NEWSLETTER Winter 2010
Membership
Celebrate the Holidays with Us
www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca
A message from our CEO In mid-September, I headed to northwestern BC to participate in the return of numerous culturally significant items from our collections to the Nisga’a Nation. It was the first such handover to result from a treaty, and I along with our staff felt privileged to represent the Royal BC Museum at the ceremony. We still hold an impressive collection of Nisga’a objects in our First Nations Gallery. Why not take the opportunity to visit soon? We’d love to see you. Exciting times lie ahead for the Royal BC Museum. We’re in the process of rezoning our property with the city to fulfill our 100 year dream for the museum and archives. Having a zone that truly reflects our current and anticipated uses is the foundation for our vision of the future. We’ve conducted public meetings and open houses, and worked with guidelines as suggested to us by community associations. In early 2011, we’ll hold more public meetings. We anticipate receiving our zoning by February/ March. And then? We’ll move forward with our redevelopment plans.
Winter 2010 1 FEATURE
Nisga’a Repatriation 3 CURATOR’S CORNER
Kelly Sendall 4 WHAT’S ON
Coming events & exhibitions 5 PROFILES
Partner Profile: CHEK TV Member Profile: Lauren and Chris Wallace Staff Profile: Polla Savage, Admissions, Weekend Team Leader
MANAGING EDITOR
Holli Hodgson, Marketing and Sales Coordinator hhodgson@royalbcmuseum.bc.ca MEMBERSHIP EDITORIAL COMMITTEE
Diane Lloyd, Director of Development Angela Williams, Director of Business and Operational Services
Another exciting opportunity for the Royal BC Museum and our supporters takes place in March, 2011 with the launch of a new exhibition on a Canadian legend. Stay tuned for more information as we launch this exhibition in January 2011!
Jimi Galvão, Membership and Communications Officer
As a gift of thanks to the community for support throughout the year we are carrying on our New Year’s tradition of offering admission by donation. From January 2nd to 9th visitors to the museum galleries are asked to pay-what-they-can. Many families have made a tradition of visiting the museum during the holidays; we hope many of you will do the same.
Kim Martin, Carlo Mocellin, Andrew Niemann
Join us as we celebrate the possibilities of 2011.
Pauline Rafferty CEO, Royal BC Museum
Gerry Truscott, Publisher PHOTOGRAPHY
DESIGN AND LAYOUT
www.monolab.ca www.jackelynthompson.ca WHAT’S INSIGHT is an electronic newsletter released four times a year by the Royal BC Museum Membership Department: March, June, September and December. In the interest of keeping our administrative costs low – and our carbon footprint small – this print version is provided to members without computer access only. If you would like an email copy instead, please contact: Holli Hodgson 250-356-5070 hhodgson@royalbcmuseum.bc.ca www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca
FEATURE
Nisga’a Repatriation Nisga’a Artifacts Return Home
L
ast September, the Nisga’a Nation celebrated the return of 155 artifacts from the Royal BC Museum permanent collections. Until now, these precious objects were in our care, and have always been recognized as part of the vibrant and living culture of the Nisga’a. The transfer of these objects and their welcomed return marks the beginning of a new chapter in the long and respectful relationship between the Royal BC Museum and the Nisga’a Nation. Moreover, it was a defining moment for Canadian culture, as the transfer was part of the first modern day treaty signed in British Columbia. At a celebration themed The Spirit of our Ancestors Has Returned Home, Royal BC Museum staff—including our CEO, Pauline Rafferty—took part in the transfer of numerous unique artifacts. Among them were rattles, masks, a unique carved wooded screen and a magnificent totem pole. Crafted by the hands of famed Nisga’a artists of the past, the artifacts trace the four Nisga’a tribes’ long heritage rooted along the Nass River. Royal BC Museum conservation and collections staff formed the team that helped make this transition of cultural property a reality. The staff unpacked three of the thirty-one crates that had been trucked up from Victoria and arranged selected objects for viewing in the new Nisga’a Museum building after the ceremony. Performances by the Nisga’a Cultural Dancers concluded with a tribal picnic in the evening, and more cultural dancing celebrations. Many of the items that were returned have great spiritual importance to the Nisga’a, explains Rafferty. “The material
means so much to the Nisga’a people, and as such it was an emotional event. I had people coming up to me and saying they never thought they’d see this happen in their lifetime.” Our staff stayed for several days to work with the Ayuukhl Nisga’a Department to unpack, check and repack all the artifacts for storage in the Nisga’a Museum building. The returned items, including some from the Canadian Museum of Civilization, will be housed in a new museum in the community of Laxgalts’ap. “I feel fortunate to have been able to participate in something like this,” says Rafferty. “That I was able to be there—and that I am involved with an institution that makes amazing things like this happen—is truly special.” It was a privilege to be at the site of the new Nisga’a museum to witness the return to the Nass Valley of cultural objects that had been housed at the Royal BC Museum for almost a century, agrees Ethnology Curator Martha Black. “It was an extremely impressive and emotional occasion,” she says. “The return of cultural objects from the Royal BC Museum and the Canadian Museum of Civilization is just one part of the complex implementation of the Nisga’a Final Agreement that was ratified ten years ago. But, as The Spirit Of Our Ancestors Has Returned Home celebration showed very clearly, the objects’ return has a spiritual importance far beyond the legal and economic aspects of the treaty.” The Royal BC Museum and the Nisga’a Nation look forward to ongoing close collaboration regarding the Nisga’a cultural objects that remain in the Royal BC Museum’s permanent collection. Guided by traditional Nisga’a laws and practices, we are proud to continue to display numerous artifacts and artworks from the Nisga’a people.
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FEATURE
The Royal BC Museum into the Future
W
hile it’s true that the Royal BC Museum is the keeper of this province’s past, we’re always looking ahead, too. We’ve got plans. Big plans.
Our long-term vision sees us becoming BC’s leading cultural centre and we’re laying plans for dynamic, engaging galleries and exhibitions, and developing outstanding public programs that generate excitement and support from our community. But to achieve our vision, we need to establish the proper foundation. We quite literally need to start at ground level. Our site is currently zoned for single-family (duplex) dwellings. While this was a perfectly reasonable zoning back in the day Sir James Douglas’s house sat on this site, it’s not the best place to start from! So, for the past few years, we’ve consulted with the citizens of Victoria, and have worked with the City of Victoria to rezone the Royal BC Museum cultural precinct. This new “comprehensive development zone” will capture uses ranging from protecting existing parklands, to creating new infrastructure which will preserve and showcase these priceless collections for years into the future. The new year will see us heading into public hearings about our plans; we anticipate that by early 2011, we’ll have in hand a comprehensive development zone for our
site that reflects all of its current and potential uses. We’ll be able to start the process of building a facility that will protect and preserve British Columbia’s precious collections for the next hundred years — and beyond. What we do here isn’t just for this generation; it’s for our kids and grandkids — and great grandkids. Please support us in this next new challenge. To provide feedback about our zoning project, please visit www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/zoning.
Spend the Holidays with the Royal BC Museum
I
t’s that time of year again and the Royal BC Museum is all decked out in holiday finery! The Carillon is lit for the season and Old Town is decorated with bright holiday garlands and a 4.7-metre snowy Christmas tree. The scent of baking and spice hangs in the air, just like a Victoria Christmas centuries ago. The museum is open throughout the season except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. It’s a perfect place to visit with family and friends over the holidays.
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Our staff are also out in the community helping celebrate. We have decorated a tree for the BC Children’s Hospital annual Festival of Trees. To celebrate the 2010 International Year of Biodiversity, the Royal BC Museum’s Biodiversitree is decorated with tiny animals, fossils and magnifying glasses in silver and gold. The trees are on display at the Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria throughout the holiday season. If you visit, look for the special curator tree-topper!
www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca
CURATOR’S CORNER
Help Us Send Aliens Packing
T
o combat the growing problem of invasive species, the biologists and curators of the Royal BC Museum are reaching out to communities across the province. We have launched a campaign to educate and engage the public in helping to prevent thousands of invasive species from further damaging BC’s precious ecosystems.
we involve and educate the public now, because invasive species pose a growing problem, in BC and globally. To help us meet this goal, visit our website at www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca.
We need donations to help us take the Aliens Among Us exhibition packing, so to speak ... on the road, to all corners of the province. A fundraising goal of $250,000 will allow the Royal BC Museum to package and transport the exhibition, develop teacher guides and bring our curators into communities where the exhibition is displayed. It is absolutely critical that
www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca
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MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MUSEUM
WINTER 2010
WHAT’S ON There’s always something happening. Check our home page and What’s On calendar at www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca for more.
HOLIDAY HOURS We will be closed on December 25, 21010 and January 1, 2011.
CAROL-ALONG WITH THE CARILLON
Coming events & exhibitions
LIVE@LUNCH Bring your lunch and enjoy a free, monthly presentation on a wide variety of topics throughout the year. Newcombe Conference Hall, Royal BC Museum. TIME: 12:00 to 1:100 pm
Carol with the Provincial Carillonneur Rosemary Laing, the Newcombe Singers and fellow carolers on December 5th, from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. on the plaza at 675 Belleville Street. Song sheets and complimentary hot chocolate and cookies will be provided by the Royal BC Museum so dress warm and bring your singing voice. Following the concert, the Carillon will be lit for the season.
The Adventures of Frank Swannell, Surveyor & Photographer
ADMISSION BY DONATION WEEK
Emily Carr’s Newest Publications by the Royal BC Museum
To say thank you to the community for its continued support, the Royal BC Museum is carrying on its New Year’s tradition by offering admission by donation. Visitors are asked to pay-what-they-can from January 2 – 9.
DISCOVER PROGRAM Presentations take place on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 1:15 to 1:45 pm, from December 26, 2010 to January 9, 2011.
TOURS Choose from Snapshot, Feature-Length or Backstage Pass. Tours are included with same-day admission or membership and topics change regularly. Check the What’s On Calendar for other tours and times.
THURSDAY NIGHT MUSEUM CAFÉS Come and join a series of discussions on biodiversity, in a comfy lounge on the second floor. Forests have played an important role socially, economically and spiritually in BC’s past. What is the future of our forests and what must change in order to protect them? WHEN: Thursday, January 20, 7 to 9 pm. Cost: $6.00 adult member price per single event + HST. (Seniors and students already discounted.)
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Jay Sherwood, Author WHEN: Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Desert Solitaire Tim Willis, Director of Exhibitions and Visitor Experience, Royal BC Museum WHEN: Wednesday, February 2, 2011
sustainable choices for your own personal projects. Tickets are $25. Must register in advance. WHERE: Student Lunchroom Home Renovations for the Planet WHEN: January 29th Landscapes for Climate Change WHEN: February 19th Building Green From the Ground Up WHEN: March 12th
THE ROYAL MUSEUM SHOP Open daily throughout the season and stocked with gift giving ideas.
MUSEUM CAFÉ Your 10% membership discount is extended to all menu items with the exception of some baked products.
Kathryn Bridge, Manager of the BC Story Project, Royal BC Museum WHEN: Wednesday March 2, 2011
CONTINUING
Royal BC Museum Behind the Scenes Part 1: Natural History IMAX FEATURES
I-SPY SATURDAYS – FAMILY WORKSHOPS A series of special 3 hour workshops are offered by RBCM curators and visiting experts. ADMISSION: $10 +HST per person (10% discount for Members) Tickets can be purchased at the Royal BC Museum box office or online. TIME: 1:00 to 4:00 pm WHERE: Student Lunchroom
I-Spy Family Workshop – Inside Out Investigations See specimens, make crafts and open up an owl pellet to see what’s on the inside. You’ll have a HOOT! WHEN: Saturday February 26, 2011
Now playing until December 31, 2010
I-Spy Family Workshop – Tree-mendous!
Polar Express
Celebrate International Year of Forests. Help plant a tree and make a museum quality cast of a leaf. WHEN: March 19, 2011
ECO-SHOPS – ADULT WORKSHOPS Join topic specialists and community experts in a panel discussion and then practical workshop on how to make
Hubble Limited Engagement The Light Before Christmas The Ultimate Wave Tahiti Van Gogh: Brush with Genius For opening and closing times please visit imaxvictoria.com or phone 250-953-4629.
IMAX Annual Passes on sales now!
www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca
Profiles OUR STAFF MEMBER
OUR PARTNER
Polla Savage
CHEK News
Born on Christmas Day in 1968—and named after the Apollo rocket—Royal BC Museum staffer Polla Savage loves her job as the weekend team lead for the box office. “It’s a happy, uplifting place,” says Savage, who manages 44 volunteers as part of her work. “The team is fabulous. We’re representing BC, and I take that quite seriously.” When she’s not working, this island native can be found hanging out with her nephews, or skiing with her kids and husband of 25 years. “I have two great kids [18 and 16], a great husband and a solid career.” Savage lives for today. “I try not to look too far in advance. I’m really happy and settled where I am.” She hopes her children will settle in Victoria—and that the job and housing market will allow for that to happen. “I truly love Victoria, and I hope their age group will be able to do that.”
OUR MUSEUM MEMBER
Hats off to our local partner, CHEK NEWS. “Our partnership with CHEK stretches back at least to the Leonardo da Vinci exhibition in 1999,” says Royal BC Museum Strategic Partnerships Manager Sean Rodman. A major supporter during Treasures, CHEK continues to offer the Royal BC Museum an active and engaged partnership today.
Lauren and Chris Wallace Ask 16-year-old Lauren Wallace what she likes about membership at the Royal BC Museum and she’ll tell you it’s the travelling exhibitions. “Free Spirit was cool because we got to see stuff about BC, some of which I didn’t know,” says the grade 11 English honours student, who is contemplating a career in journalism or law. Eighteen-year-old Chris Wallace works part-time and volunteers at Victoria’s Cool Aid Society. He likes the family membership because it makes visiting the museum affordable. “We’re fortunate that my parents are so keen to keep supporting the Royal BC Museum and buying the membership.” Leonardo da Vinci and Treasures stand out as remarkable exhibitions—and he’s also fond of the First Nations Gallery. “It’s an interesting atmosphere in there,” he says, “especially for younger kids.” And okay, we’ll admit it: Lauren and Chris also enjoy the special perks of museum membership, like exclusive exhibition openings, and touring an exhibition before it’s open to the public.
For our recent Artifact or Artifiction gala, CHEK provided a fantastic host and unique prizes—like going behind the scenes with a TV celebrity at the station, followed by dinner at an upscale restaurant. “We provide CHEK with tickets for their contests and memberships for their staff,” says Rodman. “It’s a great way of making them part of our community. And we’re a part of theirs.” Our partnership with CHEK helps the Royal BC Museum to connect with our community. “Their reach and visual presence is greater than we could have any other way,” says Rodman. “Without that it would be difficult for the museum and archives to tell the BC story.”
Need to get in touch? General Inquiries 8 info@royalbcmuseum.bc.ca
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Membership Department ) 250-356-7226 or 1-888-447-7977 (Toll Free)
Royal BC Museum * 675 Belleville Street
Victoria, BC V8W 9W2
Membership
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MUSEUM
THE MOST THOUGHTFUL CARD YOU’LL EVER SEND. Buy one membership, get another at 50% off! Plus you’ll receive a free guest pass with every gift membership you purchase.
Give them unlimited admission to museum galleries and exhibitions, express entry privileges and valuable discounts. This offer applies only to in-person membership purchases made from November 26, 2010 to January 31, 2011.* 250-356-7226 • Belleville & Government, Victoria
The Perfect Holiday Gift for the Special People on your list. *May not be applied to online purchases or to previously purchased memberships. The 50% discount will be applied to memberships of equal or lesser value. Full contact information is required for gift membership at time of purchase.
Printed on paper containing 10% post-consumer recycled fibre.
Membership Department 675 Belleville Street Victoria, BC V8W 9W2