My dissertation analyzes the development of the visual culture of the people known as the Gitksan, as witnessed through the creation of ‘Ksan, a tourist village located at present day Gitanmaax (Hazelton, B.C.). I demonstrate how the fields of ‘art’, ‘craft’ and ‘artifact’ come into play in a more nuanced understanding of the development of various sectors at this key tourist site. The focus of the dissertation includes the complex motives that led to the creation of ‘Ksan. I consider the interrelationship of its art, the school as well as its business practices. I offer new insights into the developmental advantages of governmental project funding, the selection of a teaching staff knowledgeable in the arts of the Gitksan, and the reasons that led to its dramatic early success, only to be followed by an equally dramatic decline, all in a space of about 40 years. My reliance on interviews and analysis of new documents contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex history at this site. I also examine how the vision of Marius Barbeau may have contributed to the vision for ‘Ksan, articulated in part by a non-Native woman, Polly Sargent, a prime mover in the development of the site, the contributions of professionals like art historian Bill Holm, and most importantly, the dedication of the Gitksan people. While the school has closed, ‘Ksan’s positive impact on First Nations art of the Northwest Coast and its influence on the acceptability of Native art as fine art in Canada and other parts of the world, is evident. / Graduate / 0377 / 0273 / 0740 / cdubreui@sbu.edu

Native Indian Cultural Centres have grown out of the on-going struggle for native self-determination and are rapidly becoming a focus for native cultural revitalization. This thesis investigates the evolution of two Northwest Coast native Indian cultural centres--the 'Ksan Village and the Makah Cultural and Research Centre (MCRC)—through each stage of development, outlining the historical, cultural, economic and social context, the form and function of conceptual development and the planned and unplanned processes involved in building and operating each centre. Analysis has indicated that 'Ksan and the MCRC have evolved as a response to local cultural and economic pressures and opportunities and have been funded primarily on the basis of economic rather than cultural viability. Six factors were found to be collectively sufficient to promote the successful development of each cultural centre: local cultural knowledge, social mobilization, local project relevance, native Indian control, access to resources and common motivational ground. The relationship between native Indians and non-native specialists is changing. Native people are no longer allowing non-native specialists to define their culture and interpret their heritage and 'Ksan and the MCRC have positively re-inforced that change. The development of native Indian cultural centres has provided an important step in the on-going native struggle for self-determination by providing a focus and/or forum for native cultural identity and is likely to continue in the future. / Applied Science, Faculty of / Community and Regional Planning (SCARP), School of / Graduate