BC150 YEARS SPONSORS B.C. HISTORY PROJECTS

In 2008, the Province will sponsor three special projects celebrating B.C. history: a BC150 Years commemorative book entitled BC150 Years – Spirit of the People, the 2008 BC Book Prizes’ authors’ tour and the BC Book Prizes’ Haig-Brown Regional Prize for the best book contributing to the understanding and appreciation of British Columbia.

BC150 Years – Spirit of the People publisher Harbour Publishing

Established in 1974, Harbour Publishing is located in Madeira Park on the Sunshine Coast. Harbour is known for the Encyclopedia of British Columbia and Raincoast Chronicles, a series of anthologies on B.C. coast history and culture. Harbour Publishing is also the publisher of over four hundred titles, including many BC Book Prize-winning books.

BC150 Years – Spirit of the People author Jean Barman

Author Jean Barman has written six books, including the bestsellers, The West Beyond the West and The Remarkable Adventures of Portuguese Joe Silvey. Active in the B.C. Heritage Trust and other historical organizations, she has contributed to many literary and historical projects. Barman was inducted as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada in 2002 in recognition of her prolific work in Canadian history, particularly the history of Western Canada. She lives in Vancouver, B.C.

About the BC Book Prizes and authors’ tour

Established in 1985, the BC Book Prizes celebrate the achievements of British Columbia writers and publishers. The Haig-Brown Regional Prize is awarded to authors who contribute most to the enjoyment and understanding of British Columbia. The prize is named in honour of the Campbell River magistrate, essayist and conservationist renowned for his books on fishing and the environment. During the two weeks preceding the BC Book Prizes, award nominees travel across the province giving free readings at schools, libraries and community bookstores. The BC150 Years-sponsored 2008 tour will visit 25 communities.