This remarkable new book weaves together oral history, science, and Coast Salish textiles. At the heart of the story is Mutton, a Coast Salish Woolly Dog whose pelt lay forgotten in a Smithsonian drawer for 150 years, until it was rediscovered by an amateur archivist. Once bred for their woolly fibres, these small dogs played a central role in Coast Salish weaving traditions, their stories preserved through generations of Indigenous oral history.

Author Liz Hammond-Kaarremaa will read selected excerpts from the book alongside several of the book’s Coast Salish contributors including Debra Sparrow, Janice George and Kerrie Charnley. The book brings together narratives of science, post-contact history, and the profound effects of colonization, all grounded in Mutton’s journey—a tale of research, reawakening, and resurgence that will interest Pacific Northwest history buffs, textile and fiber enthusiasts, and dog lovers.

A book signing will follow. All are welcome.

Books are available for purchase in the MOA Shop.

Sea of Islands brings together knowledge holders, scholars, and artists from across the Pacific with Western scholars working with Pacific collections—as well as members of diasporic Oceanic communities—to share the stories and journeys of the objects that comprise Canada’s largest Oceanic collection, housed at MOA.

Presented alongside more than 250 photographs of individual objects contextualized by historic and contemporary images from Oceanic communities, Carol E. Mayer’s text draws on her decades of research and outreach centred around the complex intersections between museum collections, contemporary art practices, and different knowledge systems. The result is a lively and accessible exploration of how these objects—old and new—continue to articulate systems of meaning and engender new relationships.

Join us for an evening of connection, stories, and celebration.

Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the MOA Shop, which will be open before and during the event. Carol E. Mayer will be signing books on the night, so we encourage you to grab a copy in advance or upon arrival.

Free event. RSVP to mitiana.arbon@ubc.ca by Tuesday May 27.

Bio

Carol E. Mayer is the Research Fellow—Pacific at the University of British Columbia’s Museum of Anthropology. Internationally known for her work as a museum curator, she has published widely on museum-related topics, curated more than forty exhibitions, and received fellowships from the Smithsonian Institution and the Sainsbury Research Unit and numerous awards including from the Canadian Museums Association, the International Council of Museums (ICOM) Canada, and the British Columbia Museums Association. She has also received a medal from the Republic of Vanuatu for her cultural contributions, and the Manu Daula Award from the Pacific Arts Association for her outstanding achievement and dedication in the arts of the Pacific.

This undergraduate student exhibition follows the life story, art and legacy of the Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw artist Ḵaḵaso’las-Ellen Neel (née Newman). Ḵaḵaso’las-Ellen Neel was an innovative force in the Indigenous art scene who continues to influence Indigenous artists. She was part of a lineage of artists and leaders, which she passed on to her children and grandchildren.

This exhibition was curated by UBC students of ANTH 431: Museum Practice and Curatorship, who are grateful to be working with the Neel family to honour the life of Ḵaḵaso’las-Ellen Neel.

In attendance is special guest, Ellen Neel’s granddaughter, Ika’wega—Lou-ann Neel who will be speaking during the program.

Program | 2 – 3 pm

This month, join ceramicist Cheryl Stapleton for a fun, hands-on workshop celebrating the season of spring. Paint spring-themed ceramic charms and contribute to a collaborative clay forest sculpture. Unleash your creativity while learning about ceramic art. Perfect for families and individuals, this drop-in workshop offers a joyful and artistic way to welcome the beauty of spring!

Limited supplies; first come, first served.

Bio

Cheryl Stapleton is an artist, educator, pottery studio technician and manager based in Vancouver. She holds a BFA (1999) from Emily Carr University of Art + Design. She has managed the Roundhouse Pottery Studio since 1999 and the studio at West Point Grey from 2002 – 2021. She has taught ceramics classes to both children and adults since 1996 at Kwantlen University, the Surrey Arts Centre, the Vancouver School Board, the Vancouver Museum of Anthropology, and West Point Grey Community Centre.

About Culture Club at MOA

Join MOA on the last Sunday of each month for Culture Club! Drop in and enjoy engaging art-making activities designed for families. Get creative and connect with MOA’s diverse collections and exhibitions. See the full schedule.

Culture Club at MOA is made possible by the generous support of UBC Campus + Community Planning

The sale includes a wide selection of books discarded from MOA’s library collection, as well as books donated by our community of researchers and volunteers. Surplus MOA publications in brand new condition will also be sold at a discount. Topics include art and material culture from the Northwest Coast and around the world, anthropology, museology, and more. There are lots of treasures to be found!

Most books are priced under $10, with some specialty books priced higher. Many books will be available for free or by donation as well. Surplus MOA publications in brand new condition will be sold at a deep discount.

Volume discounts and set priced bags (fit as many books as you can in a MOA  bag!) will also be available.

Cash and credit cards will be accepted, but cash is encouraged and discounts will be available for cash purchases.

Schedule

Friday, May 16 | 12 – 3pm
Saturday, May 17 | 11am – 3pm
Wednesday, May 21 | 12 – 3pm
Thursday, May 22 | 12 – 3pm
Friday, May 23 | 12 – 3pm
Saturday, May 24 | 12 – 3pm

In this workshop, Vivian will share her knowledge about cedar bark harvesting and uses. Following her presentation, she will teach participants how to make a twined cedar bark bracelet. This hands-on workshop is great for learners of all ages.

This workshop is part of UBC Biodiversity Days, a month-long celebration every May that honours the International Day for Biological Diversity (May 22), organized by UBC Botanical Garden in collaboration with SEEDS Sustainability Program.

Limited capacity. Book early to avoid disappointment.

Please note: this event does not include a museum tour.

If cost is a barrier to attending this event, please reach out to the MOA Education team at education@moa.ubc.ca.

This event is now SOLD OUT. We do not keep wait lists, but you can check the Facebook event page to see if someone is unable to attend and is selling their tickets.

Enjoy free museum admission (starting at 6 pm) for the opening night of VALUE: Rebecca Belmore at the Museum of Anthropology.

Join MOA for a solo exhibition of internationally-lauded contemporary Indigenous artist Rebecca Belmore. VALUE offers an examination of four important works from the Anishinaabe artist’s four-decade career, which embody Belmore’s persistent critique of the ongoing condition of colonialism. The four works will be displayed in spaces throughout the Museum.

Rebecca Belmore will be in attendance for the opening celebrations.

Free museum admission | 6 pm onwards
Program | 7 – 8 pm

This month, explore the artistry of Coast Salish weaving with Sḵwx̱wú7mesh wool weaver and knowledge keeper Spelex̱ílh–Anjeanette Dawson. In this interactive workshop, participants will connect with local Indigenous history and teachings by weaving a quarter bag using contemporary wool and cardboard looms.

Please note: to ensure participants have an appropriate amount of time to complete their project, drop-ins will be welcome until 1 pm only.

Pre-registration for this event is now full. Visitors can still drop in, but supplies are limited and access is first come, first served.

Spelex̱ílh–Anjeanette Dawson, is a proud member of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw. She is an educator, workshop facilitator and advocate dedicated to supporting Indigenous education and working towards Truth and Reconciliation. Anjeanette’s workshops are designed to empower educators, students, and communities by fostering meaningful learning experiences rooted in Indigenous perspectives. To find more about her work, please visit her website.

About Culture Club at MOA

Join MOA on the last Sunday of each month for Culture Club! Drop in and enjoy engaging art-making activities designed for families. Get creative and connect with MOA’s diverse collections and exhibitions. See the full schedule.

Culture Club at MOA is made possible by the generous support of UBC Campus + Community Planning

Peter will share his research on traditional mineral paints and historic commercial products used as paint by his ancestors, such as Reckitt’s laundry bluing. Join in conversation with this Nuxalk carver as he researches the past to create for the present and future. This event is presented in conjunction with MOA’s new feature exhibition, Nuxalk Strong: Dancing Down the Eyelashes of the Sun.

Alklasis–Peter Snow is a MOA artist-residence from April 5 – 13. This event and residency is funded by the Levi Strauss Foundation.

Bio

Alklasis–Peter Snow is a Nuxalk carver, knowledge holder and initiated kusyut (winter ceremonial) dancer from the lineage of Snuxyaltwa of Talyu, in South Bentinck. Peter is inspired by the carvings of his ancestors: great-great grandfather Snuxyaltwa (Louie Snow), and great uncle Suuncwmay (Dick Snow), who have treasures on display in the Nuxalk Strong exhibition. It is clear that Peter is connected both spiritually through Syut (supernatural energy) and through blood lines to the ceremonial treasures he carves.

PLEASE NOTE: This event has been cancelled. We hope to hold it at a later date.

Drop in and enjoy meaningful artmaking and intergenerational learning. Step into a world of imagination and creativity! Families are invited to craft their own unique puppets and bring them to life in a mini puppet theater. Explore the magic of storytelling as you perform your own puppet shows and play with a selection of puppets from the museum’s teaching collection. Perfect for all ages, this hands-on workshop combines art, play, and creative exploration in a fun and engaging way.

Limited supplies; first come, first served.

About Culture Club at MOA

Join MOA on the last Sunday of each month for Culture Club! Drop in and enjoy engaging art-making activities designed for families. Get creative and connect with MOA’s diverse collections and exhibitions. See the full schedule.

Culture Club at MOA is made possible by the generous support of UBC Campus + Community Planning