New Technologies and the Heritage Landscape

Back in Time SCMA Newspaper Article- December 29, 2011

The Beachcombers

The Beachcombers is firmly associated with Gibsons and the Sunshine Coast. Although the popular CBC TV series is long over, it remains imprinted in the memories of Canadians who grew fond of the quirky stories of the scenic seaside village, on the edge of Canada and away from big city life. Filmed in 'real time,' the comedy-drama ran from October 1, 1972 to December 12, 1990 and holds the record for the longest-running dramatic series ever made for English Canadian television. In all, 387 episodes were produced and it was viewed in over 60 countries around the world.

It can now be considered an important piece of Canadian film history, as well as valuable documentation of life in Gibsons.  It was a Canadian 'original' and one of the first major Canadian series that did not follow an American prototype. The show was also at the forefront of its time when it came to representing First Nations culture and actors. Squamish elder Chief Dan George often made guest appearances on the show. He is best known for his role opposite Dustin Hoffman in the film "Little Big Man." Dan George passed away in 1981.

Molly's Reach was home for the character of Molly Carmody and her grandchildren, Margaret and Hughie, for their boarder Nick Adonidas (and his log salvage office), and for Nick's partner Jesse Jim.

Nick, the Greek beachcomber, was the main character played by Bruno Gerussi. Gerussi was born in Medicine Hat and attended the Banff School of Fine Arts. He joined the Stratford Festival in 1954 to become a respected Shakespearean actor at Stratford and London. Bruno starred in other TV series, including "Celebrity Cooks". He passed away in 1995 at age 67. Robert Clothier played Relic, Nick's arch rival. He too was a veteran stage and TV actor. Clothier was born in Prince Rupert in 1921 and studied architecture before pursuing sculpting and theatre in England. He passed away in 1999.

Constable John Constable, played by Jackson Davies, was another memorable character in the series. Jackson Davies and Marc Strange, who co-created the series, are writing a book about Bruno Gerussi and The Beachcombers, as a part of next year’s 40th anniversary of The Beachcombers.

The CBC is streaming a Beachcomber episode from 1975 as part of CBC's 75th anniversary. Check it out at http://www.cbc.ca/75/2011/08/the-beachcombers-invisble-relic.html.

Be sure to stay posted for upcoming Beachcomber exhibits and events planned for the 40th Anniversary in 2012!

SCMA Visitor Survey Results

We are excited to announce the winner of the 2011 SCMA Visitor Survey is..... SHEILA KINNEAR!

The lucky winner will receive a $50 SCMA Giftshop prize pack consisting of copies of the Helen McCall Community Album,  Rough and Ready Times: The History of Port Mellon, 2 SCMA coffee mugs and a 2011 SCMA family membership!

Congratulations to Sheila and thank you to everyone who took the time to fill out our survey and help us in our continued evolution to be the best regional heritage destination on the West Coast!






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Kwekwinmut / Pieces of the Past opening

The SCMA’s latest exhibit  Kwekwinmut  / Pieces of the Past  opened on Tuesday, October 4^th to a crowd of excited spectators who witnessed a symbolic return of the Squamish people to their traditional land. Although many people are aware of the Shishalh (Sechelt) Nation's claim to much of the Sunshine Coast as their traditional home, many are unaware that for thousands of years, the Squamish Nation also thrived on this landscape from present day Gibsons all the way Robert's Creek.

Over a hundred visitors celebrated this symbolic return by witnessing a traditional welcome by Chief Ian Campbell, numerous speeches by Squamish elders, curators and local dignitaries. Afterwards, the audience was enthralled as they explored the stone tool artifacts that make up the heart of the exhibit, marveling at the craftpersonship and questions that inevitably arose:

How long would it take to make?

What was this used for?

Just how old are these stone tools? 

Well, I could give you the answers to these questions right now, but I think it is best for you to come down to the SCMA and explore the exhibit for yourself. There are real lessons to be learned about our surroundings, and Kwekwinmut  / Pieces of the Past is a great starting point in helping to redefine our perspective on this place that we call the Sunshine Coast.   

 

Exhibit Opening: "Pieces of the Past: Squamish Stone Artifacts from Ch'kw'elhp and Schen'k

Kwekwínmut: Skwxwú7mesh-ulh Smánitmut, tiná7 ta Ch’kw’elhp iy Schen’k / Pieces of the Past: Squamish Stone Artifacts from Ch’kw’elhp and Schen’k, is a collaborative exhibit that features ancient Squamish pieces from the Museum’s collection of stone tools. The collection represents the Early, Middle and Late periods of Northwest Coast archaeological sequence and come from a range of site types, from permanent Squamish villages to seasonal camps. These primordial objects exemplify the material expression of Squamish culture and provide insight into Squamish ways of knowing.

In 2010, Kimiko Hawkes, Sunshine Coast Museum Manager and Curator, sought input and direction from the Squamish Nation on the museum’s permanent exhibit of Squamish artifacts. Ms. Hawkes’ invitation began a collaborative process which started with a visit to the Museum and a viewing of the collection by Squamish Nation Councilors’ Julie Baker and Deborah Baker, Squamish Nation Education Department staff, and a Squamish archaeology undergraduate student.

The Elders Advisory Committee and Vanessa Campbell, Squamish language team leader, identified the objects by Squamish name and provided some description. This work continued into research, analysis and cataloguing of the collection by Dr. Rudy Reimer (Squamish), and members of the Archaeological Society of British Columbia.


Co-curator Damara Jacobs-Morris (Squamish), believes this exhibit allows visitors a chance to explore both the function and cultural significance of the stone pieces. Kwekwínmut / Pieces of the Past is presented in the Skwxwù7mesh snichim (Squamish language) and English. Visitors have the opportunity to hear Squamish being spoken in the exhibit’s soundscape piece that includes oral history interviews and the telling of the Squamish Origin legend.

Deborah Jacobs, Squamish Nation Education Department Head and member of the Exhibit Advisory Committee comments, “The land evokes a connection to Squamish place and provides our spirit with a rich landscape. You may come to value and understand the narrative that Ch’kw’elhp and Schen’k provide our humanity in a complex world.”


The Sunshine Coast Museum & Archives and the Squamish Nation invite the public to the Opening Celebration on Tuesday, October 4, 2011 from 1pm to 4pm. Chief Ian Campbell and Chief Gibby Jacob will start the celebration with a traditional blessing. Local dignitaries will give welcome addresses. The co-curators and Advisory Committee will be on hand. Admission is by donation and refreshments will be served. For more information, contact the Museum.