Aboriginal Culture

Aboriginal Culture

British Columbia is a vast, beautiful landscape that has known the footsteps of Aboriginal people from time immemorial. The Aboriginal Tourism Association of BC offers many ways to discover Aboriginal culture throughout British Columbia. See Canadian First Nation artists carving a totem pole, explore traditional lands and waters with an Aboriginal guide, or enjoy and experience Aboriginal dance and music performances and many Aboriginal Pow Wows & festivals throughout the year.

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Aboriginal Tourism BC


Vancouver BC
www.aboriginalbc.com

Kla - how- eya

The First Nations of British Columbia, Canada welcome you! British Columbia has known the footsteps of Aboriginal people from time immemorial. We are the indigenous peoples of this land whose traditions and culture remain strong, rich and diverse and whose life has been shaped by the land, oceans, climate and creatures within.

Our land is British Columbia. A vast beautiful landscape that is as diverse as its people. From the rocky shoreline carved by the ocean to the peaks of the highest mountains and the beautiful plains of the interiorthis is our home.

Here in BC you can watch native artists carve a totem pole, explore our traditional lands and waters with an Aboriginal guide, experience a traditional First Nations healing and purification lodge with a native elder, view exquisite Pacific Northwest native art in art galleries, cultural centers and museums, sample traditional foods and award-winning wines, relax in native-owned resorts, campgrounds, log cabins and bed & breakfast inns and even enjoy a round of golf on a native-owned championship golf course!

The Aboriginal Tourism Association of British Columbia (ATBC) and its members invite you to travel to British Columbia this year to experience our rich First Nations culture, traditions and warm hospitality.

Black Tusk Gallery

108 - 4293 Mountain Square
Gallery Row - Hilton Resort
Whistler BC V0N 1B4
604.905.5540
Toll Free 1.877.905.5540

www.blacktusk.ca

The Black Tusk Gallery features a variety of works by the First Nations artists whose work reflects the ancient histories and traditions of the coastal people .

6th annual Cowichan International Aboriginal Festival of Film


Duncan BC
www.aff.cowichan.net

Apr 14 to 18, 2010

The 6th annual Cowichan International Aboriginal Festival of Film and Art takes place each year in April (April 14-18, 2010) in Duncan, BC.
As a destination festival in the Cowichan, on beautiful Vancouver Island, it offers four nights of festivities featuring films from all corners of the globe, with film, performance, art workshops and artwork. From the Coast Salish Gala Reception to the Sunday Night wrap up, each night’s pass offers film screenings, guest speakers and featured artists. Come early and celebrate with us, spend some time exploring the ancestral trails in the region, make a drum, or join in a drumming or dance workshop, spend some time with the Elders, and take home your unique story. This is a film festival and cultural experience you don’t want to miss!
Visit www.aff.cowichan.net for information on the festival and other film & arts events we offer throughout the year.

Culture Shock Interactive Gallery

010A Front Street
PO Box 471 Alert Bay BC V0N 1A0
1 250 974 2484

www.cultureshockgallery.ca

Culture Shock Interactive Gallery in Alert Bay, B.C. is a unique experience designed to offer friendly access to the indigenous NAMGIS arts and culture. At this waterfront location, you can shop for one of a kind, locally made art, jewellery and clothing, watch award winning films about our culture while enjoying the best coffee in the island or take in the beautiful views on our cedar patio. Listen to storytelling by Ada (Grandmother), weave with Donna or enjoy a summer salmon barbecue. Always friendly and never boring, Culture Shock Interactive Gallery welcomes you to explore NAGMIS traditional arts and culture.

Gemma's First Nations Gifts & Souvenirs

340-4741 Lakelse Avenue
Terrace BC V8G 1K1
250.635.5577 or 1.800.563.4362

From Kermodei Bear collectibles to handcrafted native art and home decor.

George Little House

3100 Kalum Street
Terrace BC
250.638.8887

www.city.terrace.bc.ca/departments/pr-georgelittlehouse.html

Visit the two-storey heritage home of George Little, "The Founder of Terrace." Rich in history and old world charm and refurbished to its original state, tourists can expect much from the George Little House . The house is home to work of local artists, Terrace souvenirs, as well as the First Nations Carving studio by the Terrace Local Nisga's Society.

Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site

PO Box 37
60 Second Beach Road, Skidegate Skidegate BC V0T 1S0
250.559.6330
www.parkscanada.gc.ca

Discover over 13 000 years of Haida connection with the land and sea!

Gwaii Haanas contains the essence of the rugged beauty and ecological character of the Pacific coast. It is a celebration of more than ten thousand years of connection between land, sea and Haida culture. Visitors have an opportunity to witness a living culture, to observe nature and to experience solitude. For some visitors, this is a spiritual experience and results in a deep connection with the land, sea and people.

Haida Heritage Centre at Qay'llnagaay

Box 1523, 2 Second Beach Road
Skidegate, Haida Gwaii, Queen Charlotte Islands BC V0T 1S1
250-559-7885
www.haidaheritagecentre.com

Open year round - daily in the summer. Check website for hours of operation, daily tour schedule and admission fees.

Haida History and culture come alive at this spectacular new Centre on Haida Gwaii, the home of the Haida people. Features of the centre include the Haida Gwaii Museum, ten standing Totem Poles, Bill Reid’s Haida War Canoe Lootaas, a Gift Shop, Carving Shed, Canoe House, Performing House, Bill Reid Teaching Centre and a Cafe. Parks Canada provides orientations and evening presentations about Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site in one of the centre’s two classroom spaces.

Khot-La-Cha Art Gallery & Gift Shop

270 Whonoak Street
North Vancouver BC V7P 1P3
604.987.3339

www.khot-la-cha.com

Mon to Sat, 10am-5pm

Khot-La-Cha features authentic Northwest artwork created by BC's finest native artists. Hand-carved cedar totem poles and plaques, unique feasting bowls, rattles and hand-tanned moccasins, exquisite hand-carved sterling silver and 14k gold jewellery. Visit our "Long House" Art Gallery and Gift Shop located on the Reserve, minutes away from the Lions Gate Bridge.

Kitlope Heritage Conservancy

Haisla Nation
British Columbia
250.632.2020
Toll Free 1.877.424.7521

www.haislatourism.com

Discover, learn and enjoy the majesty of the world’s largest undeveloped coastal temperate rainforest. Relaxing in natural hotspings or spent time on the hot tub. Paddling or hiking to discover the history behind the grease trail. Excellent wildlife viewing in the area. Moose, deer, mountain goat, wolves and grizzly bear can be viewed throughout our territory.

Ktunaxa Interpretive Centre

7777 Mission Road
Cranbrook BC V1C 7E5
(250) 417-4001

Located at the famous St. Eugene Resort, this interpretive centre displays artifacts and details of the history and mythology of the Ktunaxa and the history of the resort. Once a residential school, this maganificent building was turned into an international destination resort by the Ktunaxa Nation in 2003. While visiting the centre, you will learn about the residential school period through exhibits and an informative documentary.

Nisga'a Lisims Government Building

2000 Lisims Drive
New Aiyansh BC
250.633.3000
Toll Free 1.866.633.0888
www.nisgaalisims.ca

Canada's Nisga'a Nation is represented by Nisga'a Lisims Government - a modern, forward-thinking administration based on traditional culture and values. Together, we have built a culture and economy that respects and protects our natural heritage.

Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre - Osoyoos Indian Band

1000 Rancher Creek Road
Osoyoos BC
250.495.7901
Toll Free 888.495.8555

Discover the Lands, the Legends, the People. A stunning new First Nations cultural attraction. Our 20,000 square-foot interpretative centre features interactive and fun activities for the whole family!

www.nkmipdesert.com

Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre

PO Box 8, 34 Weway Road Quathiaski Cove
Quadra Island BC V0P 1N0
250.285.3733

www.nuyumbalees.com

Situated in the Cape Mudge Village of the We Wai Kai Nation, on Quadra Island.

Enjoy the Beautiful Treasures of the Sacred Potlatch Collection exhibited in the Main Gallery and Upper Gallery.

Allow approximately 45 minutes to fully enjoy the exhibits. Movies are shown throughout the day and may be enjoyed at your leisure in the Lower Gallery.

There are several Petroglyphs outside the Cultural Centre which were moved from their original location to preserve and protect them. There are also petroglyphs on the waterfront near the Ah-Wah-Q-a-Das across the street.

Make a Petroglyph Rubbing in the Main Gallery. Fibreglass Casts were taken of the petroglyphs and these are located in the Main Gallery and in the Carving Shed for group visitors.

HOURS OF OPERATION

10am to 5pm daily; May 1 - Sept 30, 7 days a week

One Moon Native Art Gallery

1192 Kosapsum Crescent (off Admirals Road)
Esquimalt BC V9A 7K7
250.294.6388
www.onemoon.ca

Enter Darlene Gait's world of dreams and inspiration by walking into One Moon Gallery on the Esquimalt Reserve in Victoira, B.C., where you can purchase originals and limited edition giclee prints from Darlene's unique perspective.


Come visit the gallery from 10am - 5 pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Other days of the week by appointment.

Sarah's Haida Arts & Jewellry

387 Eagle Road Box 57
Masset BC V0T1M0
250.626.5560

11-5 Monday to Saturday
12-5 Sundays (Summer months only)

Let us show you the spirit of Haida Gwaii!

- custom carvings in argillite
- wood masks, paddles, totems
- handmade jewellery
- gold
- silver
- abalone

Sasquatch Crossing Eco Lodge

15500 Morris Valley Road
Agassiz BC V0M 1A1
604.796.9798

www.sasquatchcrossing.ca

Built in 1903 as an estate home, 10,000 sq. ft. gem features 9 unique guest rooms with private bathrooms. 87 acre property: secluded waterfall, creek, salt water pool, and meditation labyrinth. Enjoy golf, skiing, boating, and view wildlife close by.

Request a cultural experience: Traditional Welcome, Dancers, or Art Workshops.

Secwepemc Museum & Heritage Park

#311-355 Yellowhead Hwy
Kamloops BC V2H 1H1
250.828.9779
www.secwepemc.org

At one time the Secwepemc people occupied one large Traditional territory covering approximately 145,000 square kilometers. In 1811, after European contact, the colonial government divided the Secwepemc people into 17 distinct groups with specific parcels of land designated to each.

Visit the Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park and experience the rich cultural history of the Secwepemc People. Attractive museum exhibits incorporate the oral history and legends of the Secwepemc People along with historical photographs, illustrations and artefacts. Outdoor cultural displays in the 12-acre Native Heritage Park on the banks of the South Thompson River are a natural complement to the Museum. More than a kilometer of trails lead visitors through the archaeological remains of a 2000-year old Secwepemc winter village site, four reconstructed winter pit houses and a summer village.

Siyamin Artist Cooperative

415 West Esplanade
North Vancouver BC V7M 1A6

The Siyamin Artist Cooperative is a registered non-profit society owned by its members, Squamish Nation artists. Our mission is to promote and sell authentic Squamish Nation Art at fair market value in a respectful, culturally sensitive way. Visit our Kiosk in Park Royal Mall.

Spirit Bear Adventures

Spirit Bear Lodge
Klemtu BC
Toll Free 1.877.644.2346

www.spiritbear.com

Visit the Great Bear Rainforest, the largest intact temperate rainforest in the world. Explore the natural habitat of the Spirit Bear and home of the world’s only Kitasoo Spirit Bear Conservancy. Unique tours in the ancestral lands and traditional territory of the Kitasoo/Xai’xais First Nation.

Spirits Of The West Coast Native Art Gallery

2926 Back Road
Courtenay BC V9N 9G9
250.338.2120
Toll Free 1.877.338.2120

www.spiritsofthewestcoast.com

Our gallery offers you beautiful original Pacific Northwest Coast Native American Art and Jewelry. We have a wide variety of Haida Art, Kwakiutl Art, Coast Salish Art, Masks, Carvings, Prints, Argillite Sculptures and jewellery including gold and silver native bracelets, rings, pendants and Earrings.


Our personal contact with our native artists and masters from the Haida, Coast Salish and Kwakiutl Nations, allows us to offer commissioned pieces. Just give us a call and we will be happy to help fulfill your wishes.

Talking Stick Festival


Vancouver BC
604.683.0497

www.fullcircle.ca

Feb 1 to 28, 2011

This citywide festival of extraordinary Aboriginal performance and art features some of the best emerging and established Aboriginal artists. It provides a stage for artists from a variety of artistic expressions - theatre, storytelling, writing, music, dance, performance art and visual arts.

Please join us for the 2011 Talking Stick Festival.

The CRS Trading Post


Britannia Beach BC
604.896.0001
Fax 604.896.0009
www.thecrstradingpost.com

The CRS Trading Post is located on Hwy. 99 in historic Britannia Beach. Featuring carvings by local Coast Salish natives (Squamish Nation), silver and gold handcrafted jewellery and original works of art by world renowned artists Ice Bear, Ken Skoda.

Open Daily.

Thunderbird Park

Belleville and Douglas at the Royal BC Museum
Victoria BC
www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/exhibits/tbird-park/main.htm?lang=eng

Thunderbird Park was established in 1941 when a display of totem poles from the provincial museum's collection was set up on six vacant city lots at the corner of Belleville and Douglas streets in Victoria. By 1952, deterioration of the carvings had become a serious concern, and Anthropology Curator Wilson Duff initiated a pole restoration program. Mungo Martin, a Kwakwaka'wakw (Kwagu't) carver who had started a similar program at the University of British Columbia, was hired as chief carver. The original poles from Thunderbird Park were moved to inside storage and replaced by replica versions carved by Martin and others working under his direction, including Henry Hunt (who was married to Martin's adopted daughter) and Hunt's sons, Tony and Richard. The replacement poles were erected in the park over a number of years.

Tsa-Kwa-Luten Lodge, the Oceanfront Resort at Cape Mudge

P.O. Box 460
#1 Lighthouse Road Quadra Island BC V0P 1N0
250.285.2042

www.capemudgeresort.bc.ca

Open Mid April to Mid October

Tsa-Kwa-Luten Lodge offers privacy and seclusion within a 1100 acre forest located on Quadra Island, only a 10 minute ferry ride from downtown Campbell River. The lodge features Pacific Coast Kwagiulth architecture as well as traditional and contemporary native art.

Tsa-Kwa-Luten ("Saw-kwa-loo-tan") Lodge is a magical place where legends live in a land of salmon, eagles, killer whales, soaring mountain peaks, swirling tidal waters and lush evergreen forests. Kayak, hike, bike or simply savour the beauty and peacefulness of Quadra Island.

All our accommodations feature ocean views of historic Discovery Passage including the sauna and hot tub.