Indigenous Arts & Cultures in Quesnel

Discover Indigenous Destinations and Experiences in Quesnel

Quesnel, located in central British Columbia along the Fraser River, is part of the traditional territory of the Lhtako Dene Nation (Southern Carrier), Nazko, ?Esdilagh (Alexandria), and Lhoosk’uz Dene Nations. For thousands of years, these Indigenous communities have thrived in the region, relying on the river and surrounding lands for sustenance, trade, and cultural practices. Today, visitors can explore Quesnel’s Indigenous heritage through storytelling, art, and immersive land-based experiences that celebrate the deep relationship between First Nations and the land.

Lhtako Dene Park and Cultural Interpretive Sites

Located near the confluence of the Fraser and Quesnel Rivers, Lhtako Dene Park sits on the traditional village site of the Lhtako Dene Nation. Visitors can explore interpretive signage that shares the history, language, and cultural practices of the Southern Carrier people. Plans for a Lhtako Dene Cultural Centre are underway, further enriching the Indigenous experience in the region.

Ancient Indigenous Trade and Travel Routes

The Fraser River was a major trade and travel route for Indigenous peoples long before the arrival of European settlers. Guided tours and interpretive sites along the river highlight the traditional fishing, hunting, and canoe routes used by the Carrier and other First Nations. Visitors can learn about the Indigenous role in the Fraser River Gold Rush, which significantly impacted local First Nations communities.

Indigenous Art and Public Installations

Quesnel is home to Indigenous art installations, including totem poles, murals, and sculptures that reflect the traditions of the region’s First Nations. Local galleries and markets feature Carrier, Tsilhqot’in, and Dakelh art, including intricate beadwork, carvings, and traditional regalia.

Xatśūll Heritage Village – A Nearby Indigenous Cultural Experience

Just a short drive north of Quesnel, Xatśūll Heritage Village, operated by the Xatśūll First Nation (Soda Creek), provides an immersive cultural experience. Visitors can take part in guided tours, traditional drumming, storytelling, and workshops on hide tanning, beadwork, and Indigenous cooking. The site offers a chance to stay in a traditional pit house (kekuli) and experience Indigenous ways of life firsthand.

Attend Indigenous Cultural Events and Festivals

Throughout the year, Quesnel hosts Indigenous cultural events that celebrate the music, dance, and traditions of local First Nations. Events such as National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations, powwows, and artisan markets provide visitors with opportunities to engage with Indigenous communities and experience the vibrancy of their culture.

Outdoor Adventures with an Indigenous Perspective

Quesnel’s surrounding landscapes, including forests, rivers, and grasslands, have been home to Indigenous communities for millennia. Guided Indigenous-led nature walks and canoe tours provide insight into traditional plant knowledge, fishing techniques, and land stewardship practices that have sustained First Nations for generations.

Whether you’re exploring ancient village sites, learning from Indigenous knowledge keepers, or admiring traditional and contemporary Indigenous art, Quesnel invites you to connect with the deep cultural heritage and ongoing traditions of the region’s First Nations.