Free Admission to all self-identifying Indigenous Peoples

The Museum of Vancouver offers free admission to anyone that self-identifies as Indigenous. You can book your ticket ahead online or in person at the admissions desk on the day of your visit.

MOV holds important and invaluable collections of Indigenous objects, belongings, and artworks. Developing and enhancing relationships with Indigenous communities, especially those from the Northwest Coast, with respect, recognition of history, and a shared desire to work together is a significant focus for MOV.

Our current complimentary admission policy for Indigenous guests acknowledges these unique relationships with these communities, and is informed by the spirit of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Territorial Acknowledgement

The city of Vancouver is located within the shared, unceded, ancestral territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

These nations are hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh sníchim speaking peoples. These languages are part of the Salish Language family, which dates back many millennia.

Resources to Support Redress and Decolonization

The discovery of 215 unmarked graves on the grounds of the Kamloops Indian Residential School has awoken many across our nation to the harsh realities previously documented by the Truth and Reconciliation Committee in their report of June 2015. MOV has taken a few days to reflect to ensure we find a respectful way to show our support for Indigenous community members in this time of suffering. One that recognizes the trauma and feelings of loss associated with recovering the remains of these little ones, but does not co-opt them for another purpose. In the last few days, I have spoken with some of my Indigenous friends and colleagues before preparing this response.

In 2019, we hosted the exhibition, “There is Truth Here: Creativity and Resilience in Children’s Art from Indian Residential and Day Schools,” and many of our visitors expressed a desire to learn more. At this time, we would like to share a few additional learning resources for those who would like to increase their personal knowledge or want to find a way to discuss these events with younger family members.