This year, I did something exciting, nerve recking and fun all wrapped up in one. The process actually began in August of 2024 when I filled out an application for a Community Treasures exhibit at the Museum of Surrey.
In October 2024 I received an email with exciting news: “I am delighted to inform you that your application for a Community Treasures exhibit was successful! We are excited to work with you and bring your vision to life.” And so, the work of curating a museum exhibit began.
I had never curated a museum exhibit before so this meant stepping out of my comfort zone, learning new things, challenging myself, being brave and just doing it! I was so grateful to work with Shayla Hunt, the Museum curator who guided me step by step, had amazing ideas and was just an overall great human being to work with. So passionate, kind, encouraging, fun and creatively thinking out of the box. So much so that she suggested I shoot a tutorial video, making one of my favorite Ugandan foods. My reply was sure, why not. And then later realizing what I had agreed to after the fact and silently panicking. But that too worked out amazingly well.
And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
The team that shot the video had worked with cooking shows before and were pros. I thoroughly enjoyed both the process and the final video. I chose to prepare “Rolex” a popular Ugandan street food. You can watch that video here:
My husband, children and I were invited to come help set up the exhibit earlier in the week it was to be opened and that was so much fun. The children helped stage the artifacts in their special cases before they were sealed off. They got a kick out of telling their friends that some of their handmade Ugandan toys are on loan to the Museum of Surrey for an exhibit.
Photo Credit: Diamond’s Edge Photography
The Museum of Surrey Exhibit: Celebrating Our Ugandan Heritage officially opened January 28, 2025 and will be on view to the public until April 27, 2025 which happens to be our daughter’s birthday.
The exhibit features thoughtfully curated items from our family’s private collection. These objects connect us with our Ugandan roots as we go about living and working in Canada. The exhibit invites you to explore Uganda’s breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant traditions. Uganda is located along the Equator in East Africa. It is a scenic country whose population is as diverse as the country’s landscape. The exhibit offers a snapshot of all that Uganda has to offer. From learning how to make a Rolex, to sitting back and listening to music, there is an exciting journey ahead! The Matembe family immigrated to Canada over 20 years ago and now call the City of Surrey, home. As Canadians of Ugandan descent, our heritage is an important part of who we are. Preserving and passing on our culture to the next generation, as well as sharing it with the community that surrounds us is a privilege we do not take lightly.
There has been an overwhelmingly great response from the public, including newspaper articles in Peace Arch News and Surrey Now-Leader and tv interviews with BCIT news. Art BC also toured the exhibit and featured it on their page. I’m so grateful that sharing my heritage has been so well received.
Photo Credit: Diamond’s Edge Photography
One of my highlights has been Uganda’s Ambassador to Canada, His Excellency Allan Kajik, Acting Head of Mission, Uganda High Commission- Ottawa flying in all the way form Ottawa on an official tour of the Exhibit: Celebrating Our Ugandan Heritage at the Museum of Surrey in British Columbia. My sister suggested writing an official invite to the Ambassador and I thought why would he travel all the way just for me? Yes, the exhibit is great but is it “a representative of the Head of State of my country Uganda” great? The answer is yes! I’ve seen the Hand of God move mightily as I stepped out of my comfort zone to tackle big things knowing that God has my back. God is leading me and giving me wisdom on what to do and how to do it. God is placing people in my life as helpers of destiny. The more I take a step of faith, even though I may be afraid and a little doubtful, the more I see God move and things working out for my God which encourages me to take the next step, and then the next and so on.
The Ambassador remarked that he was exceedingly overjoyed by the passion and level of patriotism I displayed with this exhibit showcasing Uganda in British Columbia, Canada. He thanked me for my creativity and hard work. “It is a pleasure being part of the history Rachel and her family have made, and to support this excellent initiative. Uganda is such a beautiful country. We have a lot of attachment to our heritage. Our languages, culture, clothing, food, all connect us together,” he added.
Celebrating Our Ugandan Heritage Museum Exhibit is about connecting the public with the rich, vibrant culture of Uganda. It is about representation and education about new and diverse cultures. Visitors will find it to be an overall edifying experience of Ugandan culture that broadens their knowledge about Uganda.
If you are in British Columbia or surrounding areas, I invite you to come explore Uganda’s breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and vibrant traditions in this free, family friendly Museum exhibit.
The good news is that you are still able to attend and view the exhibit virtually by scanning the QR code attached to take the virtual tour!
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Read more of Rachel’s contributions to AllMomDoes here.
