Government of Canada Recognizes the National Historic Importance of Roderick Langmere Haig-Brown (1908-1976)
News Release
September 24, 2017 Campbell River, British Columbia Parks Canada Agency
Canada’s national parks and historic sites enable Canadians to experience their rich and varied history in a special way and play a big part in the celebration of Canada 150. To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017, the Government of Canada invites Canadians to experience nature and learn more about our history.
Today, Pam Goldsmith-Jones, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna, commemorated Roderick Langmere Haig-Brown (1908-1976) as a national historic person with the unveiling of a Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada plaque. A special ceremony was held during the Fall Festival at Haig-Brown Heritage House in Campbell River, British Columbia.
The Government of Canada is committed to connecting Canadians to the significant people, places, and events that contributed to our country’s rich diverse heritage. By the 1950s and 1960s, Haig-Brown was one of the British Columbia’s best known writers. As a prolific author, his many works of fiction and non-fiction for both children and adults are renowned for their evocative descriptions and lyrical, unassuming style and continue to hold a broad appeal. He expressed a deep understanding of the complex relationship between humanity and nature through his many publications on outdoor life.
In the mid-20th century, at a time when British Columbia was beginning rapid resource exploitation, Haig-Brown became an early and outspoken conservationist, advocating for the protection of the natural world and local communities.
As part of the centennial of national historic sites, Parks Canada invites Canadians to be inspired and captivated by the stories of the people and events that shaped the Canada of today. Take advantage of free admission to national historic sites in 2017, and discover truly Canadian places and stories with Parks Canada.
Quotes
“I am honoured to be here to recognize one of Canada’s best writers and environmental advocates, Roderick Langmere Haig-Brown, who is now commemorated as a national historic person. His exceptional ability to capture the wonder of nature and our intimate relationship with nature has already enshrined him as one of British Columbia’s significant voices in literature as a strong, clear and passionate voice for the environment and the gifts it gives to all living things. As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation, I encourage Canadians to experience Roderick Haig-Brown and his important role on the West Coast of Canada and in our country’s history.”
Pam Goldsmith-Jones,
Member of Parliament for West Vancouver — Sunshine Coast — Sea to Sky Country
Quick Facts
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Between 1946 and 1964, Roderick Langmere Haig-Brown wrote several well-known fishing books including A River Never Sleeps (1946), Fisherman’s Spring (1951), Fisherman’s Winter (1954), Fisherman’s Summer (1959), and Fisherman’s Fall (1964).
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In the 1940s, Haig-Brown served as a magistrate and then family court judge for the Campbell River District. His work was the subject of a 1953 National Film Board documentary called Country Magistrate.
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Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of Environment and Climate Change regarding the national historic significance of places, people and events that have marked Canada’s history.
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Contacts
Kiri Westnedge
Public Relations and Communications Officer
Parks Canada
250-654-4004
kiri.westnedge@pc.gc.ca
Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca