Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Aboriginal Experiences
Aboriginal petroglyph in Thorsen Creek Valley near Bella Coola, Tourism BC photo
From the earliest Aboriginal inhabitants to the area's more recent settlers, people of the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast have left an indelible mark on the landscape.
Explore Aboriginal culture, history and traditions at the Xat’sull Heritage Village near Williams Lake, through Aboriginal artwork at galleries and studio, or on Aboriginal cultural tours in communities such as Bella Coola.
First Nations in this region include the Tsilhqot'in (also known as Chilcotin), Kwakwakaw'akw (Kwakiutl), Nuxalk (Bella Coola), Secwepemc (Shuswap), the Interior and Coast Salish, and the Kitasoo (Tsimshian) and Xaixais of Klemtu. Their historical and traditional territories encompass a variety of landscapes, from lush, green coastlines to high altitude plateaus.
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Aboriginal Heritage Village
North of Williams Lake, the national award-winning Xat'sull Heritage Village (pronounced hat-sull) offers the opportunity to explore the traditional and spiritual way of life for the Xat'sull First Nation (a member of the Secwepmec, or "Shuswap" Band). The Xat'sull people have occupied these lands for more than 5,000 years and around 350 of them live and work in the community today.
To make the most of your experience, book a guided visit in advance to enjoy story-telling from elders, a sweat lodge, traditional meals, ceremonies, songs or dances around a fire. Stay overnight in a pit-house or teepee alongside the mighty Fraser River.
Aboriginal Artwork
For BC's Aboriginal cultures, petroglyphs or ancient rock carvings are an intrinsic link to the past. More of these extraordinary symbols have been recorded in BC than in any other Canadian province. Petroglyphs were created in places to honour the power and mystery of nature, including waterfalls, rock formations or caves.
Just outside Bella Coola are the Thorsen Creek Petroglyphs, consisting of more than 40 rock carvings. To visit the site, contact the Nuxalk First Nations or enquire at the Bella Coola Visitor Centre to arrange a guided tour.
Bella Coola’s Petroglyph Gallery showcases authentic Northwest Coast Aboriginal artwork with an emphasis on works by Nuxalk (pronounced nu-halk) and Northern BC's Gitxsan (pronounced GIT-san) artists.
Nuxalk carvers use materials such as red cedar, bark and paint to create colourful and distinctive masks, paddles and plaques with ceremonial and cultural significance. Many of the carvings have traditional stories associated with the legendary characters they represent. Learn more about elder carver, Silyas Saunders and First Nations commerce.
Tips for Aboriginal & Cultural Visits
- Some locations are open seasonally or by appointment only, so always check operating hours in advance.
- Artifacts and regalia have historical and cultural significance. Do not touch items unless you have been given permission to do so by a knowledgeable guide or local.
- If possible, also ask permission to take photos – some artifacts such as totem poles have interesting stories, and in asking for permission visitors learn more about the local history.
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Soda Creek
Williams Lake, British Columbia
V2G 5L5
The Xat'sull community invites you to visit and experience our spiritual, cultural and traditional way of life. We offer daily tours and cultural workshops where you take part in a variety of educational and recreational activities. We are situated on a sunny plateau overlooking the Fraser River. Meet our friendly, knowledgeable guides who will take you on a memorable journey through the history of the Northern Secwepemc people. Learn to cook a traditional meal, listen to stories around an open fire and fall asleep to the beautiful sound of the Fraser River in the distance.
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Other businesses with Aboriginal Experiences
We offer multi-day cruises through Haida Gwaii's (Queen Charlotte Islands) Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, Northern Vancouver Island, Great Bear Rainforest, North Coast/Khutzeymateen and SE Alaska. Our 68' vessels provide the perfect base from which to tour remote coastlines. On these first rate 'learning journeys', we expect to see whales, birds, bears, rich intertidal zones and a great number of birds. With our Native Guides, we visit ancient villages with totem poles and hope to catch a glimpse of the Spirit Bear! Our professional crew, including an on-board Naturalist, will take you to places few have ever been. All aboard!
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6 Km Moha Rd (Hwy 40)
Lillooet, British Columbia
V0K 1V0
Witness the St'at'imc people harvesting salmon and preserving it through the wind-dried method. The tour includes a walk along the Xwisten fishing grounds, a demonstration of the wind-dried method, a sample the wind-dried fish (ts'wan), and a BBQ Salmon meal. Tours can also include a walk around an archaeological village site and a replica underground pit house (S7istken).
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