Summer 2019
MAKING A GRAND ENTRANCE HOCHOB MAYA TEMPLE WELCOMES YOU SPRING INSTITUTE HIGHLIGHTS LET THE LANGUAGES LIVE INTERNATIONAL INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE CONFERENCE COMING TO VICTORIA
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SUMMER 2019 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Signing on the Dotted Line FEATURE Making a Grand Entrance FEATURE Spring Institute Highlights Word Travels Fast FEATURE Let the Languages Live Alive and Thriving STAFF PROFILE Mischelle vanThiel Thank You to All Our Supporters Haq and History Community Impact Six Years Strong Party on the Plaza From the Beginning CURIOUS A Golden Summer What’s On Calendar GOING DIGITAL Digital Field Trips PARTNERSHIP PROFILE Destination Greater Victoria
E DITOR IN CHIEF Erika Stenson Head of Marketing, Sales & Business Development
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MANAGING EDITOR Jennifer Vanderzee Marketing & Sales Manager
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MAGAZINE COORDINATOR Ashley Gale Marketing Assistant
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What’s inSight is an electronic magazine released four times annually, in March, June, September and December, by the Royal BC Museum.
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In the interest of keeping our administrative costs low—and our carbon footprint small—this print version is also provided to members in digital format at royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/magazine
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COVER IMAGE This exceptional stone panel featured in the Maya: The Great Jaguar Rises exhibition, describes events taking place in 652 CE in Cancuén, which was a major city during the Classic Period, reaching its peak during the 7th century.
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Nathan Oickle 2D Graphic Designer Shane Lighter Photographer
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Limestone. Cancuen, Guatemala. Late Classic period (799 CE). On loan from La Ruta Maya Foundation. Detial to the right.
Erik Lambertson Corporate Communications Manager
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To switch your What’s inSight subscription preference from print to digital format, please email membership@royalbcmuseum.bc.ca or call 250-387-3287.
Dear friends, Healing and reconciliation are difficult challenges for society. More than simply being a question of apology, these require redress and action. They mean accepting in very broad terms that British Columbia is made up of many different people and communities, each with different cultures, traditions and experiences, some of which have been violent and conflictual. Few can doubt that a stable and respectful future is possible without learning more about the past. This is where the Royal BC Museum must play its part.
The future museum will work to support the sharing and broadening understanding of traditional cultures, knowledge and languages. Lucy Bell, head of Indigenous Collections and Repatriation in the Ethnology Collections area. Photo courtesy of UVic Alumni Relations.
As we consider the museum modernization as a time of learning, we must consider the histories that we must encompass in the narratives we offer. Not just a chronology of events, but an understanding of the dynamics of change over time. The hope is that a stronger sense of British Columbia will emerge, with an appreciation of the many languages of this land as a means of hearing and listening to the silenced voices of the past. The consequences of pollution and waste, of biodiversity loss and ecological degradation, must also be taken as part of our forward learning program. If these negative consequences are to be mitigated and better managed in the future, we will need to explore opportunities for generating greater understanding and respect for our ecosystems and renewable resources. All this is possible with the museum’s world-class collections. Have your say until June 30 at engage.gov.bc.ca/museummodernization, where you are encouraged to participate through an online dialogue, by making a formal submission or by attending a public meeting. Yours,
Professor Jack Lohman, CBE Chief Executive Officer, Royal BC Museum
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INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Signing on the Dotted Line Negotiation in Guatemala By Julie Ovenell, Communications Specialist
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hey arrived in Guatemala on a Tuesday in March, excited and ready to sign the official documents necessary to bring one of the world’s most impressive collections of Maya artifacts to the Royal BC Museum. And then they waited. And waited. And then began to worry, just a little.
For Joanne Orr, deputy CEO and vicepresident, collections, research and international programs, and Leah Best, head of knowledge, who between them have more than 50 years of museum experience, the business of bringing Maya: The Great Jaguar Rises to Victoria in May was, says Orr, “an unprecedented experience.”
“What began as a straight go-and-signfor-the-loans trip became much more complicated due to government policy changes leading into Guatemala’s presidential election. The trip became much more of an adventure than we had anticipated because of factors beyond our control—and the story has a happy ending.”
the vaults of the national museum in Guatemala City.
Almost immediately after arriving, Leah discovered that 100 items had been removed from the previously agreed artifacts list. That was the bad news.
Recalls Leah: “It was a very long, very stressful day. We had to work so fast; we only had this one shot. But we had just the right people there, at just the right moment, because we all knew the exhibition narrative and the display case measurements. And we were able to select new objects—some still in their original crates!—that would fit into our cases. In the end, we replaced 87 objects.”
The good news: Leah—along with the exhibition curator, the designer and the logistics expert—would be given one day to select replacement artifacts from
The signing date moved four times in the week that the exhibition team was in Guatemala City. While they awaited official approval for the revised list of artifacts,
the group continued with their mission: a reconnaissance trip to the Tikal temple site and to the markets of Antigua to buy supplementary materials for the exhibition, including copal incense, masks and raw jade. Meantime, various government agencies— including the Canadian embassy in Guatemala—worked furiously to find agreement on which artifacts would be allowed to come to Canada. Finally, late on Monday, word came: the deal would be signed at 2:00 pm the next day. In the end, Joanne signed the documents at 3:25 pm on Tuesday—mere minutes before she and Leah had to leave for the airport for their return journey. It was, Joanne says wryly, “a great relief.”
Some of these objects—like Altar 5 and the magnificent La Corona steps—were only recently excavated; their ancient hieroglyphs tell a story of an entire new dynasty within Mayan culture that rivals Game of Thrones!”
1. Tikal National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Centre located in Guatamala. 2. Deputy CEO Joanne Orr signs the loan agreement for Maya.
Joanne credits Leah and her MuseumsPartner colleagues “for building strong relationships on the ground that helped get us through a set of difficult circumstances. Relationshipbuilding is core to museum work, and the goodwill of the Guatemalan national museum team was extraordinary; they really were prepared to go that extra mile to help us. “And quite serendipitously, we’ve come out of all this with a truly remarkable exhibit. 2. 1.
FEATURE
Making a Grand Entrance Hochob Maya Temple Welcomes You By Erik Lambertson, Corporate Communications Manager
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n the cavernous exhibition space, exhibit fabricators Colin Longpre and Joel Blaicher stand before a four-and-a-half-metre-tall replica of a Maya temple entrance and talk details with Michael Barnes, their department head.
Made of carved expanded polystyrene foam that’s been treated with a gritty surface, once painted and installed the edifice will 6
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be a realistic facsimile of the original in Hochob—and a spectacular entryway for the summertime feature exhibition, Maya: The Great Jaguar Rises. “The facade is particularly exciting,” says Barnes, “because this piece will tour with the show to other international venues.” In other words, the creative work of the
Royal BC Museum exhibition team will continue to impress, well beyond Victoria. The edifice, nearly ten metres wide, in fact consists of 21 panels, all interlocking and without any discernible seams. Many of the individual carved pieces, provided by a contractor, “were almost too good,” says Blaicher. “So we added some distressing
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and knocked some chunks off here and there.” The rough treatment is only to enhance the illusion of authenticity. Says Longpre, “We’ll give it a few discreet layers to make it look like centuries-old stone that’s been eroded by water and stained by minerals.”
The entrance is a dramatic harbinger of treasures within. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit rbcm.ca/maya.
1. Exhibit fabricators Colin Longpre and Joel Blaicher install a panel on the Maya entrance. 2. Detail of the mocked-up Maya entrance. 3. Feature gallery space durning the installation of the Maya exhibition. 4. Colin Longpre (left) and Joel Blaicher.
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FEATURE
Spring Institute Highlights On April 12 and 13, researchers from the museum’s curatorial, archival and learning teams discussed their current studies and findings with the public at a free event called the Spring Institute (previously known as Research Day). Here are a few of the 16 different presentations featured at this year’s event.
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Diet and Reproductive Capacity of Common Wall Lizards and their Impacts on Urban Environments of South Vancouver Island GAVIN HANKE, CURATOR OF VERTEBRATES Common wall lizards (Podarcis muralis) were first released in BC 52 years ago. Their impacts are largely unknown. Over the next three years I will examine the diet of wall lizards to determine daily and seasonal trends in prey selection and whether they impact pollinators or species at risk.
It’s Complicated: Representation, Community Engagement and Museum Practices TZU-I CHUNG, CURATOR OF HISTORY, AND CHRIS O’CONNOR, LEARNING PROGRAM DEVELOPER Projects such as the It’s Complicated discussion series and the Punjabi Canadian Legacy Project shift heritage knowledge production from traditional authoritative institutional approaches to the facilitation of community self-expressions and of difficult knowledge through dialogues within (and beyond) museum walls. We reflect on these projects as examples of cross-team work that can prompt a paradigm shift for museums in the twenty-first century.
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What to Do About Plastics KASEY LEE, SENIOR CONSERVATOR While society is grappling with the problem of deteriorated plastics in our oceans, landfills and even biological organisms, museum conservators are desperately looking for ways to save plastic artifacts from self-destruction. In this research project, I explore various strategies for preserving two of the most fugitive plastics in our collection: cellulose nitrate and cellulose acetate.
1. Common wall lizard specimens on display at the Spring Institute. 2. Gallery intervention event at the Royal BC Museum in November 2015. 3. Crumbled remains of a plastic shower cap featured in Kasey Lee’s “What to Do About Plastics?” display at the Spring Institute.
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Our Invading Invertebrate Relatives HEIDI GARTNER, COLLECTION MANAGER AND RESEARCHER, INVERTEBRATES Tunicates are a group of invertebrates also known as sea squirts. There are introduced tunicate species in BC that have complex histories of invasion, with measurable impacts, in other parts of Canada and the world. I am updating our knowledge of their invasion distribution by examining the museum’s collection and published records, working with key collaborators and doing field work along the coast of BC.
Changing the Narrative: Indigenous Data, Information and Records
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GENEVIEVE WEBER, ARCHIVIST I am participating in a national project to discuss Indigenous data, information and records within archives and museum collections. In this project, I discuss how the exposure of records in the archives collection has led to a re-examining of the history of the Kootenai Uprising, making space for an Indigenous perspective.
1. An invasive tunicate, Botrylloides violaceus, growing on mussel shells near Ladysmith, BC. 2. Dave Jacobson (left) and Jonathan Jacobson in the BC Archives.
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Word Travels Fast Our Living Languages Readies for the Road By Erik Lambertson, Corporate Communications Manager
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ools in hand, exhibit fabricator Devin Hobbins scrutinizes the schematics for the travelling version of Our Living Languages: First Peoples’ Voices in British Columbia.
He’s keenly aware it needs to be on the road by June for a long list of borrowing institutions and communities. Linda Digby, executive director of the Kelowna Museum Society, explains why the traveller is such a natural fit: “We see Our Living Languages as a centrepoint in bringing a conversation about the importance of Indigenous language into the public domain and raising awareness with the Syilx/Okanagan people,” her museum’s host community. Like many museums across BC (and Canada), the Kelowna Museums have sought to strengthen their relationships with the peoples on whose traditional lands they sit. This means new gallery signage that incorporates the local nsyilxcən language, email signatures that acknowledge the traditional land and relying on the expertise of young Indigenous speakers for translation, helping build their capacity. As Digby notes, “This exhibition creates a beautiful space for having conversations about Indigenous languages at risk. We’re very hopeful the exhibition can help turn the story around.” The Kelowna Museums are among many keen to support, promote and encourage Indigenous language revitalization. The traveller will first stop at the Langley Centennial Museum in June 2019 before heading to The Exploration Place in Prince George. In 2020 the traveller hits the road for the White Rock Museum and Archives, the Kelowna Museums and the Penticton Museum.
More than 20 small regional museums and Indigenous centres across BC are interested in playing host. The traveller is designed to be flexible and meet the logistical needs of a range of spaces. The original may have been built for the provincial museum, but the content will live easily in every region. Don’t miss it when it visits your region.
For more information, or to book the Our Living Languages traveller, contact Kate Kerr, the travelling exhibits coordinator, at travelling@royalbcmuseum.bc.ca. Exhibit fabricator Devin Hobbins in the Royal BC Museum carpentry studio, building a component of the Our Living Languages traveller.
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FEATURE
Let the Languages Live International Indigenous Language Conference Coming to Victoria By Megan Lappi, Communication Officer, First Peoples’ Cultural Council
work to remember, reclaim, restore and revitalize their languages, knowledge and wisdom—the voices of the land and our ancestors,” said Wanosts a̓ 7 Dr. Lorna Williams, member of the board of the First Peoples’ Cultural Foundation. “HELISET TŦE SḰÁL: ‘Let the Languages Live’ can teach the world about the beauty, wisdom and power in our languages to heal the spirit, community and the land.” 1.
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his summer, to celebrate the United Nations 2019 International Year of Indigenous Languages, the First Peoples’ Cultural Foundation and the First Peoples’ Cultural Council, in partnership with the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, are hosting an international conference on Indigenous language revitalization.
HELISET TŦE SḰÁL: “Let the Languages Live” 2019 International Conference on Indigenous Languages will take place in Victoria, BC, from June 24 to 26, 2019. This international gathering held by and for Indigenous peoples will bring together Indigenous language experts and advocates from around the world to share their successes and knowledge in language revitalization. The goal of the conference is to highlight and celebrate achievements and best practices in language revitalization. “Here in BC and around the globe, Indigenous peoples are continuing their 12
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The conference offers multiple workshop streams for participants to gain practical skills and knowledge in the areas of Indigenous immersion programming, technology, planning, archiving and documentation, education, policy and storytelling. We are also excited to showcase a broad range of talent from Indigenous people through artists’ showcases, performances and a vendor fair for both international and local artists. Learn More The conference, that will welcome delegates from BC, Canda and around the world, is currently seeking volunteers to support this event. For more details about the conference and volunteer registration, please visit fpcflanguageconference.com The First Peoples’ Cultural Council (FPCC) is a First Nations–led provincial Crown corporation with a mandate to support the revitalization of Indigenous languages, arts, cultures and heritage in BC. To learn more about FPCC and the programs and services available, visit fpcc.ca.
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The First Peoples’ Cultural Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides financial support and resources for language, art and cultural programs for First Nations communities in BC. For more information, visit fpcf.ca.
If you would like to find out more about the First Nations languages of BC and the work being done to revitalize them, come to the museum and visit the awardwinning interactive languages exhibition Our Living Languages: First Peoples’ Voices in BC, which was developed by FPCC in partnership with the Royal BC Museum.
1. “Let the Languages Live” conference logo, by Temosen Charles Elliot, Tsartlip First Nation. 2. Pewi Alfred. Photo courtesy of the First Peoples’ Cultural Council.
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Alive and Thriving Carving Studio Renewal Project By Janet MacDonald, Head of Learning
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or more than 50 years, a succession of master and apprentice carvers worked and demonstrated their work as part of an Indigenous carving program that operated in Thunderbird Park. Their prodigious output included poles, masks and regalia for Indigenous community use, as well as works for sale, and the learnings they shared resulted in the widespread recognition that what once had been considered craft was art. Many of the emerging artists who carved in the park would later be renowned as accomplished artists. Visitors had the opportunity to witness artists at work, “proving that traditional Indigenous art was alive and thriving,”as master carver Richard Hunt put it. Unfortunately, in 2008, the last carving studio on the site was declared structurally unsound, and the Royal BC Museum no longer had the funds to maintain the building or the program. Since then, the museum has featured cultural activities by Indigenous artists sporadically, during short-term summer events on site.
Then, in 2018, Moy Sutherland Jr., a Nuu-chah-nulth artist and former carver in the program, approached the museum with a proposal to revive it. As few instructional facilities exist in the province, he and others saw the program as a way to provide emerging artists with an opportunity to practice their skills under a mentor. Thunderbird Park, on the Royal BC Museum grounds, is a prime location visited by hundreds of thousands of students, BC residents and international tourists annually. Every year, visitors express their interest 14
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in learning more about Indigenous art, in particular asking to witness art as it is created and learn from the artists themselves. The idea was endorsed by the museum’s executive committee on September 27, 2018, with a request to proceed to an exploratory step: coordinating a series of design-thinking sessions with Indigenous stakeholders. A number of Indigenous artists—many of whom had participated in the original program—were invited to participate in the facilitated workshops held this past January and February to determine a vision and program for the future. We were fortunate that Richard Hunt and Calvin Hunt attended, as both are master carvers and mentors to many of the midcareer artists who began their practice here nearly 25 years ago. Key questions got the conversations started: Why are
we doing this? Who are we doing this for? What does success look like? What worked and didn’t work in previous iterations? The overwhelming consensus by everyone in the room was “…just start!” The next round of discussions included a goal-setting task that would guide our work for the next six months. In the short term, we will consult and engage with communities to determine what shape the program will take. We will consolidate survey results and present findings with recommendations to regional Indigenous advisory committees and museum executives by fall 2019. Next steps include a modest series of cultural activities by Indigenous artists this coming summer in Thunderbird Park, on the original carving studio site. We invite you to come down and further your knowledge in the tradition of sharing. Below : Attendees of a facilitated workshop in early 2019.
STAFF PROFILE
Mischelle vanThiel Vice-President, Advancement There are few jobs in the province that allow you to learn as much about the province’s history from bona fide experts in their fields, contribute to the future of the museum sector, or see as much of BC as mine does. I feel extremely fortunate to have joined the Royal BC Museum in the newly created role of vice-president, advancement. Since starting in my role, I’ve enjoyed exploring in the museum and archives collection spaces, learned about the staggeringly creative exhibitions and galleries, and met with passionate and hugely competent staff. This spring I put that knowledge of Royal BC Museum people and places into action on the road, joining a comprehensive consultation process. As the provincial government
accelerated its plans to modernize the museum and archives, I collaborated with my colleagues on a process of dialogue and factfinding across the province. The Royal BC Museum is on the threshold of significant changes. Government is supportive, and now it’s time to reflect upon what BC citizens—including Royal BC Museum members—are telling us they expect of a world-class museum and archives. I couldn’t have chosen a better, more dynamic time to join this team. This is your museum, and the provincial museum and archives that we are developing will always have your best interests at heart.
Royal Museum Shop Your purchases support the Royal BC Museum Shop in person or online at shop.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca Royal BC Museum members and IMAX season pass holders receive 10% off all purchases with membership card or online coupon code: member Shop hours 10:00 am – 5:00 pm daily 250-356-0505
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THANK YOU! TO ALL OUR SUPPORTERS
April 1, 2018 – March 31, 2019
$500,000+ Province of British Columbia
$100,000 – $499,999 CHEK Media Destination Greater Victoria Government of Canada | gouvernement du Canada Lamar Advertising Company
$25,000 – $99,999 CTV Vancouver Island First Peoples’ Cultural Council Global BC/Shaw Media Inc. Helijet Pattison Outdoor Advertising Royal British Columbia Museum Foundation TimberWest Truffles Catering
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hank you. We are grateful to the following donors, organizations and foundations that have invested in the important work of the Royal BC Museum in the past year. With their support, our staff were able to develop exciting outreach programs, make new research discoveries and build stronger connections with people across British Columbia through field trips, talks and community consultations.
A fossil from the McAbee Fossil Bed 2 Heritage Site.
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The Royal BC Museum also greatly appreciates the ongoing support of the Province of British Columbia, through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and the Royal BC Museum Foundation. Their core support makes our work possible. Please join us in thanking our generous supporters for their invaluable contributions to our work during the past fiscal year. Together, we are building the future of the Royal BC Museum and Archives.
$5,000 – $24,999 Humberto and Gretchen Bauta The Bay Centre BC Transit Corporation BCGEU Bespoke Blossoms Black Ball Ferry Line Butterfly Gardens Canadian Museums Association Cedar Coast Photography Decorate Victoria Digital Direct Driftwood Brewery Fanny’s Cultured Cow Products Ltd.
FortisBC Estate of Constance Christina Gibson Gwendolyn Page Great West Life, London Life and Canada Life IMAX Victoria Immediate Images Inc. Elizabeth Kennedy Estate of David N. Lee Peninsula Co-op Provincial Employees Community Services Fund Pauline Rafferty and Bob Plecas Times Colonist Treck Wear/Stormtech Tricom Canada Vancity Varshney Family Charitable Foundation Jack and Bev Wallace John and Joan Walton Innovators Fund Wesgroup Properties
$1,000 – $4,999 In memory of Eric Adler Patrick and Anne Anderson Anonymous (2) Dr. Pervez (Perry) and Annamaria Bamji Black & McDonald Ltd. Gary and Susan Braley Helen Buck Cedric Steele Reality Ltd. Joyce Clearihue Clipper Magazine Christopher and Susan Considine Carol Cullimore M. Bradley Dow and Angela Mangiacasale Eagle Wing Tours Suzanne Ellyin Robert and Marianne Eng Garth Evans Fairmont Empress Hotel Lynda and Murray Farmer Fernwood Coffee Company Barbara Fields David Harris Flaherty Peter and Ali Gustavson Highland Helicopters Investors Group of Downtown Victoria Audrey Johnson Lyall and Susan Knott Joan Laharty Mayfair Shopping Centre Jim and Isabel Merston
MV Coho Magazine Northwest Travel Magazine David and Dixie Obee Stefan and Magdalena Opalski Tom Osaki Barbara Potash Robert Peterson and Craig Rosario Raymond and Sheila Protti Matthew and Natasha Rainsberry Robert and Devi Jawl Foundation Doris Schuh Seattle Magazine Anthony and Darlene Southwell John and Fern Spring Kiirsten Suurkask Mark and Elizabeth Taylor Thomas Mayne Fund through the Victoria Foundation University of Victoria Continuing Studies Rene and Allison Weir in honour of Grace Eva Telford Angela and Gerald Wesley Angela Williams David Zussman and Sheridan Scott
$500 – $999 Michael Albrechtson Anonymous (1) Bob and Mary Beth Arkell Mavis Begg Blum Family Fund through the Victoria Foundation Lorraine and John Braithwaite Jeff and Tabitha Bray Geoff and Amy-Lynn Burian Lily Chow Kelly and Rose Chu Barbara Clerihue Daphne Corbett Donna and John de Haan Joe and Linda Harvey Tiit Kõdar in memory of Jean Elizabeth Kõdar Susan K. McMillan in memory of David H. McMillan Lois McNabb C. Robert Miers Edmund and Carol Navickas Donald and Anne Russell Todd, Robin, Maya and Sadie Alan Tompson in memory of Anne Tompson Margaret Vandenberg and Robert Wilband
FEELING INSPIRED TO ADD YOUR SUPPORT? To make a donation or bequest to the Royal BC Museum, please contact 250-387-7222 or donate@royalbcmuseum.bc.ca. Thank you!
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THANK YOU!
GIFTS TO THE COLLECTIONS April 1, 2018 – March 31, 2019
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hank you to all donors who have contributed to the permanent collections of the Royal BC Museum during this fiscal year.
Over the course of the year, many objects, specimens and documentary records have entered the provincial collection at the Royal BC Museum. These donations come from generous individuals and organizations that aim to help us fulfil our provincial mandate, which is to advance new knowledge and understanding of BC’s cultural and natural history. With these donations, our institution is able to preserve, research and exhibit the incredible diversity of our province and to create public programs that explore it. If you would like to know more about donating to the provincial collection at the Royal BC Museum, please contact Caroline Davies Posynick, senior registrar, at 250-387-2961 or cdaviesposynick@royalbcmuseum.bc.ca. André Family Collection Victoria Arbour Bruce S. Archibald Archipelago Marine Research Ltd. Archives Association of British Columbia Gurpleet Arneja Carol Barbon Pauline Barnes Ryan Batten BC Hydro BC SPCA Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre The Beneš Family, Surrey, BC Gail Berg David Blades Louise Blight Boundary Invasive Species Society Marian K. Brown William Bryant Jr. Burrowing Owl Conservation Society of BC Rob Cannings Syd. G. Cannings David, Tristan and Vanessa Carl Emma Carter City of Victoria Archives Rick Coleman Pierre Conroy Jean and Robert Copley Jim Corrigan Courtenay & District Museum Crease Family Richard Robin Creech Jim Cuthbert 18
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Sheila Dobie Elections BC Jack Elliott Family Fisheries and Oceans Canada David Harris Flaherty Bristol Foster William David Galbraith and Marion Donald Kalvan Gill Bob Gillies Raymond Graham Alan Graves Ron Greene Tiffany Gunton Lauren Hay Tracey Lee Hearst Margaret Karakai Peter Karsten Grant Keddie Anne Liu Kellor LGL Ltd. Frank Lomer Thomas McCliesh Marilyn J. McCurrach John McGregor Ken MacKenzie Sandy McLachlan Robert D. McMechan Murray Maisey Susan Willis Marles Russ Meldram E.H. Miller
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations James Miskelly Teresa Murray Dorothy Murrell National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Natural Resources Canada Ocean Networks Canada Office of the Lieutenant Governor Eric W. Oscar Alima Ouattara Pacific Biological Station Sally Pankratz Elizabeth D. Pattullo Rod Pooley Tom Pound Merilee Prior John Rawlins Rocky Point Bird Sanctuary Laura Lindley Roff Ernest Roger Doug Sage Salt Spring Island Community Bat Program Richard Scarisbrick Ada Serson James Skwarok David Starr Jeremy Tatum University of Victoria Department of Biology University of Victoria Special Collections and University Archives University of Washington Herbarium Vancouver Airport Authority Vancouver Island University Biology Department Sean Vanderfluit Henry Veasey Garlord A. Villers Margaret Vincent Simone Vogel-Horridge James Wakelen Rosaleen Ruth Williams in honour of her mother, Ruth Bernadine Goward Williams of Victoria, BC (1908–1988)
Haq and History Punjabi Canadian Legacy Project Pocket Gallery Display By Dr. Tzu-I Chung, Curator of History
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marjit Singh Brar’s grandfather came to Canada from Punjab in 1909 after serving with the British Army in the Boer War. “My grandfather was the first Punjabi to work on the logging booms” in BC, he recounts, describing his grandfather walking on logs as they floated to the sawmill.
Oral histories like these are one feature in the Pocket Gallery display Haq and History, a bilingual (English and Punjabi) display co-curated by the Royal BC Museum and Punjabi Canadian communities through the Punjabi Canadian Legacy Project (PCLP), in partnership with the South Asian Studies Institute at the University of the Fraser Valley.
In 2018, the project was recognized at the 2018 BC Museums Association (BCMA) Awards for Outstanding Achievement with two distinctions: Honourable Mention for Impact and Engagement and a nomination for the Innovation Award. It was also named as one of a select few “Change Makers” and was featured in the winter 2018 issue (no. 271) of the BCMA’s periodical, Roundup. The project was also featured in the Fall 2018 issue (no. 273) of Roundup (14–15) and the Spring 2018 issue of the University of the Fraser Valley’s Skookum magazine (pp. 14–15).
The PCLP is built upon the communities’ self-expressions and self-determination of what the collective community heritage should be and how it should be preserved and shared. From two rounds of province-wide community consultations and workshops in 2015–16 and 2017–18, community ideas on legacy projects were summarized, and fundraising efforts to support the projects led by the PCLP Advisory Committee have been ongoing. From the cumulative efforts of this work, stories connecting different parts of the province and time periods emerged and were collected. This oral history collection is shared online at southasiancanadianheritage .ca/pclp and in Haq and History, which highlights the community-identified key themes of Punjabi Canadian history in BC. Haq means rights in Punjabi, and this work is about the communities’ rights, their journeys and their hard work for their rightful place in society and history.
Haq and History opened in the Royal BC Museum’s Pocket Gallery in late March in time to celebrate BC’s Sikh Heritage Month and Vaisakhi (the Sikh New Year) in April and Asian Heritage Month in May. See it now until June 4. For more information about the Pocket Gallery displays, visit rbcm.ca/pocket. 1. Visitors and staff enjoying the display. 2. Detail of the Haq and History display.
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Community Impact 2018–19 Royal BC Museum Repatriation Grant Program By Lou-ann Neel, Repatriation Specialist
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he Royal BC Museum offered the Repatriation Grant Program for the first time in the 2018–19 fiscal year and provided support for 21 First Nations communities to undertake a range of work related to repatriation.
The response has been encouraging. “I think this grant program is a great start to recovering First Nations cultural property and Ancestors,” says Dianne Hinkley of the Cowichan Tribes. “It is really important that we get to hear about each other’s projects, so we can hear about successes and pitfalls, which will help guide our work in the next steps.” Communities that received grants undertook many different activities such as: • Community consultations to ensure all cultural and protocol considerations are made when preparing for the return of Ancestral Remains and burial belongings. • Research to identify museums, post-secondary institutions and other organizations that may house Indigenous Ancestral Remains from BC First Nations communities, intended to create inventories that the community’s repatriation committee can use to establish priorities, strategies and action plans. • Establishing a repatriation committee, developing terms of reference to ensure the committee is authorized by the community to carry out repatriation work with museums, post-secondary institutions and other organizations in BC, North America and internationally; this may also include development of repatriation policies and 20
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procedures to guide both the community and museums through the repatriation process. • Preparation of grave houses, cairns, and/ or burial boxes for the reburial of Ancestral Remains and burial belongings. • Repatriation of Ancestral Remains from the Royal BC Museum or other museums, post-secondary institutions and/or other organizations in BC, North America or elsewhere in the world. • Arranging for short-term and long-term loans of cultural treasures for communitybased research or exhibits as part of a longer-term action plan with museums, post-secondary institutions and other organizations. We also received feedback from several other communities about the program. “It is clear that projects of this nature require a significant in-kind investment of time and resources; we learned that this process cannot be rushed,” says Leesa Mike of the Lower Nicola Indian Band.
Lisa Wilson of the Okanagan Nation Alliance says, “Our Nation appreciates the [museum]’s Repatriation Grant Program for supporting the development of a formalized process for repatriation. Through this process, we were able to develop internal processes and policies that will guide all our work in repatriation.” “We have enjoyed working with Royal BC Museum repatriation staff! We appreciate the support and resources provided to help Metlakatla on this journey,” says Stephanie Huddlestan of the Metlakatla First Nation. If funding is approved to continue the Repatriation Grant Program, Indigenous Collections and Repatriation department members are positioned to move forward with communities who have already received grants. We look forward to connecting with communities who are beginning the planning process for their respective nations. 1. Repatriation Grant recipients with Minister Lana Popham and museum and archives staff. 2. Inside of a cedar hat woven by Brian Wilson. Lou-ann Neel photograph.
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Six Years Strong Victoria Indigenous Cultural Festival By Linda Calla, Indigenous Tourism BC Corporate Services & Project Coordinator
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ick off your 2019 Summer Solstice and celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day at the sixth annual Victoria Indigenous Cultural Festival, from Friday, June 21, until Sunday, June 23, outdoors at the Royal BC Museum. From 11:00 am to 5:30 pm daily, visitors will be treated to an immersive Indigenous cultural experience at this free event. Organized by Indigenous Tourism BC in partnership with the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations, the Royal BC Museum, Destination Greater Victoria, the Butchart Gardens and the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, the festival will feature more than 100 cultural performers from across BC, telling their history and stories on stage through songs and dances.
Other popular activities include a drummaking demonstration, cedar-bark workshop and Inner Harbour canoe tours with pullers from the Songhees Nation. View each day’s schedule to plan your experience at Indigenousbc.com and follow the excitement on social media at #YYJIndigenousFest. Remember to drop by the Indigenous Tourism BC booth to learn more about the more than 100 Indigenous tourism experiences in BC. 1. Alex Wells, Lil’wat Nation, shows hoops used in hoop dance to a young guest. 2. Mike Dangeli, Git Hayetsk (People of the Copper Shield). 3. Le-La-La Dancers: Wildman of the Woods.
Join renowned artist Andy Everson of the Comox First Nation on his Thunderbird Park Totem Tour, Saturday and Sunday. Browse the Indigenous Arts Marketplace to find that perfect memento of your experience and talk to the artisans about their work. “It’s a fantastic festival and we really look forward to it. We enjoy having a platform to showcase our family art with the community and visitors in the harbour,” says Aunalee Boyd-Good of Ay Lelum—The Good House of Design, one of the participating artists. Treat yourself to Indigenous cuisine including fry bread, barbecued salmon, West Coast clam chowder and other delicacies at the Songhees Seafood and Steam Food Truck. Each day will begin with a traditional welcome by the Esquimalt and Songhees, your host nations. 22
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Party on the Plaza Canada Day Weekend at the Royal BC Museum By Julie Ovenell, Communications Specialist
“D
ancing will be mandatory!” That’s Darren Glover’s playful prediction for the Royal BC Museum’s second annual Canada Day Weekend—a free, three-day, familyfriendly outdoor celebration on the museum’s grounds, on the front plaza.
“We’re building an entertainment hub for the community,” says Glover, the museum’s venue rental and events manager and the organizer of the event. “Once again this year we’ll be featuring more than a dozen performances by diverse local talent, ranging from old-time gypsy jazz and high-energy folk/roots to Cuban salsa, taiko drumming and Indigenous dance. I guarantee folks won’t be sitting down for long!” Come early on Canada Day to secure a good spot for viewing the evening fireworks over Victoria’s Inner Harbour, and don’t forget the Penny Carnival for kids of all ages in the afternoon. Seating is limited, so bring a blanket and/or folding chairs and enjoy a home-made picnic—or a take-out meal from the food trucks located behind the museum. As a member, you receive our monthly What’s On e-newsletter, featuring events like these before most of the public knows. Check your inbox for details! You can also find up-to-date event information at rbcm.ca/calendar. Canada Day in the Inner Harbour. Tom Ryan photograph.
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From the Beginning Learning for (and From) the Little Ones By Chris O’Connor, Learning Program Developer with Kendra Farley, Early Childhood Education
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three-year-old bounds into the gallery, heading right for the woolly mammoth. A few short visits ago she was terrified of the mammoth; now they are old friends. After a brief time hanging out and exploring the ice, she is off again. Through the forest and past the sea lions, she makes her way to Ocean Station. Here she checks in with the fish, looks through the magnifying glass at an oddly shaped crab, pretends she is the captain of the submarine and gives commands to her father to keep an eye out for sea monsters. He plays along, but after a while it is time for lunch and they need to go. She is not happy to leave, but they’ll be back soon. Our youngest visitors are active agents of their experience: this is their museum, and they are shaping and reshaping it all the time. They bring a deep sense of curiosity and make connections that are surprising and instructive. We need only listen.
And listening is what we’ve been doing. As a program developer in the Learning department, I’ve spent the last few months envisioning ways to be more responsive to early learners and their care providers. Most of our family programming is geared towards kids ages seven and up, so I’m working toward building a comprehensive program for visitors ages three to six. To begin this collaborative process, I invited early-childhood educator Kendra Farley to give her perspective. Kendra and I knew that we wanted to build this program with families, not just for families. We gathered a team of museum members with small children keen on taking part. We wanted to learn both from the little ones and from their care providers. We put forward a survey (which received more than 200 responses), had three fruitful consultation sessions with nearly 20 families, and shadowed many other families during their visits throughout the museum.
This process has been a joy of authentic connections. The members have been passionate and creative with their ideas and vision for the future. Together we are developing programs for the fall and considering ways to make the galleries even more inviting for little ones. We look forward to offering weekend workshops, provocation stations in the galleries, story-walks within and beyond the museum walls, and fun and playful toddler takeover events through the museum. This fall, you can expect to see programs like these, celebrating the magnificent creativity of our little ones, featured on our events calendar. Early childhood learning at the museum.
CURIOUS
A Golden Summer The Travelling Sangat Returns By Sonia Aujla-Bhullar, Curious Contributor
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urious is an online quarterly that collects writing and photography from curators,
archivists and experts at the Royal BC
Museum, as well as from colleagues and collaborators from across BC. Each issue of Curious engages with a particular theme.
describes the return of the “travelling
a certain event. We wished to recreate
sangat”—the BC Sikh community’s circuit
this “travelling sangat” and return to those
of festivals and celebrations.
nostalgic moments. We hoped to open
We often speak of the gurdwaras in Canada as meaningful community spaces at times when there were few of us and
Golden’s arms to a travelling sangat from all parts of the world at the first known location of a gurdwara in North America.
In this issue, our partners from the South
hardships all around. To mark key dates,
As the procession began, the community
Asian Studies Institute at the University of
the Sikh sangat (community) living in
walked side by side with Sikh motorcycle
the Fraser Valley explore Punjabi history
BC in the early twentieth century would
clubs, RCMP cruisers, firetrucks, a Gatka
in BC. In the excerpt below, Sonia Bhullar
visit a specific gurdwara known to host
(Sikh martial arts) team, the Rotary Youth
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Club, senior citizens riding in flatbed trucks, and many others. I felt a complete sense of community in that moment. The entire procession was led by our main float holding the sacred Guru Granth Sahib as devotional hymns were sung and echoed all around. In that first gurdwara 128 years ago, a prayer was called: “Bole So Nihal-Sat Sri Akal.” And in the shadow of the same mountains, our sangat echoed the call in the spirit, walking in Golden’s Nagar Kirtan. Read more about the Golden Sikhs and the travelling sangat online at curious.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca. 1–2. The Nagar Kirtan (procession) returns to Golden, May 2018. Amardeep Kailey photographs.
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Fill your tank with some of Victoria’s tastiest grub at the Royal BC Museum’s back courtyard. Truck on over soon! Learn more rbcm.ca/foodtrucks
royalbcmuseum.bc.ca 27 Summer 2019
SUMMER BOOKS
HENRY & SELF AN ENGLISH GENTLEWOMAN AT THE EDGE OF EMPIRE
by Kathryn Bridge An intimate, illustrated portrait of privilege and struggle, scandal and accolade, from the Old World to the new colonies of Vancouver’s Island and British Columbia.
$22.95
BY SNOWSHOE, BUCKBOARD AND STEAMER WOMEN OF THE BRITISH COLUMBIA FRONTIER
by Kathryn Bridge Four vivid, personal accounts from women who lived and travelled as settlers in early British Columbia.
$19.95 Buy at rbcm.ca/books or at your favourite bookstore
What’s on FAMILY PROGRAMS Learning Portal The Learning Portal is a dynamic and intuitive online resource. Follow your curiosity at rbcm.ca/ learningportal Canada Day Celebration Join us for three days of Canada Day celebrations. June 29 I 1:00–8:00 pm June 30 I 1:00–8:00 pm July 1 I 1:00–3:00 pm Free Summer Camps: Camp Maya Activate your children’s curiosity with ancient artifacts, playful activities and field trips connected to Maya: The Great Jaguar Rises. July and August dates Before and after care available ADULT PROGRAMS Night Shift: Pride Show your colours and come celebrate at our newest Night Shift event supporting pride week. Learn the history of pride, enjoy a drink with your friends and dance the night away. July 6 I 8:00 pm – 12:00 am $40 per person I 19+ Museum Happy Hour Enjoy one-night-only themed events and activities in one of our core galleries. $10 per person I 19+ Mindfulness July 18 I 5:15–7:00 pm
Garden Party August 1 I 5:15–7:00 pm
Information correct at time of printing. Subject to change. Please visit royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/calendar for most up-to-date information. Prices do not include applicable taxes.
For a full listing of what’s happening at the Royal BC Museum, view our calendar online at rbcm.ca/calendar MUSEUM HOURS: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm daily Open late until 10:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays from May 17 to October 12 Day Camps for Adults Reawaken your inner child and explore ideas from the feature exhibition and core galleries in these playful summer-campinspired workshops. $50 per person
Archives Exploration July 20, August 17 I 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Agriculture and Chocolate July 26, August 23 I 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Night at the Museum: Adults Only Adults, join us for a night of food, entertainment and adventurous themed excursions. August 31 I 6:30 pm – 9:00 am $120 per person ALL AGES Helmcken House and St. Ann’s Schoolhouse Don’t miss a visit to these historic buildings on your next visit. June 1 – September 1 I 12:00–2:00 pm Included with admission or by donation
Fieldtrippers: In Seine Join museum staff as they conduct a beach seine at Willows Beach. Everyone will get an up-close look at what lives beneath the waves. June 8 I 1:30–3:30 pm By donation LECTURES Live @ Lunch Find out what’s happening at the museum and archives in these noon-hour talks. First Wednesday of every month, starting in September. Visit our online calendar for topics and details. By donation | Newcombe Conference Hall DID YOU KNOW? Royal BC Museum members enjoy up to 20% off admission at more than 25 partner attractions. Flash your membership card to receive your discount! View the full list of partners at royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/reciprocalpartners
GOING DIGITAL
Digital Field Trips Distance Learning Across the Province By Jenny Arnold, Learning Program Producer
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s the towering carvings come into view, gasps echo throughout the First Peoples gallery. Visitors who step into Totem Hall experience one of the most breathtaking displays at the museum. But this group is not actually in the museum or even in Victoria— they’re sitting in their classroom in Kelowna, BC. The Royal BC Museum learning team video conferences directly to British Columbians across the province to reach those visitors who cannot make it in person. With nothing more than a camera, a computer and an internet connection, students anywhere in BC (or the world!) can experience the wonders that the museum holds. Participants can select from eight different programs, designed to help them explore immersive galleries, engage with Indigenous knowledge and investigate the diverse careers available right here at the museum. A member of the Learning team works to meet each group’s specific needs and deliver a program that enhances the participants’ understanding of this beautiful province. Digital field trips are an essential way for the museum to enhance its accessibility. Whether discovering a giant squid in our invertebrate collection or examining the intricate biodiversity of the forest exhibit, digital field trips bring the magic of our museum to all British Columbians. Learn more at rbcm.ca/digitalfieldtrips.
Jenny Arnold, Learning team staff, conducting a digital field trip in the Royal BC Museum Natural History gallery for a remote classroom.
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PARTNERSHIP PROFILE
Destination Greater Victoria By Paul Nursey, President and Chief Executive Officer, Destination Greater Victoria
Donor Form
YES, I want to support the Royal BC Museum with my tax deductible gift of: $_____________________________________________
MONTHLY GIVING I prefer the convenience of giving monthly using my credit card. Please take a payment on the 1st or 15th of each month in the amount of $_____________________________________________ (Payments can be discontinued at any time by calling 250-387-7222.)
LEGACY GIVING
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estination Greater Victoria is a proud sponsor of Maya: The Great Jaguar Rises and is a supporter of the amazing work of the Royal BC Museum. Greater Victoria has many notable attractions. These include our natural environment and businesses throughout downtown and the region. The destination has seen positive change and growth in many ways over the years. Throughout this change, the Royal BC Museum has been an anchor attraction for new and repeat visitors alike. It is also worth noting that 2019 is the UNESCO Year of Indigenous Languages. Highlighting an exhibition such as Maya: The Great Jaguar Rises meshes with the goals of this landmark occasion. Destination Greater Victoria is increasing its emphasis on working with First Nations partners locally, including them in the growth and promotion of the destination so they can see the benefits of tourism development. Congratulations to the Royal BC Museum on the exhibition in what should be a fantastic 2019. Destination Greater Victoria has had a long and mutually beneficial relationship with the Royal BC Museum. We wish the Royal BC Museum success with this exhibition as well as ongoing success in the future.
I am interested in receiving information on leaving a gift in my will to help strengthen the future of the Royal BC Museum.
YOUR INFORMATION Name: Address: City: Province:
Postal Code:
Telephone: Email:
PAYMENT DETAILS Credit Card:
Visa
MasterCard
American Express
Card Number:
Expiry Date (Month/Year):
/
Name on Card: Signature: Cheque (please make payable to the Royal BC Museum Foundation) Please return the completed form and donation to the Fundraising and Development Department via our box office, or mail to Royal BC Museum, 675 Belleville Street, Victoria, BC, V8W 9W2. You can also donate by phone at 250-387-7222 or online at rbcm.bc.ca/support. The Royal BC Museum Foundation is a non-profit organization under the legal authority of the Societies Act (RSBC 1996, C. 433). The personal information collected on this form is subject to the Personal Information Protection Act (SBC 2003, C. 63). The personal information collected will be used by the Royal BC Museum Foundation to maintain our donor list, issue tax receipts and publicly recognize your donation. Personal information collected will be shared with the Royal BC Museum to provide you with up-to-date information on current events/exhibitions. If you wish to access or correct your personal information, or would like to make an inquiry about the Royal BC Museum’s privacy policies and procedures, you can contact our Information and Privacy Officer by mail, email at privacy@royalbcmuseum.bc.ca or telephone at 250-356-0698. Charitable #: 118933241RR0001
CAMP MAYA
Register today! Camps sell out quickly.
rbcm.ca/camps
Welcome to the jungle! Explore Maya history and living culture in a summer camp like no other. Kids will have plenty of ways to satisfy their curiosity (and run around!) with access to ancient artifacts, playful activities and exciting field trips, inspired by our feature exhibition Maya: The Great Jaguar Rises. July and August dates available 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Before- and after-care available