June is Indigenous History Month in Canada, a time to recognize the rich history, heritage, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis. MONOVA’s team of Indigenous Cultural Programmers have created a number of special events and screenings to coincide with Indigenous History Month, and the whole community is invited to attend.

Admission to MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver is free for those who self-identify as Indigenous. Special events outside of regular operating hours may be ticketed.

Stém̓xwulh: Woolly Dog Weavings
Currently on view at MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver until July 2, 2023. Included with admission.
Don’t miss the Stém̓xwulh: Woolly Dog Weavings exhibit curated by Indigenous Cultural Programmer Senaqwila Wyss. This extraordinary exhibition features rare Salish Woolly Dog ceremonial robes and contemporary artworks.

Scrapbooking with Jordan Dawson
Thursday, June 1 from 5:30 to 7:45 pm. Cost: Included with admission
Create memories for generations to come during this scrapbooking drop-in program with Indigenous Cultural Programmer Jordan Dawson. Relax, trigger your creative ideas, listen to music, chat with staff, and enjoy tea and refreshments while you scrapbook your personal photographs and memorabilia. Bring your pictures and creativity. All art supplies included.

Indigenous Cultural Programmer Tsawaysia Spukwus and Jordan Dawson standing together next to the Coast Salish Welcome Circle inside MONOVA’s award-winning Main Exhibit Gallery. Photo: Alison Boulier

From the Garden: Yarrow Salve Making
Saturday, June 3 from 1:00  to 3:00 pm. Cost: Included with admission
Make yarrow salve from MONOVA’s Coast Salish plant garden with Indigenous Cultural Programmer Tsawaysia Spukwus. Yarrow salve is believed to help cure fevers and colds, bleeding and bruises, and everything in between.

Film Screening: Prey
Thursday, June 8 from 6:00-8:00 pm. Cost: Free to see the film, paid admission to access the galleries
An American science fiction action film in the Predator franchise. A young Comanche woman finds herself having to protect her people from a vicious, humanoid alien that hunts humans for sport, as well as from French fur traders who are destroying the buffalo they rely on for survival. Film Rating: R

Coast Salish Wool Weaving Workshop with Jordan Dawson
Sunday, June 11 from 1:30-2:30 pm. Cost: Included with admission
Weave a simple yet beautiful wool bracelet in the Coast Salish style in this interactive workshop led by Indigenous Cultural Programmer Jordan Dawson from Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation.

Monkey Beach is based on Eden Robinson’s novel of the same name which was nominated for the Governor General Award and the Giller Prize.

Film Screening: Monkey Beach
Thursday, June 15 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Cost: Free to see the film, paid admission to access the galleries
A dramatic feature film based on the book by indigenous author Eden Robinson. This captivating allegory touches upon the challenge of coexisting with the ghosts that haunt us and spirits who might enlighten us. Film Rating: Suggested 14A

Sharing Culture: Beading with Nicole Baker
June 17, 2023 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Cost: $40 General Admission, $32 Museum Pass holder, Friends Leadership Circle, Indigenous. Tickets available here.
Discover the art of beading with Nicole Baker from Alert Bay. Learn the ancient tradition of beading, hear captivating stories, and create beautiful earrings under Nicole’s guidance.

On June 22, discover the extraordinary journey and revitalization of Coast Salish wool weaving. Photo: Alison Boulier

A Celebration of Coast Salish Wool Weaving
Thursday, June 22 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Cost: Included with admission
Discover the extraordinary journey and revitalization of Coast Salish wool weaving. Learn about the historical significance of wool weaving through a demonstration of materials, techniques and designs.

On June 24, bannock makers will share their delicious fried or baked goods for sale, each using their own family recipe.

Bannock Bake Off
Saturday, June 24 from 12:00 to 2:00 pm. Cost: Free to attend, paid admission to access the galleries. 
Bannock makers will share their delicious fried or baked goods for sale, each using their own family recipe. Some may even dip their bannock in cinnamon and sugar! Traditional tea and homemade jam will also be available.

Film Screening: Brother Bear 2
Saturday, June 24 from 3:00 to 5:00pm. Cost: Free to see the film, paid admission to access the galleries.
Kenai takes an exciting adventure he never dreamed of before his transformation into a bear by the Great Spirits. As he travels the Pacific Northwest at the end of the Ice Age, Kenai is haunted by dreams of his previous life. Rated G.

Join Indigenous Cultural Programmer Tsawaysia Spukwus for a painting workshop using acrylic paints and templates created by local Coast Salish artists.

Coast Salish Canvas Painting with Tsawaysia Spukwus
Sunday, June 25 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Cost: Museum admission, plus donation for supplies
Paint Coast Salish designs on small canvas using acrylic paints and templates created by local Coast Salish artists including See-Appl-Tun (Art Harry).

From the Garden: Coast Salish Plants
Thursday, June 29 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Cost: Included with admission
Learn about plants in your neighbourhood, even your backyard, with Indigenous Cultural Programmer Tsawaysia Spukwus. Take a quick tour of MONOVA’s Coast Salish Plant Garden, hear about about traditional plants and their medicinal value, and test your knowledge about local flora.

Coast Salish programming is generously supported by BMO Financial Group.