STORYTELLING- Indigenous Peoples
Theatre - Indigenous Peoples
Indigenous ceremonial practices and rituals displayed a highly refined understanding of mimetic artistry and held a vital position in the social and religious activities of their communities. Ceremonial masks, attire and implements were utilized to strengthen dialogue, melody and vocal expressions in presentations intended to serve the community by affecting essential matters such as weather patterns, hunting success, or communal spiritual and physical wellness. Significant ceremonial performances occasionally manifested as extended cycles, spanning approximately 4 to 5 months of presentation.
Indigenous theatrical expression began to penetrate the mainstream during the 1970s. Chief Dan George highlighted the significance of theatre as an instrument for bringing attention to Indigenous perspectives.
To learn more about the importance of story telling as an oral history of the Sq’éwlets people, and to learn more about Indigenous cultures, in particular the Stó:lō Nation, please click the links below. You will be redirected.
The Museum has tried to be accurate and inclusive of Indigenous Nations in our retellings of the history of Mission and surrounding areas. However, knowledge of cultural traditions and histories does not belong to the Museum and settler institutions outside of these communities should not profit off of this information.