Surrey

How did newcomers get to Surrey? What challenges did they face? Did everyone have the same experience? Students use artifacts, maps, and documents to answer these questions and uncover information about the Chinese Head Tax and other immigration experiences. Immigrants in turn-of-the-century Canada certainly faced challenges. Students experience the cultural traditions of Scottish and Chinese newcomers on the farm, and learn how the Head Tax and other practices affected immigrants to Surrey in the early 20th century. Three-week rental.

Hands-on learning is key in this program, which explores the six simple machines: pulley, lever, wheel-and-axle, inclined plane, screw and wedge. Students look at photos of artifacts, view videos, go on a scavenger hunt, and make a catapult.

Handmade presents and carols sung around the fireplace; discover the simple pleasures of the holidays as they were celebrated in Surrey long ago. Bring an old fashioned Christmas to life, as students examine archival photographs and artifacts, and make traditional decorations to bring home.

Get a hands-on tour of our medieval and renaissance museum of arms and armour, original
renaissance books, and heraldry!

Your students will get excited about the middle ages and renaissance in a new way by
handling reproduction and historical swords, trying on real steel and leather armour, leafing
through parchment and linen books, and learning all about the surrounding history from our
expert instructors.

We combine engaging lectures and demonstrations with opportunities for students to hold
and experience artifacts while learning their stories and real world use.

Format: Online kit available at https://monova.ca/native-newcomer-relations-case-studies-in-contact-colonialism-resistance/

Secondary level students will critically analyze both archival and contemporary newspaper articles relating to aboriginal rights and land title in British Columbia. This program presents the story of native activism in the mid-twentieth century through the lens of one individual (Maisie Hurley, 1887-1962), founder of the Native Voice newspaper.

This program has been organized with the Squamish Nation Education Department and made possible in part through a grant from the Museums Assistance Program, Department of Canadian Heritage.

September 15, 2025-June 25, 2026

Explore the world of landscape-inspired artwork through this engaging program. Using the forms of trees,  waterways, and mountains, students discuss ideas of landscape and place. Building on these ideas, participants use techniques of layering, colour mixing, and collage to create a ‘forest’ of trees.

Curriculum Tie-ins: Art Education, Ecology, Indigenous Art

Have you ever wondered what it takes for an animal to survive in its habitat? Join a Surrey Nature Centre program leader to explore how animals adapt to their habitats with a special focus on one of Surrey’s top predators, the coyote.