The city of Vancouver is located on the traditional land of the First Nations called xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh). Getting onto their unceded land is a very good reason to learn more about their traditions and the best place for that is the Museum of Anthropology quite a bit afar from downtown. It is part of the University of British Columbia (UBC) and located at their campus just a 20 minutes ride by car west along the coast.
The roots of the museum go back to the year 1927 and the first acquisition of items by the UBC. It contains a lot of totem poles, masks and cultural artifacts from multiple First Nations and creates thereby a good starting point to do a deep dive into their culture. Exhibits also focus on the first contact between the First Nations and the European settlers as well as the cultural differences and misunderstandings. You can also get some inside how interactions are today and how the cultural heritage shapes different ways of acting in the current society of Canada.
The large exhibits are absolutely impressive, the museum is still extended and in addition to the current collection changing exhibitions are organized. The museum is also deeply involved into teaching at UBC, making archaeology, anthropology and arts classes possible. Paid parking is in effect in front of the building and there is also a multi-storey carpark on the opposite side of the road.
Museum of Anthropology (MOA)
Vancouver
British Columbia
Canada
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