Join us this June as we celebrate Indigenous History Month on Vancouver’s North Shore—an area rich with Indigenous history and culture. You don’t have to go far to experience the beauty of an Indian Arm canoe paddle. It’s all here in our own backyard, from the totem poles of Cates Park to the First Nations sculptures found through the North Shore Culture compass – there’s something for everyone!
Indigenous History Month is an important time for Canadians to reflect on the histories and sacrifices of the First Nations, Inuit and Metis people. It’s a time to learn, appreciate, celebrate and acknowledge their significant contributions to our community.
This exhibition is a sequel of sorts. The museum offers a travelling exhibit called “Chief Dan George Actor and Activist” that has been travelling around British Columbia since 2017. Now, it is coming home to the North Shore and will be the first exhibition on the calendar for 2024. I am looking forward to seeing where it can take us.
Chief Dan George was Chief of the səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) in the southeast area of North Vancouver, BC. He also was an actor, musician, poet, author, and an activist for the rights of Indigenous Peoples. His best-known written work is “My Heart Soars” and one of his better-known pieces of poetry, A Lament for Confederation, has become one of his most widely known works.
As an actor, he is best remembered for portraying Old Lodge Skins opposite Dustin Hoffman in Little Big Man (1970), for which he was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, making him the first Indigenous American actor to be nominated for an Oscar. He was also known for his role as Lone Watie in The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976), opposite Clint Eastwood. Exhibit ends June 9, 2024
Takaya Tours is owned and operated by the Tsleil-Waututh (pronounced “slay-wah-tuth”) Nation. Take in the beautiful waters of the Indian Arm and the Burrard Inlet on authentic historically replicated canoes while experiencing the culture, tradition and heritage of the Tsleil-Waututh First Nation in North Vancouver. Paddle in the protected waters while guides from the Coast Salish Nation sing songs, tell legends and point out ancient village sites.
Spend a sunny beach day at Cates Park/ Whey-Ah-Wichen (which means ‘faces the wind’) surrounded by Douglas Firs and the peaceful waters of Indian Arm and Burrard Inlet. There are lots to do in this dog-friendly park including 6 kilometres of trails, tennis courts, picnic tables, playgrounds and stretches of sandy beach. The park is rich in history and has great importance to the Tsleil-Waututh people. Originally used as a small village during the spring and summer months to hunt and gather natural resources such as wild game, berries, flora and fauna, you can now. Take in the monumental totem poles while honouring a piece of First Nation’s history.
North Shore Culture Compass offers a fantastic interactive map, pinpointing all the spots across the North Shore where First Nations Art can be viewed. From beautiful carvings to sculptures and destination points, there is so much to discover. This list also includes art studios and galleries such as the Spirit Gallery and Inuit Gallery Vancouver.
The word Kia’palano means “beautiful river” in the Skwxwú7mesh language. The Capilano Suspension Bridge Park land is situated upon the unceded traditional territory of the Skwxwú7mesh Nation and Tsleil-Waututh Nation. View the majestic First Nation totem poles, at the enlightening Kia’palano education centre. Take a tour and get a glimpse into the lives of the Skwxwú7mesh and Tsleil-Waututh Nation people at the Park where the historical connection between First Nations’ culture and the natural world is highlighted.
