This MOA video series features experts discussing earthquake science and technology and Indigenous knowledge and oral history about earthquakes, represented in MOA’s Northwest Coast collection. Learn from Indigenous community members, seismologists, conservators and engineers who share their knowledge of earthquakes and how to protect material and cultural heritage.

MOA is currently undergoing seismic upgrades of its iconic Great Hall. This massive project is critical in preserving and safeguarding objects and cultural heritage for the future. Seismic upgrades and the rebuild of MOA’s Great Hall are underway, in order to strengthen the Museum’s resiliency and protect its irreplaceable collection in the event of a major earthquake.

Watch all the expert interviews on MOA’s YouTube channel.

Gigaemi Kukwits (Frank Baker), Musgamagw Dzawada’enuxw Artist

Gigaemi Kukwits (Frank Baker) is an artist of Squamish and Kwakwakaʼwakw descent and holds a Musgamakw Dzawadaʼenuxw chiefly name and position. His paintings explore the metaphysics of form and composition, building on what he learned as a youth carving with Mungo Martin, Doug Cranmer, and Mathias Joe, and, in the 1960s, studying at the Vancouver School of Art.

Nick Milkovitch, Architect

Nick Milkovitch is an architect who has been practicing since 1968 with Arthur Erickson and Geoff Massey before starting his own firm, Nick Milkovich Architects Inc in 1991. He has received critical acclaim for projects such as the Creekside Community Centre and Canada House at the Vancouver 2010 Athlete’s Village. He is the architect in charge of MOA’s seismic upgrades.

Kwiaahwah Jones, Haida Artist

Kwiaahwah Jones is of Nishgaa and Haida descent and aspired to become an artist all her life. From 2007 to 2009, she worked as Curator at the Haida Gwaii Museum with Nathalie Macfarlane. She now works as a curator, most recently as a guest curator for Haida Now at the Museum of Vancouver. Kwiaahwah is dedicated to her culture and developing her own artistic practice living and working between Vancouver and Haida Gwaii.