442 MacKenzie Street
Bella Coola, BC

Indigenous people were the first locals in our region, and their influence lives on today in a very powerful, meaningful way. First Nations of the region include the Tsilhqot’in (tseelh-coht-een), whose traditional territory is the high-altitude plateau of the Chilcotin (chil-ko-tin), the St’át’imc (stat-lee-um), from southwest of the Fraser; Nlaka’pamux (ing-khla-kap-muh) of the southern Fraser Canyon; the Carrier, who occupied the sub-boreal northern area of the Cariboo Chilcotin and the Secwepemc (shi-huep-muh-k), whose historical lands lie east of the Fraser River. On the Pacific coast, the major Indigenous nations are the Nuxalk (nu-halk) of the Bella Coola Valley, the Tsimshian (sim-she-an) and the Gitga’at (git-gat) of the outer coast, the Wuikinuxv (o-whee-kin-au) of Rivers Inlet and the Heiltsuk (hel-sic) of the coastal area near Bella Bella.

Xats'Ull Heritage Site Way
Soda Creek, BC

There are numerous opportunities for immersive Indigenous experiences throughout the region. The award-winning Xatśūll (hat-sull) Heritage Village is located north of Williams Lake on a grassy bench above the Fraser River. Here, members of the Secwepemc, sometimes known as Shuswap, First Nation, offer storytelling by village elders, educational wilderness walks and salmon lunches.

5202 Lillooet Pioneer Rd 40
Lillooet, BC

In the southern Chilcotin, no fewer than 11 different communities make up the St’át’imc First Nation, whose traditional territories are located in and around an ancient gathering place now known as Lillooet. Xwisten Experience Tours offers award-winning guided excursions along the banks of Fraser to view “fishing rocks,” the traditional wind-dried method of preserving salmon, and guided explorations of Xwisten (hoysh-ten) archaeological site’s 80 pit houses, dating back thousands of years.

442 MacKenzie Street
Bella Coola, BC

Embark on guided tours near Bella Coola to view ancient petroglyphs still visible on rock faces near waterfalls and caves, honouring the power and mystery of nature, with guided tours offered by Copper Sun Journeys. Additionally, Bella Coola’s Acwsalcta (ex-sals-ta) grade school is a showcase for a magnificent totem pole carved by students and teachers. Erected in 2002, it is the first Nuxalk totem pole to be raised here in 38 years. And local stores offer artist pieces, framed photos, and intricate silver jewellery made by local Indigenous artists.

8160 Nemaiah Valley Rd
Nemaiah Valley, BC

Connect with nature, the land and its people and culture with an immersive cultural experience at the unique Nemiah Valley Lodge, where the Xeni Gwet’in elders and locals share their Indigenous food, history and traditions with guests. Experience teepee time, living traditions, smudging and a traditional sweat lodge while exploring the incredible Nemiah Valley - where on #XeniWildBC lands you will be both humbled and inspired by massive mountain ranges, high alpine lakes and mighty carnivores; where a sense of freedom reigns and you meet each day with excitement and wonder.

Clinton, BC

Throughout the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast you'll find ample opportunity to glimpse the wonders of Indigenous artistry and culture that looks towards the future while honouring the past, learning and connecting along the way.