Musqueam People
Jordan Wilson
Jordan Wilson. Photo courtesy of Ena Point.
I am from the Musqueam First Nation and I co-curated the exhibition c̓əsnaʔəm, the city before the city at the UBC Museum of Anthropology. Working on c̓əsnaʔəm, the city before the city was a new experience for me. As a young community member, I learned so much just being able to sit and listen to knowledgeable members of my community. It taught me how rich we are as a community: rich in knowledge, rich in teachings, and rich in history.
c̓əsnaʔəm is the name of one of our ancient villages. In 2012, members of the Musqueam community participated in a vigil that lasted over 200 days, trying to save this ancient site. I was one of the many community members that held vigil over c̓əsnaʔəm. We called it a vigil, not a protest, because vigil means to keep watch, to stay awake and look after something. We gathered on the side of the road on Southwest Marine Drive in Vancouver, right where our ancient village of c̓əsnaʔəm was 2,000 years ago. For over half a year, our community had a constant presence alongside the road, raising awareness of the issue. People were singing, drumming, and carrying signs because we wanted to protect our ancient village and burial grounds.
Musqueam and supporters marching for c̓əsnaʔəm. Photo courtesy of Murray Bush - flux photo.
We really came together as a community during the vigil. There were always Musqueam community members at the site—all day and all night. After over 200 days, we were successful in saving one small piece of this ancient village. There is still more to do!
When I think of what I want to do next, I think of my late grandfather, Smoky Wilson. Even though he has passed away, he still inspires me. He was a fisherman and taught me to fish. But more important was that he shared his values with me: respect, patience, and the care of family and community. I think of him often as I work with others to break down barriers and imagine a new future where First Nations people are respected fully.
I really enjoy school and I take all the opportunities I can to travel and learn in different places and from different people. I have studied at the Smithsonian in Washington D.C.; the Indian Arts Research Center in Santa Fe, New Mexico; the Harvard Peabody Museum in Boston; and even in Tromsø, in Norway’s arctic.
Right now, I am a student at UBC finishing my graduate degree in anthropology. I study museums as well as First Nations histories and contemporary issues—I am always thinking about our future. I use school as a means to learn more about who I am and where I come from. I also approach education as an opportunity to try to contribute to Musqueam. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of the community.
(L-R) Johnna Sparrow, c̓əmqʷa:t - Larissa Grant, and taχʷtəna:t - Wendy Grant-John in front of MOA, 2015. Photo courtesy Ed John.