Indigenous Arts & Cultures in Princeton

Discover Indigenous Destinations and Experiences in Princeton

Princeton, located in British Columbia’s scenic Similkameen Valley, is part of the traditional territory of the Syilx (Okanagan) and Nlaka’pamux (Thompson) Nations. For thousands of years, Indigenous communities have thrived in this region, relying on the valley’s rivers, forests, and grasslands for sustenance, trade, and spiritual connection. Today, Princeton offers visitors the opportunity to engage with Indigenous culture through storytelling, art, and land-based experiences that celebrate the deep relationship between First Nations and the land.

Indigenous Heritage Along the Similkameen and Tulameen Rivers

The Similkameen and Tulameen Rivers have been central to Indigenous life for millennia, providing vital resources and trade routes. Visitors can explore interpretive sites along these rivers, learning about traditional fishing, hunting, and plant-gathering practices used by the Syilx and Nlaka’pamux peoples.

Discover Ancient Indigenous Rock Paintings and Petroglyphs

Princeton and the surrounding region are home to ancient rock paintings and petroglyphs created by the Syilx and Nlaka’pamux peoples. These pictographs, found on rock faces near rivers and cliffs, depict traditional stories, spiritual beliefs, and significant historical events. Indigenous-guided tours provide deeper insight into the meaning and significance of these sacred sites.

Explore Indigenous Art and Public Installations

Indigenous art is woven into the cultural fabric of Princeton and nearby communities. Visitors can find Coast Salish and Interior Salish carvings, totem poles, and murals that honor the land, wildlife, and traditional stories of the Syilx and Nlaka’pamux Nations.

Attend Indigenous Cultural Events and Festivals

Throughout the year, Princeton hosts Indigenous cultural events, including storytelling gatherings, drumming circles, and markets where local Indigenous artists showcase their traditional crafts, beadwork, and textiles. National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations often feature traditional dance performances, music, and community feasts.

Indigenous-Led Outdoor Adventures

The Similkameen Valley is known for its stunning landscapes, and Indigenous-led outdoor experiences offer visitors a deeper understanding of traditional plant knowledge, wildlife conservation, and land stewardship practices. Guided nature walks and eco-tours provide insights into how Indigenous communities have lived in harmony with the environment for generations.

Whether you’re exploring sacred pictographs, engaging with Indigenous artists, or learning about the deep spiritual connection between the Syilx and Nlaka’pamux peoples and the land, Princeton invites you to connect with a rich cultural heritage that continues to thrive today.