Spirit Bear and Children Make History Exhibit

The Spirit Bear and Children Make History exhibit had a fantastic first run at The Exploration Place Museum & Science Centre in Prince George, BC, from June 21 - November 11, 2024. With over 12,000 visitors, including dozens of class and group visits, the exhibit was a great hit with kids and adults alike. We're now working with partners to transform it into a first-class touring exhibit that celebrates the inspiring reconciliation actions of children and affirms the responsibility of all of us to end inequities in First Nations children’s services and implement the TRC Calls to Action.

 

Based on true stories, the Spirit Bear and Children Make History exhibit shows how children of all diversities stand with First Nations to achieve what Elder Elmer Courchene called “loving justice” in First Nations children’s services. This multimedia exhibit features puppets and sets from Spirit Bear’s four stop-motion animated films by award-winning Indigenous Studio Spotted Fawn Productions, and includes interactive elements to further engage children. The exhibit also showcases archival material from the landmark human rights case for First Nations children, Jordan’s Principle, Shannen’s Dream, and important lessons from history. 

 

The Spirit Bear and Children Make History exhibit is a collaboration between Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, the Caring Society, Carrier Sekani Family Services, and The Exploration Place.

 

On September 6, 2024, Spirit Bear was honoured to receive the Key to the City of Prince George! Mayor Yu officially proclaimed September 6 "Spirit Bear Day," and said: “As I learned more about Spirit Bear during my visit to the exhibition, I wanted to do something on behalf of the City to acknowledge this amazing symbol that is Spirit Bear, and that he spreads such an important message in a gentle way for children. Every year on September 6, I want us all to recognize Spirit Bear and what he stands for.”

 

Watch here for news about where the exhibit will show next.

 

If you're a museum or other organization interested in hosting the Spirit Bear exhibit, please contact us. 

Amanda Strong, Spotted Fawn Productions, set up at The Exploration Place
Close up of Heart Garden set
Jordan's hospital room with exhibit panel
Exhibit view with Jordan's baby blanket
Mary Bear's classroom set - closeup
Lake Bearbine set with Uncle Huckleberry and Spirit Bear

  • Press Release - First of Its Kind: 'Spirit Bear and Children Make History' Exhibit Coming to Prince George

    Carrier Sekani Family Services (CSFS), the Caring Society, and The Exploration Place, in partnership with Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, are pleased to announce a first-of-its-kind exhibit is opening in Prince George on Friday, June 7, 2024.
    Read the Press Release

  • ‘Spirit Bear’ kids’ books and films exhibit opening at Exploration Place

    The exhibit “celebrates the true story of how children of all diversities stood, and continue to stand, with First Nations children, youth, and adults to address inequalities in First Nations children’s services so they can grow up healthy & proud."
    Read the Article

  • Spirit Bear and Children Make History exhibit coming to Prince George

    Spirit Bear and Children Make History is a multimedia exhibit with interactive elements featuring puppets and sets from Spirit Bear’s four stop-motion animated films, which are based on the Spirit Bear books written by Cindy Blackstock.
    Read the Article

  • Spirit Bear and Children Make History exhibit celebrates diversity

    "It’s important to recognize that our pathway to reconciliation includes teaching and learning, and that learning begins with the youth and our future leaders."
    Read the Article