Heritage 150+

Anniversaries are occasions to reflect on the past to honour history and celebrate achievements.

Or at least select edited moments as we wish to remember them. But, for others, anniversaries elicit lost opportunities, promises unkept, and even traumatic memories.

In March 2020, we initiated a series of short articles, written by diverse leaders in the heritage sector, to explore the meaning and impact of heritage as we witnessed the increasing awareness of prejudice and racism. It may be a minor anniversary but, looking back, it was a year of momentous challenge and promising change.

2021 is a major anniversary, marking the 150^th anniversary of BC’s entry into Canadian confederation. As much as this is a time to mark a provincial milestone, it can also a time for sober contemplation and searching conversations.

Heritage BC is using this major anniversary as a catalyst to continue the exploration we initiated last year. In light of the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, UNDRIP, and the growing awareness of racism and prejudice experienced by Indigenous, Black peoples and people of colour, we are once again approaching people within the heritage community to provide their perspectives. And we also want to hear from you.

Here are some questions to get you started:

• What does it mean to you (or your community as you define it) to mark the 150^th anniversary of B.C. joining the Canadian confederation?
• What are the lessons we need to learn from our history and heritage, and from the past year, so that we “do not let the forgetting prevail?”
• What is the meaning and impact of heritage today and what should it be in the future?

As we did last year, we will share your thoughts with the heritage community through the weekly newsletter and add them to our webpage: Racism, Do Not Let the Forgetting Prevail.

Let us know if you have questions and submit your commentaries below. We look forward to receiving your perspectives.

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