Canada's First Nations Culture

Home to more than 30 First Nations, each with its own language and culture, BC has the most vibrant range of aboriginal cultures in North America.

Museums and Galleries

Southern BC has several First Nations museums. In Vancouver, the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art has a wide range of aboriginal art. Vancouver's Museum of Anthropology and Victoria's Royal British Columbia Museum each has a renowned collection of First Nations artifacts, from archaeological finds to modern-day works. A number of Vancouver art galleries, notably the Coastal Peoples Fine Arts Gallery, Hill's Native Art, and the Douglas Reynolds Gallery, show works by contemporary and traditional BC First Nations artists.

Cultural Centers

Another way to experience aboriginal culture is to visit one of the cultural centers run by First Nations people. An easy day trip from Vancouver, the impressive Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre (www.slcc.ca) in Whistler showcases the history and culture of the two First Nations whose traditional territories encompass the Whistler region. On Vancouver Island, the Quw'utsun' Cultural and Conference Centre (www.khowutzun.com) is an hour north of Victoria, in Duncan. The riverside site's cedar longhouses include the Riverwalk Café, open June to September, where you can sample traditional First Nations cuisine—perhaps salmon or stew with bannock (unleavened bread).

Powwows

Visitors are welcome at the First Nations powwows that take place in BC each summer. Check out Chilliwack's Spirit of the People Pow Wow (www.tourismchilliwack.com), a huge gathering of First Nations groups with drumming circles, dancing, and exhibits; and West Vancouver's Squamish Nation Pow Wow (www.vancouversnorthshore.com), which also features dance competitions, crafts, and food. Kamloops hosts the annual Kamloopa Pow Wow (www.tourismkamloops.com), British Columbia's biggest festival of First Nations dance.

Other Special Events

Canada celebrates National Aboriginal Day during the third weekend in June with festivals and events nationwide; the Aboriginal Tourism Association of British Columbia (www.aboriginalbc.com) has details about what's going on around BC, including festivities at Canada Place in downtown Vancouver. Every winter, Vancouver hosts the Talking Stick Festival (www.fullcircle.ca), two weeks of theater, dance, music, and other performances by aboriginal artists and celebrating aboriginal culture.

Exploring with a First Nations guide

A growing number of First Nation–owned tourism operators offers everything from kayaking to hiking to jet-boat tours, typically with traditional songs, legends, historic insights, and food (think waterfront salmon barbecues) thrown in. The Aboriginal Tourism Association of British Columbia (www.aboriginalbc.com) has more details about sites, tours, and experiences. Takaya Tours offers kayak tours.