I recently attended a very entertaining variety show at the Capitol Theatre. The event’s 70s theme stirred up many memories of those good old days. When I moved to Nelson in 1972, it was an exciting time and place for activism and community organizing. Did we think we could change the world? You betcha. And, ironically, the federal (Pierre Trudeau) and provincial (Dave Barrett) governments supported our efforts. Some of those projects still exist, as community legacies
One is Nelson CARES, which has its roots in the Barrett government’s plan to create elected community boards that would distribute provincial funding based on local needs rather than Victoria’s priorities. The Nelson and District Community Resources Board formed in 1974 and although Barrett’s plan ended with his defeat, determined activists re-created the Nelson board as a non-profit society.
It provided important social services, from childcare to youth housing, employment and drug and alcohol counselling. In 2008 the society re-branded as Nelson CARES, one of our most respected non-profits. Deep thanks to the hundreds of staff and volunteers for their leadership, creativity and commitment for 50 years. They’ll celebrate this milestone on Oct. 2. Check their website for details.
A second enduring legacy is the Nelson and District Women’s Centre. One of the first people I met when I came to Nelson was Vita Luthmers, also a newcomer, and she was convinced Nelson needed a women’s centre. A federal government grant funded her to do a survey and consult with local women. Data in hand, Vita applied for further funding and in January 1973, with a $7,600 operating grant, the Women’s Centre opened its doors for the first time, in the turret at Ward and Baker.
I remember those early days so well. The centre was a space where we talked, raged, created and learned. We discovered that our seemingly personal issues were often political, that our feelings of fear, discrimination or insecurity had real roots in our male-dominated society. We explored how that played out in employment and health care, as well as at home.
We learned how to organize strong and beautiful demonstrations. We protested about violence against women – Take Back the Night and the Montreal Massacre commemorations. We protested an editorial by the Nelson Daily News sports editor called “Putting Feminists in their Place.” That was my daughter’s first activism, from her little seat in my backpack.
Some women began a newsletter that became IMAGES – the Kootenay Women’s Paper that lasted until the early 1990s. And out of the pre-computer hours of manually pasting up the paper with waxed strips of text, came music: the IMAGES Ad Hoc Singers who created fun, beautiful and inspiring feminist music.
The centre hosted fabulous summer festivals that were entirely organized, operated and attended by women. I also loved the annual Five Feminist Minutes shows. You’d be amazed what feminists can do in five minutes! But one of the most important functions of the centre was providing a safe and supportive space for women. A place where we could bring our questions and troubles, knowing we would be supported, and would walk away with a stronger voice and more confidence to use it. Tea, snacks, soup and free clothing were always on offer, as were hugs and compassion.
It wasn’t always easy. The centre faced pushback from people who disagreed with women-only events and spaces. Internally, there were struggles and dissent at times, resolved by tears and talking. The commitment to feminism and women always triumphed. The centre operated from various rented spaces until 1995 when, to great jubilation, they purchased their current home on Mill Street.
In 50 years, much has changed and much has stayed the same. The basic issues of violence and discrimination against women, of poverty and limited opportunities, still continue in our society. The Women’s Centre, the oldest rural women’s centre in Canada, has benefited many women (and their families) and I am so grateful to everyone who’s kept the centre alive through some pretty tough times.
Did we change the world? Not quite, but certainly the world of Nelson benefited from 1970s activism. The work continues to build our community, and we can all be activists in that.
Donna Macdonald has lived in Nelson since 1972, and is the author of Surviving City Hall, a memoir of her 19 years on Nelson City Council. Her column appears monthly.
