Indigenous Arts & Cultures in Williams Lake

Discover Indigenous Destinations and Experiences in Williams Lake

Williams Lake, located in the Cariboo region of British Columbia, is part of the traditional territory of the Secwépemc (Shuswap) and Tŝilhqot’in (Chilcotin) Nations. For thousands of years, Indigenous communities have lived along the lakes and rolling grasslands, following seasonal migration patterns, trading, and maintaining deep spiritual connections to the land. Today, visitors to Williams Lake can explore Indigenous heritage through storytelling, art, outdoor adventures, and cultural events that celebrate the traditions of the Secwépemc and Tŝilhqot’in peoples.

Visit the Secwépemc Museum and Heritage Park

Located in nearby Kamloops, the Secwépemc Museum and Heritage Park provides an in-depth look at Secwépemc culture, governance, and traditional ways of life. Visitors can explore:

• Ancestral artifacts, regalia, and oral history exhibits that highlight the resilience of the Secwépemc people.
• Reconstructed pit houses (kekuli), traditional winter homes used by Indigenous communities.
• Indigenous-led storytelling and interpretive programs that share Secwépemc history and legends.

Xatśūll Heritage Village – An Indigenous Cultural Experience

Just north of Williams Lake, the Xatśūll Heritage Village, operated by the Xatśūll First Nation, offers an immersive Indigenous cultural experience. Visitors can:

• Explore traditional Secwépemc pit houses and village sites, learning about ancient ways of life.
• Participate in cultural workshops, such as beading, hide tanning, and Indigenous cooking.
• Take guided nature walks, where Indigenous knowledge keepers share insights into traditional plant medicines and land stewardship.

Indigenous Art and Public Installations

Williams Lake features public Indigenous art, totem poles, and murals that showcase the artistic traditions of the Secwépemc and Tŝilhqot’in peoples. Local galleries and artisan markets also highlight:

• Hand-carved masks and wood sculptures from Indigenous artists.
• Beaded jewelry, woven textiles, and traditional regalia.
• Contemporary Indigenous paintings and prints that reflect cultural storytelling.

Attend Indigenous Cultural Events and Powwows

Williams Lake is home to several Indigenous-led events and celebrations, including:

• The Annual Williams Lake First Nation Powwow, featuring traditional drumming, dancing, and community feasts.
• National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations, with storytelling, artisan markets, and Indigenous performances.
• Tŝilhqot’in cultural gatherings, celebrating the language, songs, and history of the Tŝilhqot’in Nation.

Indigenous-Led Outdoor Adventures and Eco-Tours

The forests, lakes, and grasslands surrounding Williams Lake have been home to Indigenous communities for millennia. Visitors can experience:

• Canoe and fishing excursions, learning about traditional salmon harvesting and river navigation techniques.
• Guided nature walks and foraging experiences, where Indigenous guides share knowledge of local plants, wildlife, and sustainability practices.
• Horseback riding with Indigenous-led ranches, reflecting the long history of Indigenous horsemanship in the Cariboo region.

Whether you’re exploring ancient village sites, engaging with Indigenous artists, or taking part in storytelling and cultural celebrations, Williams Lake invites you to experience the deep-rooted traditions and vibrant living culture of the Secwépemc and Tŝilhqot’in peoples.