Kitsumkalum First Nation Museum and Archival Rematriation Event

Kwusen researchers, Sarah and Alissa, traveled to Terrace to co-host an event related to Kitsumkalum First Nation’s ongoing Cultural Heritage Rematriation Project. Together, we are conducting research and gathering knowledge to help preserve, reclaim, and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Kitsumkalum people.

House of Sim-Oi-Ghets and Kitsumklaum Hall, Terrace, BC.

Over the past two years, Kwusen researchers have been reviewing digital records of Tsimshian treasures held in museums and archives across Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. We have contacted 24 museums and historical societies and obtained records for over 3,000 Tsimshian treasures, some with direct or indirect connections to Kitsumkalum. These records will be organized in Kitsumkalum’s Community KnowledgeKeeper (CKK) database.

Sarah presenting the Museum and Archival Rematriation Project to Kitsumkalum community members.

The community event focused on presenting Kwusen’s research and findings to Kitsumkalum community members and engaging them in the next steps for the project, including preparation for future community interviews. Community knowledge will help us recontextualize and decolonize museum records of Tsimshian/Kitsumkalum treasures in the CKK through Sm'algyax translations, traditional names for artists/makers, and community narratives and descriptions. The event was well attended with around 25 community members visiting throughout the day. Several people brought in their personal belongings to share, including a set of ~150-year-old wood and mountain goat horn spoons, a carved stick for drumming, and two carved walking sticks. Kitsumkalum members also shared photos of their personal belongings, such as a headdress and regalia, woven cedar roses, carved masks, and painted bentwood boxes. The event was catered by Kasiks, who provided an amazing feast for guests. Reporters for the Terrace Standard also joined in the morning and interviewed Kwusen staff about the Project and the event. It was a pleasure meeting and talking with the Kitsumkalum community and we look forward to meeting again in the fall when we return for more community engagement sessions!

Special thanks to Kitsumkalum staff, including Quinton Ball, Nicole Wallace, Alyson Watt, Emily Bryant, and Kimberly Godfrey for arranging and facilitating this event!