North Van exhibit pays tribute to Indigenous actor and speaker

  • 2021-07-06
A new exhibit on the life of Aboriginal actor and activist Chief Dan George will be open throughout the summer in North Vancouver.

The exhibit, called “Chief Dan George: Actor and Activist”, displays mementos from George’s life and lengthy career, along with a timeline of events and explanatory information. It is a mixed-media display including film clips alongside photographs and other items.

The Chief of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, George was known for advocating his people and challenging dominant narratives. He was also known as an actor in the latter decades of his life, in the 1960s and 70s, starring alongside names like Clint Eastwood and Dustin Hoffman. He was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his work in Little Big Man.

The exhibit is accompanied by a number of events also designed to highlight George’s legacy. These have included virtual events like a welcome reception and a conversation with George’s grandchildren, as well as “Fireside Chat” events running on the last Sunday of each month. The final Fireside Chat, taking place on August 29, will feature acclaimed Indigenous author and poet Lee Maracle, who is a granddaughter of George.

Accompanying events can be key to promoting exhibits like these, alongside tools such as flyer printing and social media.

Chief Dan George: Actor and Activist opened on May 22 and will run until August 29 at the Wild Bird Trust.