Aboriginal Experiences

Aboriginal Cultural Centres

The Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre in Osoyoos portrays history and culture through interactive displays, tours and programs. The site is also home to Nk'Mip Cellars, North America’s first aboriginal-owned vineyard and winery. At the Secwepemc Museum & Heritage Park near Kamloops, view the archaeological remains of a 2,000-year-old winter village and walk the ethnobotanical gardens to learn why plants were a central part of Secwepemc culture.

Before gold miners flocked to the area, Aboriginals were mining the hills for flint and ochre. The Snaza’ist Discovery Centre in Hedley explores the history of the Similkameen people and offers tours of the Mascot Gold Mine, which lies on the edge of a cliff 1,000m/3,280ft above the valley floor.

Kamloopa Powwow

The Kamloops Powwow is a competition event that's the largest powwow in British Columbia, and features tribes from across Western Canada and the United States. The event also draws many Aboriginal artisans, and visitors can buy authentic handicrafts directly from the artists.

Kekuli at Historic Hat Creek Ranch

At the Historic Hat Creek Ranch in Cache Creek, experience 1860’s roadhouse life, visit a reconstructed Shuswap village, or sleep in an authentic Secwepemc Kekuli (pit house).

Okanagan First Nations

The traditional Secwepmec, also known as the Shuswap, were a semi-nomadic people who passed down their traditions orally to each generation. They were known for their respect for nature and their use of the natural environment for food and medicine.

The Nlaka’pamux are known for expressing their culture, the landscape of their homeland, and their spiritual beliefs through art – most notably pictographs (drawings) and petroglyphs (carvings), which can be seen on rock walls; and through personal expression such as face painting, clothing and jewellery.

Tips for Aboriginal & Cultural Visits

• Some locations are open seasonally or by appointment only; always check operating hours in advance.
• Artifacts and regalia have historical and cultural significance. Do not touch items unless a knowledgeable guide or local has given you permission to do so.
• 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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