Minutes of the Elders Council for Parks
Elders Council Meeting Notes
April 6, 2009
Present:
Nancy Wilkin, Colin Campbell, Rick Searle, Bob Peart, Neil Munroe, Derek Thompson, Mel Turner, Ric Careless, Chloe O'Loughlin, Denis O'Gorman
Thanks to Harold Eidsvik – who is stepping down from the steering committee. He says we can phone him anytime if we want his advice.
1. New Coordinator
Mel suggesting linking with BC Nature Administration staff at this point and defer hiring a coordinator, pending our review of the BC Gaming grant submission. All agreed.
2. Finances
Moved/Seconded to approve Derek Thompson as a third signature on both our regular accounts and our gaming account.
Our Gaming Commission application was submitted.
Still working on the submission to the Pattison Group.
3. BC 2011 Centennial
Everyone thanked Derek for his hard work on the attached proposal. It has gone to the Minister and Premier's Office with the DM's endorsement. Next step after the election is for the Steering Committee to be appointed, in the fall the Leadership Panel can be put in place to advise on the 2010 celebrations from 2009-2012. We discussed the 2013 Washington State celebrations as a model. We agreed that a strong Web base is important. We need to think about good names for the Steering Committee, we can discuss/brainstorm at our next meeting (example tourism, youth). Suggested a 'call for names' approach which will also broaden public awareness.
We reviewed the status of the video for the History of Strathcona. Rick has uncovered a 'gold mine' of parks history memorabilia that must not be lost. Aims to be completed in early May. Will be screened in various venues, with the 'opening' perhaps in Campbell River.
All agreed we need to outline a communications strategy outlining how all this will fit together over the period from 2009-2012.
We need to stress the role of local communities that are adjacent to parks – have community celebrations throughout 2011.
Also agreed that there needs to be advocacy edge as our purpose here is both awareness and getting BC Parks back on track. The idea was discussed of bringing all the 'friends of' groups together for a grassroots based parallel advocacy campaign... this would be best led by CPAWS-BC, WTA and Fds of Ecol Reserves.
Also we still all think that a major conference/forum in 2011 should be our goal.
Could organize a number of elders gatherings around this theme to help our profile, membership, etc.
4. 2011 National Parks Branch
Rick updated us on his correspondence with Parks Canada and to date their seeming lack of interest.
Action: Jim and Neil were asked to organize a meeting of the Elders with the Parks Canada staff in Sidney to update them on who we are, etc – and to get their assistance with arranging a meeting with Alan Latourelle and/or Bill Fisher – where items such as the Centennial and marine parks could be discussed. It is important that we develop a stronger relationship with Parks Canada.
5. Deputy Minister Meeting
Colin is the lead and is organizing attendees for the April 17, now moved to May 13, meeting. Agreed the meeting would focus on the Centennial and also be a chance for Doug Konkin to talk about how he sees the Council and how we might help him with his approach to BC Parks. We'd also review past topics (First Nations, Climate Change, Foundation) to determine which if any he wants to pursue. We agreed that we should see the 'new minister' once the election dust has settled.
6. Marine Forum
Thanked CPAWS-BC for initiating the phone call this week. Agreed that we could 'partner' but not lead as we have no capacity. If there is no group that can take the lead role then the Forum budget will have to include a coordinating person. Agreed the meeting should not be in Vancouver or Victoria – Nanaimo or Cowichan were suggested. A November Forum would allow more preparation time, but this may not link with Phil's interest. The Forum should include a public speaker and a field trip. Important there be a strong First Nation element. Its purpose is to advocate for greater marine protection along the BC Coast and that both the feds and the province have a role to do so. Thought about a smaller 'by invitation' gathering with a public lecture component. There will be a report back at our May meeting re: next steps.
7. Heritage Centre
Mel confirmed that we are following the approved business plan in our approach.
WildEd proposal. The proposal for transportation funding was discussed. It was agreed that since we have 'no funding freeboard' that we will:
i) provide a letter of endorsement
ii) provide a few hundred dollars if needed for the optics of applications
iii) would provide up to $500 to develop a fundraising strategy in association with BC Nature.
Action: WildEd to provide a draft proposal for discussion at our May meeting.
The 25 Elders plaques will be complete about mid-May.
Action: Mel to confirm that Allie has obtained a signed release to use the information obtained from these folks to use beyond the development of the plaque.
8. Archives
Rick Searle agreed to be the lead on this, with Gail Ross' assistance. Not to forget the role of the Heritage Centre, not everything is to be formally archived.
Action: Rick to get information from Graham regarding our initial agreement with Lara and also to discuss with Lara any opportunities for funding to assist our archival work.
Action: Draft Newsletter to be ready for approval at our May meeting. (Breeonne) To be an e-distribution format.
Future Agenda Items
Discussion regarding our membership, redefining membership and whether we need a broader election to satisfy the gaming commission.
Confirm June 1 telephone meeting
Next Meeting: North Vancouver - Seymour, May 4, 10:00am-1:30pm
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