Xwisten Experience Tours
Vancouver Island
Just north of Lillooet, BC, the Xwísten Experience Tours offers a journey into the ancestral fishing grounds and archaeological wonders of the St’át’imc People. Here, at the Bridge River Fishing Grounds, visitors can witness the traditional wind-dried method of preserving salmon, a practice still vital to the community today. The tour extends to an expansive archaeological village site, home to over 80 identified pit houses (s7ístken), the traditional winter homes of the St’át’imc people. Guests can enter a reconstructed s7ístken, gaining insight into ancient living practices. The experience culminates in a BBQ feast featuring Fraser River salmon, bannock, and a dessert of whipped berries (sxúsum), offering a taste of history and culture.
Explore More Places
Shearwater Resort | Indigenous Wilderness Resort
Immerse yourself in Heiltsuk hospitality at our wilderness resort. Explore eco tours, fishing trips, and cozy accommodations with Indigenous influences.
Female Welcome Figure
First Welcome Trail
In Musqueam culture, Welcome Figures welcome visitors to our territory. The original poles were house posts and placed at the entrances of our house - right at the doorway inviting you in, welcoming you. Located behind the Vancouver School Board in public plaza.
Serpent Slayer - Welcome Pole
Public Art
At Belcarra Regional Park, on the shores of Burrard Inlet, stands a welcome pole carved by Tsleil-Waututh master carver TsuKwalton (Jonas Jones). It carries one of the Nation's most powerful origin stories — of a young boy swept away by seals, raised in the sea kingdom, and returned to his people as a warrior who could face what no one else could. This is his territory. This is where that story happened. The pole brings it back to the shore where it belongs.
“Return of the Orca” Welcome pole
Public Art
Return of the Orca” Welcome pole at Whey-ah-Wichen (Cates Park) in North Vancouver, carved by TsuKwalton Jonas Jones. the Return of the Orca carries the story of Great Chief wacəq II, whose deep relationship with the salmon and the natural world continues to guide Tsleil-Waututh teachings today.
