First Nations Vancouver Travel in BC, Canada

Check Out Aboriginal Art Work, BC History and the Bill Reid Gallery

Nov 15, 2009

To learn about the aboriginal people of British Columbia, see aboriginal art work in downtown Vancouver and then head to Mission for First Nations history.

Travelling in British Columbia is a great way to learn about BC First Nations history. Starting in Vancouver, there is aboriginal art work on display, while driving further east leads to a wonderful First Nations cultural experience at Xa:ytem Longhouse Interpretive Centre.

Vancouver First Nations

Once arriving in Vancouver, the first stop should be to Stanley Park (in Vancouver’s West End) to see the native totem poles. Although usually busy with tourists snapping photos, these magnificent poles stand proudly for all to admire. Info boards give a bit more history of each pole and a tiny interpretive corner tells the history of the Coast Salish people of the area.

Aboriginal Art Work

A short drive to Vancouver’s Gastown district (a national historic site since July 2009) showcases a multitude of aboriginal art work. There’s the Coast Peoples Fine Arts Gallery (312 Water Street, 604-684-9222), a narrow space with high end work like large carvings, small totem poles and handmade jewellery.

One block away is the large Inuit Gallery of Vancouver (206 Cambie Street, 604-688-7323 or 1-888-615-8399) that houses phenomenal work from all over Canada’s north. From small pieces of hand carved jewellery to exquisite aboriginal paintings, the range of art work here is wide and every piece is gorgeous.

Don’t leave downtown Vancouver without visiting the world-renowned Bill Reid Gallery (639 Hornby Street, 604-682-3455). One of the most famous Haida artists in the world, Bill Reid’s work is affectionately displayed in a permanent exhibit that takes guests through the timeline of his life and work. The temporary exhibits often showcase contemporary artists’ work.

If a trip to North Vancouver fits into your Vancouver travel itinerary, take a look at the Khot La Cha Art Gallery (270 Whonoak Street, 604-987-3339) folded right off of Main Street. This jam-packed but delightful space has a bit of everything. Pick up original art work, striking masks and remarkable jewellery, or settle for a few First Nations souvenirs and trinkets.

BC First Nations

After wandering around the city, it’s time to get out to the countryside of British Columbia. The Xa:ytem Longhouse Interpretive Centre (35087 Lougheed Highway, Mission, 604-820-9725) is a noteworthy First Nations site that dates back 9,000 years.

While a developer was about to roll over the site with a new residential neighbourhood, Gordon Mohs found numerous stone tools that ended up halting, and later preventing, the development from being built. Since that find in 1990, there continues to be artefacts found on the site, now designated a national historic site, and the remains of an ancient dwelling is believed to be the oldest in British Columbia.

Today, visitors can learn about the Stó:lo Nation by hearing stories from the ancestors themselves. A welcoming drum song in the longhouse greets visitors as they’re told the story of the site and the Stó:lo people. Then a visit up to the pit house goes underground for more stories about how the Stó:lo people lived.

Finally, a staff member will take visitors up to the “Hatzic Rock,” a Transformer Stone that the Stó:lo people hold with great reverence.

BC First Nations Travel

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