The Museum’s Blog

Potlatch 67-67: The Potlatch Ban – Then and Now

On now at Comox Valley Art Gallery

Potlatch 67-67: The Potlatch Ban – Then and Now examines the impact of the attempted cultural genocide through the potlatch ban and the resilience of Indigenous people in maintaining and reclaiming traditional cultural practices and in creating new forms of cultural expression. 2018 marks the 67th year since the Canadian government’s Potlatch Ban was lifted, after it was imposed on Indigenous people for 67 years.

Nagezdi, Rob Everson Hereditary Chief of the Gigalgam Walas Kwaguł, recognized that many Canadians do not understand the history of Indigenous peoples. He envisioned an Indigenous art exhibition and cultural program that would powerfully engage the local community and fellow Canadians, both Indigenous and settler, about this shared history and the impact. With organizers, community partners, artists, and a clear vision, the creators of Potlatch 67-67 present this convergent thematic program.

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August 2018 Watershed Moments

Here is the latest newsletter installment of an image and quote from the museum’s award-winning book Watershed Moments – A Pictorial History of Courtenay and District.

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Photo credit: Cousins Edith Bates (in back), Reg Biscoe, George Bates and Marjorie Biscoe with Bingo at Seal Bay, ca. 1926. The Bates family had a beach cottage at Seal Bay, not too far from the Biscoes’ summer home at Kye Bay. Like other Comox Valley children they enjoyed an idyllic existence in the outdoors, with unspoiled beaches close by. Photo: CDM 988.197.133.

Photo caption: “Seal Bay Park, a treasure of biodiversity, harbours tall and stately giants of the coastal forest, lush undergrowth and a number of rare specimens. It offers the public the deep tranquility of a protected forest. Those who take time to linger may also find clues to the forest’s past.” Page 144.

Periodical Wisdom: August 2018

We’ve scoured the archives for women’s magazines and periodicals to share some advice from the good old days.

Sage advice courtesy of the August 1932 McCall’s magazine on how to get the most out of bathing. That includes the recommendation of adding three special baths to your regime each week: a fatigue bath, a wake-up bath and a luxury bath.

August 2018 Gift Shop News

Summer is in full swing and the museum shop has a large variety of unique, locally made gifts perfect for visitors and locals alike.

Top 10 summer sellers:

  1. Vancouver Island T-shirts (check out the photo) and Vancouver Island Car Decals – made by West Coast Karma
  2. Elasmo Chocolate Bars – made by Hot Chocolates
  3. Elasmo Coffee – roasted by Royston Roasting
  4. Stuffed Elasmosaurs and Ammonites – made by Ding Ding Dillio Crafts
  5. Greeting Cards – by Debbie Bowles of Winking Owl Designs
  6. 100% Cotton Dish Cloths – by Knotty Handmade Creations
  7. Elasmosaur Baseball Hats – by HiTec Printing
  8. Original Artwork and Prints – by Jude Regalado
  9. Vancouver Island Calendars, Magnets and Cards – by Ann’s Island Photography
  10. Old Fashioned Bunting and Lavender Sachets – made by Giggling Gertie

It’s All There in Black and White: Native Son’s Hall 80th Birthday

She’s reached another milestone…80 years since the inaugural dance was held in the Native Sons Hall. What a night that must have been!

Movers, shakers and contractors from near and far are all listed in this article from the Courtenay Free Press of August 15, 1928.

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With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.

Egypt: The Time of Pharaohs at the Royal British Columbia Museum

On now at the Royal BC Museum

Don’t forget to check out this new exhibit if you’re heading down to the capital.

Drawn from the collections of some of the world’s most prestigious museums, the exhibition makes its North American debut in Victoria and will be on view until December 31, 2018.

Artifacts have been carefully selected from four key ancient Egyptian collections: the Egyptian Museum in Berlin, Roemer- und Pelizaeus-Museum in Hildesheim, Gustav Lübcke Museum in Hamm and University Museum of Aberdeen.

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July 2018 Gift Shop News

The gift shop is now decked out for summer with plenty of “beach-themed” items to enjoy.

There are two fabulous new books in store. The Beachcomber’s Guide to Seashore Life in the Pacific Northwest by J. Duane Sept provides an amazing photographic guide to local tidal pool creatures. And there is The Beachcomber’s Companion by Anna Marlis Burgard with beautiful illustrations by Jillian Ditner. Both books are worth looking into.

The most popular field guides are Seashells and Shellfish of the Pacific Northwest by Rick Harbo and the Identification of Pebbles by Eileen Van der Flier-Keller. These handy take-alongs are covered in plastic to stay dry at the seashore.

Continuing with the beach-theme, the shop also carries small containers of “Shells from the Sea” and a good assortment of abalone shells.

Maybe you’re looking for a gift to send home with visitors? If so, check out the 2019 Vancouver Island Calendar – it’s a gift that will give all year long.