Minutes of the Elders Council for Parks
Elders Council Meeting Notes
February 2, 2009
Present:
Bob Peart, Mel Turner, Rick Searle, Derek Thompson, Chloe O'Loughlin, Breeonne Baxter, Lara Tisseur.
1. December 8, 2008 meeting notes approved.
2. National Parks Branch Centennial — 2011
Rick Searle met with retired Parks Canada officials to discuss a concept plan for the centennial. Harkin needs to be profiled as well. We still need to determine what our role will be in their Centennial.
Action: Rick (as EKOS Communications) sent a detailed proposal to Parks Canada. Expects to hear back in three weeks.
Action: Rick to draft a formal letter of support from the Elders Council and forward it to Bob to approve and sign for the Second Century Club and to outline potential Elders involvement.
3. Fall 2009 Marine Gathering
Bob Peart reported that he had spoken to Jim Barlow, Sabine Jessen and Bill Henwood and they each think a marine/oceans gathering in Fall 2009 would help them with their work. The Forum needs an advocacy edge to help both the provincial and federal agenda. Ocean literacy as a broad concept should be integrated throughout the forum. Needs a First Nation and community aspect. Perhaps the Gulf Islands is a good location.
Action: Bob to ask Phil, Sabine, and Bill to coordinate a phone call with two-three Elders to develop a draft concept for 1.5-day Forum for our discussion in March... The Elders need to think through our interests, given our limited capacity. All essentially agreed it was a good idea if we play the facilitation/catalyst role.
4. Ministers' and Deputy Ministers' Meeting
Discussed the meeting with the Minister focusing on the Centennial, what a celebration may look like and what energy there is internally in BC Parks to do this. To date any plan is vague and not of much value. We need to continue pushing.
Action: Mel and Derek will draft a one or two page proposal outlining 'what such an event might look like' for us to review and take to the Deputy on April 24. As we are drafting this document we will continue to stay in touch with Scott and Christine.
5. Spring Newsletter
We have now incorporated BC Parks' retired mailing list with our Elders list.
Discussed membership and future request for funds from members for the video series.
Action: Derek to draft a piece for the newsletter outlining the next stage of the BC video series and requesting members for funding assistance to continue theseries.
Action: Bob to ask Neil/Jim if we can incorporate their mailing list with ours and/or send our newsletter to the Second Century Club.
Action: Breeonne to phone Bob to discuss a newsletter outline and then begin requesting material with the goal of having a draft newsletter for our March meeting. It will be an e-newsletter only — on the website and circulated by email.
6. Other
- Recognition of the updated website, thanks to Breeonne and Chloe.
- Elders plaque interviews continue, with five more profiles to be completed by May 2009.
- Lara to go ahead with a grant proposal with the Jim Pattison Foundation.
- Rick will send Lara a copy of the BC 150 video to display in the Heritage Centre.
Next Meeting
- Confirm three-year priority chart
- Elders Brochure
NEXT MEETING: Monday, March 2, 2009
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