Snuneymuxw ‘imush tu hulitum Walk of Life Public Art Tour

Art lovers, history enthusiasts, and curious explorers, this one's for you.

There's a lot more to Nanaimo's public art than meets the eye. From vibrant installations to meaningful works that share stories of the land and its people, art has a way of connecting us to the places we visit. And now, there's a new opportunity to explore Nanaimo through the creativity, knowledge, and perspectives of Snuneymuxw First Nation artists.

Snuneymuxw First Nation and the City of Nanaimo have partnered to develop SNUNEYMUXW ‘imush tu hulitum (Walk of Life) Public Art Tour, a free, self-guided experience celebrating public artwork created by Snuneymuxw First Nation artists throughout Snuneymuxw territory and within the City of Nanaimo.

And trust us, this is one experience worth making time for.

More Than a Walk. More Than Art.

Whether you're a Nanaimo local looking to see your city through a different lens or a visitor hoping to learn more about the place you're exploring, the SNUNEYMUXW ‘imush tu hulitum (Walk of Life) Public Art Tour offers an opportunity to do just that.

The experience brings together public art, storytelling, and opportunities for reflection, inviting participants to discover the creativity and cultural knowledge reflected in works by Snuneymuxw artists.

Each piece offers something different. Some may catch your attention through their design, while others invite you to spend a little more time learning about the stories, perspectives, and cultural connections behind them.

Together, these works provide an opportunity to deepen your understanding of Snuneymuxw First Nation, its artists, and the Nation's enduring relationship with its territory.

Explore at Your Own Pace

One of the best parts? There's no need to follow a strict itinerary.

To help you navigate the experience, Snuneymuxw First Nation and the City of Nanaimo have developed a mobile-friendly, interactive map that makes discovering the artworks easy and accessible.

Simply pull up the map on your phone, choose where you'd like to begin, and start exploring.

As you make your way between installations, you'll find opportunities to learn more about the artists and their work through photographs, videos, and stories that provide additional context and meaning to each piece.

And there's more to the experience than moving from one artwork to the next.

Along the suggested routes, sensory stops encourage participants to slow down, observe their surroundings, and reflect on their relationship with the natural world.

It's an invitation to experience the landscape with greater awareness, taking time to appreciate not only the artwork itself but also the land and environment that surround it. After all, sometimes the most meaningful discoveries happen when you take your time.

A Different Way to Experience Nanaimo

Public art has a remarkable ability to turn everyday spaces into places of discovery. A familiar walkway, a gathering place, or a corner you've passed countless times can take on new meaning when you understand the stories connected to it.

SNUNEYMUXW ‘imush tu hulitum (Walk of Life) Public Art Tour creates opportunities for residents and visitors alike to engage with Snuneymuxw art and learn more about the Nation whose territory Nanaimo is situated within.

For visitors, it's an opportunity to build a deeper connection with the destination beyond its familiar attractions. For residents, it's a chance to revisit familiar spaces, discover artwork they may not have noticed before, and continue learning about the place they call home. Most importantly, the tour provides a platform to celebrate the artistic contributions of Snuneymuxw First Nation artists and encourages participants to approach these works, their stories, and the surrounding land with curiosity and respect.

Ready to Take a Walk?

Whether you're planning an afternoon of exploring, looking for a meaningful addition to your Nanaimo itinerary, or simply interested in learning something new, the SNUNEYMUXW ‘imush tu hulitum (Walk of Life) Public Art Tour is well worth your time.

It's free, self-guided, and designed to be experienced at your own pace. All you need is your phone, a little curiosity, and a willingness to slow down and take it all in.

So, next time you find yourself with an afternoon to spare, consider taking a different kind of walk through Nanaimo. You might just discover a new perspective on a place you thought you knew.