About

Stories Carved in Cedar is an ongoing partnership between Indigenous communities in what is now called British Columbia and the Royal BC Museum. The project celebrates the totems’ historical and cultural impact in attempts to uncover the stories they hold and give a greater platform to the voices keeping their spirit alive.

Totems and their stories are kept alive by these voices, as in turn they share their carved heritage and values with the people around them. This online exhibition looks to amplify the voice of the Indigenous people of British Columbia and in turn let us reconnect as one community.

Special Thanks

The Royal BC Museum and Digital Museums Canada would like to offer thanks for the participation and collaboration of the Haida, Kwakwaka'wakw, Nuu-chah-nulth, Nuxalk, Gitxsan, Heiltsuk, and Coast Salish Indigenous communities in British Columbia.

Warm thanks goes to the interviewees who shared their time, experience and wisdom. Guujaaw, Harry, David, Clyde, Jaaleen, Tian, Arvid and Mervyn—your voices ring strong and true.

More special thanks goes to:

Cody Dawson (videographer)
Helen Haig-Brown (videographer)
Suss Juelsburg (community contributor)
Leslie McGarry (community contributor)
Lou-ann Neel (community contributor)
Amelia Rea (community contributor)
Kura Rorick (community contributor)
The Sampson family (community contributors)
Patrick Shannon (videographer)
Kolin Sutherland-Wilson (community contributor)
Cooper Wilson (community contributor)
Glen Wood (community contributor)

Digital Museums Canada

This online exhibition was developed with the support of the Investment Program, Digital Museums Canada. The Digital Museums Canada is managed by the Canadian Museum of History, with the financial support of the Government of Canada.