Discover Indigenous Destinations and Experiences on Quadra Island
Quadra Island, one of the stunning Discovery Islands off the coast of British Columbia, is located within the traditional territory of the Wei Wai Kum, We Wai Kai, and Kwiakah First Nations, who are part of the Kwakwaka’wakw peoples. With its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and deep spiritual connections to the land and sea, Quadra Island offers visitors the opportunity to explore Indigenous traditions through storytelling, art, and immersive experiences.
Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre
A must-visit for anyone interested in Indigenous culture, the Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre in the We Wai Kai community at Cape Mudge is home to a vast collection of Kwakwaka’wakw masks, regalia, totem poles, and artifacts. The center was created to preserve and share the traditions of the local First Nations and to repatriate sacred objects that were taken during colonial times. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits and learn about the rich history of the We Wai Kai people.
Explore Cape Mudge Totem Poles and Historic Village
The Cape Mudge Village (Yaculta) is one of the oldest continuously inhabited Indigenous villages in British Columbia. Here, visitors can see beautifully carved totem poles standing along the shoreline, each telling stories of the We Wai Kai people’s ancestry, traditions, and connection to the land and waters.
Indigenous-Led Outdoor Adventures and Eco-Tours
The waters surrounding Quadra Island have been vital to the Kwakwaka’wakw peoples for millennia. Visitors can experience this connection firsthand by joining Indigenous-guided kayaking and boat tours, which explore ancient village sites, traditional fishing areas, and the diverse marine life of the Discovery Islands. Some tours also incorporate Indigenous storytelling, explaining the spiritual and cultural significance of the land and sea.
Attend Indigenous Cultural Events and Ceremonies
Throughout the year, Quadra Island hosts Indigenous-led feasts, drumming circles, and storytelling sessions that provide insight into traditional Kwakwaka’wakw customs. The potlatch ceremony, an essential part of Kwakwaka’wakw culture, continues to be practiced in local communities, celebrating milestones, ancestry, and community connections.
Indigenous Art and Handcrafted Goods
Quadra Island is home to talented Indigenous artists who create stunning carvings, masks, jewelry, and textiles. Local galleries and markets showcase traditional and contemporary Kwakwaka’wakw art, allowing visitors to take home unique handcrafted pieces that reflect the culture and stories of the region’s First Nations.
Whether you’re exploring ancient village sites, engaging with Indigenous knowledge keepers, or admiring the intricate carvings of traditional totem poles, Quadra Island invites you to experience the vibrant and living culture of the Wei Wai Kum, We Wai Kai, and Kwiakah First Nations.
Every community has its own unique cultural footprint.
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