The majestic mountains around Chilliwack hold a special place in the hearts of the people who gaze up at them.
Mountaineers: Community Experience in Chilliwack’s Mountains is the brand-new exhibit at the Chilliwack Museum, with the opening reception set for Thursday night.
The exhibition celebrates the rugged natural beauty and bounty of the local mountain ranges, which have drawn Indigenous and non-Indigenous climbers for more than 10,0000 years.
Mountaineers tells diverse stories, bringing to light the many different ways in which people have experienced the mountains.
Ever wonder what it would have taken to hike up to the top of Mount Cheam, known as Lhilheqey in Halq’emeylem, a century ago? There was no high-tech climbing gear, or even roads as we know them.
Traditional and modern Indigenous use of the mountains is reflected in the exhibition, exploring the living landscape of transformer sites, the importance of resource gathering, as well as contemporary trail-rebuilding.
Historic photos and journals, as well as some equipment and gear will be on display, showing how modern technology has led to rapid advances in alpine clothing, tools and hardware.
Mountaineers: Community Experience in Chilliwack’s Mountains runs from May 18–December 22, 2018, at the Chilliwack Museum and Archives on Spadina Avenue, with the opening reception on May 17, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
@CHWKjourno
jfeinberg@theprogress.com
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