With 204 distinct First Nations in our province, Indigenous arts and cultures resonates across British Columbia. From major centres to smaller communities, Indigenous knowledge keepers share traditions with new generations. This creative climate builds dialogue about cultural practices, stories of identity and resilience. The resulting works are a celebration of historic, traditional and contemporary artistic expression.
Indigenous cultural works span a wide range of media, telling stories through craft, function and arts. From wood and stone carvings, glass engraving and metalwork, to painting, beadwork, fibre arts and more, Indigenous visual arts represent both traditional oral histories and contemporary expressions of identity.
With over 30 languages and 60 dialects spoken among First Nations in British Columbia, the expression of Indigenous cultures through song, prose, theatre and dance provide an even greater celebration of Indigenous diversity to be shared across our communities. There are so many ways to explore Indigenous cultures in British Columbia! In addition to many ground-breaking galleries and museums, Indigenous artists from across the province continue to produce and collaborate on an incredible array of works.
There are also many opportunities to enjoy immersive experiences, from festivals and musical performances to carving demonstrations and culinary celebrations. Eco-tourism is another great way to experience Indigenous cultures, providing both restful retreats and opportunities to learn more about traditional lands and waters from a local guide. Regardless of your location on the unceded territories across British Columbia, experiencing Indigenous cultures is about learning a sense of place and the stories that come with it.
Whether you are planning a trip or want to learn more about Indigenous arts and cultures, Art-BC can provide you with all the details you need. Wherever you go, you will find history, art, and culture with Art-BC.
Abbotsford | Agassiz | Aldergrove | Alert Bay | Armstrong | Barkerville | Bowen Island | Britannia Beach | Bowser | Boundary Country | Burnaby | Cache Creek | Campbell River | Castlegar | Chase | Chemainus | Chetwynd | Chilliwack | Christina Lake | Comox | Comox Valley | Cowichan Valley | Coquitlam | Courtenay | Creston | Cumberland | Dawson Creek | Delta | Duncan | Enderby | Explore Cariboo | Esquimalt | Fort Langley | Fort Nelson | Fort Steele | Fernie | Fort St. John | Gabriola Island | Galiano Island | Garden Bay | Gibsons | Golden | Gold Country | Granville Island | Grand Forks | Haida Gwaii | Halfmoon Bay | Harrison Hot Springs | Hazelton | Hope | Hornby Island | Invermere | Kaslo | Kamloops | Kitimat | Kelowna | Kimberley | Lake Country | Langley | Ladysmith | Lantzville | Lillooet | Madeira Park | Maple Ridge | Mayne Island | McBride | Merritt | Mission | Nakusp | Nanaimo | Nelson | New Westminster | Nisga’a Nation | North Vancouver | Northern Rockies | North West BC | Oak Bay | Oliver | Osoyoos | Parksville | Peachland | Pemberton | Pender Island | Penticton | Pitt Meadows | Port Alberni | Port Hardy | Port Edward | Port Moody | Powell River | Princeton | Prince Rupert | Quadra Island | Qualicum Beach | Queen Charlotte Islands | Quesnel | Revelstoke | Richmond | Salmon Arm | Salt Spring Island | Sechelt | Shuswap | Sidney | Smithers | Sooke | Southern Gulf Islands | Squamish | Sunshine Coast | Surrey | Summerland | Telegraph Cove | Terrace | Trail | Union Bay | Vancouver | Vancouver’s Chinatown | Vernon | Victoria | Wells | West Kelowna | West Vancouver | Whistler | White Rock | Williams Lake
Skidegate is situated in Haida Gwaii, British Columbia. In the 18th century, the community was a hub for the exploitation of sea otter furs. However, long before that, it was home to Indigenous people. Some of the best things to do include the Haida Heritage Centre which was completed in 2008 and now features six Haida totem poles, the Canoe house which has Bill Reid’s canoe Loo Taas and other spaces dedicated to Indigenous culture. The Heritage Centre also includes the Haida Gwaii Museum which has art exhibits showcasing argillite carvings, totem poles and button blankets. Another important piece of Skidegate’s culture is the Shop Haida Gwaii site, which showcases the art of local artists domestically. With such a rich indigenous history and culture, Skidegate can impress many!
