Reclaimed Voices

Revelstoke’s history was largely told and documented from the British male settler perspective. They were the ones governing the city, writing and editing the newspaper stories, and leading community organizations such as the Board of Trade, School Board, Hospital Society, and even sports clubs.

That perspective gave a skewed view of Revelstoke and perpetuated biased views of people who fell outside of their race, gender, and class.

Reclaimed Voices hopes to challenge these perspectives and provide stories that show a different look at Revelstoke. The “good old days” weren’t good for everyone, and glorified nostalgia leaves out the lived experiences of many. We invite you to explore these stories, and share your own.

Women’s voices:

Learn about some remarkable Revelstoke women, including Isabel Coursier, Anna Gunnarsen, Alice Jowett, Elsie Mackinnon and Mary Jobe Akeley. Discover what the life of a working woman was life, and learn about the fight for Women’s Suffrage. Uncover Lost Names and remove magnets with women’s married names to discover their first name and original family name.

Adeline Louie Barr:

Adeline Louie Barr was a Sinixt woman who lived to the age of 106. In 1894, she and her husband Jim were checking their trap lines at Galena Bay, when they had an altercation with a white settler. Jim was shot, and Adeline was forced to stay in Revelstoke for several months until the trail. She returned to her family, and later remarried twice and raised a family. Her great granddaughter talks about the legacy she left for the family.

Japanese Canadian Voices:

Revelstoke had a significant Japanese Canadian population in the early 1900s but they were a largely hidden community. Early census records give us a clue as to how many Japanese Canadians were living in and around Revelstoke. After Canada declared war on Japan in 1941, the entire Japanese Canadian population was forcibly uprooted from the west coast, and forced into internment camps, work camps, and communities away from the coast. Up to 60 families were forcibly uprooted to Revelstoke. After the war, despite some opposition, several families opened businesses in Revelstoke and became active community members.

children’s voices:

Children had different experiences growing up in Revelstoke depending on their circumstances. Some children were forced to work at a young age to help the family, while others had more privileged lives. Explore a photo essay to see some of the diverse experiences of Revelstoke children.

Contemporary Voices - Reclaimed Voices videos

Hear more Revelstoke stories:

Isabel Coursier - An illustrated audio interview recorded in 1977.

Melissa Jameson- discussing her family ties to revelstoke, and her experience living with a disability.

Leyster peters - discussing his experience as a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Chris miller - discussing his experience living in Revelstoke as a person with disabilities.

LaRae Wiley - discussing the life of her great grandmother, adeline

Song - “Adeline” by Darrell Delaronde

Reclaimed Voices was made possible by funding from the Province of British Columbia through the 150 Time Immemorial Grant Program, along with funding from Revelstoke Community Foundation and Revelstoke Credit Union.