 Tofino Totems, Tourism BC photo
Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations Whoever lives on this edge of the continent is intimately and irrevocably tied to the ocean. The Nuu-chah-nulth fished for salmon, cod, halibut and shellfish. They hunted sea lions, seals and whales. Their population reached 100,000 prior to the arrival of the Europeans and their decimating diseases. Happily, their arts, stories and songs have survived and are now undergoing a powerful resurgence. Discover their culture in Tofino galleries, at age-old First Nations ceremonies and on Clayoquot waterways in authentic Aboriginal dugouts. Artists & Galleries The First Nations peoples of Vancouver Island's west coast have always been accomplished artists and carvers. Aboriginal art - masks, totems, carvings, basketry, jewellery, pottery, prints -is plentiful in Tofino galleries .
Himwitsa Native Art Gallery The First Nations-owned-and operated Himwitsa Native Art Gallery retails a surprisingly large catalogue of products. Look for masks, carvings, jewellery, clothing, moccasins, silver pendants and silk scarves. Owners Lewis and Cathy George once shipped a 1.8m/6ft totem pole.
Eagle Aerie Gallery  Some 200,000 visitors a year turn up at Tofino's Eagle Aerie Gallery to enjoy the work of celebrated painter and carver Roy Henry Vickers. The gallery, built in the style of a First Nations Longhouse, ranks as an attraction in itself. Vickers is one of BC's best-known artists, his dramatic style capturing west coast beauty and spirituality with elegance and eloquence. He's also carved 20 totem poles. It's easier, however, to take home a coffee-table book.
First Nations Cultural Tours Tla-ook Cultural Adventures is a young, pioneering company that offers half-day and full-day adventures in authentic dugouts. Learn about the Nuu-chah-nulth way of life by paddling across waters steeped in mist and myth.
Meares Island Tour The half-day Meares Island tour invites visitors to paddle to Meares Island, the traditional territory of the Tla-o-qui-aht people, and browse in the stunning 10,000-year-old forest known to guides as "nature's grocery store"
Echachist Island The all-day tour takes visitors across Native fishing grounds and clam beds to Echachist Island, a historic fishing and whaling base. A moderate forest walk follows with a beach feast of wild salmon, crab and maybe even sea urchin. The company's sunset tour sees visitors paddling around Tofino Harbour as billowing clouds turn the colour of peaches in the day's last light.
Walk the Wild Side Catch a water taxi 45 minutes to Flores Island to hike the ancient First Nations Wildside Heritage Trail. The 11km/6.83mi trail follows the coast. Battlegrounds from the First Nations wars of the 19th Century are a highlight.
National Aboriginal Day June 21 marks Canada's National Aboriginal Day. Join in celebrations of First Nations culture. Catch performances of Aboriginal music and dance, artists at work, traditional Native storytelling and children's games at Pacific Rim National Park. For more information, maps and brochures, drop by the Pacific Rim Visitor Centre at the Tofino-Ucluelet junction or the Tofino Visitor Centre at 455 Campbell St in Tofino.
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