Search Results | Heritage Burnaby

Object History: Album page 227 from Don Copan album/scrapbook for Burnaby Centennial '71 celebrations; Don Copan was an active member of the Burnaby Centennial ’71 Committee and later became the founding President of the Century Park Museum Association. While a member of the Burnaby Centennial ’71 Committee, Don created a scrapbook album of photographs and ephemera documenting the Burnaby Centennial ’71 Committee’s involvement in celebrating British Columbia’s Centenary of Confederation between January and December 1971 including Burnaby’s Commemorative Project – Heritage Village (Burnaby Village Museum).

Reference: Photographs from the Don Copan scrapbook/album are described as part of the Donald Copan collection - Copan Album series

Category: 08. Communication Artifacts

Classification: Advertising Media

Object Term: Poster

Subjects: Celebrations - Centennials; Performances - Dramatic Performances; Performances

Names: Burnaby Centennial '71 Committee

Images

Interview with Dr. Sadhu Binning

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19348

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1931-2022] (interview content), interviewed 25 Nov. 2022

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 3 sound recordings (wav) (75 min., 56 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (75 min., 57 sec.)

Scope and Content: Item consists of an oral history interview with Dr. Sadhu Binning conducted by Anushay Malik with assistance from Burnaby Village Museum Assistant Curator, Kate Petrusa. The interview opens with introductions and how the content of the interview can be drawn on by Burnaby Village Museum for future …

1 document 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: 3 sound recordings (wav) (75 min., 56 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (75 min., 57 sec.)

Material Details: Interviewer: Anushay Malik Co Interviewer and technical support: Kate Petrusa Interviewee: Dr. Sadhu Binning Location of Interview: Love farmhouse at Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: November 25, 2022 Total Number of tracks: 3 Total Length of all Tracks: (1:15:57) Digital master recordings (wav) were recorded onto three separate audio tracks, edited and merged together and converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby

Scope and Content: Item consists of an oral history interview with Dr. Sadhu Binning conducted by Anushay Malik with assistance from Burnaby Village Museum Assistant Curator, Kate Petrusa. The interview opens with introductions and how the content of the interview can be drawn on by Burnaby Village Museum for future exhibits and for researchers to learn more about the history of the South Asian community in Burnaby. During the interview, Dr. Binning shares his ancestral background along with his relatives' and his own personal experiences as a South Asian immigrant living and working in British Columbia and Burnaby. Dr. Binning conveys that he’s a Burnaby resident who’s lived in Burnaby since 1973 and that his children were born here. Binning shares his ancestral heritage beginning with his uncle Dhana Singh who emigrated from Punjab to British Columbia in 1931 and began working in the forest industry. He explains how Dhana Singh and another partner owned, operated and worked in small sawmills in the vicinity of Kamloops, Williams Lake and also on Vancouver Island. Binning conveys that in the beginning Dhana Singh and many other South Asian immigrants were not legal residents until 1938. In 1938, about 350 South Asian immigrants (mainly Punjabi) gathered resources to hire a lawyer to obtain permanent residency. Binning mentions that one of the notable South Asians in the group who was also a close friend of his uncle, was Darshan Singh Sangha, a trade unionist who was a founding member of the International Woodworkers of America (IWA) union and an active member of the Communist Party of Canada. Binning conveys how Darshan Singh Sangha returned to India in 1947 to be a part of the revolution, how he was very active in the communist movement in India. While in India, Darshan Singh Sangha, was known as Canadian and thereby adopted “Canadian” as his surname, becoming “Darshan Singh Canadian”. Binning further explains that his uncle Dhana Singh Sangha returned to India in 1951, married and came back to B.C. in 1957 bringing with him, his wife and children. In 1960, with the support of his uncle, Binning’s father, Jit Singh Binning immigrated to British Columbia and began working in sawmills in the lower mainland, Kamloops, Quesnel and on Vancouver Island. Binning clarifies that his uncle, Dhana Singh was able to immigrate to Canada with the support of his cousins from the Tarker Singh Bains family. Binning further describes Darshan Singh Sangha’s involvement with the Communist party and the IWA and how the majority of the members were from the forest industry. As an active and prominent member of the labour movement, Darshan Singh Sangha fought for the rights of South Asians and Chinese who working in the industry and facing racism, unfair wages and discriminatory practices. Binning describes how Darshan Singh Sangha wrote a book in English in 1943, titled “Rise of the New Asia”. Binning conveys how immigrants of Chinese and South Asian decent didn’t have the right to vote in British Columbia and how Darshan Singh Sangha was instrumental in obtaining the right to vote in British Columbia, although he was never given the credit. Binning describes his uncle Dhana Singh as a likeable guy with many friends, first living in Kamloops before moving to Vancouver. Binning imparts how the sport of wrestling is a popular Punjabi sport along with Punjabi kabaddi. He conveys that his uncle became involved in wrestling while working in sawmills. South Asian immigrants had to do physical labour working in sawmills, the work could be tough and could often lead to physical fights. A number of South Asian immigrants working in the mills already had experience as wrestlers from back home. Dhana Singh later left the lumber industry to work in the agriculture sector. Binning explains how immigration rules changed in the 1960s which lead to larger numbers of South Asians immigrating to Canada. Many of these new immigrants were educated and politically conscious. All of these new immigrants faced racism but being politically conscious from an independent India and with the ability to speak English they organized themselves to fight for their rights. Binning imagines the items that his uncle and his father may have brought with them in their suitcase when immigrating to Canada. Binning describes three items, including a rajai (a blanket with cotton inside that is sewn together), a bistra (small attaché case or trunk) and a piece of cloth to lie on. Binning further describes the roles in Indian society as caste divisions and that it was usually women’s work in making the rajais. Binning recollects the locations that his father and his family lived after coming to Vancouver. Binning explains that a few years after living together in Vancouver, he and his family moved to Burnaby in 1973 to be closer to his Dr. Binning’s wife, Jagdish Binning’s family. Dr. Binning and family lived in a house in Burnaby located on Irmin Street near Royal Oak between 1973 and 1987. While living at this house their children attended McPherson Park Junior High School and later Burnaby South Secondary School. Binning reflects on some of the racism that he and his family have faced while living in Burnaby which led him to write a poem that he published in 1994 titled “No More Watno Dur”. Binning explains the meaning of the title “Watan” meaning “country and everybody” “a country far way from the motherland”. Binning explains the origins of the magazine “Watan” that was started by a friend in 1973. The magazine got its roots in Vancouver in 1973 from an organization called the “Punjabi Literary Association”. Binning became the editor of the magazine in 1976 and his friend joined him as assistant editor in 1978. Binning continued to work as editor until 1983 or 1984 when he returned to school to complete his Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree. Binning describes the origins of the “Vancouver Sath” that was formed by a small group of South Asians around 1982. Binning was a founding member of the organization and held meetings and rehearsals at his house in Burnaby. Vancouver Sath first started out as an informal discussion forum by a group of politically conscious Punjabi writers and activists. Binning talks about issues and problems that Vancouver Sath addressed including; racism as well as domestic violence in the South Asian community. Binning explains how he and Sukhwant Hundal wrote articles on these issues and others that were happening in the South Asian community in Canada. Binning talks about how in 1983, the group was inspired to begin performing theatrical works after consulting with Gursharan Singh who was from a well known theatrical group from Punjab who were performing in Vancouver. In the beginning the Vancouver Sath’s plays were focused on the problems in Punjab but they soon decided to address social issues in their own South Asian community here in Canada. Binning summarizes and draws attention to, some of the plays that Vancouver Sath has written and performed including; “Picket Line”, about Punjabi women farmworkers’ rights; “Lattan de Bhoot”, about domestic abuse; “A Crop of Poison”; “Kihda Viah” (English translation- “Whose Marriage”) about arranged marriage and others about social issues in the South Asian community. The plays were performed in public schools and community centres in Vancouver and Richmond, Simon Fraser University and some were also performed in Toronto, Calgary and Williams Lake. Binning mentions some of the traditional foods that he likes to eat and where he and his family have shopped to find ingredients. He recalls how his mother, Gurmaje Kaur Binning did all of the cooking and was often cooking all day long. In the sixties, the Binning family address on 13th Avenue in Vancouver was also used as a postal address for many friends and family who’d recently immigrated. When these friends dropped by to pick up their mail, his mother often provided them with tea and food. After Binning and his wife, Jagdish moved to their own home in 1973, he shared in some of the shopping and cooking but his wife did the majority of the work due to his busy schedule. The interview closes with Binning providing an explanation of how “Watno Dur” magazine changed it’s name to “Watan” magazine. Binning reflects on how this came to be, when he made the decision to get an education in Canada and to stay here, not just as a “Canadian” but as a “Punjabi Canadian.

History: Interviewee biography: Dr. Sadhu Binning was born on May 10, 1947 to mother Gurmej Kaur and father Jeet Singh Binning. Due to lack of proper records management in India at the time of his birth, it is believed that he was actually born sometime in December of 1947. He grew up alongside two brothers and one sister in a village located in Kapurthala, Punjab. Dr. Binning attended secondary school in the nearby city of Phagwara, Punjab although he did not complete his education here. Throughout his childhood, he enjoyed reading both Punjabi and Hindi novels and learned how to read Urdu as well. Dr. Binning’s uncle, Dhana Singh immigrated to Canada in 1933 and returned to India in 1953. When Dhana Singh returned to Canada in 1957, he sponsored Dr. Binning’s father, Jeet Singh Binning to immigrate. Dhana Singh co-owned a few saw mills in British Columbia and also worked in the truck driving industry. Dr. Binning remembers that some people who had lived in Canada would visit their village and that they appeared to be strong and healthy and looked happy. He also noticed that they would eat meat, so whenever they would visit there would be meat available. In 1967, when he was nineteen and a half years old, Dr. Binning immigrated Canada to join his father. He recalls his father and uncle and a friend arriving at the airport to pick him up. During his first few days, Dr. Binning made the decision to remove his turban and beard upon receiving advice from his uncle. Dr. Binning first obtained work on a farm in Abbotsford, working alongside his mother. While working, Dr. Binning also attended English classes in Vancouver. Dr. Binning’s Uncle Dhana Singh worked in a Vancouver saw mill and tried to help find work for his nephew but was unsuccessful. Dr. Binning soon found work at a saw mill in Avola and worked there until the end of the summer until a friend helped find him work in a saw mill in North Vancouver. During his free time, he enjoyed camping with friends. In 1970, Dr. Binning left the saw mill after obtaining a job at the post office. The post office offered lower wages than working at the mill but Dr. Binning believed that he would become more educated working here. While working as a postman, Dr. Binning recalls facing a lot of discrimination and racism and was often referred to as a ‘Paki’ multiple times a day. In 1973, Dr. Binning married Jagish Sihota. Sadhu and Jagdish originated from nearby villages in India and met each other in Canada. Dr. Binning’s wife, Jagdish worked at the Royal Bank of Canada for thirty years until her retirement. While working, she also looked after the household and their son and daughter. Jagdish also handwrote a magazine, “Watno Dur’ (English translation: ‘away from homeland’) which was distributed in the community. In 1976, Dr. Binning became the editor of the magazine and the name was later changed to “Watan’ as they had accepted their new homeland of Canada. While working at the post office, Dr. Binning also attended night school starting in eighth grade. After receiving his high school diploma, he was accepted to Simon Fraser University and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Anthropology and Sociology and in 1986 he obtained a Masters degree from Simon Fraser University. While attending university, Dr. Binning was very active within the community and wanted to work to improve society. He first thought that he would return to India to contribute and improve rights in his homeland but upon seeing the prevalence of the movements in Canada, he realized that work needed to be done here too. In 1983, Dr. Binning became a founding member and contributor to a theatrical collective known as “Vancouver Sath”. The theatrical group produced plays that represented societal issues and were invited to perform at multiple conferences throughout British Columbia and Canada. The group focused and acknowledged the many issues in Punjab and in Canada. One of the plays that the group produced focused on the exploitation of Punjabi women who worked on farms in Canada. Dr. Binning continued to be involved as an integral member of Vancouver Sath until 1995. Over the years, Dr. Binning has strongly lobbied for Punjabi language education and between 1988 and 2008 he worked as Punjabi instructor at the University of British Columbia. He first worked as a teaching assistant at UBC under Dr. Harjot Oberoi and due to low wages, he simultaneously worked at the Post Office. In 2019, Dr. Binning received an Honorary Doctor of Letters from UBC in recognition of his work. Since 1973, Dr. Binning has lived in Burnaby and has resided in the same home that he and his wife Jagdish purchased in 1987. In his free time, he enjoys cycling, watercolour painting, travelling abroad and going on road trips. Interviewer biography: 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”.

Creator: Burnaby Village Museum

Subjects: Industries - Logging/lumber; Industries - Forestry; Foods; Migration; Organizations - Societies and Clubs; Organizations - Unions; Persons - South Asian Canadians; Performances; Performances - Dramatic Performances; Social Issues; Social Issues - Racism

Names: Binning, Dr. Sadhu; Binning, Gurmaje Kaur; Binning, Jit Singh; Binning, Jagdish; Sangha, Darshan Singh; Canadian Farmworkers Union; Hundal, Sukhwant; Sangra, Harjinder; Singh, Dhana; Vancouver Sath

Responsibility: Petrusa, Kate; Malik, Anushay

Accession Code: BV022.29.3

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [1931-2022] (interview content), interviewed 25 Nov. 2022

Media Type: Sound Recording

Notes: Title based on contents of item; Transcription available on Heritage Burnaby

Documents

2022_0029_0003_005

Audio Tracks

Interview with Dr. Sadhu Binning, [1931-2022] (interview content), interviewed 25 Nov. 2022

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2022_0029_0003_004.mp3

Choir performing on opening day

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription13635

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 19 November 1971

Collection/Fonds: Donald Copan collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : col. ; 8.9 x 8.9 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of a men's choir singing on Hill Street inside of Heritage Village (now Burnaby Village Museum) on opening day November 19, 1971.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Donald Copan collection

Series: Copan album series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : col. ; 8.9 x 8.9 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of a men's choir singing on Hill Street inside of Heritage Village (now Burnaby Village Museum) on opening day November 19, 1971.

Subjects: Events - Openings; Persons - Crowds; Organizations - Choirs; Performances

Names: Burnaby Village Museum

Accession Code: BV005.54.530

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: 19 November 1971

Media Type: Photograph

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: August 11, 2020

Scale: 100

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Choir performing on opening day, 19 November 1971 thumbnail

Interview with Kanwal Singh Neel

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19607

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1973-2023] (interview content), interviewed 5 Jul. 2023

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 video recording (mp4) (50 min., 32 sec.) : digital, col., sd., stereo ; 30 fps

Scope and Content: Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Kanwal Singh Neel conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, Rajdeep. The interview was conducted and recorded on the Zoom platform. 00:00 – 00:06:47 Kanwal shares some of the mentors that influenced him in his life, education and …

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Series: Museum Oral Histories series

Subseries: Many Voices Project Interviews subseries

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 video recording (mp4) (50 min., 32 sec.) : digital, col., sd., stereo ; 30 fps

Material Details: Interviewer: Rajdeep Interviewee: Kanwal Singh Neel Interview Date: July 5, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 1 Total Length of all Tracks: 50 min., 32 sec. Recording Device: Zoom video communication platform

Scope and Content: Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Kanwal Singh Neel conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, Rajdeep. The interview was conducted and recorded on the Zoom platform. 00:00 – 00:06:47 Kanwal shares some of the mentors that influenced him in his life, education and career, how his three-year grandson has been an inspiration and how important it is to educate yourself in different ways. 00:06:48 - 00:19:02 Kanwal talks about the diversity in the schools that he’s encountered over the years as a student and as an educator and shares his experiences getting hired as an educator on public television and being known as "the math guy". 00:19:03 - 00:46:39 Kanwal talks about the “Friends of Simon” tutoring out-reach program and his involvement. 00:26:40 - 00:30:24 Kanwal shares his experiences officiating the Canada Summer Games, the Harry Jerome Track Classic, the Commonwealth Games and other world class sporting events. 00:30:25 - 00:38:58 Kanwal describes a typical day while working at Simon Fraser University as Associate Director of Professional Programs, as a sports official and his involvement with Friends of Simon. Kanwal speaks about the importance of finding a balance between staying connected, finding your purpose and carrying on the passions that you enjoy. Kanwal talks about some of his favourite places in Burnaby including Simon Fraser University, Burnaby Mountain, Deer Lake and Central Park. 00:38:59 - 00:43:31 Kanwal talks about the changes that he’s seen in the lower mainland over his life time including; diminishing agricultural land, the fishing industry, public transportation, housing and retail infrastructure and homelessness. 00:43:32 - 00:50:32 Kanwal talks about his involvement with the Punjabi Cultural Association, the introduction of Punjabi language courses in public schools and his involvement in a Bhangra event. Kanwal imparts a final message to youth of today emphasizing the importance of, building relationships, giving back to your community, learning through education and being respectful of your own journey and others.

History: Interviewee biography: Kanwal Singh Neel was born in Mombasa, Kenya in 1953 and immigrated with his family to Canada in 1969. For the first few weeks after immigrating the family stayed at the Sikh Temple on Second Avenue before moving into a house which they rented. Kanwal attended Kitsilano Secondary School and later transferred to Steveston High School when his family moved to Richmond. In 1972, Kanwal and friends formed a bhangra group "Punjab Cultural Association" and in 1974 they performed at the World Exposition in Spokane, Washington. The group performed at various venues including the Pacific National Exhibition and other cities in the Province. In 1973, Kanwal was an officiate during the Canada Summer Games at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby. Kanwal obtained a Bachelor’s of Science Degree from University of British Columbia in computer science and mathematics and got his first teaching job in 1977. In 1978, he was an officiate of the Commonwealth Games in Edmonton, Alberta. Over the next ten years he devoted himself to becoming an educator and during this time he became more involved with the B.C. Math Teachers Association. Kanwal and his wife Nancy married in 1982 and have two daughters. In the early 1990's, Kanwal joined Simon Fraser University as a faculty associate to work, train and mentor student teachers. Kanwal became President of the B.C. Math Teachers Association and travelled throughout the province to help solve issues being faced by students. In 1993, he co-hosted a TV show "Math Shop" on The Knowledge Network and he later co-authored a textbook series titled "Math Makes Sense". Kanwal continued to advance his knowledge in the field of mathematics obtaining a Doctorate from Simon Fraser University in 2008. Kanwal developed his doctoral work in Haida Gwaii, studying the mathematics that the Haida peoples used in day to day life, applying the applications and integrating the mathematics concepts with their cultural knowledge. Kanwal also worked with the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation and the Stó:lō Nation in helping to develop resources for them. Kanwal has been recognized with various awards and honours including being awarded an honorary doctorate by Kwantlen Polytechnic University and in 2017 as an inductee in the Sports Wall of Fame in Richmond for his outstanding contribution to amateur sport as an International Athletics Official. Since retirement, Kanwal continues to be involved in a project at Simon Fraser University "Friends of Simon" where university students go out and mentor and tutor immigrant and refugee children from South Asia and Africa and other countries. Interviewer biography: Rajdeep was born and raised in the Lower Mainland and is of Punjabi (South Asian) descent. She has an Associate of Arts degree in Asian Studies from Kwantlen Polytechnic University, a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in Anthropology from the University of British Columbia. She is a student in the Restoration of Natural Systems program at the University of Victoria. Rajdeep works at Simon Fraser University as a Program Assistant and as a researcher with the City of Burnaby. At Burnaby Village Museum, Rajdeep contributed to the exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”.

Creator: Burnaby Village Museum

Subjects: Persons - South Asian Canadians; Education; Social Issues; Social Issues - Racism; Sports; Events - Competitions; Housing; Performances

Names: Neel, Kanwal Singh; Simon Fraser University; Friends of Simon; Canada Summer Games; Swangard Stadium; Punjabi Cultural Association

Responsibility: Rajdeep

Geographic Access: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area; Central Park

Accession Code: BV023.16.11

Date: [1973-2023] (interview content), interviewed 5 Jul. 2023

Media Type: Moving Images

Notes: Title based on contents of item

Images

Interview with Kanwal Singh Neel, [1973-2023] (interview content), interviewed 5 Jul. 2023 thumbnail

Interview with Joanne Smith

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19601

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1986-2023] (interview content), interviewed 11 May 2023

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 sound recording (wav) (24 min., 55 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (24 min., 55 sec.)

Scope and Content: Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Joanne Smith conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar and Researcher, Eric Damer. 0:00 - 04:04 Joanne Smith provides a brief overview of her immigration story and how she and her husband Stanis came to emigrate from South Africa t…

1 image 1 document 1 audio

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Series: Museum Oral Histories series

Subseries: Many Voices Project Interviews subseries

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 sound recording (wav) (24 min., 55 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (24 min., 55 sec.)

Material Details: Interviewer: Eric Damer Interviewee: Joanne Smith Location of Interview: Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: May 11, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 1 Total Length of all Tracks: 24:55 Photograph information: Joanne and Stanis Smith cycling on the Salt Flats, Argentina Digital master recording (m4a) was converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby

Scope and Content: Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Joanne Smith conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar and Researcher, Eric Damer. 0:00 - 04:04 Joanne Smith provides a brief overview of her immigration story and how she and her husband Stanis came to emigrate from South Africa to Canada in 1986. Joanne explains that they decided to leave South Africa during the Apartheid era and applied to several countries with Canada being their top choice. Joanne relates that they were accepted to Canada based on her professional skills as an occupational therapist. Joanne talks about what she liked about living in South Africa and how she especially loved walking in the game reserves. 04:05 - 11:44 Joanne provides background on her ancestors migration, her life in South Africa and details on her profession. Joanne imparts that her ancestors immigrated to South Africa from Latvia at the turn of the century to avoid conscription and for increased opportunities. Joanne provides a brief overview of her life in South Africa, places that she lived and her education. Joanne provides details and background regarding her practice as an occupational therapist. Joanne explains how she specializes in hand therapy but also works with animals and other varied treatments. 11:45 - 19:29 Joanne talks about her life in Burnaby. Joanne recollects how her family ended up living in the Capitol Hill neighbourhood and provides a brief overview of her community involvement including the Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) and the Community Advisory Committee. Joanne shares some of her interests including; riding her tandem bicycle with her husband Stanis, thier love of opera and the symphony, attending concerts in Deer Lake Park and visiting Confederation with her grandchild. Joanne conveys that they like to support the local arts and that they commissioned a twig sculpture for their garden from local artist, Nickie Lewis. 19:30 - 24:55 Joanne shares that ten years after immigrating that they were able to bring family relations including Stanis' parents and brother. Joanne describes the benefits of having Stanis' parents residing with them and provides details on Stanis' parents community involvement in Burnaby. Joanne reflects on her association with her Jewish heritage. Joanne conveys that they aren’t religious but have maintained a few cultural aspects of their Jewish heritage including celebrating bat mitzvahs for both of their daughters and the importance of the Yiddish language. Joanne reflects on what she likes about living in Burnaby and how it’s changed over the 30 years that she’s lived here.

History: Interviewee biography: Joanne was born in Pretoria, South Africa, in 1958 and also spent some time in Klerksdorp and Johannesburg. Her formal education led to a career in occupational therapy, specializing in hand therapy. Uncomfortable with the social and political climate of South Africa at the time, she and her husband Stanis left for Canada in 1986. They soon settled in North Burnaby, where Joanne had a long-time friend, to pursue their respective careers and raise a family. The Smiths brought Stanis’s parents to Burnaby about 1996 and together built a new home. Joanne has been involved in school and community activities, enjoys Burnaby’s parks, and supports local fine arts, particularly music and performing arts. 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: Persons - Jewish Canadians; Migration; Religions - Judaism; Geographic Features - Parks; Arts; Performances; Performances - Concerts; Sports - Cycling

Names: Smith, Joanne; Smith, Stanis

Responsibility: Damer, Eric

Geographic Access: Deer Lake Park; Confederation Park

Accession Code: BV023.16.5

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [1986-2023] (interview content), interviewed 11 May 2023

Media Type: Sound Recording

Historic Neighbourhood: Capitol Hill (Historic Neighbourhood)

Notes: Title based on contents of item; Transcription available on Heritage Burnaby

Images

Interview with Joanne Smith, [1986-2023] (interview content), interviewed 11 May 2023 thumbnail

Documents

2023_0016_0005_002

Audio Tracks

Interview with Joanne Smith, [1986-2023] (interview content), interviewed 11 May 2023

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0005_003.mp3

South Asian dance performance during a Canada Day event

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription16419

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: July 1997

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : col. slide ; 35 mm

Scope and Content: Photograph of a crowd of visitors watching a women in south asian dress dance on a stage under a tent during a Canada Day event at Burnaby Village Museum.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Series: Museum Marketing photographs series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : col. slide ; 35 mm

Scope and Content: Photograph of a crowd of visitors watching a women in south asian dress dance on a stage under a tent during a Canada Day event at Burnaby Village Museum.

Subjects: Holidays - Canada Day; Persons - South Asian Canadians; Performances

Names: Burnaby Village Museum

Accession Code: BV020.4.771

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: July 1997

Media Type: Photograph

Scan Resolution: 2400

Scan Date: 19-Jan-2021

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; Printed on slide frame "97-07-02" and "023"

Images

South Asian dance performance

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription16424

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: July 1997

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : col. slide ; 35 mm

Scope and Content: Photograph of a women in south asian dress dance performing on a stage under a tent during a Canada Day event at Burnaby Village Museum.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Series: Museum Marketing photographs series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : col. slide ; 35 mm

Scope and Content: Photograph of a women in south asian dress dance performing on a stage under a tent during a Canada Day event at Burnaby Village Museum.

Subjects: Holidays - Canada Day; Persons - South Asian Canadians; Performances

Names: Burnaby Village Museum

Accession Code: BV020.4.776

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: July 1997

Media Type: Photograph

Scan Resolution: 2400

Scan Date: 19-Jan-2021

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; Printed on slide frame "97-07-02" and "028"

Images

South Asian dance performance, July 1997 thumbnail

South Asian dance performance during a Canada Day event

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription16425

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: July 1997

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : col. slide ; 35 mm

Scope and Content: Photograph of a crowd of visitors watching a women in south asian dress dance on a stage under a tent during a Canada Day event at Burnaby Village Museum.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Series: Museum Marketing photographs series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : col. slide ; 35 mm

Scope and Content: Photograph of a crowd of visitors watching a women in south asian dress dance on a stage under a tent during a Canada Day event at Burnaby Village Museum.

Subjects: Holidays - Canada Day; Persons - South Asian Canadians; Performances

Names: Burnaby Village Museum

Accession Code: BV020.4.777

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: July 1997

Media Type: Photograph

Scan Resolution: 2400

Scan Date: 19-Jan-2021

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; Printed on slide frame "97-07-02" and "029"

Images

Discovery Guide '99

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription98039

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1999]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 21 photographs (tiff) : col.

Scope and Content: File contains photographs selected for the Burnaby NewsLeader's "Discovery Guide '99." Photographs depict: mostly unidentified people taking part in recreational activities like archery, boating, golf, fishing, hiking, and pottery at locations around Burnaby; musical and dance performances; a windo…

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1999]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection

Physical Description: 21 photographs (tiff) : col.

Description Level: File

Record No.: 535-3119

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No restrictions

Accession Number: 2018-12

Scope and Content: File contains photographs selected for the Burnaby NewsLeader's "Discovery Guide '99." Photographs depict: mostly unidentified people taking part in recreational activities like archery, boating, golf, fishing, hiking, and pottery at locations around Burnaby; musical and dance performances; a window washer on a tower; and a duck swimming on a pond.

Subjects: Geographic Features - Lakes and Ponds; Geographic Features - Parks; Recreational Activities - Golf; Recreational Activities - Boating; Arts; Recreational Activities; Sports; Performances

Names: Central Park; BC Society of Model Engineers (BCSME); Burnaby Village Museum

Media Type: Photograph

Photographer: Bartel, Mario

Notes: Title based on original file name; Collected by editorial for use an issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader; Caption from metadata for 535-3319-8: "Kurtis Tylor, of the BC Society of Model Engineers, gives Kyle Miller, 9, a close-up look at an M420 diesel engine. Kyle was part of a group of 200 kids visiting the miniature railway at Confederation Park as part of a summer program at Hastings Park."; Caption from metadata for 535-3319-14: "Tom Stevens, of Everett, Washington, makes sure everything is shipshape on his 1:16 scale model of a 40 ft. Alaskan trawler. He started building the model in 1962, with his dad, and he was putting it through its paces at the Burnaby Association of Marine Modellers annual regatta at the pond in Central Park."

Geographic Access: Central Park; Confederation Park; Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area

Images

Lion dance

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription98046

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1999]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 3 photographs (tiff) : b&w and col.

Scope and Content: File contains photographs of a lion dance happening at Metrotown, and members of the audience watching.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1999]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection

Physical Description: 3 photographs (tiff) : b&w and col.

Description Level: File

Record No.: 535-3126

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No restrictions

Accession Number: 2018-12

Scope and Content: File contains photographs of a lion dance happening at Metrotown, and members of the audience watching.

Subjects: Performances; Holidays - Chinese New Year

Names: Metrotown

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on original file name; Collected by editorial for use in a February 1999 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader

Geographic Access: Kingsway

Street Address: 4700 Kingsway

Historic Neighbourhood: Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Maywood Area

Images

Dragon dance

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription98049

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1999]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff) : col.

Scope and Content: Photograph of two people watching a performance of a dragon dance in celebration of Lunar New Year.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1999]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff) : col.

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 535-3129

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No restrictions

Accession Number: 2018-12

Scope and Content: Photograph of two people watching a performance of a dragon dance in celebration of Lunar New Year.

Subjects: Performances; Holidays - Chinese New Year

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on original file name; Collected by editorial for use in a February 1999 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader

Images

Students at mock funeral

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription98068

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1999]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff) : col.

Scope and Content: Photograph of students seated on stage against a black background at a mock funeral.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1999]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff) : col.

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 535-3148

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No restrictions

Accession Number: 2018-12

Scope and Content: Photograph of students seated on stage against a black background at a mock funeral.

Subjects: Persons - Students; Performances

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on original file name; Collected by editorial for use in an April 1999 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader

Images

Students at mock funeral, [1999] thumbnail

Burnaby South Secondary School's dance program rehearsal

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription98082

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1999]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 2 photographs (tiff) : col.

Scope and Content: File contains photographs of the rehearsal for Burnaby South Secondary School's dance program's performance, in the school's auditorium. Photographs depict Jenny Berger rehearsing a solo and Fiona Wang and Rita Banov in another dance.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1999]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection

Physical Description: 2 photographs (tiff) : col.

Description Level: File

Record No.: 535-3162

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No restrictions

Accession Number: 2018-12

Scope and Content: File contains photographs of the rehearsal for Burnaby South Secondary School's dance program's performance, in the school's auditorium. Photographs depict Jenny Berger rehearsing a solo and Fiona Wang and Rita Banov in another dance.

Subjects: Persons - Students; Performances; Recreational Activities - Dancing; Buildings - Schools

Names: Burnaby South High School

Media Type: Photograph

Photographer: Bartel, Mario

Notes: Title based on caption; Collected by editorial for use in a May 1999 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader; Caption from metadata for 535-3162-1: "Jenny Berger rehearses her solo in Burnaby South's dance program. The program was the first of its kind in Burnaby, and the students will be performing a show on Tuesday."; Caption from metadata for 535-3162-2: "Fiona Wang and Rita Banov move in unison as they prepare their number for a performance Tuesday by Burnaby South's dance program."

Geographic Access: Rumble Street

Street Address: 5455 Rumble Street

Historic Neighbourhood: Alta Vista (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Clinton-Glenwood Area

Images

Burnaby South Secondary School's dance program rehearsal, [1999] thumbnail

Victoria Day at Burnaby Village Museum

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription98118

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1999]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 3 photographs (tiff) : col.

Scope and Content: File contains photographs of Victoria Day celebrations at Burnaby Village Museum. Photographs depict staff serving a Union Jack cake; children dancing with a maypole; and a Morris dancing performance.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1999]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection

Physical Description: 3 photographs (tiff) : col.

Description Level: File

Record No.: 535-3197

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No restrictions

Accession Number: 2018-12

Scope and Content: File contains photographs of Victoria Day celebrations at Burnaby Village Museum. Photographs depict staff serving a Union Jack cake; children dancing with a maypole; and a Morris dancing performance.

Subjects: Holidays; Events; Buildings - Civic - Museums; Performances

Names: Burnaby Village Museum

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of file; Collected by editorial for use in a May 1999 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader

Geographic Access: Deer Lake Avenue

Street Address: 6501 Deer Lake Avenue

Historic Neighbourhood: Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Douglas-Gilpin Area

Images

Victoria Day at Burnaby Village Museum, [1999] thumbnail

Discovery Days

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription98120

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1999]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 6 photographs (tiff) : col.

Scope and Content: File contains photographs from the Burnaby Discovery Days festival at Deer Lake Park. Photographs depict people at events during the festival, including: in the rain at a car show; a dance performance; and children and adult attendees enjoying activities at the event, including painting, giant bubb…

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1999]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection

Physical Description: 6 photographs (tiff) : col.

Description Level: File

Record No.: 535-3199

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No restrictions

Accession Number: 2018-12

Scope and Content: File contains photographs from the Burnaby Discovery Days festival at Deer Lake Park. Photographs depict people at events during the festival, including: in the rain at a car show; a dance performance; and children and adult attendees enjoying activities at the event, including painting, giant bubbles, and visiting with a snake.

Subjects: Events; Events - Festivals; Performances; Persons - Children

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on original file name; Collected by editorial for use in a July 1999 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader

Geographic Access: Deer Lake; Deer Lake Park

Historic Neighbourhood: Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Morley-Buckingham Area

Images

Norwegian dance performance

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription98152

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1999]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff) : col.

Scope and Content: Photograph of an unidentified senior and unidentified children on stage performing a traditional Norwegian dance and wearing traditional costumes.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1999]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff) : col.

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 535-3230

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No restrictions

Accession Number: 2018-12

Scope and Content: Photograph of an unidentified senior and unidentified children on stage performing a traditional Norwegian dance and wearing traditional costumes.

Subjects: Performances; Recreational Activities - Dancing; Persons - Children

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on original file name; Collected by editorial for use in a June 1999 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader

Images

Norwegian dance performance, [1999] thumbnail

SkyTrain busking auditions

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription98159

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1999]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 7 photographs (tiff) : col.

Scope and Content: File contains photographs of auditions for slots for busking at the SkyTrain. Photographs depict performers playing guitar, harmonica, and other instruments in front of a backdrop showing a Skytrain, and the judges and other performers watching the auditions.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1999]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection

Physical Description: 7 photographs (tiff) : col.

Description Level: File

Record No.: 535-3237

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No restrictions

Accession Number: 2018-12

Scope and Content: File contains photographs of auditions for slots for busking at the SkyTrain. Photographs depict performers playing guitar, harmonica, and other instruments in front of a backdrop showing a Skytrain, and the judges and other performers watching the auditions.

Subjects: Performances; Performances - Concerts; Musical Instruments; Transportation - Skytrain

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of file; Collected by editorial for use in a June 1999 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader

Images

SkyTrain busking auditions, [1999] thumbnail

Jazz duo

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription98163

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1999]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 2 photographs (tiff) : col.

Scope and Content: File contains photographs of an unidentified jazz duo performing at an International Jazz Festival concert.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1999]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection

Physical Description: 2 photographs (tiff) : col.

Description Level: File

Record No.: 535-3241

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No restrictions

Accession Number: 2018-12

Scope and Content: File contains photographs of an unidentified jazz duo performing at an International Jazz Festival concert.

Subjects: Performances; Performances - Concerts; Organizations - Bands

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on original file name; Collected by editorial for use in a June 1999 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader

Images

Burnaby Village Museum Fall Fair

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription98315

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1999]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 3 photographs (tiff) : col.

Scope and Content: File contains photographs of the Fall Fair at the Burnaby Village Museum. Photographs depict square dancers performing in front of the Museum's church; Amanda King in period costume and seated beneath a parasol; and a young child viewing two chicks in the petting zoo.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1999]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection

Physical Description: 3 photographs (tiff) : col.

Description Level: File

Record No.: 535-3339

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No restrictions

Accession Number: 2018-12

Scope and Content: File contains photographs of the Fall Fair at the Burnaby Village Museum. Photographs depict square dancers performing in front of the Museum's church; Amanda King in period costume and seated beneath a parasol; and a young child viewing two chicks in the petting zoo.

Subjects: Events - Festivals; Exhibitions - Fairs; Exhibitions - Burnaby Village Museum; Buildings - Civic - Museums; Performances

Names: Burnaby Village Museum

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on caption; Collected by editorial for use in a September 1999 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader; Caption from metadata for 535-3339-1: "Square Dancers perform on main street at Bby Village Museum's Fall Fair on the weekend"; Caption from metadata for 535-3339-2: "Bby Village Volunteer Amanda King watches over the petting zoo in the afternoon sun."; Caption from metadata for 535-3339-3: "Talia Tvergyak gets up close and personal with some baby chicks at the petting zoo in Burnaby Village Museum."

Geographic Access: Deer Lake Avenue

Street Address: 6501 Deer Lake Avenue

Historic Neighbourhood: Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Morley-Buckingham Area

Research

Narrow Results By

Cheerleading Skirt

Images

Album page

Images

Interview with Dr. Sadhu Binning

Documents

Audio Tracks

Choir performing on opening day

Images

Interview with Kanwal Singh Neel

Images

Interview with Joanne Smith

Images

Documents

Audio Tracks

South Asian dance performance during a Canada Day event

Images

South Asian dance performance

Images

South Asian dance performance during a Canada Day event

Images

Discovery Guide '99

Images

Lion dance

Images

Dragon dance

Images

Students at mock funeral

Images

Burnaby South Secondary School's dance program rehearsal

Images

Victoria Day at Burnaby Village Museum

Images

Discovery Days

Images

Norwegian dance performance

Images

SkyTrain busking auditions

Images

Jazz duo

Images

Burnaby Village Museum Fall Fair

Images