[BCMA MBEN] Theft from MOA

[Jim Harding]

On behalf of the BC Museums Association, Council, Members and 
Secretariat, we want to echo the shock and dismay of the province's 
museums community at the news of the theft of Bill Reid's precious 
works from MOA over this weekend.

As unexpected and ultimately pointless such an act is--in comparison 
to the priceless and irreplaceable value to our heritage these works 
represent--we will all have to be vigilant and hope that the extensive 
news coverage this theft is receiving will give those responsible pause 
to reconsider and to safely abandon, or better, to contact MOA as to 
where these precious items may be recovered and restored to their 
rightful place.

We also want to extend our support to the staff of MOA, who is no 
doubt distraught, and to the family of Bill Reid.

As fellow members of the museums community, we should be 
prepared to offer to receive and temporarily care for these works 
should they be transported and abandoned at one of our institutions, 
as the safe return of these works is the first priority.

Please keep us all posted of developments. 
--Jim
_______________________________
Jim Harding, ED
BC Museums Association
(250) 356-5694