July 11, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Terrace, Historic & Heritage Sites
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Living in Terrace, the beautiful cultural art of the area can really be astounding. We recently took a tour in the Hazelton area where we stopped at the Kispiox totem field. The sheer amount of totems there was stunning enough, but once we took a closer look we really got to appreciate the history and artistry of these giant symbols.
We noticed that some of the poles had carvings on the tops and bottoms but the middles were blank. Our guide informed us that this was because the Carvers would make them with their apprentices. The head carver would design the bottom and his apprentice would be in charge of the top. This is also why the bottoms were most often more intricately done.
Even though the totem poles we saw were up to a couple hundred years old, their designs may have dated back to hundreds of years before. Whenever a totem pole's design becomes too worn down and indistinguishable it is redone on a new pole. Allowing the representations and stories to live on.
The totem fields really left a lingering sense of culture and truly connected with me on a personal level. Seeing the culture of a nation expressed for everyone to appreciate was a touching and enriching experience which we were lucky to have been a part of!
July 03, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Terrace, Historic & Heritage Sites
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The Hazelton Area Visitor Centre went on a FAM tour of the Nass Valley on Tuesday, June 28! We woke up early and headed to Terrace, BC, where we met the crew from their Visitor Centre along with Brian, our Split Mountain Adventures Tour Guide. We started our tour at the North West Community College and saw some beautiful art work from the students in the school. Some of the art work from the students is chosen to be displayed in Vancouver and other parts of BC. There are totem poles out in front to the college that represent learning. There is another totem pole out in the parking lot called Seven Nations Pole that was raised seven years ago. The totem pole represents all the different nations that go to the school. Usually totem poles would only represent one nation, one clan and tell a single story or legend, but this pole represents the seven nations that make up the school, as a sign of unity for the school. There are some carvings in the school that were made in 1987. The same person who did these carvings is also carving a pole for Riverboat days which is taking place during July 29 – August 7. The artwork made it a great place to start our tour!
July 01, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Terrace, Historic & Heritage Sites
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May 20, 2000 marks a significant date in the history of the Nisga’a People. On this day, the 113-year struggle to end Indian Act to the Nisga’a people finally went through, and the Nisga’a people were granted full government of their own people and land. This was a rejoicing day for the First Nation people in the Nass Valley as it gave them a sense of ownership and closure to this long, drawn-out battle. Many of the artefacts that had left the land during the 19th and 20th century, have now been returned to their rightful place and are housed in a brand new world-class museum. The Nisga’a Museum is located in the cultural village of Laxgalts’ap (Greenville), about 137km on Highway 113 North-West of Terrace, BC. In fact, the highway was named Highway 113 because the Nisga’a Treaty took 113 years sign.
Walking into the museum, we were greeted with friendly faces and immersed into an empowering wave of culture that radiated off the walls of the museum. Every artefact had its own date, story and memory, which outlined the Nisga’a culture and its rich heritage. The tour was full of interesting facts which Nicolette, our guide, delivered in an enthusiastic manner. The 35min tour opened our eyes to much of the Nisga’a culture which can now be shared with the local people, Canada, and the world through an abundance of displays in the beautiful museum. There is also a gift shop where t-shirts, mugs and artwork can be purchased to accompany the wonderful memories and images you will take back with you after a visit here at the Nisga’a Museum. This new structure in Laxgalts’ap adds an extra touch to an already astonishing and vibrant territory here in the Nass Valley.