The Basin Record Newsletter Vol.1 Issue 1.pub

Notes from the Executive Director The Columbia Basin Institute of Regional History (“the Institute”) is a new (November 2004) registered non-profit society. Although the office is in Cranbrook, the Institute charter encompasses the same geographical region as the Columbia Basin Trust. This is intentional as the Institute supports the concept of “Basin culture”. Our natural and human history is the foundation on which our relationship with this place called “the Basin” is built. The Columbia Basin Institute of Regional History seeks to gather and share the historical material, spread the stories through all means possible, and along the way establish partnerships with like-minded groups and indi- viduals. Our first public history partnership is with the City of Cranbrook. As 2005 is Cranbrook’s incorporation centennial, we are working with the City, Service Canada, Max’s Place and the Columbia Basin Trust to assemble a legacy. One of the first undertakings, working with the City Time Capsule Committee, is to assemble a suitable gift for 2105. Another is the establishment of a storytelling festival. What better way is there to make history public than through story? Watch for listings of storytellers in venues throughout downtown Cranbrook. As the Institute perfects delivery models for public history we intend to work with other human and natural history groups to increase the awareness of, and appreciation for, the history of the Columbia Basin region. Please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our Thanks As with most things, the Columbia Basin Institute of Regional History is only as good as its allies. Without our part- ners we would not be getting nearly as much accomplished. So thanks to Service Canada for its faith in The Insti- tute, to the City of Cranbrook for inviting us into the Centennial activity, to the Columbia Basin Trust for investing in Basin culture, and to Max’s Place for being our loyal supporter (and landlord) through thick and thin. All of us at the Columbia Basin Institute look forward to building on these partnerships to improve public access to, and knowl- edge of, both human and natural history. Nature’s Legends The memory of landscape is incredible. Long after fires extinguish and floods subside, storms pass and summers sleep, the land remembers. Have you ever looked at the douglas firs and western larches in the valley bottoms? Fire scars can be seen hugging the bark of trees that survived the heat of summer spark. Many trees have multi- ple blemishes, a testament to the strength and resilience of our cone-bearing beauties. If your eye wanders upward from valley bottom to the crown of mountain peak, you will see emerald streaks blossom in the summer months. Known as avalanche paths, these landscape features develop in response to the disturbance of falling snow. They quickly cultivate a variety of fast- colonizing shrubs like green alder, and serve as natural fire guards on the slopes. In addition to the research and presentation of human and social history, the Columbia Basin Institute of Regional History is working to promote and connect aspects of nature and landscape into a more comprehensive model of regional history.