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.

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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.