Indigenous Hall

Current Exhibit
Our Living Languages

With this travelling exhibit from the Royal BC Museum learn what First Nations communities throughout the province are doing to help their languages survive and flourish in this beautifully designed exhibition space that celebrates the resilience and diversity of First Nations languages in the face of change.

Language is a powerful, potent marker of identity and culture. Think about the emotional resonance of the term “mother tongue”—the languages we grow up with are our kin, nourishment and birthright. BC is one of the planet’s most linguistically diverse regions. From a global perspective, it’s known as a linguistic “hotspot” because of the diversity and vitality of the First Nations languages in BC, 34 of which are spoken in this exhibition.

Through interactive stations, original First Nations artwork, video, audio and live engagement, Our Living Languages provides visitors with the opportunity to learn more about the history of disrupted languages in BC, the complexity of these languages, and the people – and entire communities – that are working tirelessly to document and revitalize them.

The exhibit runs from September 13, 2022 to April 9, 2023. Take a virtual tour.

This project has been made possible in part by the Government of Canada.
Ce projet a ete rendu possible en partie grace au gouvernement du Canada.

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

Body Language
Chief Dan George - Actor and Activist
We Are Kwantlen
I am Semiahmoo / I am Survivor of the Flood