Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nation Territory, Vancouver, BC – April 2, 2025 – The Vancouver Maritime Museum (VMM) opens “táywilh | snəxʷəɬ” on April 3rd, 2025, featuring research by Zoe George, a proud member of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, on the cultural significance of canoeing and the impact of marine traffic on Indigenous communities.
Zoe George’s work, supported by Clear Seas and Mitacs Indigenous Pathways, examines the vital role of canoeing in Tsleil-Waututh culture and the increasing challenges posed by marine shipping. “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. Her research blends Traditional Knowledge with Western science to inform coastal management.
The exhibit, a collaboration with the VMM, emphasizes the importance of Indigenous knowledge in shaping museum narratives and fostering reconciliation. “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,” states Ermen Dellicarpini, VMM Curator.
Zoe’s research underscores the connection between culture, environment, and community well-being, highlighting the need for culturally relevant marine stewardship. The exhibit aims to educate the public on the rich history and cultural significance of canoeing within Coast Salish territory.
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Opening of “táywilh | snəxʷəɬ” Exhibit
Date: April 3rd, 2025
Time: 5:30 pm PDT
Location: Vancouver Maritime Museum, 1905 Ogden Ave, Vancouver (BC) V6J 1A3
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.
Contacts:
Sarah Thomas, Director of Indigenous Programs, Clear Seas
sarah.thomas@clearseas.org