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  • Indigenous mask

    Museums and Cultural Centres

    By Indigenous Tourism British Columbia

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Bring Learning to Life

 Indigenous Immersive and Experiential Learning in BC.

At the heart of Indigenous learning principles lies a profound respect for independent learning that supports the wellness of self and community through observation, listening, and active participation, often with minimal intervention or distraction.

From class field trips to corporate team building, these are some of the Indigenous immersive and experiential learning experiences available in British Columbia. Engage the senses, accommodate different learning styles, encourage self-reflection and introspection, and foster a deeper understanding of Indigenous Peoples in BC.

 

Learning Leaves the Desk:

Explore and experiment for improved collaboration, comprehension, and retention.

Cultural centers, museums, galleries, and heritage sites serve as dynamic spaces where students, learners, teachers, and work teams can delve into the richness of Indigenous knowledge through multi-sensory experiences that bring learning off the page. By incorporating sight, sound, touch, and even taste, these experiences foster improved comprehension and retention and a deeper emotional connection to learning.

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Hands-on and Hands-up for Growth

Indigenous experiential learning opens doors to a world of learning beyond boardrooms and textbooks, allowing active exploration and engagement with cultural knowledge. Indigenous immersive learning challenges individuals to step out of their comfort zones and consider diverse perspectives.

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Northern BC

Northern BC Museums & Cultural Centres

  • Nisga’a Museum

    New Aiyansh

    Arts & Culture, Museums & Cultural Centres

    The Nisga’a Museum in Laxgalts’ap, northwest of Terrace, is a stunning space inspired by traditional Nisga’a longhouses, feast dishes, and canoes. “The Heart of Nisga’a House Crests” houses the Ancestors’ Collection, showcasing masks, boxes, and headdresses from late 19th and early 20th centuries.
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    A building with 3 floors of glass windows in the rockies

  • Haida Heritage Centre at Kay Llnagaay

    Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands)

    Arts & Culture, Museums & Cultural Centres

    The Haida Heritage Centre is an award-winning Aboriginal cultural tourism attraction in Ḵay 'Llnagaay or “Sea-Lion Town,” an ancient village site in Haida Gwaii in Northwest BC. Guests can explore the traditions and beliefs of Kay ‘Llnagaay’s rich heritage through pole, canoe, and weaving tours.
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    Haida village

  • Haida Gwaii Museum

    Skidegate

    Arts & Culture, Authentic Indigenous, Museums & Cultural Centres

    Located in Skidegate, the Haida Gwaii Museum - Saahlinda Naay, offers a fascinating exploration of Haida culture. Committed to truth-telling, healing, and reparation, it fosters creative dialogue and critical perspectives, encouraging guests to engage with diverse ways of understanding Haida Gwaii.
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    Art from Gallery at Haida Gwaii Museum

  • ‘Ksan Historical Village and Museum

    New Hazelton

    Arts & Culture, Museums & Cultural Centres

    The 'Ksan Historical Village and Museum is located near the ancient village of Gitanmaax at the confluence of the Bulkley and Skeena Rivers in Hazelton, BC. The village and museum explore Indigenous culture and history of the Gitxsan people through artifacts and recreations of tools, masks, and art.
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    Historical Village and Community of 'KSAN

  • Tse’k’wa National Historic Site

    Charlie Lake

    Arts & Culture, Heritage Sites, Museums & Cultural Centres

    Tse'k'wa National Historic Site is the result of a unique collaboration between three Dane-ẕaa Nations: Doig River First Nation, Prophet River First Nation, and West Moberly First Nation. Guests are invited to journey the shared history that builds respect for land’s First Peoples.
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    Group tour at Tse'k'wa National Historic Site at Charlie Lake- guests in front of cave learning from local guide at the sacred site
Tour guide speaking to a group of tourists

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Thompson Okanagan

Thompson Okanagan Museums & Cultural Centres

  • Sncewips Heritage Museum

    West Kelowna

    Arts & Culture, Museums & Cultural Centres

    The Sncewips (sen-ch-wee-ps) Heritage Museum represents the Westbank First Nation (WFN) heritage and stories of the syilx/ Okanagan Nation. Curating a collection of tangible and intangible objects and cultural knowledge, the museum is a sanctuary for sqilxʷ representation, culture, and heritage.
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    Inside the Sncewips Heritage Museum

  • Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre

    Osoyoos

    Arts & Culture, Museums & Cultural Centres

    Located in Osoyoos, BC, Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre (in-ka-meep) immerses visitors in the land and culture of the Sylix Peoples and Osoyoos Indian Band. Explore interactive exhibits, multi-sensory theatres, and scenic trails, discovering Canada’s unique desert, rich ecology, and heritage.
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    Exterior of Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre

  • The McAbee Fossil Fields

    Thompson-Nicola I

    Arts & Culture, Heritage Sites, Outdoor Adventure, Hiking & Walking

    The McAbee Fossil Fields, operated by Bonaparte First Nation, provide visitors with a unique and educational experience. This Eocene fossil bed, a designated Provincial Heritage Site, contains diverse plant, insect, and fish fossils. The accessible trails make the experience a perfect day trip.
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  • Historic Hat Creek Ranch

    Cache Creek

    Arts & Culture, Heritage Sites

    Now proudly operated by the St’uxwtews Pesuten Heritage Society in collaboration with the Bonaparte First Nation, Historic Hat Creek Ranch Provincial Site explores the rich tapestry of the past, stories, and traditions of the St’uxwtews Pesuten People and local settler history with captivating history and activities that bring it all to life.
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    View of field with teepees at Historic Hat Creek

  • Secwepemc Museum & Heritage Park

    Kamloops

    Arts & Culture, Museums & Cultural Centres

    Discover the Secwépemc Museum in Kamloops, BC, a sacred space where the past, present, and future of the Secwépemc people converge through exhibits, programs, and a vibrant heritage park. Each visit helps to support the revitalization of Secwépemc culture and heritage.
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A group gathers in an Indigenous pithouse to learn about Indigenous culture through Xwisten Experience Tours

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Cariboo Coast Chilcotin

Cariboo Coast Chilcotin Museums & Cultural Centres

  • XatSull Heritage Village

    McLeese Lake

    Arts & Culture, Museums & Cultural Centres

    The Xatśūll First Nation community welcomes guests to the National Award-Winning Heritage Village located north of Williams Lake, BC. Open from mid-May to mid-October, the community offers guided tours and cultural workshops where guests learn about the nation's history and traditional way of life.
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    A brown bear emerging out of the side of a hill

  • Tuckkwiowhum Village

    Boston Bar

    Arts & Culture, Museums & Cultural Centres

    Tuckkwiowhum Village is a First Nations heritage site in Nlakapamux territory, south of Boston Bar, BC. Sharing the culture and traditions of the Nlakapamux people, the village offers a smokehouse, food caches, sweat lodge, winter pit house, tipi camping, and storytelling opportunities with Elders.
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    The view of the museum and giftshop from the top of the pit house of Tuckkwiowhum Village

  • Xwisten Experience Tours

    Lillooet

    Arts & Culture, Heritage Sites

    Just north of Lillooet, BC, Xwísten Experience Tours guides visitors through the St'át'imc People’s ancestral fishing grounds and archaeological wonders. Visitors can explore 80+ pit houses, witness traditional salmon drying, and enjoy a BBQ feast with bannock and whipped berries.
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    A person catching a fish off the side of a boat
Bunch of totem poles in a field with short grass

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Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island Museums & Cultural Centres

  • U’mista Cultural Centre

    Alert Bay

    Arts & Culture, Authentic Indigenous, Museums & Cultural Centres, Shop, Authentic Indigenous: Shop, Retail

    U'mista Cultural Centre is a prominent First Nations cultural facility in Alert Bay, Vancouver Island. Its mission is to house historic potlatch artifacts and ensure the survival of Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw cultural heritage. Visitors can explore exhibits, tours, and dance troupe performances at the centre.
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    U'mista Cultural Centre building in Alert Bay with local art displayed

  • Roy Henry Vickers Gallery

    Tofino

    Arts & Culture, Art Galleries & Studios

    Eagle Aerie Gallery is the gallery of world-renowned First Nations artist Roy Henry Vickers in Tofino, BC. This stunning traditional Northwest Coast longhouse features paintings, original prints, calendars, art cards, and reproductions on hand-adzed cedar walls among totem poles and carvings.
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    A couple visiting the Roy Henry Vickers Gallery

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Kootenay Rockies

Ktunaxa Interpretive Centre- mission hall

Ktunaxa Interpretive Centre

CRANBROOK

ARTS & CULTURE, MUSEUMS & CULTURAL CENTRES

The Ktunaxa Interpretive Centre at St. Eugene Resort shares Ktunaxa heritage, art, and traditions. Explore cultural belongings, hear the Creation Story, learn from Elders about residential schools, and see how the Mission was transformed into a resort that benefits the community.

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Vancouver, Coast & Mountains

Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Museums & Cultural Centres

  • Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre

    Whistler

    Arts & Culture, Authentic Indigenous, Museums & Cultural Centres

    The Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Líḻwat7ul Cultural Centre (SLCC) in Whistler is an Indigenous-owned First Nations Museum, art gallery, gift shop and café. Guests connect with Cultural Ambassadors as they share traditional drum songs and tours featuring stories from the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and the Lil̓wat7úl Nations.
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  • Bill Reid Gallery

    Vancouver

    Arts & Culture, Museums & Cultural Centres

    Located in Vancouver, Bill Reid Gallery is a tribute to the Haida master artist and the only public gallery in Canada dedicated to contemporary Indigenous Northwest Coast Art. The gallery exhibits Bill Reid’s masterworks and curates exhibitions and programs showcasing contemporary Indigenous art.
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    Totem pole inside the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Indigenous Art
A man Walking along the boardwalk behind the Nk'mip Desert Cultural Centre Nk'mip Desert Cultural Centre