Dundas Collection coming to British Columbia

VICTORIA, BC, Jan. 9 /CNW/ - A collection of significant First Nations artifacts purchased at a New York auction last fall is coming to BC for exhibition this spring.

The first stop for the Dundas Collection of Pacific Northwest First Nations art will be the Museum of Northern BC, located in the traditional territory of the Tsimshian First Nations. The collection will be at the Prince Rupert museum, March 1 - April 14. Then it moves to the Royal BC Museum, April 27 - July 4.

The 36 artifacts to be exhibited on behalf of nine owners are the most significant and spectacular items from the Dundas Collection, and include two wooden face masks, two rare clubs made of carved antler and a clan hat. The collection, acquired by Rev. Robert James Dundas in 1863, in Old Metlakatla, near present-day Prince Rupert, was auctioned by Sotheby's in October 2006.

"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to take a leadership role in returning this historic collection to Canada," says James Easton, who represents the owner of the largest group of artifacts. "Very rarely does a chance present itself to make a contribution of this importance to First Nations and Canadian culture, and we are honoured to be part of it. We are looking forward to the opening celebration in Prince Rupert and to participating in future exhibitions in other Canadian cities."

Future exhibition dates and venues, yet to be confirmed, will be organized by exhibit coordinator, Donald Ellis of Ontario's Donald Ellis Gallery, in conjunction with the Royal BC Museum.

"We are honoured to be hosting this exhibition and assisting with the tour," says RBCM CEO Pauline Rafferty. "This is a superb and significant collection of First Nations artifacts. The generosity of the people who purchased these items in the name of preserving Canadian history is astounding."

Representatives from RBCM and Museum of Northern BC have worked closely with chiefs and elders of the Allied Tsimshian Tribes of Lax Kw' Alaams and Metlakatla to develop this exhibition.

"The hereditary chiefs of the Allied Tsimshian Tribes of Lax Kw' Alaams and Metlakatla agreed that the travelling exhibit of this collection should begin in Tsimshian territory, where these important cultural pieces originated and where our children and elders would be the first to see them," says spokesperson James Bryant. "The owners of the pieces agreed to our request, and we appreciate that very much."

For Susan Marsden, curator of the Museum of Northern BC, "it is truly an honour to have been asked by the hereditary chiefs to host the opening exhibit
of this collection in their territory. The Museum of Northern BC is also grateful to the owners of the collection for the privilege of exhibiting these
exceptional Tsimshian works of art. The carved spoon we purchased at the Sotheby's auction in New York - with financial help from the Royal BC Museum -
will also travel with this collection."

For the latest Royal BC Museum information, visit www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca
or call (250) 356-7226.

For further information: Diane Dakers, Royal BC Museum, (250) 387-2101,
ddakers@royalbcmuseum.bc.ca