From left: Indigenous Cultural Programmer Senaqwila Wyss, artist and cultural coordinator Marissa Nahannee, and NVMA Commissioner Sheryl Rivers at the detachment ceremony for the public artwork ‘Nature As Teacher: Our Coast Salish World’ at MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver, 26 June 2022. Photo: Chris Chong, Butters Studio
Since the delivery of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Final Report in 2015, people across Canada have been moved to action. Through honest and difficult conversations, we are forging a new way forward that honours Indigenous communities and acknowledges the harmful legacy of Residential Schools.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, the UN Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), the Canadian Museums Association’s Moved to Action report and the BC Government’s Declaration Act Action Plan provide a framework for making meaningful change, honouring Indigenous experiences and culture, and building respectful relationships.
From the early groundwork laid by Coast Salish activists Chief Joe Capilano, Chief Joe Mathias, Chief Dan George as well as allies like Maisie Hurley and Charles Cates, North Vancouver has long been a centre of Indigenous activism and allyship in advancing self-determination.
With the #IdleNoMore movement and the identification of unmarked graves of children at Residential School sites, there’s been an increased urgency toward advancing Truth and Reconciliation in recent years.
Commencing in June, during National Indigenous History Month and continuing throughout the year, MONOVA and Vancouver’s North Shore Tourism Association invite residents and visitors, community groups and businesses on the North Shore to share your #ReconciliationStories:
#ReconciliationStories will highlight North Shore community members and leaders who inspire and connect us with their personal stories, through short videos and photos of their journeys to address past harms and healing.
How are you contributing to this important work in redefining and enriching our communities? Share your reflections and actions with us on all major social media platforms using the #ReconciliationStories hashtag.
Indigenous Cultural Programmer Tsawaysia Spukwus leading a tour through MONOVA’s Main Exhibit Gallery. Photo: Alison Boulier
MONOVA has planned a full month of events for Indigenous History Month and hosts Coast Salish cultural programs that reflect the voices and experiences of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Səl̓ílwətaɬ communities. These stories are woven throughout the Museum of North Vancouver’s (115 West Esplanade) exhibit galleries and are accessible at the Archives of North Vancouver (3203 Institute Road).
Join us throughout the year and mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with us on September, 30, 2023.
MONOVA and Vancouver’s North Shore Tourism Association’s hope that #ReconciliationStories will inspire engagement, deepen respect, and highlight ways to share, learn and celebrate actions throughout the year.
In July 2023, join us as we celebrate the 100th anniversary celebration of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) with activities highlighting their history and culture.
The festival, taking place on Sunday, July 23, 2023, is a celebration of unity, and marks the 100th anniversary of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw’s amalgamation. The events, planned for a number of locations in Sḵwx̱wú7mesh territory, are a mix of traditional and modern activities, and are designed to showcase the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw’s culture, heritage, and talents.
In July 1923, 16 families united as the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Band. The group photo commemorates the government’s recognition that the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Band was made up of numerous village sites. The delegates (all identified) were signing Chiefs and delegates. NVMA 4835
On Saturday, July 15, 2023, visit MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver as we celebrate the anniversary with an Indigenous Artisan Market and a historical slideshow prepared by Indigenous Cultural Programmers Tsawaysia Spukwus and Jordan Dawson.
Check out out Events page to learn more and plan your visit.
#ReconciliationStories is generously supported by Vancouver’s North Shore Tourism Association.
Coast Salish programming is generously supported by BMO Financial Group.
Indigenous History Month events are supported the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, proudly representing the Port of Vancouver.
We rely on contributions, monthly or one-time gifts, to help MONOVA safeguard and expand our community’s archival and museum collections, build learning experiences and inspire future generations.
Donations are accepted through the Friends of the North Vancouver Museum & Archives Society, Registered Charity No. 89031 1772 RR0001.
Click here to add your own text
Queer Histories, Queer Stories: Celebrating Pride in North Vancouver