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We visited the Hli Goothl Wilp-Adokshl Nisga’a as part of a 19 stop self-guided auto tour through Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed Park
Nisga'a, British Columbia, Canada
Part of the Anhluut’ukwsim Laxmihl Angwinga’asanskwhl Nisga’a (Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed Park), the auto tour takes you through the first provincial park in BC that combines the interpretation of natural features with Nisga’a culture.
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One stop we visited on the tour is Hli G-oothl Wilp-Adokshl Nisga’a (Nisga’a Museum) located in Lax̱g̱altsʼap
Nisga'a, British Columbia, Canada
Hli Goothl Wilp-Adokshl Nisga’a, a name representing the four tribes that make up the Nisga’a Nation, displays a collection of 300+ art objects.
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As we entered the museum, displays featuring hundreds of cultural artifacts that tell the history of the Nisga’a filled the space
Nisga'a, British Columbia, Canada
With a design inspired by traditional Nisg̱a’a longhouses, feast dishes, and canoes, the nearly 1,000 square metre facility contains exquisitely carved masks, bentwood boxes, headdresses, and regalia acquired from Nisga’a Lands during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
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The inside of the museum is inspired by traditional Nisga’a longhouses that can also be found throughout the park
Nisga'a, British Columbia, Canada
A permanent home for the preservation and celebration of all that is Nisga’a, the Nisga’a Museum is also a centre of research, learning, and cultural tourism in Northern British Columbia.
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We learned about the importance of naxnok (spirits) represented by the masks
Nisga'a, British Columbia, Canada
This is the first time this collection of cultural heritage has been displayed together in its place of origin. It speaks of a unique people and place, yet tell stories with universal themes.
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Displays did not have written plaques, instead our guides shared the history through stories and personal experiences
Nisga'a, British Columbia, Canada
Anhluut’ukwsim Laxmihl Angwinga’asanskwhl Nisga’a Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed Park Nisga’a Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed Park — the first provincial park managed jointly by a First Nation and British Columbia — offers spectacular natural features and a dramatic introduction to Nisga’a culture.
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We learned about the impact of early visitors to the Nisga’a nation who stole and removed thousands of Nisga’a artifacts
Nisga'a, British Columbia, Canada
Self-sufficient travellers will do well on Nisga’a Lands. If you’re hoping for constant connectivity and unlimited access to global coffee shop chains, you might want to look elsewhere. Take a breath. Become aware. Open yourself to the possibilities.
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And the importance of the reparation of Indigenous artifacts as a necessary step towards reconciliation and decolonization
Nisga'a, British Columbia, Canada
The Nisga’a are a distinct, self-governing First Nation as well as proud British Columbians and Canadians.
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Visiting the Nisga’a museum reinforced the importance of responsible travel and the impact we can have on the places we visit
Nisga'a, British Columbia, Canada
Sustainable tourism involves reciprocity. The Nisga’a ask visitors to help in protecting their mountains, forests, waters, wildlife, and heritage sites. While you’re there, they rely on you to help them care for the Nisg̱a’a Lands now and for future generations. By accepting their invitation to explore, they ask you to take a pledge that you will act as a guardian, helping to protect and preserve their home that you can find on their website.