First Nations Long House in the Cariboo Chilcotin
Discovering the northern reaches of the Fraser River (think hoodoos, petroglyphs, and abandoned village sites) with the Williams Lake-based Cariboo Chilcotin Jetboat Adventures; you can even try catching a salmon with a traditional dip net.
Paddle a dugout canoe, ride a dogsled, jet-boat through a canyon, explore 10,000 years of history — and don’t forget the bannock tacos and Pinot Blanc. Aboriginal tourism in British Columbia, where ancient traditions speak to modern day art, cuisine and adventure.
After a few pointers from the team at Northern Star Dog Sled Adventures, you'll be able to drive a team of Alaskan Huskies through BC’s Cariboo country. Warren Palfrey, who runs the kennel with his wife, Kate, is a professional musher (and Iditarod veteran) of Métis ancestry from Canada’s Arctic. Warren and his team offer everything from two-hour dogsled trips to overnight bush camp adventures; keeners can even train to do an old-fashioned Cariboo mail run.
Discovering the northern reaches of the Fraser River (think hoodoos, petroglyphs, and abandoned village sites) with the Williams Lake-based Cariboo Chilcotin Jetboat Adventures; you can even try catching a salmon with a traditional dip net.
Seeking the elusive Kermode, or Spirit, bear in the Great Bear Rainforest. During late summer and early fall, join guides from the Kitasoo/Xaixais First Nation-run Spirit Bear Lodge to explore this wildlife-rich coastal wilderness. Keep an eye out for whales, wolves, grizzlies and black bears, and learn about local culture and history in the village’s Big House.
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. Explore Aboriginal culture, history and traditions through artwork, tours and a heritage village.
Today, many of the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast's hills and valleys are used as ranch lands. Discover the region's "cowboy culture" through guest ranches, rodeos and even a cowboy museum.
Aboriginal Heritage Village
North of Williams Lake, the national award-winning Xat'sull (pronounced hat-sull) Heritage Village 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 over 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, petrogpyphs 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. Locations for petroglyphs were places honouring the power and mystery of nature, including waterfalls, rock formations or caves.
Just outside Bella Coola are the Thorsen Creek Petroglyphs, consisting of over 40 rock carvings. To visit the site, contact the Nuxalk First Nations or enquire at the local tourism office 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.