Community Joins Forces to Celebrate Educators in East Kootenay

The Columbia Basin Institute of Regional History (CBIRH) has launched an important initiative called “Name That Teacher,” partnering with School District No. 5 (SD5) to honor educators from the East Kootenay region. The project aims to identify staff members featured in a collection of photographs taken over the past two decades. Many of these images lack proper identification, and community involvement is essential to rectify this.

Financial backing for the project comes from significant contributions made by the British Columbia Retired Teachers Association (BCRTA) and the Cranbrook Retired Teachers Association (CRTA). Carol Johns, a Trustee for SD5 and a retired educator, highlighted the importance of recognizing the impact these teachers have had on local education. “These teachers have given so much to our region. They deserve to be recognized – this project is one way to honour their contribution,” said Johns.

To facilitate this effort, the CBIRH is coordinating a group of volunteers to review the collection of staff photos. The identified images will be made available on the CBIRH website, allowing former students and community members to reconnect with their past teachers and reflect on significant milestones in their education. This endeavor not only preserves the history of local education but also serves as a nostalgic resource for the community.

Derryll White, the CBIRH Historian, emphasized the project’s broader significance. “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,” White stated.

Individuals who wish to contribute to this initiative, particularly current and retired teachers with an interest in local history, are encouraged to reach out. Interested parties can contact Erin or Derryll at [email protected] or call +1 250-489-9150 for more information. The CBIRH also invites community members to share details about this project within their networks to further support the preservation of educational history in the East Kootenay region.

This effort not only aims to celebrate educators but also fosters a sense of community and collective memory, ensuring that the contributions of these individuals are recognized and remembered for years to come.