First-of-its-kind online map highlights Indigenous culture, language in B.C.
The First Peoples’ map is the first interactive online map in Canada that provides information about Indigenous languages, arts and culture in B.C.
The First Peoples’ Cultural Council (FPCC) developed the map in response to B.C. First Nations requests for a platform to share information about their cultural heritage, languages and communities. The interactive map includes content that supports Indigenous linguistic, artistic and cultural revitalization.
“This is the first map of its kind in Canada to really weave together all the rich diversity of the cultures through layers of language, arts and cultural heritage,” said First Peoples’ Cultural Council communications officer Hannah Mashon.
“The layers on the map work independently, but they speak to each other as much as they do in real life with an Indigenous perspective,” she said.
The language layer of the map can be navigated by visitors so they can learn how to pronounce greetings, place names and communities in 34 First Nations languages with more than 90 dialects.
“The Arts layer allows you to explore artists in different regions and look through their portfolios and learn more about them,” said Mashon. “You can also search for public art and events to learn about what is going on in the regions around you.”
The heritage portion of the First People’s Map demonstrates the connection between the land and Indigenous cultural heritage. Each point of cultural interest relates to First Nations people and their unique knowledge of their environment.
“It provides information about First Nations cultural sites that aren’t necessarily represented on a lot of other maps,” said Mashon. “It's really unique that the map is able to include all this information together in one space.”
Mashon says the content is curated from 204 Indigenous communities from across the province.
The new First Peoples’ Map replaces the First Peoples’ Language Map created by the FPCC in 2008 and the First Peoples’ Arts Map developed in 2012. The map was made possible with funding from the B.C. government in 2018.
“We think it's really important for Indigenous communities to have a platform where they can share their stories and their artworks in a safe way,” said Mashon. “It’s important for Indigenous Peoples to share their arts, language and cultural heritage as one because they are so interconnected.”
Mashon says the FPCC developed the map focusing on specific communities to illustrate the connection First Nations Peoples have to the land. She says the FPCC consulted with First Peoples communities across the province to gather information with respect to arts, language and culture.
“We wanted to make (the map) as user friendly and as accessible as possible for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to learn about the Indigenous cultures of B.C.,” said Mashon. “We want to invite people to use the map to educate themselves, explore all of the diversity and the richness of the cultures, to learn something new and celebrate Indigenous Peoples.”
Visitors to the FPCC First Peoples’ Map can search by geographic locations, navigating the website’s sidebar or by keyword. They can listen to audio pronunciations of First Nations’ languages, find artists and locate important First Peoples cultural sites.
“There‘s a real thirst for people to want to learn more about their Indigenous neighbours and this is a great way to access that information to honour Indigenous Peoples and their culture,” said Mashon. “I believe that (the map) is definitely a first step for people if they’re on their journey of reconciliation.”
The First Peoples Map can be found on the FPCC website here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NDP motion regarding Palestinian statehood passes after major Liberal alterations
A motion from the federal New Democrats initially calling on Canada to recognize the 'State of Palestine' passed amid widespread acrimony on Monday, after the Liberals drastically altered its wording to see the government simply work towards that aim as part of a two-state solution.
'He didn't want to die': Family of Calgary man killed in standoff speaks out
Family of a Calgary man killed after a 30-hour standoff with police last week are speaking out, sharing details of the tense and heart-wrenching experience.
Toronto family doctor who called patient's body 'perfect' suspended for 3 months: tribunal
A family doctor in Toronto has been suspended for three months after a disciplinary tribunal found that he failed to follow proper protocols while examining a patient's breasts and made inappropriate comments about her body.
Ohio mom who left toddler alone 10 days when she went on vacation pleads guilty to aggravated murder
An Ohio mother whose 16-month-old daughter died after being left home alone in a playpen for 10 days last summer while she went on vacation was sentenced Monday to life in prison with no chance of parole.
Retired teacher pleads guilty to paying for sex with 15-year-old in Collingwood, Ont.
In a Barrie courtroom on Monday, a retired high school teacher from the Niagara Region pleaded guilty to sexual touching and obtaining sexual services from a 15-year-old boy in Collingwood in 2021.
Hertz CEO out following electric car 'horror show'
The company, which announced in January it was selling 20,000 of the electric vehicles in its fleet, or about a third of the EVs it owned, is now replacing the CEO who helped build up that fleet, giving it the company’s fifth boss in just four years.
5 charged in Calgary kidnappings that targeted women
Calgary police have charged five men in a pair of kidnappings last year that targeted innocent victims.
Demand soars for solar eclipse glasses in Canada. Are they worth buying?
The demand for total solar eclipse glasses used to safely view the rare celestial event has been ramping up as sellers, along with astronomy and eye-care experts in Canada, warn that viewing the eclipse with the naked eye is dangerous.
Canadian commander of volunteer fighter group dies in Ukraine
A Canadian-born commander of the so-called Norman Brigade, a volunteer fighting group in Ukraine, has died.