This autumn, the Astoria-based Columbia River Maritime Museum (CRMM) welcomes two new exhibits that celebrate the traditions, contributions, and cultures of Indigenous People.

ntsayka ili/I ukuk – This Is Our Place

In partnership with the Chinook Indian Nation (CIN), the Museum takes visitors on a moving journey through Chinook maritime traditions and cultures, told from the Chinook perspective. This exhibit is specific to the lower Columbia region, giving visitors a glimpse into the Chinook people through the photographic lens of Amiran White. White has been documenting the Chinook Indian Nation for nearly a decade and the photographs and text were selected by CIN Chairman Tony Johnson, with approval of the CIN Cultural Committee.

This is Our Place opened September 13. The exhibit features a welcome video of Chairman Johnson and other tribal members speaking about their culture and living traditions and also shows tribal canoes still in active use for Canoe Journey, which are slated to be displayed in the exhibit after each canoe season. CRMM intends to maintain a permanent Chinook presence in the museum, and the content of the exhibit may evolve over time.   

Cedar and Sea Exhibit

Tentatively set to open in early November, this incredible exhibit features the talents of contemporary Indigenous artisans as they present their work as part of their living traditions. Visitors will learn about the various tools and implements fashioned from stone, bone, shell, wood, and other natural materials, representing thousands of years of innovation. This exhibit covers a large geographic scope, covering southern Oregon all the way through Alaska.

Cedar And Sea also includes a traditional canoe carved by renowned Tla-o-qui-aht Elder Joe Martin of Tofino, British Columbia. The ingenious ways in which natural resources of the sea and forest were and are harvested to sustain vibrant cultures are on display.

Further, the exhibit will feature a ‘knowledge giver’ video that will center the voices of living Indigenous people, allowing them to showcase their ongoing traditions, as well as links to their history and heritage. Tribes represented in this video will include Skwxwú7mesh, Stó:lō, Tsimshian, Suquamish, Tla-o-qui-aht, and Tlingit.

Nathan P. Jackson, Tlingit, shared, “…the future of our art and culture are in the hands of capable and productive artists who will keep perfecting their craft.”

The Columbia River Maritime Museum is committed to honoring and respecting the unique cultures, history, and traditions that each Indigenous tribe has. CRMM’s exhibits include extensive use of reproductions, many crafted by Indigenous artisans. Actual historic artifacts have provenance making their display appropriate. The museum does not display any funerary objects.

“The art doesn’t belong to me. It belongs to all of us…every Tsimshian, every Tlingit, every Haida,” said David Boxley, Alaskan Tsimshian.

Plan your visit to learn more about these incredible Indigenous People groups at Columbia Maritime Museum. Located at 1792 Marine Drive in Astoria, the Museum is open every day from 9:30am to 5:00 pm, except on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Learn more about admission or how to become a museum member here.