Minutes of the Elders Council for Parks
Elders Council Meeting Notes
May 4, 2009
Present:
Denis O'Gorman, Ric Careless, Bob Peart, Mel Turner, Colin Campbell, Nancy Wilkin, Lara Tisseur, Chloe O'Loughlin.
New Coordinator and Funding Submissions
Lara Tisseur was welcomed back, we appreciate her assistance. Hiring a new coordinator will wait to see result of Gaming Commission grant and Lara's future.
We discussed status of the Gaming Commission and the potential for the Paterson Fund and Parkgate Vancouver Coastal Health.
Action: Mel/Lara - We agreed to apply for the HCTF Public Conservation Assistance Fund. Lara to contact Betty Carrington on delivery of preschool programs focusing on bears in the parks. Lara to pursue Paterson Fund and PVCH.
Recent Cuts to BC Parks
After discussion, we agreed that as sad and wrong as the cuts are we need to play more of a strategic role until we see what/if any potential comes from the 2011 conversation. If no product then we must discuss a new, more advocacy type of approach.
Also agreed that it is far more than a funding issue — it is a structural and 'vision' issue, even to the point of being a Special Agency outside government. There could be emphasis on family camping, getting children outside, low cost family vacations with parks as a base, tourism, etc. We aren't opposed on a blanket basis to development in parks. A funding model could perhaps be linked to carbon credits.
Action: Colin to get the three budget submissions to Breeonne and she will post them on our website. Colin to ask Scott/Christine for the list of funding ideas generated when we brainstormed with Joan H.
Deputy Minister Meetings
Get the sense that Konkin wants to address 'the park issue' and is preparing a fall document for Treasury Board and he is keen/understands the value and leverage in the Centennial conversation. So two key agenda items: BC Parks resourcing and the Centennial.
So the question is how can we help him and get the Centennial the attention we feel it deserves, and the resultant positive effect on BC Parks.
Next meetings on May 21 and June 18 — Colin to arrange.
Marine Forum
There is interest in a fall gathering amongst the people on the conference call, focusing on our marine history, progress to date and future advocacy projects.
Fruitful conversation about the 'value added' for having elders involved. Decided to thank the elders that have been involved in the marine conversation for a long time, including Sabine — an evening meal and small gathering of elders the next morning to discuss the proposals for BC's and PC's centennials.
Chloe gathered a list of names from a brainstorm of who the 'marine elders' might be.
Action: Chloe to take this conversation back to the marine group for their feedback and input.
Newsletter
Action: Chloe/Breeonne to circulate the newsletter for approval with an added piece on the proposed marine forum.
Updates
Progress on Ali Lake's Elder Profiles – 12 are done, 3 more to go.
Action: Mel/Lara will circulate the recently completed profiles for our quick review.
Given the importance of and the work that needs to be done and the link with his upcoming book, it was suggested that Ric be added to Derek's group. We all agreed, assuming Derek is OK.
Bob agreed to contact Paul Skydt and Rich Hankin re their interest in the Elders Council.
Mel to confirm with that Ali that she has obtained a signed release to use the information obtained from these folks to use beyond the development of the plaque.
Next Meetings
- WildEd proposal (Ric)
- 2011 Centennial (Derek/Rick) Attached as a reminder is the outline that Derek circulated at our last meeting.
- Proposed meeting with Parks Canada in Sidney. (Jim and Neil)
- Archives Update (Rick)
Monday June 1, 10:30am – phone meeting.
Monday July 6, 10:30am – phone meeting
Monday August 10, 10:30am – phone meeting
Monday September 14, 11:00am-2:00pm – regular meeting. |
