An opportunity to learn, listen, and engage with respect
Nanaimo is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation, whose deep and ongoing relationship with the land and waters continues to shape the region today. Indigenous experiences in Nanaimo are not historical reenactments, they are living expressions of culture, knowledge, and stewardship that invite visitors to engage with respect and curiosity.
Visitors can experience Indigenous culture through meaningful places, stories, and creative expression woven throughout the city. Saysutshun Island, located just minutes from downtown, is a place of profound cultural significance. Once a seasonal village site and sandstone quarry for the Snuneymuxw people, the island offers interpretive signage, walking trails, and gathering spaces that share stories of land use, community, and connection to the sea.
Art plays a powerful role in Indigenous storytelling across Nanaimo. Public artworks, carvings, and design elements throughout the downtown core and key visitor spaces reflect Coast Salish traditions and contemporary Indigenous voices. Local Indigenous-owned businesses and retailers offer opportunities to purchase authentic artwork, fashion, and gifts, supporting artists and cultural continuity.
Cultural events provide another way to connect. Snuneymuxw Days, held each summer, welcomes visitors to witness canoe races, cultural demonstrations, and community celebration rooted in tradition and pride. National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21 is also marked with events and gatherings that honour Indigenous cultures and contributions.
Indigenous experiences in Nanaimo are grounded in respect for place, people, and story. Visitors are encouraged to listen, learn, and recognize that they are guests on Indigenous land. By doing so, you help support cultural preservation while gaining a deeper understanding of Nanaimo as a living, evolving destination shaped by thousands of years of Indigenous presence and knowledge.
