Our curriculum-based programs allow students of all needs and ages to explore and discuss North Vancouver through hands-on learning and activities. Scroll down to see the wide-ranging selection of programs you can take part in.
Coast Salish programming is generously sponsored by BMO Financial Group
All Museum programs run for 90 minutes unless otherwise specified. Programs are available Wednesday to Friday, October to June, with morning and afternoon time slots available each day. Please fill out an online booking form or email programs@monova.ca
KINDERGARTEN – GRADE 2
The way people in North Vancouver get around has changed over time. Students will hop aboard Streetcar 153 and explore local history, community, and change through stories and play.
Key Info
Duration: 90 mins
Capacity: Up to 30 students
Cost: $250 for up to 30 students (adult chaperones are free)
Availability: 10AM – 11.30Am, 1PM – 2:30PM
Program Highlights
Curriculum Connections
Social Studies K: Our communities are diverse and made of individuals who have a lot in common; Rights, roles, and responsibilities shape our identity and help us build healthy relationships with others.
Social Studies 1: We shape the local environment, and the local environment shapes who we are and how we live; Our rights, roles, and responsibilities are important for building strong communities
Social Studies 2: Individuals have rights and responsibilities as global citizens
Curricular Competencies
GRADES 2 – 3
Students will explore the changing relationship between people and animals on the North Shore through hands-on activities, games and Coast Salish teachings.
Key Info
Duration: 90 mins, with the option of up to 30 mins of self-guided gallery time (single class visits only, unless our Feature Exhibit space is available – inquire with programming staff)
Capacity: Up to 60 students (for larger groups, please inquire about possible extensions with an outdoor element)
Cost: $250 for up to 30 students (adult chaperones are free)
Availability: 10AM – 11.30Am, 1PM – 2:30PM
Program Highlights
Curriculum Connections
Social Studies 2: Individuals have rights and responsibilities as global citizens
Science 3: Living things are diverse, can be grouped, and interact in their ecosystems
Social Studies 3: Indigenous knowledge is passed down through oral history, traditions, and collective memory
Curricular Competencies
GRADES 3 – 5
With connections to the science and socials curricula, students will find out how the North Shore mountains and other landforms have impacted the development of communities here over time.
Key Info
Duration: 90 mins, with the option of up to 30 mins of self-guided gallery time (single class visits only, unless our Feature Exhibit space is available – inquire with programming staff)
Capacity: Up to 60 students (for larger groups, please inquire about possible extensions with an outdoor element)
Cost: $250 for up to 30 students (adult chaperones are free)
Availability: 10AM – 11.30Am, 1PM – 2:30PM
Program Highlights
Curriculum Connections
Science 3: Wind, water, and ice change the shape of the land
Social Studies 3: Indigenous knowledge is passed down through oral history, traditions and collective memory; Indigenous societies throughout the world value the well-being of the self, the land, spirits and ancestors
Social Studies 4: the pursuit of valuable natural resources has played a key role in changing the land, people and communities of Canada
Science 5: Earth materials change as they move through the rock cycle and can be used as natural resources
Social Studies 5: Natural resources continue to shape the economy and identity of different regions of Canada
Curricular Competencies
GRADES 3 – 7
Discover Coast Salish weaving and history through hands-on activities led by one of two Indigenous Cultural Programmers, Jordan Dawson or Tsawaysia Spukwus.
Each delivers a uniquely personal program, sharing elements of the history and culture of Sḵwx̱wu̓7mesh U̓xwumixw, and teachings around weaving. Following the completion of a simple, take-home weaving project, students head to the gallery for either a tour, scavenger hunt or storytelling.
Also available as a virtual program.
Key Info
Duration: 90 mins
Capacity: Up to 30 students
Cost: $250 for up to 30 students (adult chaperones are free)
Availability: 10AM – 11.30Am, 1PM – 2:30PM
Curriculum Connections
The program will connect broadly with the Social Studies Big Ideas of each grade level.
GRADES 5 – 6
Explore how different world views from time immemorial to today have shaped the fate of North Vancouver’s forests.
Key Info
Duration: 90 mins, with the option of up to 30 mins of self-guided gallery time (single class visits only, unless our Feature Exhibit space is available – inquire with programming staff)
Capacity: Up to 60 students (for larger groups, please inquire about possible extensions with an outdoor element)
Cost: $250 for up to 30 students (adult chaperones are free)
Availability: 10AM – 11.30Am, 1PM – 2:30PM
Program Highlights
Curriculum Connections
Social Studies 4: the pursuit of valuable natural resources has played a key role in changing the land, people and communities of Canada; Interactions between First Peoples and Europeans led to conflict and co-operation, which continue to shape Canada’s identity
Social Studies 5: Natural resources continue to shape the economy and identity of different regions of Canada; Canada’s policies for and treatment of minority peoples have negative and positive legacies
Curricular Competencies
GRADES 5 – 6
LOCATION: LYNN VALLEY
Step into the vaults at Lynn Valley for a hands-on investigation of local history. Students will analyze primary sources like diaries, maps, and newspapers, building essential primary source literacy through critical analysis and a “behind-the-scenes” cold storage tour.
Key Info
Duration: 90 mins
Capacity: Up to 30 students
Cost: $250 for up to 30 students (adult chaperones are free)
Availability: 10AM – 11.30AM, 1PM – 2:30PM (inquire about Mon / Tue options)
Program Highlights
Curriculum Connections
Social Studies 5: Natural resources continue to shape the economy and identity of different regions of Canada; Canada’s policies for and treatment of minority peoples have negative and positive legacies
Social Studies 6: Economic self-interest can be a significant cause of conflict among peoples and governments; Media sources can both positively and negatively affect our understanding of important events and issues.
Curricular Competencies
All Archives programs run for 90 minutes unless otherwise specified. Programs are available Wednesday to Friday, October to June, with morning and afternoon time slots available each day. Please fill out an online booking form or email programs@monova.ca
GRADES 8 – 9
Discover Coast Salish weaving, storytelling, and history through hands-on activities led by an Indigenous Cultural Programmer.
Also available as a virtual program.
GRADES 10 – 12
Enrich your Indigenous Studies course with this unique cultural immersion program led by an Indigenous Cultural Programmer.
Includes hands-on wool weaving.
Bring MONOVA to your classroom with our bookable Education Kits!
Each kit focuses on a different area of North Vancouver history. Book your kit in advance by contacting programs@monova.ca. Kits will be available for pick up at the Archives in Lynn Valley.
Grades 8-12, online kit | Chief Dan George (1899-1981) was a səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Chief who lived on what was then called Burrard Indian Reserve # 3 near Deep Cove (now Tsleil-Waututh Reserve). He was well-known both as an actor and an activist. He advocated for Indigenous people throughout his life and is well known for delivering the ‘Lament for Confederation.’ He was the first Indigenous actor to receive an Academy Award nomination.
You will learn more about his life and legacy through these activities.
Grades 2-3, 2-week rental | Take the Museum into your classroom! Students work as ‘Photo Detectives’ to analyze historic and modern images and consider the changes that have taken place in their community over time.
Grades 4–7 and 8–12, 3-week rental, available in French and English | This book and education kit explore significant aspects of traditional and contemporary səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) histories, traditions, and cultures.
Grades 3-4, 2-week rental | Explore the life and legacy of səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Chief Dan George, including the significance of his acting career, activism and efforts to preserve local Indigenous traditions culture.
Grades 3-5, 2-week rental | Using archival photographs featuring Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) people and places, students explore this Coast Salish community’s history.
Grade 2-7, 3-week rental | Through a series of three walking experiences that engage the senses and imagination and integrate the First Peoples Principles of Learning, students will come to a holistic understanding of Lynn Valley or Lower Lonsdale as a place. Its history from time immemorial to the present is highlighted, using the underlying concept of respect—for each other, the land that we are on, and the knowledge shared. These are larger kids that can be used as an entire unit. The kit rental includes a 30-minute virtual Coast Salish traditional opening ceremony.
Grades 5-6, 3-week rental | Nikkei (Japanese Canadians) have a long history in North Vancouver. This kit encourages students to engage with their history of immigration, internment during World War II and the rebuilding of lives up to the present through the exploration of photographs, archival materials, and creative activities.
School Program* $250
Virtual Program: $200
Education Kits FREE thanks to the generosity of our sponsors.
See Terms & Conditions for more information on class sizes, cancellation policy, and payment terms.
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