INDIGENOUS RESOURCES
Acknowledgement
The Vancouver Maritime Museum is located on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations in Vancouver, British Columbia.
The legacy of colonial oppression continues to impact Indigenous communities, and as a museum we have a responsibility to present history that includes Indigenous perspectives. This resource guide features ways we all can educate ourselves about Indigenous culture and heritage and support First Nations, Metis and Inuit communities.
Learn
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action
Project Heart – Learn about the hidden history of BC residential schools
Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc (includes updates about findings at Kamloops Indian Residential School)
Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre
7 Ways to Incorporate Reconciliation Into Your Business
Metro Vancouver’s Indigenous peoples find their voice … and their leaders
Tsleil-Waututh (Səlilwətaɬ)
Musqueam (xʷməθkʷəy̓əm)
Musqueam remembers 215 children found at Kamloops residential school
Squamish Nation (Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw)
Read and Watch
Children
Fatty Legs* by Christy Jordan-Fenton and Margaret Pokiak-Fenton, illustrated by Liz Amini-Holmes
When I was Eight* by Christy Jordan-Fenton and Margaret Pokiak Fenton, illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard
Stolen Words by Melanie Florence, illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard
Cloudwalker by Roy Henry Vickers and Robert Budd
Elisapee and Her Baby Seagull* by Nancy Mike, illustrated by Charlene Chua *
Website for Kids to Explore
Where Can I Learn About Indigenous People in Canada?
Young Adults
The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline
Adults
Seven Fallen Feathers: Racism, Death, and Hard Truths in a Northern City by Tanya Talaga
Highway of Tears: A True Story of Racism, Indifference and the Pursuit of Justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls by Jessica McDiarmid
Chapter 19 in North Star of Herschel Island: Canada’s Arctic Tall Ship* by Bruce MacDonald
National Film Board: Residential Schools https://www.nfb.ca/channels/residential-schools/
Recommended Reading Lists
Government of Canada Indigenous Reading List
*starred titles are available in the Museum Shop
Take Action
How to Support Tḱemlúps te Secwepemc
This document from the Tḱemlúps te Secwepemc Office of the Chief provides suggestions for respectful ways to show support for those impacted by findings regarding the unmarked grave site at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School.
Donate
Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc
email donations@kib.ca or cheques addressed to Tḱemlúps te Secwepemc can be mailed to 200-330 Chief Alex Thomas Way, Kamloops, BC V2H 1H1
Native Women’s Association of Canada
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
Indian Residential Schools Survivor Society – BC-based organization providing essential services for residential school survivors and their families.
Other Support
Support Indigenous Businesses
Daily Hive list of First Nations Businesses in Vancouver
Visit Indigenous Galleries
Indigenous Tourism BC List of Indigenous Galleries throughout B.C.
Do you know of a resource that should be listed here? Email education@vanmaritime.com
Changing Perspectives
The Changing Perspectives exhibit revisits the histories of European colonization of Indigenous territories in what is now the Pacific Northwest. It is produced by the Vancouver Maritime Museum which is fortunate to be hosted on the traditional territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations in Vancouver British Columbia, Canada.