Xʷtatəl̕ləm to explore the historical and cultural significance of the Fraser River through an Indigenous lens
"What we want to do is tell the story and the history of the river from our perspective, not from an anthropological approach," says Nolan Charles, longstanding Council Member of the Musqueam Indian Band.
Stephen Bruyneel and Nolan Charles at the 2022 Indigenous Partnerships Success Showcase.
The Fraser River is a remarkable natural landmark running an impressive 1,375 kilometres from the Rocky Mountains down to the Strait of Georgia. Back in 1998, the river was designated as a Canadian Heritage River in recognition of its immense cultural value, biodiversity, natural beauty and recreation opportunities. But its cultural significance goes back to time immemorial. For thousands of years, Indigenous Peoples have lived alongside the Fraser River and built thriving communities off its abundant food sources.
Fishing has always been central to survival and livelihood for Indigenous Peoples living in communities along the Fraser River. And there is no lack of biodiversity. The Fraser River is home to numerous species including chinook, coho, chum, pink salmon, sockeye salmon, steelhead trout, cutthroat trout and white sturgeon.
Historically, the Fraser River has also served as an important trade route for Indigenous Peoples, connecting diverse communities throughout the province of British Columbia. But despite the immense cultural significance of the Fraser River, there is a lack of space for inclusive storytelling about its history and the openhanded sharing of traditional Indigenous teachings. The history of the river has never been shared or celebrated publicly in a way that centres the diverse experiences of Indigenous communities along the river.
“There is nowhere I know of that tells the history and the teachings of the Fraser River from Indigenous perspectives," explains Stephen Bruyneel, Director of External Relations and Development for the Fraser River Discovery Center (FRDC). His organization is working to change that through a new partnership with the Musqueam Indian Band (MIB) to build an ongoing, reciprocal relationship.
In December 2020, the FRDCS and the MIB came together to sign an official Memorandum of Understanding. Based on a foundation of understanding and respect, the memorandum outlines three core objectives for the partnership. First, the leadership teams for both organizations are committed to meeting twice per year to discuss and build upon the partnership. Second, the partnership will promote ongoing dialogue and add an Indigenous perspective to the ongoing research and programming happening at the FRDC. Third, the partners will collaborate on a permanent FRDC exhibit about the history of the Fraser River from an Indigenous perspective, centring on the experiences of Indigenous community members.
"This is a way for us to do more than just talk about reconciliation. We can actually do something about it," explains Bruyneel. He describes the partnership as “a massive change for the Centre in a positive way."
Education is essential for reconciliation. Before entering into a partnership with the Musqueam Indian Band, "the FRDC board of directors took the time to understand and educate themselves and share stories of understanding" explains Nolan Charles, longstanding Council Member of the Musqueam Indian Band.
There is a strong appreciation and understanding of "how important it is that stories come from Indigenous perspectives" and are "developed and told by Indigenous peoples," adds Bruyneel. "And that's what we're going to do together."
Building on this transformative partnership, the FRDCS and MIB are now in the process of revamping the educational programming at the Fraser River Discovery Centre. They have also proposed to develop the space into what they are calling xʷtatəl̕ləm, a Place of Learning about the history and insights of the Fraser River through an Indigenous lens.
"In essence, what we're doing is reverting back to our cultural teachings," explains Charles. “I’m so thankful to my elders who bestowed their knowledge within me. And it's my obligation to share that with the generation behind me."
xʷtatəl̕ləm is an evolving concept that will include interactive exhibits, comprehensive educational programming and a permanent exhibit at the FRDC.
"What we want to do is tell the story and the history of the river from our perspective, not from an anthropological approach," declares Charles.
Because of the scope and cultural significance of the project, planning and development for xʷtatəl̕ləm are expected to take anywhere from three to five years.
Celebrating this landmark collaboration, Bruyneel and Charles came together on May 26th for an invigorating fireside chat at the third annual Indigenous Partnerships Success Showcase (IPSS). Focused on practical insight and recommendations, the showcase featured a series of keynote speakers and panel discussions on the theme of respectful and mutually beneficial partnerships with Indigenous communities.
Bruyneel first expressed his gratitude to GCT Global Container Terminals (GCT) for sponsoring the dialogue and supporting the initiative. "Thank you for giving us the time to talk about what we think is a really exciting and groundbreaking partnership on the education front," he said.
The pair then discussed the ideas that drive and inform their ongoing partnership. Bruyneel reflected on a shared understanding of "how important it is that stories come from Indigenous perspectives" and are "developed and told by Indigenous peoples." Focusing on inclusive storytelling and honouring Indigenous perspectives are foundational to xʷtatəl̕ləm, a Place of Learning.
Charles also implored other business leaders and corporate sponsors to step forward in support of the educational initiative. He spoke with candour, saying, "I'm asking for your help. So we can all tell our stories."
Written by CJ McGillivray. Readers can learn more about the Indigenous Partnership Success Showcase, returning in 2023, by visiting www.indigenoussucess.ca.
