About Tsimshian Arts and Culture Society

Preserving & presenting traditional knowledge by creating space to gather in community.

To engage, enhance and inspire culture vitality of Tsimshian art through Collaboration, Leadership and Service

Long-term Goal

Ts’msyen arts and culture is well-known and appreciated, both locally and beyond.

Guiding Ambition

TACS actively supports Ts’msyen artists in their artistic and professional development. TACS acts as a cultural connector for the broader community.

Key Programming Directions

Preserving & presenting traditional knowledge

Bringing knowledge keepers, artists and volunteers together to document Ts’msyen cultural history and organize it in a consistent way.

Creating space to gather in community

A flexible space where cultural education can take place, as well as music-making, feasting, and celebrating.

Our Mission

  • November 2020: Founding Board

    • Eric Gray, Artist - President, Joanne Finlay - Secretary, Florence Dennis, Treasurer

  • 2021

    • Eric Gray, Artist - President, Sadie Dennis - Secretary, Fanny Bolton - Treasurer

    • Directors - Isabelle Stewart, Ramona Crosby and Naomi White

      • Art Production Project in Lax Kw’alaams: Ravenstail Weaving with Marie Oldfield, Artist. Funding from First Peoples Cultural Council (FPCC)

  • 2022

    • Board elected by acclamation

    • Cedar Bark Pounding workshop with Pearl Inns. Open House planned for public to meet TACS. Local arts council grant for Artist project and film made of Pearl Innes work in community.

  • 2022-2023

    • FPCC Operating and Art Production: marketing for cruise ship plans (summer). Set up office and boardroom for TACS. Hire first staff person part time to develop programming for next year. Support Tsimshian Halayaat Weaver Collective with space and materials to support residency with William White, mentor. Planning programming for 2024.

  • 2023-2024

    • Accelerate grant (2-year funding) from BC Arts Council. To build capacity of TACS and hire staff and consultants. Website development and Operational Plan for TACS completed - Collaboration.

    • FPCC funding FN Basic Design Program with Henry Kelly, Artist and Elder/Youth Project: Medicinal Plants and making medicine with Diana Knott, Artist/Elder.

  • 2024

    • Opdza dip K’o’olt (Lest We Forget) Project: Veterans Affairs funding for building a War Monument dedicated to our Indigenous Veterans in Lax Kw’alaams who sacrificed their lives for freedom.