Join the Alberni Valley Museum on Thursday, July 31st from 10am-2pm for the opening of Cecil Dawson: Worlds Colliding.

The exhibition Worlds Colliding presents the evocative and multilayered works of Cecil Dawson, a renowned Kwakwaka’wakw artist and Hereditary Chief of the Dzawada’enuxw First Nation. Rooted in ancestral knowledge, cultural reclamation, and artistic innovation, the exhibition invites viewers into a world where Raven, ancient beings, and sea creatures coexist beneath coastal waters.

Dawson’s art is not only a reflection of his heritage but also a catalyst for dialogue. The exhibition foregrounds his collaborative efforts with non-Indigenous artists to explore the complexities of cultural exchange, Indigenous protocol, and the impacts of colonial contact. This cross-cultural engagement challenges and enriches the conversation around shared artistic practices, boundaries, and responsibilities.

The formal opening will honour Indigenous traditions through ceremony, songs, and dances, recognizing the artist and the cultural significance of the exhibition.

The exhibition runs from August 1 – November 1, 2025