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WELCOME TO THE
True or False Creek
Walking Game 3.7 KM
The Game promotes understanding of sustainability & experiencing community in this place!
Follow 6 signs between Science World & Fishermen’s Wharf.
The trail takes you to 2 community centres, an artisan’s studio & a cooperative marina also.
BE A DETECTIVE AND FIND ALL 6 QUESTIONS:…
CONCEPT: Alexa Bailey. Thanks to participating groups who provided questions & answers.
Thanks also to those who act as stations for this Walk, posting our signage. You all make it possible!
When you view this water, you see: Sen̓áḵw (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh)
Photo of Indigenous canoe welcoming ceremony – July 14, 2022
TRUE
That is a name one of 3 indigenous nations have had – a Squamish term for some of this area for much longer than what we hear today “False Creek” ( www.senakw.com/history). You may also see it written as sən̓aʔqʷ being a Musqueam and Tsleil-Waututh term.
Naming is so important for a sense of Community! Picture a time when this was a relatively protected area with shallow waters between shores where life thrived. This channel of water & land has been a very special place where several communities have gathered.
The communities of the Coast Salish peoples — the Xʷməθkʷəy̓ əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Səlil̓ilw̓ ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-waututh) Nations gathered to enjoy its wonderful fishing, foraging, and harvesting opportunities over millennia. Potlaches also brought some communities together during this time.
Want To Know More… about changes over time?
With so much history, you may find it helpful to look at the website about one village at Sen̓áḵw – www.senakw.com/history. The Museum of Vancouver (MOV) site collected resources from the 3: Musqueam, Tsleil-Waututh, and Squamish Nations. www.museumofvancouver.ca/territorial-acknowledgement. Like to see a physical lay-out? Visit MOV’s c̓əsnaʔəm, the city before the city exhibition.
If you go to Science World, on the trail around it, check out that story map there with the stories layered onto it starting in that location. Find out more about the history including impacts of industrialization and recent efforts to address them.
Take Time to Think about…
More recent cultural contributions along this path from indigenous communities… For example, had you noticed on Granville Island in the past:
• Monumental/Totem Pole Carving, Clarence Mills, near the Public Market
• Bill Reid’s famous “The Spirit of Haida Gwaii: The Jade Canoe” (Vancouver International Airport) was carved on the Island 1990-1993.
Around the east end of the Creek, see:
• Olympic Village’s Truce Wall by Corrine Hunt & Salish North Star, by Halikium (Wade Baker) created for the Olympics arts celebration
Artist: Corrine Hunt - Truce Wall, Olympic Village near Creekside Community Centre
Artist: Halikium (Wade Baker) - Salish North Star, by the foreshore in the Olympic Plaza area.
The Canoe Cultures program in Concord Community Park has been working with Indigenous youth on canoe carving and building. Seek out other initiatives.
THANK YOU
Thank you to the Station Host, False Creek Community Centre, the indigenous artists, and all of the indigenous websites included here and the Museum of Vancouver (MOV) for providing additional information.
We gratefully acknowledge that False Creek is located on the traditional and unceded territories of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and Səlí ̓ lwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
HOST: False Creek Community Centre
Clue for Next Question
GOING WEST
You’ll find the next QR Code Wharf-side (as in False Creek Fishermen’s Wharf). Look for the gangway down to the dock with the bulletin board! Hint : Official sign includes fish sales afloat.
GOING EAST
Find the next question by the marina