Exhibit honouring Chief Dan George extended

The legend of Chief Dan George is on display for an extended period at the Okanagan Heritage Museum in Kelowna.

The chief’s “Lament for Confederation” during Canada’s centenary celebrations is an iconic moment in the country’s history. The speech, delivered during the City of Vancouver’s 1967 festivities, is credited with fostering renewed interest in Indigenous rights.

George occupies a special place in Hollywood history too. He is the first Indigenous Canadian to have been nominated for an Academy Award. At the age of 71, George was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Little Big Man, a movie he starred in alongside Dustin Hoffman.

The Tsleil-Waututh chief’s story lives on in an exhibit at the museum titled Chief Dan George: Actor and Activist explores the story of Dan George (1899- 1981).

The travelling exhibition has been on display at the downtown Kelowna museum since Truth and Reconciliation Day 2022, and now, its run has been extended through to April 2, 2023.

The museum said Chief Dan George (born Geswanouth Slahoot) had a varied and fascinating career: longshoreman, actor, musician, lecturer, poet, activist, environmentalist and First Nations leader. He was raised on the Burrard Indian Reserve #3, the son of Hereditary Chief George Sla-holt; he spent much of his life working as a longshoreman and logger.

He began his acting career later in life during the 1960s and 70s, and appeared in many television, movie and stage productions where he worked to promote a better understanding of First Nations people.

While it is focused on George, the exhibit also highlights significant events in the First Nations rights movement in BC and Canada. Visitors to the exhibition will learn about other key individuals, such as Frank Calder, in the Indigenous rights movement.

You can learn more here.

In addition to the exhibit, the Kelowna Museums Society will be hosting a special Chief Dan George: Actor and Activist VIP tour on February 22, 2023, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tickets will be available for $15 in the coming weeks, and those who are interested are encouraged to visit KelownaMuseums.ca.

Admission to the Okanagan Heritage Museum (470 Queensway Ave.) is by donation. The suggested donation amount is $10 for individuals or $25 for families.