kwagiulth museum and cultural center

viagirl

The building was basically vacant except for 2 totem poles being restored and some interesting old pictures on the wall.

Bruce_Raynor

The Kwagiuth village is adjacent to this museum and in some ways as interesting as what is inside The community's culture is alive both inside and out of the building. I had the feeling that many of the artifacts on display were not long out of use and possibly still in use at special community gatherings. The young woman who collected our $10 admission was polite but not involved in our self guided walk about. There was only one other couple there during our half hour visit. Though the presentations were interesting and had good explanations, I think $7.50 would have been a fairer value in the off season. If there are some elders or others present to explain and/or make the displays a little more live, then perhaps the $10 would be warranted.

qbtraveller

We were greeted at the door and given a private and very informative, brief history of the local area and of some of the artifacts they have crammed into their very nice building.

denist126

What I learned about Canadian coastal Indians and the destruction of an ancient culture was far more than I would have imagined. The artifacts (and stories behind them) really need to be seen firsthand to be appreciated, and this is a fantastic collection to say the least.

342laurah

It was off season & we had a private intro to the museum from the curator. Impressive collection of native artifacts which they are trying to expand as they reclaim "stolen" pieces from museums & collectors around the world.

martha111

We visited the museum and were met by a lovely , very knowledgeable woman who spent time with us explaining some of the exhibits. It was during the off season so we were very lucky to have her spend time with us. The museum is small but has beautiful artifacts donated by tribal members. A wonderful experience and certainly explained the complex communities the first Canadians established.

TomV265

Visiting a museum is not for everyone, but it should be. Of the 5 in our party, 2 were very interested. To us this was a living museum, and as the name states, also a cultural centre. The young lady working there was very knowledgeable. She easily explained the difference between the names native, Indian aboriginal, First Nation as well as how the written language emerged. The centres lay out explained in easy to understand displays, the history and culture of the early natives of the area. This is a must visit when going to Quadra

SusanM143

The displays were authentic and interesting but the best part was the curator who shared the history of the first nations in the area and the struggles to regain the artifacts after they had been taken by the government and dispersed.

ladyhawkcs

Found out after we visited, from a gallery owner in Victoria, that there was an arson fire here a couple months ago and that several things were damaged and/or destroyed.The things we saw were beautiful and well preserved. Unfortunately pictures are not allowed inside the building but I did get some around the outside area.

minimuffinlover

The museum is hard to find unless you drive directly there from the ferry - signage is absent from other roads. Beautiful building with petroglyph stones outside and a well-displayed collection inside. The written accounts of the ceremonies are fascinating but could be made more reader-friendly with pictures and editing. I would have appreciated a slide show or video of Curtis photos or oral history from Elders, the way the Suquamish Tribe's museum near Seattle has done it. The gift shop has good choices of jewelry and prints.

Gravelburger

I agree with other reviewers here. The Kwagiulth Museum and Cultural Centre was about the finest attraction we visited on Quadra Island, and among the finest cultural museums that we visited during our two week visit to the west coast. I can scarcely believe that this place operates on volunteer labour and donations. They should be government funded, in retribution for anti-Indian laws of former times. On the other hand, govt strings attached may be the very thing that these folks are trying to avoid. In any case, kudos to the First Nations people of Quadra Island/Cape Mudge for keeping your cultural heritage alive and for sharing it with us through your museum and cultural centre.

Carolyn105emo

This museum is a treasure of historic items. It is amazing to see masks still with the original feathers and fur intact. This museum presents a rich picture of the Pacific Coast. The staff there are very knowledgable, friendly, and helpful in answering your questions

loraines808

Beautiful and amazing collection and stories to read. This is an integral part of the true history of our North Pacific coast.

JanetK202

The heritage shared @ the museum is amazing if you take the time to read. Enjoy the DVDs offered in the basement and do a rubbing off a petroglyph replica. Also offered when we were there were savings coupons for Tsa-Kwa_luten for LUNCH!

Kathryn

Provided a lot of information about the dances and ceremonies the masks are used for. Many excellent photos of village sites and people.