Community Joins Forces to Identify Local Educators in Legacy Project

The Columbia Basin Institute of Regional History (CBIRH) has launched a project aimed at identifying and honoring educators from School District No. 5 (SD5) in the East Kootenay region. This initiative, part of a broader Legacy of Learning collaboration, seeks to gather community support to name staff members depicted in photographs taken over the past two decades.

The project was made possible through significant financial contributions from the British Columbia Retired Teachers Association (BCRTA) and the Cranbrook Retired Teachers Association (CRTA), thanks to the efforts of community members Carol and Chris Johns. “These teachers have given so much to our region. They deserve to be recognized – this project is one way to honour their contribution,” said Carol Johns, a Trustee for SD5 and a retired educator.

Volunteers are being recruited to assist in reviewing the photographs and identifying the individuals captured in them. The identified images will be uploaded to the CBIRH website, creating a valuable resource for former students and community members to reconnect with their most memorable teachers. This platform aims to evoke nostalgia and preserve significant educational milestones.

Derryll White, a historian at CBIRH, emphasized the project’s importance, stating, “History is a gathering. The CBIRH is pleased to help enrich this large collection of photos. The ‘Name that Teacher’ project helps rescue documents destined for the dumpster – preserving a collective history of students from this area.”

The initiative not only aims to document the past but also encourages active participation from the community. Current and retired educators who are passionate about local history are invited to contribute. Those interested can reach out to Erin or Derryll White at 250-489-9150 or via email at [email protected].

The CBIRH is calling on individuals to help spread the word about this project, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in preserving the region’s educational history. The success of this initiative hinges on collaboration, making it a unique opportunity for residents to engage with their local heritage.

By participating, community members can play a vital role in honoring those who have shaped the educational landscape of the East Kootenay. Each contribution brings the project closer to its goal of commemorating the dedicated teachers who have influenced countless lives over the years.