Chat with direct descendants of Black pioneers during Heritage Day
Meet and talk with direct descendants of Black pioneers at B.C. Black History and Heritage Day, held at the Royal B.C. Museum on Saturday.
The free event, hosted by the B.C. Black History Awareness Society, celebrates Black History Month at the museum with exhibits and display booths from local organizations.
Heritage Day is an opportunity to see images, artifacts and archival documents, talking with direct descendants about their family history. One of them will be Karen Hoshal, a direct descendant of Charles and Nancy Alexander, who settled in Central Saanich and were instrumental in building the Shady Creek Church and schools.
The couple were part of the migration of the Black pioneers from San Francisco to B.C. in 1858.
The display includes family photographs, archival materials and a dress made for Nancy for her 60th wedding anniversary in 1909.
Ron Nicholson, a 20-year member of the B.C. Black History Awareness Society will be on hand with his Underground Railroad presentation.
His display is a visual presentation featuring Harriet Tubman, a famous “conductor” of the underground railway, and other members of the Vigilance Committee who helped formerly enslaved people along the many escape routes to freedom.
Nicholson’s great-grandfather was a traveller of the Underground Railroad.
There will be live music in Clifford Carl Hall by the Noedy HD Trio with Noedy Hecavarria Duharte on saxophone, Phil Albert, bass and Miles Fuller, drums.
The event is free to attend. It runs 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 10 at the Royal B.C. Museum, 675 Belleville St.
For more information, go to royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/visit/events/calendar/event/bc-black-history-and-heritage-day.
Love is in air on a CRD Parks guided walk
As Valentine’s Day approaches, love is in the air. Take the whole family to Love is in the Park, an all-ages-appropriate guided walk with CRD Parks at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park on Sunday.
At this family-friendly event, adults and kids alike can learn about what animals are breeding in the park. They can take part in activities related to tree frogs singing, eagles cart-wheeling, hummingbirds dancing, owls hooting and more.
Admission is free. The program runs 1:30 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11. The trail is one kilometre in length, with a compact surface and slight incline. The walk is at a casual pace with interpretive stops. Wear sturdy footwear and dress for the weather. All programs operate rain or shine. Please arrive 10 minutes before the start of the program.
Meet at the Beaver Lake Picnic Shelter at the Filter Beds parking lot of Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park.
The park is served by B.C. Transit routes #70, #72 or #75.
For more information, go to crd.bc.ca/parks-recreation-culture/parks-trails/crd-regional-parks/events
Get ready for gardening season at Seedy Saturday in Saanich
Contribute to regional seed security and food resilience, learn about sustainable practices, see gardening-related products and pick up your seeds for this year’s crop at Saanich Seedy Saturday, at the Prospect Lake Community Hall, Feb. 10.
Seedy Saturday is a community event that brings together people of all ages to celebrate gardening, buy or swap seeds, books and tools and purchase plants (seedlings).
There will also be guest speakers, workshops, door prizes, as well as children’s activities.
This year the annual event is being held at a larger venue, allowing for more vendors.
Admission is by donation. The event runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10, at the Prospect Lake Community Hall, 5358 Sparton Rd.
For more information, go to [email protected] or haliburtonfarm.org.
