Interview with Pam Smith

Pam Smith, a professional genealogist from Yorkshire, England, had no idea she was related to a celebrated activist in Canada until author Roger Stonebanks came knocking. She knew that her great-grandfather George had a brother who went abroad, but the story of Uncle Albert "Ginger" Goodwin and his significance in BC was a surprise to the whole family.

Ginger Goodwin was a young miner and union activist whose medical exemption from military service was cancelled when he organized a strike at the Trail smelter. He appealed and was denied, and fled to Cumberland to evade the draft. He was shot and killed by a former police officer. His death sparked a general strike in Canada.

After learning about their celebrated relative, several members of the family travelled to Cumberland to learn more. When Pam Smith visited, where she was deeply moved by the community's connection to Goodwin. She participated in the Miners' Memorial Weekend, during which she spoke at Ginger's graveside. She expressed immense pride in her connection to Goodwin, describing him as a "working class warrior" and "hero" whose short but impactful life resonated with her family's mining heritage and social values.

Smith was struck by the continued importance of Goodwin's legacy, noting the debate over the wording and symbols on his gravestone (recently restored by the BCLHC), and her desire to share his story with younger generations of her family to keep his memory alive. She also pondered what Goodwin himself might have thought about his legacy and the ongoing political debates surrounding his life and death. She reminds us that not only is Ginger a symbol and a legend, he was a young man, who is remembered by his large and loving family.