10 places where you can experience Indigenous culture in BC
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada is September 30, and a great way to learn about its importance is to educate yourself on Indigenous culture.
In fact, there are plenty of places across the province where you can engage with Indigenous history, art, and more. These cultural centres and galleries are a great place to visit and reflect year-round, not just for Orange Shirt Day.
Here are 10 places across BC where you can experience Indigenous culture.
Sncewips Heritage Museum
Sncəwips Heritage Museum/Facebook
The Sncewips Heritage Museum is a protected place for sqilxʷ culture and heritage, with visitors invited to experience the histories, collections, and oral stories of the syilx people. The museum collects objects and archives that showcase the history of the Westbank First Nation and syilx/Okanagan community. It also hosts tours, special events, and cultural competency training.
Address: Unit 260 at 525 Highway 97, Kelowna
Indigenous Hall at the Museum of Surrey
The Indigenous Hall at the Museum of Surrey is a space of gathering, storytelling and exhibition for Surrey’s three land-based Nations: Katzie First Nation, Kwantlen First Nation and Semiahmoo First Nation. The first-of-its-kind hall is a dynamic space for education and will evolve as relationships grow and strengthen.
Address: 17710 56A Avenue, Surrey
Haida House at Tllaal
The Haida House at Tllaal is renowned for its authentic Indigenous cultural adventures. Guests of the lodge and oceanside cabins will explore numerous natural attractions and historical sites on Haida Gwaii’s Graham and Moresby Islands, then settle in for a relaxing stay on the banks of the Tlell River. There are also regionally-inspired meals and Haida-guided local excursions to enjoy.
Address: 2087 Beitush Road, Tlell, Haida Gwaii
Nisga’a Museum
The Nisga’a Museum is an over 900 sq metre design inspired by traditional longhouses, feast dishes, and canoes. Visitors can discover the Ancestors’ Collection featuring unique carved masks, headdresses, bentwood boxes, and other works of art from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. There is also the multi-year exhibition Healing Ways spotlighting traditional Nisga’a spirituality and Nisga’a Halayt with interpretive materials.
Address: 810 Highway Drive, Laxgalts’ap
Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre
Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler/Facebook
The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre was opened in 2008 and was built by the two First Nations that have lived in the traditional territory in and around Whistler for thousands of years. The centre showcases the history and culture of the Squamish and Lil’wat people with guided tours, workshops, craft activities, and more. It’s a bit of a drive from Metro Vancouver, but it’s definitely worth the experience.
Address: 4584 Blackcomb Way, Whistler
Fraser River Discovery Centre
Fraser River Discovery Centre in New Westminster spotlights the stories and diversity of the entire Fraser River. The Centre’s exhibits and educational content were created in partnership with Indigenous communities and include The Working River (economy), The River Wild (environmental), and the River’s People (socio-cultural). Visitors can also check out the Our Bones are Made of Salmon exhibit based on memories and experiences of Musqueam Elder Larry Grant and Stó:lō Cultural Advisor Dr. Sonny McHalsie.
Address: 788 Quayside Drive, New Westminster
‘Ksan Historical Village And Museum
‘Ksan Historical Village and Museum near the ancient village of Gitanmaax features traditional longhouses and First Nations lifestyle and art. Daily tours and the on-site museum with 600 items and artifacts will transport guests back in time. There is also an on-site campground and plenty of hiking trails around the site.
Address: 1500 Highway 62, Hazelton
Xatśūll Heritage Village
Xatśūll Heritage Village invites all cultures to discover the traditional Shuswap lifestyle. Guests can enjoy the regularly scheduled daily tours and experience a variety of educational and recreational activities. They include beading, medicine pouch workshops, and pit cooking.
Address: 3405 Mountain House Road, Williams Lake
U’Mista Cultural Centre
U’mista Cultural Society/Facebook
The U’mista Cultural Society was incorporated under the British Columbia Societies Act on March 22, 1974. Since that time, it has worked towards preserving the cultural heritage of the Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw. The focus of the permanent collection is the “Potlatch Collection.” The other permanent exhibits on display include a description of the traditional ethnobiology of the Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw and origin stories of the Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw villages, as well as, historical and contemporary Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw objects.
Address: 1 Front Street, Alert Bay
Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre
The spectacular Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre (pronounced in-ka-meep) is a state-of-the-art interpretive centre constructed into a hillside of a desert. You can enjoy the indoor and outdoor exhibit galleries through an interactive learning environment with hands-on displays, education stations and two multi-media theatre experiences.
Address: 1000 Rancher Creek Road, Osoyoos