British Columbia’s heritage, arts and culture sectors will be the focus of an expansive project to explore the influences and practices of heritage to understand their values and place in the context of community life.

Local organizations throughout the province are partnering with the Heritage Branch and Heritage BC to present 20 provincial roundtables, with four taking place in Columbia Basin region, including Fernie, Creston, Trail and Nakusp.

The community consultations will bring people together to share ideas, situations, challenges, successes, relationships, and aspirations related to heritage and other disciplines such as museums, archives, archaeology, and arts and culture. The meetings will aim to include and acknowledge all voices, providing opportunities for community members to bring personal, local, and regional perspectives to this important provincial initiative.

“It has been 10 years since the public was last consulted in this way,” says Paul Gravett, executive director of Heritage BC. “This time, the scope of the project will be greatly expanded as we reach out to all regions of the province to examine topics ranging from the definition of heritage to its impact on local economy and the environment.”

The consultations will include a broad and diverse participation of people working and volunteering in the heritage, museums, and archives sectors, plus archaeologists, local planners, elected officials, cultural workers, and the general public.

“Every community has its own unique story that is told through its heritage and history,” says Gravett. “In profound and subtle ways, heritage has shaped BC’s communities to what we see today. The provincial roundtables will help to shape strategic development and program delivery for years to come, ensuring heritage remains relevant, contributing to the future vitality of communities.”

It has been 10 years since the last public consultation that focused on heritage. Heritage has evolved in this time and it is important to understand its value and place in B.C. communities, and how it relates to arts and culture, so that strategies and programs can meet local needs.

The two local events are in…

Fernie

Best Western Fernie, October 10 (9 am-3:30 p.m.) Local partner: Fernie Museum (pictured above).

Creston

Creston and District Community Complex, October 9 (9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.) Local partner: Creston Museum and Archives.

Registration is open to all. For more details and registration, please contact [email protected].

e-KNOW

Article Share