Indigenous Hall

Chief Dan George - Actor and Activist

Explore the life and legacy of Tsleil-Waututh Chief Dan George—leader, writer, performer and advocate for First Nations people. This exhibit explores the life and legacy of Tsleil-Waututh Chief Dan George (1899- 1981), including his influence as a First Nations rights advocate and his career as an actor.

Longshoreman, actor, musician, lecturer, poet, activist, environmentalist and First Nations leader. Dan George (born Geswanouth Slahoot) is well remembered. Raised on the Burrard Indian Reserve #3, the son of hereditary chief George Sla-holt, he spent much of his life working as a longshoreman and logger. He began his acting career later in life during the 1960s and 70s. Dan George appeared in many television, movie and stage productions in which he worked to promote a better understanding of First Nations people. Although focused on Dan George, the exhibition also delves into significant events in the First Nations rights movement in BC and Canada. Take a virtual tour of the exhibit.

The exhibit runs from October 14, 2021 to April 24, 2022. Created by MONOVA: Museum and Archives of North Vancouver.

About the Indigenous Hall

This is a first of its kind–a space of gathering, storytelling and exhibition that is voiced completely by the communities it represents–Katzie First Nation, Kwantlen First Nation and Semiahmoo First Nation, Surrey’s three land-based Nations. The Indigenous Hall will evolve and change as relationships grow and strengthen. It is a dynamic and alive space intended to educate and story tell.

Virtual Tours of Past Exhibits

We Are Kwantlen
I am Semiahmoo / I am Survivor of the Flood

About the Photos 

• Above: Both portray Chief Dan George (date unknown). Credit: Museum of North Vancouver.
• Below: Courtesy of Museum of Anthropology (A038355).