Metro Vancouver and Whistler are filled with wonderful Indigenous arts and culture experiences! If you’re interested in learning about the rich history and heritage of the West Coast’s first people, then there is no shortage of inspiring options to choose from. From Surrey to Whistler, there’s a vibrant community of artists and creators here to engage with, listen to, and learn from;, whether you’re taking a tour through public sculptures or being led by a knowledgeable guide through stories and songs of the past. Each stop on this list is an opportunity to reflect, connect, and respect the people and voices who came before. Have a look at which experiences are close to you, or make it a day trip and hit a couple stops over an afternoon!
Kihl ‘Yahda Christian White | Vancouver
This is the first major solo exhibition of Haida artist Kihl’ Yahda, Christian White. Guest curated by Sdahl Ḵ’awaas, Lucy Bell, also of the Haida Nation, it features highlights from White’s 50-year career. Best known for his intricate argillite carvings, inlay work, and monumental works, this collection of White’s work is an impressive visual story of how he developed as an artist and community member.
Photo: Amelia Rea | House Chest (2006) by Christian White
In a Different Light | Vancouver
In a Different Light presents more than 110 historical Indigenous artworks and marks the return of many important works to British Columbia. These objects are amazing artistic achievements. Yet they also transcend the idea of ‘art’ or ‘artifact.’Through the voices of contemporary First Nations artists and community members, this exhibition reflects on the roles historical artworks have today. Featuring immersive storytelling and innovative design, it explores what we can learn from these works and how they relate to Indigenous peoples’ relationships to their lands.
Photo: moa.ubc.ca | Kaayd Hllngaay Skaayxan woven by Skidegate Haida artist and painted by Neeslant
Nature as our Teacher: Our Coast Salish World | Vancouver’s North Shore
Look up to the windows on the east and north side of the Museum of North Vancouver to find a series of colourful, translucent decals created by local Indigenous artists, Mi kw’achi7m (Marissa Nahanee) of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation and Skokaylem (Zac George) of Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nation. Working with the theme, Nature as Teacher: Our Coast Salish World, the artists created images inspired by North Vancouver’s natural environment and local Indigenous creation stories.
Photo: monova.ca | The First Grandmother of Səl̓ílwətaɬ Was Born From The Sea | Artist: Skokaylem (Zac George), Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nation
Joe David: Ka-ka-win-chealth, A Life’s Journey | Vancouver’s North Shore
A collection of the profound and transformative work of extraordinary Nuu-chah-nulth artist, Joe David, this sprawling exhibition spans the career of an influential figure in West Coast art. The show’s title, Ka-ka-win-chealt, means “Supernatural White Wolf Transforming into Killer Whale,” the name bestowed upon Joe by his father when it became apparent that Joe’s path in life was to become an artist.
Photo: Matthew Chase | Joe David (b. 1946), Nuu-chah-nulth, Tla-o-qui-aht.
Audain Art Museum Permanent Collection of BC Art | Whistler
The Audain Art Museum’s Permanent Collection of nearly 200 works of art is a visual journey through the history of art from coastal British Columbia. Spanning from the 18th century to present day, the collection contains one of the world’s finest collections of Northwest Coast First Nations masks; a large collection of works by Emily Carr, encompassing all periods of her artistic career; as well as art by important post-war modernists such as E.J. Hughes, Gordon Smith and Jack Shadbolt
Photo: audainartmuseum.com | The Dance Screen (The Scream Too), Artist: James Hart
Northwest Coast Monumental Sculptures (‘Totem Poles’) | Burnaby
A destination for art of all kinds, the SFU Burnaby campus also has a wonderful collection of Indigenous work for students and visitors to marvel at. The Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology is an incredible resource for learning about local history and art in equal measure. At the entrance you’ll be welcomed by the hulking sculpture, Frog Constellation, carved by Haida artist James Hart, a chief from Haida Gwaii.
Photo: sfu.ca | ‘Totem Poles’ | Artist: James Hart
Indigenous Art Walk | Burnaby
A walking tour through the SFU campus and adjacent Burnaby Mountain Park is a great way to take in nature, expression, and craftsmanship. Along the way, you’ll learn about the various mediums each artist works in, their stories, and how the university site became a key location in decolonization practices and community building.
Photo: sfu.ca | Bear Mother, 1991 | Artist: Bill Reid | Plaster, steel, and marble
Indigenous Art in Surrey | Surrey
Surrey has plenty of inspiring Indigenous art to discover! With murals, carvings and sculpture throughout the city, chances are you might find a few just by chance. But with this handy guide you can work a few of the stops into a brisk walk through one of BC’s most diverse and vibrant cities.
Photo credit: surrey.ca | Coast Salish carving | Artist: Xwalacktun (Rick Harry)
Indigenous Hall at the Museum of Surrey | Surrey
A space of gathering, storytelling and exhibition in consultation with se’mya’me (Semiahmoo) First Nation, q̓ʷɑ:n̓ƛ̓ən̓ (Kwantlen) First Nation and q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie) First Nation, the Indigenous Hall has a rotating selection of engaging exhibitions throughout the year. Entry is free and the museum is a wonderful resource for highlighting community dialogue, history and Indigenous voices.
Photo: surrey.ca |In partnership with se’mya’me (Semiahmoo) First Nation, q̓ʷɑ:n̓ƛ̓ən̓ (Kwantlen) First Nation and q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie) First Nation
Feature Photo: Amelia Rea | Raven Transformation (2014) by Christian White