For milennia, Semá:th Xó:tsa (Sumas Lake) flourished between the Sumas and Vedder mountains in the unceded territory of the Stó:lō people. Between 1919 and 1924, settlers lobbied the government to drain the lake, disregarding the devastating impact on indigenous communities. This exhibit is based on the children’s book published by The Reach Gallery Museum.

UNINTERRUPTED is a VR experience that allows participants to witness the beauty and struggle of a salmon migration through the heart of the city in virtual reality. Woven through the original soundscape is the voice of Secwépemc Elder, Dr. Mary Thomas as she shares a story about salmon in her language. Developed by Canada Wild Productions, this exhibit was hosted at the FRDC with support from BC Hydro.

Seafood for Thought explored contemporary issues regarding sustainable fishing and helped visitors make seafood choices that benefit our waterways. Human activity on land and industrial fishing has destroyed marine ecosystems and driven some species to extinction. Scientists have warned that if we do not change the way we fish, we could run out of seafood by 2048. At the same time, we are encouraged to eat seafood for its health benefits. A growing world population will lead to increased demand for seafood.

Plants Alive! showcased the diverse native plant life in the Fraser River Basin, highlighted the importance of native plants to our ecosystem, and encouraged visitors to incorporate native plants into their communities and gardens.

Presented by the Royal BC Museum, this exhibit highlighted BC’s recent plant and animal arrivals. Visitors had the chance to learn about how they get here, their impact on native ecosystems, and what steps we can take to help protect BC’s biodiversity.

Brewer’s Gold interwove the history and science of hop growing with stories of the people who made this industry one of the largest agricultural employers in British Columbia. This exhibition, organized and circulated by the Chilliwack Museum and Archives, used artifacts, historical photographs, and graphic panels to illustrate and celebrate the lives that were influenced, and the culture created, by this now vanished industry. Sponsored by Wesgroup.

This exhibit aimed to be a catalyst for positive change just as Fin Donnelly’s Fraser River swims in 1995 and 2000 were. Through an in-depth look at Fin’s swims and the Fraser River, this exhibit encouraged visitors to make one change in their own lives that will make a difference to the river. Sponsored by Rivers Institute at BCIT, City of New Westminster.

This exhibit focuses on the importance of the boat industry, specifically boat construction, on the Fraser River. With the leadership of a coach from the Oarlock and Sail Wooden Boat Club, visitors are invited to develop their woodworking skills in a number of interactive stations. The highlight is to help build a wooden boat inside the Discovery Centre. Sponsored by City of New Westminster, Douglas College, RBC.

24 cases displayed over 40 birds of prey which inhabit the Fraser Basin. Each case highlighted one species of bird and each included an interpretive panel with a map showing the range of habitation.

As New Westminster celebrated 150 years, this exhibit drew attention to the historic, fundamental importance of the Fraser River to the development of the area which is now New Westminster.