Vancouver Maritime Museum Reopens “táywilh | snəxʷəɬ” Exhibit, Highlighting Tsleil-Waututh Canoe Culture Research
|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Zoe George, a proud member of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, is at the forefront of critical research that weaves together Indigenous Knowledge and marine conservation. Her work underscores the inseparable bond between culture, the environment, and community well-being, and focuses on the enduring significance of canoeing and the increasing impacts of marine shipping on Indigenous communities and their traditional ways of life. This important research is the focus of a new exhibit at the Vancouver Maritime Museum which reopens on April 3, 2025.
Growing up immersed in the rich cultural landscape of the Tsleil-Waututh Territory, Zoe’s lifelong connection to the waterways has fueled her commitment to environmental stewardship. For Zoe, the health of the marine ecosystem is not merely an ecological concern but a fundamental aspect of her cultural identity and ancestral connection to the land and water. Through her research, undertaken with the support of the Clear Seas Indigenous Internship Program and funding from Mitacs Indigenous Pathways, she is investigating the effects of escalating marine traffic on Indigenous communities, including the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, and their access to vital traditional territories and practices.
Central to Zoe’s research is the cultural importance of canoeing to the Tsleil-Waututh people. Passed down through generations, canoeing is far more than a means of navigation; it is a living link to ancestral teachings, ecological understanding, and sustainable resource management. “Some say every time you put your paddle in the water to take a stroke you are paddling as one with your ancestors,” says Zoe George. Her work champions the weaving together of Traditional Knowledge with Western scientific methodologies, striving to forge more holistic and culturally respectful strategies for coastal management in Canada.
Zoe’s research provides the setting for the exhibit at the Vancouver Maritime Museum (VMM), titled ” táywilh | snəxʷəɬ“. This collaborative endeavor underscores the vital role of Indigenous knowledge holders and community members in shaping museum narratives, fostering decolonization, and promoting reconciliation. According to Ermen Dellicarpini, Curator at the VMM, “it is only through the leadership of Indigenous knowledge keepers and community members that museums can engage in meaningful exhibitions that foster de-colonization and reconciliation.” The exhibit, deeply rooted in Zoe’s insights, will serve as an important platform to share the rich history and cultural significance of canoeing within the Tsleil-Waututh Nation and the broader Coast Salish territory with the wider public.
Zoe’s participation in the Clear Seas Indigenous Internship Program provides her with the support, mentorship, and resources essential for the advancement of her research and advocacy initiatives. “At Clear Seas, we are committed to creating real opportunities for Indigenous students and learners to engage directly with marine research that has a direct impact on their communities,” says Sarah Thomas, Director of Indigenous Programs at Clear Seas. “This Internship program offers a platform for Indigenous knowledge to lead the research process, ensuring that cultural knowledge and practices are respected and deeply integrated. By bridging Indigenous and non-Indigenous knowledge systems, Zoe’s vision is not just about understanding the marine environment—it’s about developing practical, culturally relevant solutions for managing Canada’s coastal regions. This work is empowering Indigenous communities and students to take charge of their own research and contribute to shaping the future of marine stewardship.”
“Canoeing has been an integral part of my life since childhood,” Zoe explains. “It’s not just about paddling on the water; it’s about understanding the intricate connections between the land, the tides, and how our people have thrived in these territories for countless generations. We have a responsibility to protect our culture for future generations, and integrating our traditional knowledge into contemporary research and policy is absolutely essential.” The partnership with the Vancouver Maritime Museum further amplifies the reach and impact of Zoe’s research, bringing her valuable insights and the cultural significance of canoeing to a broader audience. This collaboration highlights the critical importance of prioritizing Indigenous voices and providing meaningful opportunities for Indigenous youth within academic and institutional spaces, ultimately leading to a more comprehensive understanding of shared histories and collaborative pathways forward.
About Clear Seas:
The Clear Seas Indigenous Internship Program offers opportunities for Indigenous students and learners to work directly within marine research, focusing on the challenges and opportunities facing Indigenous communities in relation to marine ecosystems. Clear Seas is an independent, not-for-profit research centre that provides impartial information on marine shipping in Canada to policy makers and the public.
About Mitacs:
Mitacs is a national research and development organization in Canada that helps industry and not-for-profit partners solve business challenges with innovative research from the best academic institutions.
About the Vancouver Maritime Museum:
The Vancouver Maritime Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the maritime history of British Columbia and the Arctic. The museum strives to create engaging and educational experiences that connect visitors to the stories of the sea.
