Authentic Indigenous

In the heart of Whistler, British Columbia stands a beacon of Indigenous culture and empowerment: the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC). This center is a testament to the rich history and traditions of the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations and the shared territory of these communities whose heritage is intricately woven into the landscapes they call home.

Tin Wis Resort Tofino brings community-driven Indigenous advocacy, education, and environmental stewardship combined with the quality and service promised by Best Western to luxury oceanside accommodation.  Adjacent to the hotel, Tsawaak RV Resort and Campground welcome visitors to an affordable and thoughtfully designed array of miniature longhouse cabins and serviced sites open all year. Tla-o-qui-aht businesses, guardians, caretakers, and allies work together to uphold responsibilities to species and areas in what is now known as the Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks.

Nemiah Valley Lodge, owned by Xeni Gwet’in First Nation–one of Tŝilhqot’in Nation communities–offers immersive and rejuvenating cultural experiences in the heart of Nemiah Valley. The Indigenous-owned and operated off-grid wilderness lodge hosts customizable cultural and land-based experiences shared by Xeni Gwet’in guides. Guests can fish, canoe, learn traditional craft and medicine-making techniques, participate in ceremony and song, and spend time with the legendary wild horses of Nemiah Valley.

These 7 to 8 hour marine journeys to Orford Bay depart from present-day Campell River in beautiful Bute Inlet on the Upper Sunshine Coast of British Columbia. The tours are led primarily by χʷomaɬkʷu guides who are culturally trained to expand guest understanding of Indigenous people on the west coast of BC through the sharing of legends and stories; language and songs.

Haida Style Expeditions is the first Haida-owned and -operated business in Gwaii Haanas in more than 25 years. Owned by twin brothers James and William Cowpar, this community-based cultural adventure expedition company on Haida Gwaii values community relationships.

Sea Wolf Adventures is the business venture of hereditary Kwakawaka’wakw Chief Mike Willie from the remote community of Kingcome Inlet. The cultural tour company asserts Kwakawaka’wakw title and rights through continued and thorough occupation and use of traditional lands.

Business at Haida House at Tllaal embodies the Haida principle of Tl’lyahda or making it right. In the late 2000s, new owners converted the private inn into a trophy-bear hunting lodge. The Council of Haida Nation called for the end of recreational bear hunting on Haida Gwaii in 1995 and the Nation’s economic development arm, Haida Enterprise Corporation (HaiCo), bought the property and retired the last remaining bear hunting license.

With emphasis on clean energy and the environment, local and Indigenous economy, employment, and wellness, Klahoose Wilderness Resort reflects toq qaymɩxʷ culture and values.

Owned and operated by Kitasoo/Xai’xais Nation, Spirit Bear Lodge is a successful model for conservation-based, cultural, and transformative tourism. The Kitasoo/Xai’xais people manage their territory and the lodge with emphasis on conservation and stewardship.

At Salmon ‘n’ Bannock, food is culture. The warm venue hosts honest and positive conversations that support reconciliation and Indigenous cultural sustainability.

Open since 1995, I-Hos Gallery expresses Indigenous culture through art and actively shares space and traditional values with the community.