2022 Schedule

Friday, June 17  at 7 PM – 10:30 PM | Songs of the Workers
In-person at the Cumberland Masonic Hall, 2687 Dunsmuir Ave

Back in the flesh, the Songs of the Workers concert event features local and visiting musicians sharing stories and music about workers and their lives – coal mines, textile factories, farms, kitchens, logging camps, fish plants, kitchens, assembly lines, picket lines, and unemployment lines. Work that builds us up and work that tears us down. The struggle, triumphs and tribulations of all our labours.

Admission to the event is by donation, all are welcome and will be accommodated until capacity is met. No registration is required for entry.

Saturday, June 18 at 11 AM | Graveside Vigil
In-person at Cumberland Municipal Cemetery & Japanese and Chinese Cemeteries. 

This year we look forward to hosting a gathering of people at the Cumberland Municipal Cemetery and Japanese and Chinese Cemeteries. The graveside vigil commemorates the lives lost in the Cumberland mines and pays tribute to those who fought on their behalf for safer working conditions and worker rights. There will be an opening welcome and short addresses from Union and community members followed by the tradition of laying a bouquet on individual graves. This time-honoured tradition upholds the commitment to continue the fight for workers of today and commemorates the loss of individual lives, over 300 in Cumberland, and the challenges faced by the families whose loved ones never returned home after a day of work. 

A bouquet can be purchased through the registration process for those intending to come on the day or for those who would like a volunteer to lay a bouquet in their honour.

Registration here to join in person or purchase a bouquet.

For additional information, questions or concerns please contact Rosslyn Shipp at director@cumberlandmuseum.ca

Saturday, June 18 at 1:30 PM | No. 1  Townsite Tour
History of Japanese Canadian Pioneers in Cumberland Guided Walking Tour

Thirty-one cherry trees commemorate the last families to live at No.1 Town. Some old cement pillars are all that is left of this once bustling Japanese Canadian community. They came with their families to settle and work in the Dunsmuir coal mines, but unsafe working conditions and poor pay created challenges and opportunities to thrive. Forcible removal in 1942 changed the fabric of Cumberland forever. Hear from Dawn Copeman and her first handwork with the Japanese Communities to share these stories.

Allow for 1.5 hours, the tour leaves from Coal Creek Historic Park No.1 Town parking lot, next left past Jumbo’s Cabin on Comox Lake Rd.

Register Here.

Saturday, June 18 at 2:30 PM | Village Tour

A lively and engaging tour filled with facts, rumours, tragedies and tales from Cumberland’s colourful history. From the great fires and the great strikes to lavish garden parties, wartime injustices and smallpox isolation houses, the Village Walking Tour give a lively glimpse into the unique history and folklore of the Village.

 Allow for 1.5 hours the tour leaves from the Cumberland Museum and Archives and is led by Meaghan Cursons.

Register Here.

Saturday, June 18 at 4- 6 PM | Community Picnic

Sunday, June 19 at 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm | Museum Tour

Join Cumberland Museum & Archives Director, Rosslyn Shipp, for a 30-minute tour of the revitalized museum space. Free with Admission.