fill the gaps in the written record and bring richer meaning to history.

Collection/Fonds: Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds

Series: Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series

Media Type: Sound Recording

Audio Tracks

Track nine of interview with Alekxos Sarter

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-005/MSS196-005_Track_9.mp3

Interview with Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse by Kathy Bossort November 24, 2015 - Track 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory627

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1965-2015

Length: 0:09:54

Summary: This portion of the interview is about introducing the two interviewees Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse. They talk about their education, how they became interested in their career paths as urban planners and what kept them interested in their work, how they were hired by the City of Burnaby, and th…

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about introducing the two interviewees Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse. They talk about their education, how they became interested in their career paths as urban planners and what kept them interested in their work, how they were hired by the City of Burnaby, and their working relationship in the Planning Department.

Date Range: 1965-2015

Length: 0:09:54

Names: Burnaby Planning and Building Department; Parr, Anthony L.

Subjects: Education; Occupations - Civic Workers; Public Services - Municipal Services

Interviewer: Bossort, Kathy

Interview Date: November 24, 2015

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse conducted by Kathy Bossort. Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse were two of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about the history of setting aside parkland by dedication on Burnaby Mountain, the 1974/76 delineation of the conservation area on Burnaby Mountain, and the dispute between Burnaby and Simon Fraser University over land ownership and control on Burnaby Mountain, as discussed by two retired participants in these events from the City of Burnaby’s Planning and Building Department, Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse. They also talk about their interaction with the public in developing policies, particularly for the 1974 report “The Public Meetings - Phase One”, and the importance of a strong policy base for long range planning and the patience needed to assemble land for large parks. They talk as well about their careers, their close working relationship in the department, and the cooperation between City and SFU staff in the development of UniverCity.

Biographical Notes: Basil Luksun was born and educated in South Africa, immigrating to Canada and Burnaby in 1972 to escape the harmful effects of apartheid. He holds a BSc degree from the University of Cape Town and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Town Planning from the University of Witwatersrand. He joined the City of Burnaby’s Planning and Building Department in 1973, working his way up through the organization to Director of the department before retiring after 39 years in 2012. When he started work in the 1970s, the City of Burnaby was focusing on green space planning projects and he takes great pride in these projects as well as the city’s focus on long-term planning. Basil lived in the Capital Hill area from 1972 to 1990. He currently resides in Vancouver and has two sons, Warren and Derek. Jack Belhouse was born in 1946 in Vancouver and attended UBC, York University and SFU (1965-1972), majoring in urban geography. He began working in Burnaby’s planning department as a summer student in 1968, and was offered a full-time position when he graduated from university. He became Director of the Planning and Building Department before retiring after 38 years with the city in 2006. He and Basil Luksun worked closely together in long range planning in the department. Jack lives in Coquitlam with his wife Linda and has two children, Brad and Lori.

Total Tracks: 8

Total Length: 1:58:23

Interviewee Name: Luksun, Basil; Belhouse, Jack

Interview Location: Basil Luksun's home in Vancouver

Interviewer Bio: Kathy Bossort is a retired archivist living in Ladner, BC. She worked at the Delta Museum and Archives after graduating from SLAIS (UBC) in 2001 with Masters degrees in library science and archival studies. Kathy grew up in Calgary, Alberta, and, prior to this career change, she lived in the West Kootenays, earning her living as a cook for BC tourist lodges and work camps. She continues to be interested in oral histories as a way to fill the gaps in the written record and bring richer meaning to history.

Collection/Fonds: Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds

Series: Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series

Media Type: Sound Recording

Audio Tracks

Track one of interview with Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-012/MSS196-012_Track_1.mp3

Interview with Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse by Kathy Bossort November 24, 2015 - Track 6

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory632

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1963-2015

Length: 0:16:58

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse talking about Simon Fraser University and problems created by its isolated site on Burnaby Mountain. They talk about the building of the Burnaby Mountain Parkway, and tell stories about the cooperative planning between City and S…

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse talking about Simon Fraser University and problems created by its isolated site on Burnaby Mountain. They talk about the building of the Burnaby Mountain Parkway, and tell stories about the cooperative planning between City and SFU staff for UniverCity.

Date Range: 1963-2015

Length: 0:16:58

Names: Simon Fraser University; UniverCity; Burnaby Mountain Parkway

Subjects: Buildings - Schools - Universities and Colleges; Transportation; Public Services - Municipal Services

Geographic Access: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area; Burnaby Mountain Parkway

Interviewer: Bossort, Kathy

Interview Date: November 24, 2015

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse conducted by Kathy Bossort. Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse were two of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about the history of setting aside parkland by dedication on Burnaby Mountain, the 1974/76 delineation of the conservation area on Burnaby Mountain, and the dispute between Burnaby and Simon Fraser University over land ownership and control on Burnaby Mountain, as discussed by two retired participants in these events from the City of Burnaby’s Planning and Building Department, Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse. They also talk about their interaction with the public in developing policies, particularly for the 1974 report “The Public Meetings - Phase One”, and the importance of a strong policy base for long range planning and the patience needed to assemble land for large parks. They talk as well about their careers, their close working relationship in the department, and the cooperation between City and SFU staff in the development of UniverCity.

Biographical Notes: Basil Luksun was born and educated in South Africa, immigrating to Canada and Burnaby in 1972 to escape the harmful effects of apartheid. He holds a BSc degree from the University of Cape Town and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Town Planning from the University of Witwatersrand. He joined the City of Burnaby’s Planning and Building Department in 1973, working his way up through the organization to Director of the department before retiring after 39 years in 2012. When he started work in the 1970s, the City of Burnaby was focusing on green space planning projects and he takes great pride in these projects as well as the city’s focus on long-term planning. Basil lived in the Capital Hill area from 1972 to 1990. He currently resides in Vancouver and has two sons, Warren and Derek. Jack Belhouse was born in 1946 in Vancouver and attended UBC, York University and SFU (1965-1972), majoring in urban geography. He began working in Burnaby’s planning department as a summer student in 1968, and was offered a full-time position when he graduated from university. He became Director of the Planning and Building Department before retiring after 38 years with the city in 2006. He and Basil Luksun worked closely together in long range planning in the department. Jack lives in Coquitlam with his wife Linda and has two children, Brad and Lori.

Total Tracks: 8

Total Length: 1:58:23

Interviewee Name: Luksun, Basil; Belhouse, Jack

Interview Location: Basil Luksun's home in Vancouver

Interviewer Bio: Kathy Bossort is a retired archivist living in Ladner, BC. She worked at the Delta Museum and Archives after graduating from SLAIS (UBC) in 2001 with Masters degrees in library science and archival studies. Kathy grew up in Calgary, Alberta, and, prior to this career change, she lived in the West Kootenays, earning her living as a cook for BC tourist lodges and work camps. She continues to be interested in oral histories as a way to fill the gaps in the written record and bring richer meaning to history.

Collection/Fonds: Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds

Series: Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series

Media Type: Sound Recording

Audio Tracks

Track six of interview with Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-012/MSS196-012_Track_6.mp3

Interview with Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse by Kathy Bossort November 24, 2015 - Track 8

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory634

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1990-2015

Length: 0:17:59

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse talking about the 1991 Burnaby/Simon Fraser University Liaison Committee, its mandate and issues discussed in the committee; the factors that lead to the resolution of the dispute between the City and SFU; and the current dispute…

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse talking about the 1991 Burnaby/Simon Fraser University Liaison Committee, its mandate and issues discussed in the committee; the factors that lead to the resolution of the dispute between the City and SFU; and the current dispute with Kinder Morgan and assessment of risk of Trans Mountain pipeline and Westbridge Terminal operations in Burnaby.

Date Range: 1990-2015

Length: 0:17:59

Names: Simon Fraser Liaison Committee.; Simon Fraser University; Blaney, Jack; Drummond, Douglas P. "Doug"; Stevenson, Michael.; Trans Mountain Oil Pipeline Company

Subjects: Public Services - Municipal Services; Planning

Geographic Access: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area

Interviewer: Bossort, Kathy

Interview Date: November 24, 2015

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse conducted by Kathy Bossort. Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse were two of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about the history of setting aside parkland by dedication on Burnaby Mountain, the 1974/76 delineation of the conservation area on Burnaby Mountain, and the dispute between Burnaby and Simon Fraser University over land ownership and control on Burnaby Mountain, as discussed by two retired participants in these events from the City of Burnaby’s Planning and Building Department, Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse. They also talk about their interaction with the public in developing policies, particularly for the 1974 report “The Public Meetings - Phase One”, and the importance of a strong policy base for long range planning and the patience needed to assemble land for large parks. They talk as well about their careers, their close working relationship in the department, and the cooperation between City and SFU staff in the development of UniverCity.

Biographical Notes: Basil Luksun was born and educated in South Africa, immigrating to Canada and Burnaby in 1972 to escape the harmful effects of apartheid. He holds a BSc degree from the University of Cape Town and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Town Planning from the University of Witwatersrand. He joined the City of Burnaby’s Planning and Building Department in 1973, working his way up through the organization to Director of the department before retiring after 39 years in 2012. When he started work in the 1970s, the City of Burnaby was focusing on green space planning projects and he takes great pride in these projects as well as the city’s focus on long-term planning. Basil lived in the Capital Hill area from 1972 to 1990. He currently resides in Vancouver and has two sons, Warren and Derek. Jack Belhouse was born in 1946 in Vancouver and attended UBC, York University and SFU (1965-1972), majoring in urban geography. He began working in Burnaby’s planning department as a summer student in 1968, and was offered a full-time position when he graduated from university. He became Director of the Planning and Building Department before retiring after 38 years with the city in 2006. He and Basil Luksun worked closely together in long range planning in the department. Jack lives in Coquitlam with his wife Linda and has two children, Brad and Lori.

Total Tracks: 8

Total Length: 1:58:23

Interviewee Name: Luksun, Basil; Belhouse, Jack

Interview Location: Basil Luksun's home in Vancouver

Interviewer Bio: Kathy Bossort is a retired archivist living in Ladner, BC. She worked at the Delta Museum and Archives after graduating from SLAIS (UBC) in 2001 with Masters degrees in library science and archival studies. Kathy grew up in Calgary, Alberta, and, prior to this career change, she lived in the West Kootenays, earning her living as a cook for BC tourist lodges and work camps. She continues to be interested in oral histories as a way to fill the gaps in the written record and bring richer meaning to history.

Collection/Fonds: Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds

Series: Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series

Media Type: Sound Recording

Audio Tracks

Track eight of interview with Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-012/MSS196-012_Track_8.mp3

Interview with Les Francis by Eric Damer October 16, 2012 - Track 4

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory330

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1979-2012

Length: 0:12:38

Summary: This portion of the recording pertains to Les Francis's years of working with the municipality of Burnaby in the waterworks department and the changes he has noticed for present day workers.

1 image 1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the recording pertains to Les Francis's years of working with the municipality of Burnaby in the waterworks department and the changes he has noticed for present day workers.

Date Range: 1979-2012

Photo Info: Les Francis (far right) receiving a Burnaby Long Service Award at the Gai Paree Supper Club, 1964. Item no. 485-070.

Length: 0:12:38

Subjects: Occupations - Civic Workers; Public Services - Public Works

Interviewer: Damer, Eric

Interview Date: October 16, 2012

Scope and Content: Recording is an interview with Les Francis conducted by Burnaby Village Museum employee Eric Damer, October 16, 2012. Major theme discussed: the role of the municipal worker in the nineteen-thirties through the war years.

Biographical Notes: Les Francis was born in London, England, in 1914 and came with his family to Burnaby in 1919. Except for a few years away on special projects, Les has lived in Burnaby ever since. After attending Kingsway West Elementary and Burnaby South High Schools, Les joined the municipal work force. He first worked as a clerk in 1930 and later joined the Engineering Department where he spent his career maintaining and extending the municipal water system. Les Francis retired in 1979 as the City of Burnaby's Work's Superintendent.

Total Tracks: 4

Total Length: 0:43:18

Interviewee Name: Francis, Les

Interview Location: Interviewee's residence

Interviewer Bio: Eric Damer is a lifelong British Columbian born in Victoria, raised in Kamloops, and currently residing in Burnaby. After studying philosophy at the University of Victoria, he became interested in the educational forces that had shaped his own life. He completed master’s and doctoral degrees in educational studies at the University of British Columbia with a particular interest in the history of adult and higher education in the province. In 2012, Eric worked for the City of Burnaby as a field researcher and writer, conducting interviews for the City Archives and Museum Oral History Program.

Collection/Fonds: Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds

Series: Burna-Boom Oral History Project series

Transcript Available: None

Media Type: Sound Recording

Images

Les Francis (far right) receiving a Burnaby Long Service Award at the Gai Paree Supper Club, 1964. Item no. 485-070. thumbnail

Audio Tracks

Track four of recording of interview with Les Francis

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS171-010/MSS171-010_Track_4.mp3

Film of Bruce McRae discussing Gilmore Avenue School

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription5118

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: January 17, 2017

Collection/Fonds: 100 Years of Gilmore School video collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 video recording (mp4) (3 min., 15 sec.) : digital, 23 fps, col., sd., stereo

Scope and Content: Recording is of anecdotes shared by Bruce McRae pertaining to Gilmore Avenue School in Burnaby. Bruce recalls that he didn’t attend Gilmore Avenue School, but his mother, Sheila McRae, worked there as an assistant. He describes her work and her enjoyment of it. Bruce also notes that the school had …

1 image 1 video

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: 100 Years of Gilmore School video collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 video recording (mp4) (3 min., 15 sec.) : digital, 23 fps, col., sd., stereo

Material Details: Film recorded at the McGill Library on January 17, 2017 as part of an event to screen "100 Years of Gilmore School" by filmmaker Yunuen Perez Vertti.

Scope and Content: Recording is of anecdotes shared by Bruce McRae pertaining to Gilmore Avenue School in Burnaby. Bruce recalls that he didn’t attend Gilmore Avenue School, but his mother, Sheila McRae, worked there as an assistant. He describes her work and her enjoyment of it. Bruce also notes that the school had an air raid siren mounted on its roof which sounded terrifying to him when it was tested periodically during the 1950s Cold War era.

Creator: Perez Vertti, Yunuen

Subjects: Buildings - Schools; Public Services - Civil Defence

Names: Perez Vertti, Yunuen; Gilmore Avenue School; McRae, Bruce

Geographic Access: Gilmore Avenue

Street Address: 50 Gilmore Avenue

Accession Code: BV017.48.4

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: January 17, 2017

Media Type: Moving Images

Historic Neighbourhood: Vancouver Heights (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Burnaby Heights Area

Notes: Title based on contents of film

Images

Video

Film of Bruce McRae discussing Gilmore Avenue School, January 17, 2017

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Moving_Images/2017_0048_0004_001.mp4

Interview with Lee Rankin by Kathy Bossort December 2, 2015 - Track 7

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory648

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1973-2015

Length: 0:08:51

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Lee Rankin talking about the Simon Fraser Liaison Committee’s activities after 1996 and land use at UniverCity. He talks about the challenge that SFU faces as a land developer and the City’s response to UniverCity residents’ demands for services. He tells a st…

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Lee Rankin talking about the Simon Fraser Liaison Committee’s activities after 1996 and land use at UniverCity. He talks about the challenge that SFU faces as a land developer and the City’s response to UniverCity residents’ demands for services. He tells a story about his time as a SFU student and the proposed ice rink on campus.

Date Range: 1973-2015

Length: 0:08:51

Names: Simon Fraser Liaison Committee.; Simon Fraser University; UniverCity

Subjects: Public Services

Geographic Access: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area

Interviewer: Bossort, Kathy

Interview Date: December 2, 2015

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Lee Rankin conducted by Kathy Bossort. Lee Rankin was one of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about Lee Rankin’s involvement in finding a resolution to the dispute between the City of Burnaby and Simon Fraser University over land ownership and control on Burnaby Mountain. He talks about the origin of the dispute, the positions taken by the two sides, the key people who brought about a resolution, and the main features of the agreement between the City, SFU and the province of BC. He talks about how the agreement met SFU’s goals, fostered trust between the City and university, and removed uncertainty from protecting parkland on Burnaby Mountain.

Biographical Notes: Lee Rankin was born in 1953 in Vancouver. He attended SFU 1973-78, completing his BA degree in 1985. He earned his law degree at UBC in 1988, was called to the Bar in 1989, and practiced in immigration and refugee law. Lee has lived in Burnaby since 1976 and was a member of Burnaby Council for 22 years, from 1983-1999 and 2002-2008. His particular interests as a Councillor were in community planning, housing and environment. Among other duties and accomplishments as Councillor, Lee served as chair of the Simon Fraser Liaison Committee and was involved in the negotiations with the province and SFU that resulted in the university returning more than 800 acres of land to the City, which was dedicated as part of the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area. He has also served on the GVRD, volunteers as a coach for team sports in Burnaby, and has served on numerous community and business associations and committees. Lee is married to Ragini Venkat Rankin and has one son Henry.

Total Tracks: 8

Total Length: 1:50:35

Interviewee Name: Rankin, Lee A.

Interview Location: Lee Rankin's home in Burnaby

Interviewer Bio: Kathy Bossort is a retired archivist living in Ladner, BC. She worked at the Delta Museum and Archives after graduating from SLAIS (UBC) in 2001 with Masters degrees in library science and archival studies. Kathy grew up in Calgary, Alberta, and, prior to this career change, she lived in the West Kootenays, earning her living as a cook for BC tourist lodges and work camps. She continues to be interested in oral histories as a way to fill the gaps in the written record and bring richer meaning to history.

Collection/Fonds: Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds

Series: Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series

Media Type: Sound Recording

Audio Tracks

Track seven of interview with Lee Rankin

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-014/MSS196-014_Track_7.mp3

Interview with Ron Baker by Kathy Bossort November 27, 2015 - Track 6

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory640

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1950-2015

Length: 0:10:17

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Dr. Ron Baker’s discussion about the choice of branding SFU the “engaged” university at the time of its 50th Anniversary, and the need for university Presidents to fund raise. He talks about the relationship between UBC and SFU, and the reasons for hostility t…

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Dr. Ron Baker’s discussion about the choice of branding SFU the “engaged” university at the time of its 50th Anniversary, and the need for university Presidents to fund raise. He talks about the relationship between UBC and SFU, and the reasons for hostility towards UBC in the 1950s, especially from interior BC communities.

Date Range: 1950-2015

Length: 0:10:17

Names: Simon Fraser University; University of British Columbia

Subjects: Education; Public Services; Events - Anniversaries

Geographic Access: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area

Interviewer: Bossort, Kathy

Interview Date: November 27, 2015

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Dr. Ronald James Baker conducted by Kathy Bossort. Ron Baker was one of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about the founding of Simon Fraser University from the perspective of SFU’s first faculty member and Director of Academic Planning, Ron Baker. Ron Baker talks about John B. Macdonald’s report on higher education in BC (1962) and how it lead to the provincial government’s decision to establish a new university and to put it in the Burnaby area. He tells stories about how the site on Burnaby Mountain was chosen; about the building of the campus; and about the challenges of planning the academic structure of the university. He also talks about the attraction of creating with little interference an institution trying out new ideas and tells stories about his working relationship with Gordon Shrum. He considers the problems created by building universities in out of the way places and the ideas such as UniverCity for dealing with SFU’s isolation.

Biographical Notes: Ron Baker was born in London, England, in 1924, and served in the Royal Air Force during WW2. He emigrated to Canada in 1947 and studied at UBC where he obtained a BA degree (1951) and MA degree (1953) in English Language and Literature. He served on the faculty of the UBC English Department beginning as a lecturer in 1951 and advanced to positions of Assistant Professor (1958-63) and Associate Professor (1963-65). He was a contributor to John B. Macdonald’s 1962 report “Higher Education in British Columbia and a Plan for the Future”, and continued to make significant contributions to the establishment of the community college system in Canada throughout his career. In 1963 the newly established Simon Fraser University hired Ron as its first Director of Academic Planning, serving also as first head of SFU’s English Department. In 1969 Ron left SFU to become the first President of the University of Prince Edward Island, a position he held until 1978. In 1978 he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada for his contributions to higher education. Ron has contributed to many organizations, including serving as a member of the Board of Directors of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada, on Canada Council, and as President of Association of Atlantic Universities and the Association of Canadian University Teachers of English. In 1990 Ron Baker was asked by the government of BC to prepare a preliminary report on the establishment of the future UNBC in Prince George. Now retired Ron Baker lives in the Edmonds area of Burnaby.

Total Tracks: 7

Total Length: 1:33:46

Interviewee Name: Baker, Ronald J. "Ron"

Interview Location: Ron Baker's home in Burnaby

Interviewer Bio: Kathy Bossort is a retired archivist living in Ladner, BC. She worked at the Delta Museum and Archives after graduating from SLAIS (UBC) in 2001 with Masters degrees in library science and archival studies. Kathy grew up in Calgary, Alberta, and, prior to this career change, she lived in the West Kootenays, earning her living as a cook for BC tourist lodges and work camps. She continues to be interested in oral histories as a way to fill the gaps in the written record and bring richer meaning to history.

Collection/Fonds: Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds

Series: Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series

Media Type: Sound Recording

Audio Tracks

Track six of interview with Dr. Ron Baker

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-013/MSS196-013_Track_6.mp3

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