Pulling With My Ancestors: Səl̓ílwətaɬ and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh War Canoe Racing

Canoe culture has been a part of the Indigenous Coast Salish Peoples' ways since time immemorial. Canoe racing is more than a sport – it’s a way of life. When you are on the water you are one with the ancestors, every stroke, every time you put your paddle in the water, it is a prayer, a connection to the ancestors. This film, researched and curated by Meghan Ormandy who was a curatorial intern with MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver for 8 months, provides a a rare insight into the history and continued practice of canoe racing and its spiritual significance for the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations. Learn more at https://monova.ca/canoe-culture/ Coast Salish programming is generously supported by BMO Financial Group.