Sacred Journey

Witness the power of Tribal Canoe Journeys.

Sacred Journey, produced by the Heiltsuk Tribal Council, SeeQuest Development and Greencoast Media, and presented by Vancity, takes visitors on a voyage, to experience the resurgence of Northwest Coast canoe cultures.

For thousands of years, the traditional ocean-going canoe (“Glwa”) was the main means of transportation for Indigenous Peoples in the Pacific Northwest. It was essential for community, for culture, for way of life.

Nearly lost as a result of colonization, canoe culture has seen a revival over the last three decades.

Through art, immersive audio, video displays, and interactive experiences, Sacred Journey tells the powerful story of a People reclaiming traditions and ways of life—particularly through annual Tribal Canoe Journeys taken to revitalize cultures, heal communities, and empower the next generation.

Featuring modern Northwest Coast style graphic design and mask carving by Chazz Mack, Ian Reid (Nusi), Kelsey (KC) Hall and Roy Henry Vickers, Sacred Journey is a celebration of Northwest Coast canoe cultures. It is also an invitation for visitors to bear witness to the transformative power of Tribal Canoe Journeys and the Indigenous teachings that hold answers to the environmental and social crises our world is facing.

Vancity is a values-based financial co-operative founded in 1946 with the purpose of providing financial services to every individual regardless of their background. Reconciliation is one of Vancity’s core values. This means we use the tools of finance to address systemic barriers and advance economic Reconciliation, knowing that this urgent and long-term work is never complete. Our commitment to the Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) certification program marks the latest phase in our ongoing journey. This builds on steps we’ve taken, such as being a founding partner of Reconciliation Canada, adopting the call to action for businesses from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and adopting the UN Declaration of the rights of Indigenous Peoples. Vancity has offices and 54 branches located in Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, Victoria, Squamish and Alert Bay, within the territories of the Coast Salish and Kwakwaka’wakw people.

Explore the Exhibition

Beyond the Exhibition

Bákvḷá

For the Heiltsuk, food is medicine. Food security means maintaining and protecting not just their food system, but also protecting and strengthening their people and culture.

Developed from the dissertation of Vina Brown, a member of the Heiltsuk Nation and a PhD candidate, Bákvḷá explores a holistic approach to Heiltsuk food sovereignty and security.

With stories of The Big House (Gvákva’áus Haíɫzaqv) and the arrival of herring (Wán ̓ái) which feeds everyone and everything on the Pacific Coast, Bákvḷá shows how food sustains the Heiltsuk; their connections with their territory, history, and knowledge systems—and, indeed, their very identity.

Bákvḷá is co-produced by the Heiltsuk Nation and co-curated by Frank Brown, Ayla Brown, and Vina Brown, as well as the Heiltsuk Nation, William Knight, and Canada Agriculture and Food Museum.

Bákvḷá is on display in our Atrium from July 15–Feb 20, 2023, and is included in the cost of your admission to Science World.

Free Admission for Indigenous Peoples

Science World is honoured to host Sacred Journey, to share a powerful story of canoe resurgence as told by its leaders, and to uphold narratives of Indigenous Peoples as knowledge keepers.

To celebrate, we're offering free admission for Indigenous Peoples from July 15–Feb 20, 2023.

You are welcome to walk up in-person for a free visit. Please let the Admissions staff know you are using the coupon code "SACREDJOURNEYSW” or that you self-identify as Indigenous. You can also purchase a ticket on our website with the same code.

If you have any questions, please contact [email protected] and our team will gladly assist you.

Sacred Journey

Free Admission for Indigenous Peoples. Instructions Below.

Date & Time

Open until February 20, 2023

Witness the power of Tribal Canoe Journeys.

Beyond the Exhibition

Bákvḷá

Free Admission for Indigenous Peoples

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