It has been said that a different language is a different vision of life.
Cowichan Valley Museum is hosting the Royal BC Museum travelling exhibit entitled 'Our Living Languages, First Peoples’ Voices in BC.' until April 23.
"It was our former school programmer who drew our attention to this particular exhibit," said Cowichan Historical Society President Sheila Kitson. "The intention being to make it available to all students in both SD79 and the independent schools in the Cowichan Valley. Recently we were in attendance at the Economic Development Job Fair where as part of our display we promoted the exhibit. It received interest from many of those attending the event particularly from the senior First Nations students’ teaching staff. The volunteers at the Cowichan Valley Museum are pleased to accommodate those who wish to bring a group to view the exhibit and the museum."
The exhibit, which was developed in partnership with the First Peoples’ Cultural Council in 2014, celebrates the resilience and diversity of First Nations languages in the face of change and includes written material in addition to interactive electronic items.
'Our Living Languages, First Peoples’ Voices in BC' shares the history of disrupted languages in B.C., the complexity of these languages, as well as the people working tirelessly to document and revitalize them.
The Cowichan Valley Museum also has a permanent gallery entitled 'Many Peoples in One House', which includes artifacts of local Cowichan Tribes carver Simon Charlie.
Self-guided school tours can be arranged to view both the travelling exhibit and the opportunity for the teacher to view the exhibit before bringing the class at Cowichan Valley Museum located at 130 Canada Ave. in Duncan. The teacher and students as well as any accompanying parent supervisors (one adult per six students) will be met at the museum by a volunteer of the Cowichan Historical Society. The fee for class tours is $60, otherwise anyone may take in the exhibit during regular hours. Admission is by donation. Charitable tax receipts will be issued for amounts over $25.
Museum hours are Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information call the museum at 250-746-6612 or email info@cvmuseum.ca.
This exhibit helps to promote the Cowichan Valley Museum as a source of learning with a modern touch and the use of electronics within the exhibit," said Kitson. "It also brings people through our doors who may not otherwise attend. They then discover there is a wealth of information and memories of earlier days to be found within the walls of the 113 year old heritage designated building. It is our hope that those who attend the exhibit leave with a greater understanding as to what the First Nations researchers are hoping to achieve in working with the Royal BC Museum. By hosting this exhibit it gives everyone an opportunity to see a first class presentation without having to make the journey to Victoria."
