The Bella Coola Valley has a number of Aboriginal and cultural sites to explore. The Nuxalk (pronounced Noo-hawk), who are indigenous to the Bella Coola and Coast Mountain area, were historically a wealthy people and had developed a strong artisan culture, a skill which is still passed on to the younger generations today.
The Nuxalk community is located in two settlement areas. The oldest portion is in the Bella Coola townsite. Here visitors will find the oldest standing cedar pole creating the door portal to the House of Noomnst, a Nuxalk community building. While in the townsite, visitors are welcome to book a visit with renowned artist Noel Pootlass and visit his workshop. Many other local artists' work can be viewed at the Kopas store in Bella Coola.
A second settlement is several kilometers east of the townsite just off Highway 20. Here visitors can view the Acwsalcta School, the community's largest single piece of traditional art, designed to echo traditional building styles. Two totem poles, each with their own story and history, stand sentinel at the front entrance. A new totem carved by a student under the tutelage of James Mack, was installed in the library at Sir Alexander Mackenzie School in 2008.
Petroglyph Gallery and Silyas Saunders
Those interested in aboriginal art should visit the Petroglyph Gallery to view the works of world-famous artist Silyas Art Saunders and his son Skip Saunders. Or book an appointment via the Visitor Centre to visit Art in his workshop, Silyas' Gallery. Watch for the turn off signs for the two galleries on Highway 20, between townsite and Hagensborg. The Petroglyph Gallery sells prints, paintings, carvings, clothing and other Nuxalk and First Nations' artwork and gifts.
Bella Coola's extensive collection of ancient rock carvings, have become world renowned and even famous Norwegian explorer/adventurer Thor Heyerdahl, travelled to the Valley just to see them. The petroglyphs have deep spiritual significance to the Nuxalk, and in an effort to protect them until proper measures can be taken to have them viewed safely, the Nuxalk have restricted access.
The Nuxalk are a warm and welcoming people. It is strongly recommended that visitors hire a guide to view the cultural sites within the Valley, out of respect (their reserve is considered private property) and also for a richer experience.
Guided Aboriginal and Cultural Tours
Guided cultural tours are available in town through Chris and Lance Nelson, two identical twins who share the guiding business. Their stories reflect their deep knowledge of culture and are accompanied by drumming and songs. Tours are approximately two hours, and reservations can be made directly with the guides or by calling the Visitor Information Booth (open from June to early September). Twenty-four hour advance booking is recommended.
Many of the Nuxalk ceremonial events, called potlatches, are also open to the public. Visit the calendar of events on the Nuxalk Nation website.
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