Arts & Culture

The Nkmip Desert Cultural Centre is a 9,000 square-foot interpretive centre that exhibits 2 films, the Inkameep Day School Art Collection, indoor and outdoor interactive exhibits, a 1.5 km walking trail, and reconstructed traditional Okanagan village, and (visitor favourite) interpreter hosted programs which boast a fun filled experience for all ages! The centre is also an architectural marvel, and was built from local, sustainable materials.

The Bill Reid Gallery is the only public Gallery in Canada dedicated to contemporary Indigenous Northwest Coast Art and honours Bill Reid by exhibiting the Bill Reid SFU Art Collection as well as presenting special exhibitions and programs that build bridges between all peoples, including Indigenous and settler populations. The Gallery is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Vancouver and can be found within a short walking distance from the Canada Lines City Centre Station located in Pacific Centre or the Millenium/Expo Lines Burrard Station.

The Sncewips (sen-ch-wee-ps) Heritage Museum represents the heritage of Westbank First Nation (WFN) and the stories of the syilx/ Okanagan Nation as a whole. We believe in the power of our own voice to inspire, educate and transform and are working hard to build cultural capacity and language awareness along with programming development.

U'mista Cultural Centre is one of the longest-operating and most successful First Nations cultural facilities in BC, founded in 1980 as a ground breaking project to house potlatch artifacts which had been seized by government during an earlier period of cultural repression. The return of the potlatch artifacts not only provided U'mista's name ('the return of something important'), and sparked a general trend toward repatriation of First Nations and cultural artifacts, it caused the creation of a physical facility and human resources infrastructure which have been successfully operated for over two decades.U'mista now operates a modern museum and cultural education facility in Alert Bay. Their operations include the museum, an extensive art gallery and gift shop, group tours, and presentations by dance troupes.

VNHS opened Skwachàys Lodge, the Urban Indigenous Fair-Trade Gallery, and the Artists in Residence Program in June of 2012. The former Pender Hotel was transformed from a three-and-a-half-story derelict SRO hotel to a unique Indigenous social enterprise that combines a boutique hotel with a street-level art gallery, that supports on-site housing and studio space for 24 Indigenous artists. VNHS identified the vulnerability of many urban Indigenous artists artists in need of housing, artists who for various reasons are not able to properly represent and market themselves or their work. Often these artists are commercially exploited through a long established street or underground market that takes advantage of their vulnerability. They try to live off their work by selling on the street or in the bars or through the commercial dealer network that purchases original, gallery quality art for, at times, only five or ten cents on the dollar. By creating a live/work supportive complex with a built-in gallery and community production space, VNHS took a lead role in addressing the social and economic inequities that Indigenous artists can face. The Artists in Residence Program is a unique and life-changing housing program for practicing Indigenous artists. The program includes very affordable housing in clean, unfurnished bachelor suites, 24/7 access to shared artist workshops, and participation in programming opportunities for personal and professional development that help artists develop their craft and move into the next phase of their careers. A 3-year residency in the program is dependent on successful program participation and the achievement of self-defined career goals. Emerging, mid-career, and senior artists are welcome to apply. To date we have had over 110 Indigenous artists complete the program. The Lodge, the Urban Indigenous Fair-Trade Gallery and production space are operated as a self-sustaining social enterprise. Artists are paid a fair price for their work. The model follows the established practices found in the art world. Generally an artist receives between 30%-60% of the retail price depending on the artists reputation and the cost that is underwritten by the gallery (framing, marketing and promotional expenses.) In short, when a guest spends their overnight travel dollars at the Skwachàys Lodge there is a social impact people are housed. When a guest, a member of the community or a company purchases authentic Indigenous art at the Fair Trade Gallery, there is a social impact a simple purchase fights cultural misappropriation and ensures that Indigenous artists are paid fairly for their work. Cultural tourism is one of the fastest growing segments of the tourism sector and there is absolutely a place for our urban Indigenous artists to participate in this industry as a means of reclaiming their lives and independence.

Established in 1991, the Spirit Gallery in West Vancouvers Horseshoe Bay is proud to offer a beautiful collection of West Coast Native Art. The blend of contemporary and traditional work includes gold and silver jewellery, unique furniture and home accents, fine art prints, Inuit art and hand carved masks, bentwood boxes and gifts. For those looking for something truly unique in West Coast Native Art, Spirit Gallery can arrange private commissions including totem poles, furniture, panels and doors. Close relationships with renowned First Nations artists allow for the creation of one-of-a-kind pieces that tell your personal story of family, an individual or business. Located in Horseshoe Bay, West Vancouver, British Columbia, we are only steps from the picturesque waterfront, an array of charming shops and friendly cafes. We welcome you to explore our website and visit us in person at 6408 Bay Street, West Vancouver.