Our Mission
Preserving Coast Salish heritage through respectful collaboration and community leadership
Community-Led Cultural Preservation
The Salish Sea Indigenous Archive works on the principle that Indigenous communities must lead how their cultural heritage is documented and shared. We partner only with Coast Salish nations, elders, knowledge keepers, and cultural practitioners to ensure all materials are shared with proper permissions and protocols.
Our archive bridges traditional knowledge and modern educational needs, giving educators, researchers, and community members access to authentic, respectfully presented materials that honor the depth and continuity of Coast Salish cultures.
Every item in our collection was contributed with clear permission from the right cultural authorities. We keep ongoing relationships with source communities to make sure our work continues to support their cultural preservation and education goals.
Leadership Team
Dedicated professionals committed to respectful cultural documentation
Dr. Evelyn Joseph
Director & Cultural Advisor
Dr. Joseph is a member of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation with over 25 years in Indigenous education and cultural preservation. She holds a PhD in Educational Leadership from UBC and has been key in developing culturally responsive curricula for Indigenous students across British Columbia.
Michael Tallio
Head Archivist
Of Nuxalk and Heiltsuk ancestry, Michael brings deep knowledge of Northwest Coast cultural protocols to his archival work. He holds an MLIS from the University of Washington and specializes in Indigenous knowledge organization and digital preservation.
Sarah James
Linguistics Coordinator
A member of the Stó:lō Nation, Sarah leads our language preservation work. She holds an MA in Linguistics from Simon Fraser University and works closely with fluent speakers to document sound systems, oral traditions, and place names across Coast Salish communities.
Community Voices
What educators and community members say about our work
"As a teacher in the North Vancouver School District, this archive has been essential for creating accurate, respectful curriculum materials. The primary sources change how students understand local Indigenous history."
"Hearing my great-grandfather's voice on one of the oral history recordings was a profound moment for my family. This work heals and is vital for cultural continuity."
"The linguistic materials have been crucial for our language revitalization efforts. The quality of documentation and community collaboration sets a high standard for ethical research."
Community Partnerships
Collaborative relationships that make our work possible
University of British Columbia
Partnership with the Museum of Anthropology, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, and Indigenous Studies Program provides research support and academic validation for our documentation efforts.
First Nations Education Steering Committee
Collaboration with FNESC ensures our materials align with Indigenous education priorities and are accessible to schools throughout British Columbia's Indigenous communities.
Royal BC Museum
Joint initiatives with RBCM support repatriation efforts and ensure that historical materials are returned to appropriate community custody when requested.
Our Location
Situated in the heart of Coast Salish territory
Vancouver's Yaletown Neighborhood
The Salish Sea Indigenous Archive is located in Vancouver's Yaletown district, near False Creek—a historically significant area for Coast Salish communities. This location places us in proximity to important cultural institutions including the Museum of Vancouver, the Bill Reid Gallery, and the Vancouver Maritime Museum.
Traditional Territory Acknowledgment: Our archive operates on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. We are honored to work in this location and recognize the ongoing stewardship of these nations.
Community Access: We welcome visits from educators, researchers, and community members by appointment. Our reading room accommodates small groups and provides access to non-sensitive materials for educational purposes.
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM PST
Special arrangements available for community elders and school groups.
Cultural Protocols & Ethics
Our commitment to respectful and responsible cultural documentation
Free, Prior, and Informed Consent
All materials in our archive have been contributed with explicit permission from appropriate cultural authorities. We maintain detailed provenance records and ongoing relationships with source communities.
Cultural Review Process
All materials undergo review by community cultural advisors before being made publicly available. Some materials remain restricted to community members or are shared only with specific permissions.
Join Our Mission
Support community-led cultural preservation through partnerships, volunteering, or educational outreach. Together, we can ensure Coast Salish heritage continues to thrive.