Something Fishy: Elementary Lesson

by Hannah Morales

This playlist helps give insight to the anatomy of fish and First Peoples’ knowledge and relationship with fish. Examine scientific drawings and First Nations artwork of fish and explore how they reflect different interpretations and perspectives of nature.


Something Fishy
1In 1 playlists
The Royal BC Museum fish collection is varied and wonderful. Explore the astounding diversity of British Columbia fishes through the collection and scientific illustration.
View Pathway

Codfish
1In 1 playlists
This is a Nuu-chah-nulth, Ditidaht silkscreen print of a Codfish by Art Thompson.  How is this piece of art different from scientific art? 

Salmon
1In 1 playlists
This is a silkscreen print of a salmon by the Kwakwaka'wakw artist Tony Hunt. What details do you notice Tony Hunt utilizing to add texture to his salmon? Are there similarities between Hunt's salmon and the scientific drawing of a salmon?

Fish Design
1In 1 playlists
This fish design is by Nuu-chah-nulth artist Joe David. What similarities do you see in the various indigenous artworks?

Coho Salmon
1In 1 playlists
This Coho silkscreen print by Reg Davidson, a Masset Haida artist, depicts three salmon surrounding a circular bird motif. The fish are shown in red, blue, and black. What similarities and differences do you see between scientific and indigenous art?

Halibut Dish
1In 1 playlists
This carved wooden dish is in the form of a halibut fish. What does it tell us about indigenous peoples that they were able to make everyday objects beautiful. Why do you think this person chose to make their dish in the form of a fish? What does it tell us about the importance of fish to the indigenous daily life?

Wooden Clapper
1In 1 playlists
This is a carved and painted wooden clapper from the Heiltsuk in the form of a fish. A wooden clapper is a musical instrument that is sometimes used during cultural ceremonies. Why do you think they chose to put a fish on this instrument? Does it help us understand the importance of fish to indigenous culture?

Salmon Boy Story
1In 1 playlists
Listen to the Haida story of the Salmon Boy and learn more about the First Nation's perspective of fish and nature. Why is respecting nature and wildlife important to First Nation's people? What does this story tell us about the First Nation's relationship with salmon and nature? 

Songhees and Esquimalt Fishing Activities
In this activity, created by the Royal BC Museum in collaboration with the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, you will have the opportunity to view and "use" some of the fishing technology used by Songhees and Esquimalt people at the turn of the 19th century near Victoria.