Indigenous Arts & Cultures in White Rock

Discover Indigenous Destinations and Experiences in White Rock

White Rock, located along the stunning coastline of Semiahmoo Bay, is part of the traditional territory of the Semiahmoo First Nation. For thousands of years, the Semiahmoo people have lived along this shoreline, relying on the bay’s abundant marine life for sustenance, trade, and cultural traditions. Today, visitors to White Rock can explore Indigenous heritage through storytelling, art, and outdoor experiences that honor the deep connection between the Semiahmoo people and their ancestral lands.

Learn About the Semiahmoo First Nation

The Semiahmoo First Nation is a Coast Salish community with a rich history tied to fishing, canoe travel, and sustainable land stewardship. Visitors can explore interpretive signage along White Rock Beach that shares insights into the traditional fishing techniques, seasonal village sites, and spiritual significance of the area.

The Legendary White Rock – A Sacred Indigenous Story

The iconic White Rock, for which the town is named, is central to an Indigenous Coast Salish legend. According to Semiahmoo oral history, the massive boulder was thrown across the bay by a young warrior from Vancouver Island to prove his love for a Semiahmoo woman. This story highlights the deep-rooted oral traditions and mythology of the Semiahmoo people, passed down through generations.

Indigenous Art and Cultural Installations

White Rock is home to several Indigenous public art installations, including:

• Totem poles and Coast Salish carvings that reflect the rich artistic traditions of the Semiahmoo Nation.
• Indigenous murals and sculptures along the White Rock waterfront, celebrating the connection between the Semiahmoo people and the ocean.
• Local artisan markets and galleries, showcasing handcrafted Indigenous jewelry, prints, and traditional Coast Salish weavings.

Attend Indigenous Cultural Events and Celebrations

White Rock and the surrounding region host several Indigenous-led events, including:

• National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations (June 21st) – Featuring traditional Coast Salish drumming, storytelling, and dance performances.
• The Semiahmoo First Nation’s cultural gatherings, which celebrate traditional songs, language preservation, and food.

Indigenous-Led Outdoor Experiences

The waters and shoreline of White Rock have been central to Semiahmoo life for thousands of years. Visitors can take part in:

• Indigenous-guided eco-tours and canoe excursions that explore traditional marine routes and fishing areas.
• Nature walks and foraging experiences, where Indigenous knowledge keepers share traditional plant medicine and land stewardship practices.

Whether you’re admiring Indigenous artwork, learning about the legendary White Rock, or engaging with Semiahmoo traditions through storytelling and cultural events, White Rock invites you to connect with the rich heritage and ongoing traditions of the Semiahmoo First Nation.