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Tsleil-Waututh Nation – Display Cases

Tsleil-Waututh Nation – Display Cases

Tsleil-Waututh Nation – Display Cases

MJY Fabrication was entrusted by the Tsleil-Waututh Nation to create two custom-built display cases designed to showcase and protect culturally significant, repatriated artifacts. These cases needed to be both secure and visually striking, reflecting the Nation’s identity and harmonizing with the architectural language of the administration building.

The project required sensitivity, craftsmanship, and thoughtful design to support the Nation’s goal of sharing cultural items with the community in a respectful and meaningful way.

The Challenge

Balancing High Security with Cultural Sensitivity and Sculptural Design

Tsleil-Waututh Nation aimed to create display cases that could safely house a rotating collection of artifacts, with both the upper display area and integrated drawers used to feature items over time. The cases required:

High security, with all access points fastened using specialty tamper-resistant bolts
A strong visual presence, aligning with the Nation’s branding and architectural forms
Capacity for varied artifact sizes and formats, due to frequent object rotation
Cultural sensitivity, ensuring materials, shapes, and finishes supported the stories being shared

The most prominent creative challenge involved incorporating organic curves inspired by the rooflines of the building, and integrating copper detailing that MJY custom-designed for the project.

Client:

Tsleil-Waututh Nation

Location:

Tsleil-Waututh Nation Administration Building

Timeline:

June 11, 2024 - October 17, 2024

Cost:

$29,310

Scope:

Design and fabrication of two secure, visually striking display cases

The Approach

Translating Cultural Insight Into Thoughtful, Custom Fabrication

MJY collaborated directly with Tsleil-Waututh Nation staff to understand their goals and the cultural importance of the project. After initial meetings, MJY:

Designed original custom display cases, presenting drawings and concept details for review
Integrated cedar, copper, and curved geometry that reflected the Nation’s building and branding elements
Ensured all functional components — including the drawers and access points — were secured with tamper-resistant hardware
Built the cases to premium standards, balancing beauty, durability, and artifact protection

This collaborative and respectful process ensured the final design met both practical and cultural needs.

The Build

Crafted With Cultural Intention and Technical Precision

MJY constructed two display cases using a blend of natural materials, metalwork, and precision detailing:

Painted MDF structural base for stability and clean interior lines
Solid red cedar for all exposed woodwork, providing warmth and cultural relevance
Sheet copper inlays, custom-designed and hand-integrated to complement the cedar
Acrylic tops and drawer covers, ensuring clear visibility while maintaining security
Cedar handles shaped with matching curves inspired by the building’s roofline

The cases were crafted to be long-lasting institutional pieces, balancing aesthetics with functional premium-quality construction.

Key Takeaways

MJY Fabrication was honored to be entrusted with designing culturally aligned display cases for the Nation.
Creating the curved cedar forms and custom copper integrations was a meaningful craft achievement.
The project reflected MJY’s strength in museum and cultural institution fabrication, especially when projects require sensitivity, collaboration, and original design.

Most importantly, the work contributed to the sharing and connecting of culture within the Tsleil-Waututh community, an aspect that stood out as deeply meaningful to the MJY team.

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