FIRST NATIONS OF THE GREAT BEAR RAINFOREST & CHILCOTIN ARK
LEARN THE LEGENDS, CEREMONIES, AND TRADITIONS OF CANADA'S FIRST INHABITANTS
Yaw smatmc! Meaning “Hello friend” in the Nuxalk language.
We are honoured to be operating on the traditional territory of the Nuxalk & Ulkatcho First Nations.
Be transported through 10,000 years of authentic songs and stories as you visit various sites significant to the local First Nations. Our tours take guests to explore several of these sites, including the giant cedar forests on Walker Island, and a visit to the mind-blowing petroglyph stone carvings with a Nuxalk expert to interpret their meanings.
WHO ARE THE BELLA COOLA FIRST NATIONS?
THE TRIBES. THE LAND. THE LEGACY.
The Nuxalk Nation’s presence in the Bella Coola Valley can be traced back through 10,000 years of oral histories and archaeology. The Nuxalkmc include the descendants from many different villages, including the 4 largest: Talyu in Ats'aaxlh (South Bentick); Suts'lhm (Kimsquit) to the north – including Satskw' (Kimsquit River) and Nutl'l (Dean River); Kwalhna to the west; and Q'umk'uts' to the east (near what is present day Bella Coola).
YOUR FIRST NATIONS EXPERIENCE
TRACE THE STEPS AND SITES SIGNIFICANT TO THE NUXALK PEOPLE
Located in traditional Nuxalk and Ulkatcho territory, Tweedsmuir Park Lodge offers guests a historically rich and immersive First Nations experience.
From storytelling to woodcarving, learn about First Nations culture, cuisine and customs from local Nuxalk.. Hike to and decipher Bella Coola’s sacred stone-carved petroglyphs with your Nuxalk interpreter; take a tour of Bella Coola’s towering totem poles; observe world-renowned woodcarvers in action; or visit the vast collection of First Nations artefacts in the local art gallery.
HOW WE WORK WITH THE LOCAL FIRST NATIONS
HONOURING THE STORIES
For us, building relationships with the local Nuxalk community is an integral part of authentic storytelling. In respect to the Bella Coola Valley’s original inhabitants and our guests, Tweedsmuir Park Lodge employs Copper Sun Journeys, a Nuxalk business, who operate as our local experts, tour guides and interpreters.