Who I Am

My name is Chelsea Forseth

I am a visual anthropologist, ethnographer, Indigenous archive researcher, trained archaeologist and museum professional from Vancouver Island, Canada.

I am an Indigenous Canadian with roots in Sq’éwqel Seabird Island First Nation in the Fraser Valley (Canada) and the United Kingdom. I have lived in Canada, Sweden, Qatar, and Kuwait, which has widened my perspective. I am currently living in Kuwait.

Throughout the past couple of years, I have been working on my MA thesis that centers on my community: Telling My Auto EthnoGRAPHIC Story through My Drawings of Stó:lō and Sq’éwqel Archival History

Beginnings and Futures (Forseth 2023, 52)

Thesis Abstract:

I used visual research methods such as drawing for inquiry and creating auto-ethnographic multimedia graphic stories about my experiences with Sq’éwqel Seabird Island First Nation and Stó:lō First Nation archival history (including archival audio recordings and photos), my reflections, and memories as a Sq’éwqel Seabird Island community member. Archie Charles’ oral stories from the Seabird Island Strength of Claim Project Database are central to this project. I explored drawing as a research method to establish a personal connection with archival history and community and create community-accessible resources for future education initiatives. Through this research, I found that I, the participant/researcher, became curious and inspired by the inquiry, which forged a stronger connection to my community. In sharing my Indigenous graphic stories, I hope to find a way to educate on the diversity of Indigenous perspectives and engage readers in a way that connects them to Indigenous archival history and culture. These findings will be put forward to create unique Sq’éwqel Seabird Island First Nation educational programming.

Fun Fact:

My whole Living Lab (Fieldnotes) is included as an appendix in this thesis.

What I Do

I specialize in creating unique cultural and educational programming and curricula for all ages and spaces that can foster empathy, engagement, cross-cultural connections, interest, and fun. Furthermore, as a museum professional, I have skills in research, curating, and participatory exhibits.

I have diverse tools in my toolbox, and I use social media platforms to engage and teach the public about anthropology, museums, archives, empathy, and advocacy. It can foster community and engagement that starts conversations, bringing people together—Social Media Curating for social good, education and bridging understandings. Through these ideas, I created Culture Talks. It used to be only a podcast, but this has been put on hiatus throughout my MA and will be reviewed for restart. Presently, Culture Talks takes on an auto-ethnographic spin at times, much like my thesis, to show you through my experiences and perspectives how I learn and grow while giving information about anthropology, museums, auto-ethnographic tidbits, archives, and Indigenous topics. It is a mix of education and field notes.

If you would like to contact me : forseth.chelsea@gmail.com  or social media