The Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region is the ancestral home of the Coast Salish peoples, and includes such First Nations bands as the Squamish, Lil’wat, Sto:lo, Musqueam and Tsleil-Waututh.
Visitors to the region can discover the dynamic culture of the Coast Salish First Nations through interpretive centres, archaeological sites, museums, galleries, and guided First Nations interpretive tours.
Many more opportunities for cultural exploration can be found in the four-season resort community of Whistler and in the vibrant, multicultural city of Vancouver, where Asian, European and First Nations influences can be seen all around.
Learn More About:
The Four Host First Nations
The Museum of Anthropology
Asian Communities in Vancouver, Coast & Mountains
The Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games will feature unprecedented Aboriginal participation in the planning and hosting of the Games, and the Four Host First Nations — the Lil’wat, Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh — look forward to welcoming the world in 2010.
At the Aboriginal Pavilion in the heart of downtown Vancouver, Games visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the cultures and histories of indigenous peoples from across Canada
British Columbia’s Oldest Known Settlement
The Xa:ytem Longhouse Interpretive Centre, found just east of Vancouver near the town of Mission, is home to British Columbia’s oldest known dwelling site. Archaeological evidence indicates that a large village existed here over 9,000 years ago, and today visitors to the interpretive centre can learn about Sto:lo First Nation’s history, culture and spirituality.
Just west of Vancouver, the University of British Columbia’s architecturally stunning Museum of Anthropology boasts a vast collection of Aboriginal art and artifacts from BC and around the world. See traditional canoes, masks, jewellery, carvings, longhouse replicas and totem poles — including the world’s smallest, which measures just 4.4cm/ 1.7in, about the size of a pin.
Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler
This interpretive centre is the result of a partnership between the Squamish and Lil’wat First Nations, the traditional inhabitants of the Whistler Valley.
Take a self-guided tour and learn about the distinct culture, history, arts and endeavours of the two Nations through displays, multimedia exhibits, interactive performances, forest walks, and craft making. Strike up a conversation with the Squamish and Lil'wat hosts or with a resident artist and enjoy affordable First Nations-influenced food at the on-site café. The gift gallery sells original artwork, jewellery and carvings.
Guided First Nations Tours
The Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region offers opportunities to discover local Aboriginal culture with the help of a First Nations guide.
On the Sunshine Coast, visit totem poles, tour a longhouse, or take a guided kayak paddle as you learn about Tla’Amin (Sliammon) First Nations history, traditions and ecological practices. Drop in to Hewhiwus (House of Chiefs) home to the Sechelt Aboriginal band's government offices.
In North Vancouver, travel the tranquil waters of a glacial fjord in an ocean-going canoe — or explore the shores by kayak — as you learn about the cultural heritage of a local First Nation.
Over half of Vancouver's population is composed of visible minorities, with significant Chinese and Indian communities lending the city its famous Asian feel.
Vancouver's Chinatown — the second biggest in North America — boasts the largest classical Chinese garden outside China, while the suburb of Richmond's Golden Village district is home to hundreds of East Asian shops and restaurants. Visitors to Richmond are also welcome to tour the International Buddhist Temple, perhaps the most exquisite example of traditional Chinese architecture in Canada.
In summer, outdoor Chinese night markets are held every weekend in both Vancouver and Richmond — vendors sell food, clothing and other wares at great prices.
In June, the Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival attracts thousands of visitors to Vancouver's False Creek for traditional Chinese longboat races and live entertainment.
Metro Vancouver is also home to a large South Asian community. In Vancouver's Little India district, dine on authentic cuisine and shop for jewellery and fabrics. Pick up traditional sweets each fall during Diwali, the South Asian festival of light, or attend a Vancouver or Surrey Vaisakhi parade held each spring — Surrey's celebration of this Sikh holiday attracts well over a hundred thousand parade-goers every year.
Tips on Aboriginal & Cultural Visits:
- Some locations are open seasonally or by appointment only; always check operating hours in advance.
- Aboriginal 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.