Albert “Ginger” Goodwin, the controversial union activist whose death in 1918 sparked Canada’s first-ever general strike, will be among the fallen workers memorialized in song and ceremony this weekend at the 30th Annual Miners’ Memorial.
Presented by Cumberland Museum & Archives with Campbell River, Courtenay & District Labour Council, Miners’ Memorial Weekend is a celebration of workers and their families and a call for a renewed commitment for safe and healthy workplaces.
Between 1888 and 1964 some 295 miners were killed in accidents in the Cumberland coal mines and countless others were injured or suffered work related illnesses. Appalling working conditions compelled miners to organize. On July 27th, 1918 labour organizer Ginger Goodwin was shot and killed, becoming a symbol for the struggle of workers.
Miners’ Memorial Weekend welcomes workers, families, students, unions artists, activist and visitors of all sorts for three days of activities and events that acknowledge the blood, sweat and tears of workers from across time and around the world
EVENT SCHEDULE
Thursday, June 18
7pm The Ginger Goodwin Story ($5-$15 donation)
Reading of a new stage play by Nanaimo’s TheatreOne
Cumberland United Church
Tickets: http://form.jotformpro.com/form/51507312885961
Friday, June 19
4pm – Chinatown Historic Walking Tour (by donation)
meet at Jumbo’s Cabin on Comox Lake Road
7pm – Songs of the Workers (by donation)
Classic pub night with musicians from around BC performing topical songs, new and old
Cumberland OAP Hall
Saturday, June 20
9am – Pancake Breakfast (by donation)
Cumberland Recreation Institute
10:30am – Spanish Civil War workshop (free)
presented by UVic adjunct professor Larry Hannant
Cumberland Cultural Centre
Graveside Vigil at the Cumberland Cemetery (free)
1pm – Speakers and performers, laying of flowers at Ginger Goodwin’s grave and miner’s row
2:30pm – Commemoration of Cumberland participants in the Mackenzie-Papineau Battalion
3:15pm – laying of flowers at the Chinese Cemetery
4pm – Guided Museum Tour (by donation)
Cumberland Museum & Archives
6pm – Community Supper ($20)
Keynote speaker Nick Mullins www.thethoughtfulcoalminer.com, music and more at the Cumberland Cultural Centre
Among the attendees will be director Neil Vokey, whose documentary @Goodwin’s Way explores Goodwin’s lasting impact on Cumberland and its surrounding communities. The film’s campaign to raise $12,000 in finishing funds has already hit the 20% mark in 2 days. For more: information: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/goodwin-s-way/x/1371948
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