Cowichan Valley Museum — Attraction in Duncan

You can see that even with a tiny (non-existant) paid staff that they've made a valient attempt at trying to tell a more historically accurate account of Duncan's history, especially in their newer 2018-2019 exhibit. Given that it's not particularly representative of the area's current demographic, I wouldn't have learned this history otherwise. However, I was unpleasantly surprised at one of the books in the gift shop being pretty culturally insensitive and the person at the front normalizing this by saying "it's a popular book."

P.s. I was shocked that the curator position that they're hiring for is only a 3.5 month contract, pays $25/hour, requiring them to have a full understanding of collection protocols, pedagogy, and teaching which are full careers, separately. Sadly, this really downplays the value and professionalism of the industry for others. But small museums are stuck between a rock and a hard place; they overly dependent grants...

Fabulous regional history museum here. Exhibits very interesting. Exhibits about the site of the raised Chinatown in Duncan, demolished to make was for an affordable housing project and commercial building. Exhibit about a 5'3" Sikh man who started a lumber business and hired "anyone who worked hard." Exhibit about Simon Charlie, born in the area and a master wood carver, and how his work came to be recognized. The lady at the admission desk at the door was very helpful and informative, I enjoyed talking with her. Highly recommended stop, and right at the start of the totem pole walk. Duncan is a neat little town, I enjoyed stopping in to all the thrift shops...

This museum is very easily spotted at the center of the city, just by the totem poles. It was a very interesting experience for me, seeing all the historical items and details of the history here - from the Japanese immigration, to the first settlers meeting the indigenous people who lived on this land - I was very pleased to see how descriptive and detailed the information presented here was. Admission is by donation, and there are souvenirs at the front desk. The staff working there was also kind and welcoming to visitors. I highly suggest stopping by here to see what the Cowichan Valley museum has to offer; especially if you're a tourist and/or seeing the...