The week kicks off on Wednesday, June 21, with a film double header presented by the Cumberland branch of Vancouver Island Regional Library, 5:30 – 7:30pm. Learn about the rise and fall of the Dunsmuir family in ‘Whatever the cost: Hatley Park and the Dunsmuirs’, and the life and death of labour activist Ginger Goodwin in ‘Goodwin’s Way’.
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On Thursday, June 22 the museum presents Vancouver based author, activist, and stand-up comedian Charles Demers at the Cumberland Cultural Centre with local poets Shayne avec i grec and CV Poet Laureate Natalie Nickerson opening the show. Purchase your tickets today!
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Songs of the Workers is Miners Memorial Weekend’s Friday night tradition. This classic pub night welcomes local and visiting musicians to share songs and poems in the working class tradition from past to present. Locally brewed beer, pizza, and fantastic company in the OAP Hall starting at 7pm.
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Saturday morning’s pancake breakfast from 9-11am at the C.R.I. is by donation, and welcome to all.
Following breakfast, join Karver Everson, K’omoks and Kwakwaka’wakw artist, and Keisha Everson, teacher and member of the K’omoks First Nation, as they present on the history of the region.
At 1pm the graveside ceremony begins at the Cumberland cemetery where tributes are shared and flowers are laid at the grave of Ginger Goodwin and Cumberland’s many fallen miners. From there, the ceremony moves to the Japanese cemetery for the laying of roses and a commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the uprooting of Cumberland’s Japanese-Canadian communities.
Saturday concludes with a community supper at the Cultural Centre with John Price, UVic Professor of History, presenting stories from the temporary exhibit ‘150 Years and Counting: Fighting for Justice on the Coast’.
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Most events are free, or by donation, with proceeds supporting exhibits and programs at the Cumberland Museum and Archives. Find the full schedule including guided walking tours, tickets for the Charles Demers show and Community Supper, and bouquet purchases HERE.
Join the Miners Memorial Weekend Facebook Page!