Alcheringa Gallery is one of the leading indigenous art galleries in the world specializing in contemporary art from the Northwest Coast of Canada. Based in downtown Victoria, BC – and grateful to be on the traditional territories of the Lekwungen-speaking peoples – Alcheringa has been proud to represent the leading Read more [...]
Indigenous Arts & Culture
Due to the shifting nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, events and opening hours of many organizations may change from time to time. Should you plan a visit or wish to attend an event with an arts organization listed on Art-BC.com, we recommend that you visit their website for up-to-date details on their offerings and safety protocols.
With 198 distinct First Nations in our province, Indigenous arts and culture resonates across British Columbia. From our 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 culture 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 culture in British Columbia! In addition to many groundbreaking 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 aboriginal 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 culture, Art-BC can provide you with all the details you need. Wherever you go, you will find history, art, and culture with Art-BC.
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Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art
Downtown Vancouvers public gallery named after the acclaimed Haida artist Bill Reid (1920-1998). The Gallery showcases the permanent collection of Bill Reid and changing exhibitions of contemporary Northwest Coast art. Permanent Collection of Bill Reids work – Stunning gold and silver jewelry – Monumental sculptures – Towering totem pole carved Read more [...]
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DaVic Gallery of Native Canadian Arts
Your Trusted and well-reviewed Online Art Gallery for authentic First Nations and Inuit Art. Proud accredited member of the Better Business Bureau specializing in contemporary Northwest Coast, Woodland and Inuit prints, drawings and paintings. Visit our online gallery for great selection of beautiful, meaningful, and highly collectible Native Art for Read more [...]
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Eagle Spirit Gallery
Explore the Arts and Culture of Granville Island Picturesque Granville Island provides the perfect setting for Eagle Spirit Gallery, where land, sea and beautiful art come together. Eagle Spirit Gallery has been showcasing and promoting the work of the Northwest Coast Native artists for over 30 years and is the Read more [...]
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Haida Gwaii Museum at Kay Llangaay
The Museum offers a fascinating look into Haida Gwaii culture from diverse perspectives that explores; Haida knowledge, scientific information, natural specimens, oral history and art all blend together in a fluid and constantly changing exhibit context. We work collaboratively with communities and organizations to provide an inspiring and holistic learning Read more [...]
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Haida Heritage Centre at Qay’llnagaay
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 Reids Haida War Canoe Lootaas, a Gift Shop, Carving Shed, Canoe House, Performing House, Bill Reid Read more [...]
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House of Sim-Oi-Ghets
Shop your local Northwest Coast First Nations owned & operated Gift Store, located 5km West of Terrace BC on HWY 16W for Manitobah Mukluks, Grant Pauls, Chloe Angus, Pendleton Woolen Mills, Silver Jewelry and many more local artists! The arts and craft gift shop was originally built and opened in Read more [...]
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Kitimat Museum & Archives
Explore town history with the coming of Alcan’s aluminum smelter in the 1950s, early valley settlement, and Haisla traditional arts and technology. Additional displays feature regional geology, flora, and fauna. Historical Collection of videos, courtesy of Rio Tinto BC Works, showcasing the early years of the original Kitimat Project. Nechako Read more [...]
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Ksan Historical Village And Museum
Found within Gitxsan Territory, Ksan Historical Village stands where the village of Gitanmaax has existed for centuries. It is the desire of Ksan to preserve and truthfully portray the lifestyle of the people who have always lived here. ‘Ksan Historical Village and Museum is located near the ancient village of Read more [...]
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Kwa’lilas Hotel
Kwa’lilas is a kwak’wala word used by Gwa’sala-Nakwaxda’xw people meaning a place to sleep. A group of Elders chose this word in hopes that travelers and guests would find a peaceful rest after a day of exploration on the North Island. Our History goes back over 12,000 years where our Read more [...]
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Lattimer Gallery
Lattimer Gallery was established in 1986 by Leona Lattimer and her husband, David. Having spent much of their adult lives travelling throughout British Columbia, Leona and David made strong personal and professional connections with many Northwest Coast Native artists. Leona and David continued to foster these relationships with the artists Read more [...]
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MOA | Museum of Anthropology
Just 20 minutes from downtown Vancouver and the Vancouver International Airport, the Museum of Anthropology, located at the University of British Columbia, houses one of the world’s finest displays of Northwest Coast First Nations arts in a spectacular Arthur Erickson-designed building overlooking mountains and sea. Inside the soaring glass and Read more [...]
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Museum of Northern BC
Enter the Museum of Northern BC in Prince Rupert and experience the beauty of Northwest Coast architecture and the rich traditions of the Tsimshian First Nation. Located overlooking Prince Rupert Harbour, the Museum is renowned for its spectacular collection of timeless art, that bring to life the history and culture Read more [...]
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Nisga’a Museum / Hli Goothl Wilp Adokshl Nisga’a
Welcome to Hli Goothl Wilp-Adokshl Nisga’a, a name representing the four tribes that make up the Nisga’a Nation. The museum displays artifacts of all four peoples within its permanent exhibition, an assemblage of 300+ art objects that left the Nass Valley in the latter part of the 19th Century and Read more [...]
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Nisga’a Nation
In 2000, the landmark Nisga’a Final Agreement went into effect, heralding a new relationship between Canada and its Aboriginal First Nations. The treaty recognizes Nisga’a Lands and the Nisga’a people’s right of self-government. Built on our traditional culture, Nisga’a Lisims Government is the modern, democratically-elected government of the Nisga’a Nation. Read more [...]
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Quaaout Lodge
The Quaaout Lodge & Talking Rock Golf Course, the pride of the Little Shuswap Indian Band, is situated on the south shore of Little Shuswap Lake. Located midway between Vancouver & Calgary we are located just minutes off the Trans Canada Highway, a 45 minute drive east from the Kamloops, Read more [...]
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Skidegate Inlet Retreat
The Retreat is nestled in a quiet hillside neighborhood. Come enjoy panoramic views overlooking Skidegate Inlet. This natural, serene and private getaway in Queen Charlotte features the Eagle and Raven suites; they combine modern chic design with local Haida art in a relaxing comfortable atmosphere. A newly updated residence, with Read more [...]
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Skwachays Lodge Aboriginal Hotel & Gallery
Vancouver’s Boutique Hotel that is making a difference….. Skwachàys Lodge combines art and culture with exceptional hospitality. Eighteen one-of-a-kind guest suites designed by Indigenous artists and Vancouver interior designers tell stunning visual stories about First Nations culture and provides the funding for an Artists in Residence Program for Indigenous artists. Read more [...]
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Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler
The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre is the first centre of its kind in Canada, sharing what our two cultures have in common and what makes each unique. The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre features permanent and temporary exhibit spaces, a gift shop, café, and a full catering and events department for Read more [...]
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U’mista Cultural Centre
Free cultural activities Wed.-Sat. in July/Aug. – www.facebook.com/Umista.Cultural.Society U’mista tells an epic story of resistance and resilience and is considered a “must-see” when visiting the region. The Centre houses a world-famous collection of repatriated Kwakwaka‘wakw ceremonial regalia and includes galleries and a gift shop with hand-made jewelry and carvings by Read more [...]
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Urban Aboriginal Fair Trade Gallery @ The Skwachàys Lodge
Building Community through the Transformative Power of Art The Aboriginal Fair Trade Gallery is a social enterprise created by Vancouver Native Housing Society (VNHS). Located in the Lobby of Skwachays Lodge, Vancouver’s Boutique Hotel that is making a Difference…. it is a community driven initiative dedicated to sharing the artistic Read more [...]