Authentic experiences don’t have to come from far away places. Look through this post to discover some incredible indigenous places to see, things to do, and people to talk to; all of which are close to home! Each of these were hand picked by myself based on my personal indigenous experiences, reflecting upon which ones have had the largest impact on my life.
Name: The Bill Reid Gallery
Focus Group: All
Description: The Bill Reid Gallery is the only public Gallery in Canada dedicated to Indigenous Northwest Coast Art and was established by the Bill Reid Foundation in 2008, to celebrate the Haida master artist Bill Reid (1920 – 1998), and the diverse living cultures of the Northwest Coast. Their mandate is to promote a greater awareness of Indigenous cultures and values.
Date/Timeframe: Summer Hours – Daily 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
More information:
https://www.billreidgallery.ca
Contact: visitorservices@billreidgallery.ca
Location:
Requirements:
18+ = $13
13 – 17 = $6
65+ = $10
Students (university) = $8
Children, gallery members, and indigenous people = Free
Family = $30
My Perspective:
Nothing brings you closer to a culture than it’s artistic expression, and the Art of Bill Reid is particularly good at doing that. Although I haven’t been to this gallery in particular, I have seen numerous pieces
by him; each conveying stories and movement at a level rivalled by few.
Name: Grouse Mountain First Nations Cultural Program
Focus Group: Students
Description: The híwus Feasthouse, an authentic Pacific Northwest Longhouse, is an excellent place to stop by during your visit to Grouse Mountain. Enjoy a full day of vivid legends, songs, dances and crafts led by Kwel-a-a-nexw, the Squamish First nations elder, that will take you back in time to discover the traditional way of life of our First Nations people.
Date/Timeframe: Around four 45 Minute programs are held each day. There are also five hour programs which include lunch, crafts, and outdoor activities.
More information: https://www.grousemountain.com/hiwus-first-nations
Contact: https://www.grousemountain.com/education
Location:
Requirements:
Come with a school group, summer camp, or be part of a Grouse Mountain Adventure Camp
Some experiences may cost extra ($45 for híwus heart Program)
My Perspective:
I have experienced this program in person, and can confidently say that it was one of the one of the experiences that lit the spark of my interest in indigenous peoples. The mix of interactivity, demonstration of artifacts, and cultural practices is awe inspiring, and will leave you walking away with connection, knowledge, new perspectives – and maybe even a physical artifact.
Name: National Indigenous People’s Day at Trout Lake
Focus Group: All
Description: National Indigenous Day at Trout Lake is a community-based, full day of events set to showcase and celebrate the diversity of Indigenous people across Canada.
First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people gather to share their spirit, experiences, stories, songs, art and dance with each other and the general community – with a whole day of entertainment, activities, and fun planned for the whole family.
Date/Timeframe: June 21st – All day
More Information: http://www.vafcs.org/events/national-indigenous-day/
Contact: http://www.vafcs.org/contact/
Location:
Requirements: Free (some services may cost money)
My Perspective:
Based on past experiences, in my opinion events like this can truly give you everything. There will be people to talk to, culture to witness, artifacts to view, and items to keep. If you want to experience the best and diverse parts of indigenous cultures, then events like these is where you should go.
Name: First Nations Interpretive Sailing Tour
Focus Group: 4 – 6 Individuals
Description: Sail the Salish Sea with a Talaysay cultural ambassador, who will share the rich stories and history of their people, the early explorers, indigenous life Sunshine Coast, and the
sacred Salish Sea. You will also get the chance to enjoy a delicious West Coast lunch, and potentially spot some of the many creatures that call this incredible wilderness their home.
Date/Timeframe: 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. everyday (4 hours)
More information: https://www.aboriginalecotours.com/tours/aboriginal-eco-tours/sunshine-coast/boat-and-sailing-tours/sail-the-salish-sea-tour-first-nations-interpretive-sailing-tour
Contact: https://www.sunshinecoasttours.ca/contact/
Location:
Requirements:
A group of 4 – 6 people
$199 per person
My Perspective:
For those who already have a lot of experience with typical tours, or for those interested in a breathtaking, serene getaway, a boat tour is an excellent choice. During my trip to Northern B.C., I was fortunate enough to go on one of these. It was definitely one of the most incredible and unique experiences of the field study. There will be a good amount of knowledge you can take away from experiences like these, but it’s really the emotion that will stay with you.
Name: Whey-ah-whichen (Cates Park)
Focus group: All; particularly families
Description: Overlooking a beautiful, picture perfect costal scene, Whey-ah-whichin is a great spot for any aquatic activities, field sports, picnics, and just about anything else you can do in a marvellous park. Once a summer village site for the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, Whey-ah-whichin historically means “Faces the Wind”, and it’s appropriate for the seaside park that features a six-kilometre waterfront trail that winds past sandy beaches and through a mixed forest of Douglas fir and big leaf maple trees.
Day/Timeframe: All year; especially Summer
More Information: https://vancouversnorthshore.com/things-to-do/parks/cates-park/
Location:
Requirements:
Free – Bring money for concession during the summer months
My Perspective: Despite growing up in Deep Cove, I never realized the true splendour of Cates Park, or as it was originally named, Whey-ah-whichin. The beauty, connivence, and services it provides are incredible, but it never occurred to me just how important this site has been in Local Indigenous History. For those of you who think they know this park as well as they know the back of their hand, I encourage you to look again. Take a moment to study the great totem on the eastern side of the park, noticing it’s fine, ancient details. Think of how the land you walk on has been travelled for tens of thousands of years, how everything you can see had a use. I encourage you to explore this incredible place from this new lens, and it will somehow become even more spectacular.