Museum Trail: Discover Indigenous Cultural Exhibits in British Columbia this Winter

Winter is the time for slow, quiet movement, careful observation, and staying warm and dry. Seek haven at the season’s best exhibitions of Indigenous cultures in British Columbia’s Museums and Indigenous Cultural Centres.  Step into modern cedar and glass rooms and behold pieces that are more than artifacts–they are active pieces from the land and cultures of BC’s living Indigenous peoples.

Indigenous cultural exhibits are innovative and immersive. At the Museum of Anthropology (UBC), sit in a storytelling chair and sink into sound recordings made by living speakers of ancient Indigenous languages. Step into an oceanfront longhouse in Prince Rupert’s Museum of Northern BC and see the regalia of chiefs and shamans.

The best Indigenous cultural displays are authentic and respectful. They are created with, owned by, and reflective of the values and designs of the Indigenous people they belong to. Current museum ethics encourage the return of cultural items to their owners: the living people. Most museums offer free admission to Indigenous visitors, an act that supports the reconnection of Indigenous people with artifacts of deep meaning and significance to their families and communities.

These museums, open in the winter, work directly with Indigenous ambassadors to share Indigenous history and culture with visitors:

Northern BC

• Northern BC Museum
• Nisga’a Museum
• Haida Heritage Centre

Vancouver Coast & Mountains

• Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre
• Bill Reid Gallery

Thompson Okanagan

• Nk’Mip Cultural Centre
• Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park

Vancouver Island

• U’mista Cultural Centre