John Laurie to Alice Ravenhill (Sept.11, 1941)
Laurie, a high school teacher in Alberta, writes to Ravenhill requesting information on how to start up a society similar to the British Columbia Indian Arts and Crafts Welfare Society (BCIACWS). His interest in such a committee, he writes, is motivated by preserving the art and bettering the economic welfare of “the Stonies at Morely.” He heard of such initiatives through Anthony Walsh.
John Laurie
Royal BC Museum, BC Archives (F/1/R19)
Sept.11, 1941
Alice Ravenhill to Miss Aitken (Feb.6, 1941)
One of several form letters Alice Ravenhill sent out to the principals and teachers Indian Residential and Day schools across British Columbia to inquire about existing arts-based education initiatives and to invite these educators to join the BCIACWS in supporting and building on the initiatives began by Anthony Walsh and Noel Stewart. She explains that her intent with focusing on art in particular is to "bring about a more sympathetic relation between them and their white fello [sic] Canadians" and to replace the kitchy Aboriginal-themed souvenirs in tourist shops with actual artwork by Aboriginal students at Residential Schools, in the interest of showing them how to utilize their artistic talents to make a living.
Alice Ravenhill
Royal BC Museum, BC Archives (F/I/R19)
Feb.6, 1941