Indigenous Arts & Cultures in Shuswap

Discover Indigenous Destinations and Experiences in Shuswap

The Shuswap region, located in the heart of British Columbia’s Interior, is the traditional territory of the Secwépemc (Shuswap) Nation, one of the largest First Nations groups in the province. For thousands of years, the Secwépemc people have lived in harmony with the lakes, rivers, and forests of this region, developing a deep cultural connection to the land. Today, visitors can explore Indigenous heritage through storytelling, art, and immersive outdoor experiences that celebrate the traditions of the Secwépemc people.

Visit the Secwépemc Museum and Heritage Park

Located in nearby Kamloops, the Secwépemc Museum and Heritage Park provides an in-depth look at the history, governance, and traditions of the Secwépemc people. The museum features exhibits on ancestral artifacts, oral histories, and traditional hunting and fishing techniques, while the heritage park includes reconstructed pit houses (kekuli), offering insight into traditional Secwépemc winter dwellings.

Explore Indigenous History at Tsútswecw Provincial Park (Adams River Salmon Run)

One of the most significant Indigenous cultural sites in the Shuswap region is Tsútswecw Provincial Park, home to the famous Adams River Salmon Run. Every four years, millions of sockeye salmon return to spawn, an event deeply important to the Secwépemc people, who have relied on salmon for food, ceremony, and trade for generations. Visitors can learn about traditional salmon fishing techniques and sustainable Indigenous fishing practices.

Discover Indigenous Art and Public Installations

Indigenous art plays a vital role in the Shuswap region. Visitors can explore public carvings, totem poles, and murals that tell the stories of the Secwépemc people. Many local galleries and artisan markets feature Indigenous artwork, including beadwork, wood carvings, and woven textiles created by Secwépemc artists.

Attend Indigenous Cultural Events and Powwows

The Shuswap region hosts Indigenous-led cultural events throughout the year, including powwows, storytelling sessions, and artisan markets where visitors can experience traditional drumming, singing, and dance performances. National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations bring together Indigenous communities to share their culture, language, and art with the public.

Indigenous-Led Outdoor Adventures and Eco-Tours

The Shuswap’s vast lakes, rivers, and forests have long sustained Indigenous communities. Visitors can join guided canoe tours, nature walks, and foraging experiences led by Indigenous knowledge keepers, who share traditional ecological knowledge, plant medicine teachings, and land stewardship practices.

Whether you’re hiking through sacred landscapes, learning about Indigenous fishing traditions, or admiring contemporary Secwépemc artwork, the Shuswap region invites you to experience the rich cultural heritage and living traditions of the Secwépemc people.