Outreach Kit/Online Resource

Students explore and analyse archival photographs featuring Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) people and places chosen from exhibits presented at MONOVA (Museum & Archives of North Vancouver). These were shared projects of MONOVA and the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) or individual members. The Squamish Elders and Language Authority chose many photos that represent local landscapes, the community and individuals, and contributed to exhibit research.

Your students will:

• Recognize that the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) is an active community today on the North Shore.
• Discover aspects of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) history and culture through photos.
• View primary source evidence and develop photo analysis skills.

Through images and activities, students come to know səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Chief Dan George and understand his historical significance. They discover how his acting career helped change the image of Indigenous people in the media and how his activism raised awareness of Indigenous rights in Canada. This Kit includes lesson plans to encourage discussion and critical thinking.

Your students will:

• View primary source evidence and develop photo and artifact analysis skills.
• Assess the historical significance of Chief Dan George.
• Read and discuss poetry by Chief Dan George, including his ‘Lament to Confederation’.
• Watch a unique video about Chief Dan George produced by the MONOVA.

These art activities are inspired by the symbolism and architecture of a Chinese garden and allow students to explore CHinese symolism and our beautiful leak windows to create artwors of their own. 

This activity can be adapted easily to the age of the students and the time available in class.

Options: 

• Framing Views: https://vancouverchinesegarden.com/wp-content/uploads/FramingViews.pdf
• Exploring Chinese Symbols: Bats https://vancouverchinesegarden.com/wp-content/uploads/Exploring-Chinese-Symbols-1.pdf

A Joint Program in Offered by the Museum of Vancouver and Château d’If, from Grade 6 to Secondary Classes

The Museum of Vancouver and the Château d’If in France collaborate through a joint school program titled D’un continent à l’autre : l’humain et la nature. It is recommended from grade 6 to secondary.

The program consists of an educational activity centered around an immersive 360° guided remote visit of Château d'If and an activity involving modules from the exhibition That Which Sustains Us at the Museum of Vancouver. Through exploring the topics of biodiversity, climate change, and water pollution from human activities at both sites, students will be asked to compare how geographical locations and culture have influenced human choices in both ecosystems and discover solutions for a more sustainable future. The program’s mission is to raise awareness among future generations about environmental protection and the conservation of natural resources, as well as the challenges posed by current urban management.

BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation (BCAITC) offers 500+ free downloadable agriculture and food resources for K-12 students. The lesson plans, unit plans, activities, recipes, storybooks, videos, and educational resources feature curriculum-connections to Science, Social Studies, Math, English Language Arts, Arts, Food Studies and more subjects.

Teachers, home educators, and students can download the resources here 24/7. These resources introduce food and agriculture education into students' lives to encourage appreciation of agriculture, food, and healthy eating for years to come!

Can’t visit the gallery? Have the gallery come to you!  We have designed these kits with simplicity in mind to make incorporating art content into your classroom as easy as possible.  Kits on Indigenous Art and Chinese Art are currently available for three-week rentals. Available October to June.  For more information or to book a kit check out our gallery website.

September 15, 2025-June 25, 2026

Explore the world of landscape-inspired artwork through this engaging program. Using the forms of trees,  waterways, and mountains, students discuss ideas of landscape and place. Building on these ideas, participants use techniques of layering, colour mixing, and collage to create a ‘forest’ of trees.

Curriculum Tie-ins: Art Education, Ecology, Indigenous Art