Semiahmoo Ancestor Repatriation Chambers

These burial vaults became the final resting place for repatriated sacred ancestral remains of the Semiahmoo First Nation, which were held for decades in an anthropology department of a local university.

Reflecting the intimate relationship that the Nation has with the ocean, these vault chambers are quotations of the reefnet canoes that hold an important place the the historic and current practices of the Nation. Appearing to float above the ground, these chambers contain specially constructed ceremonial cedar boxes to protect the remains within.