Top Resources for Learning More About Indigenous BC
As a tour guide in Vancouver, I believe that learning about the Indigenous cultures of British Columbia is essential, not just for travellers, but for anyone who wants to understand the full story of this land. BC is home to over 200 distinct First Nations, each with its own history, language, and traditions.
Although I don’t carry the lived experiences of Indigenous communities, I want to acknowledge that their specific stories are best told by those who have lived them. These stories belong to the people themselves. What I can do, and what I strive to do on my tours and in my writing, is offer respectful, broad references to the cultures, languages, and histories of the First Peoples of this region. My goal is to inspire visitors to learn more on their own, through trusted Indigenous-led resources.
Books & Podcasts on Reconciliation
Start with Indigenous voices that explain the history of colonization and the ongoing work of reconciliation in Canada.
"21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act" by Bob Joseph A clear and powerful guide to how the Indian Act has shaped Indigenous lives for over a century.
"Unreserved" – CBC Podcast
Hosted by Rosanna Deerchild, this CBC podcast highlights Indigenous stories, artists, and change-makers."Telling Our Twisted Histories" – CBC Podcast
Reclaiming language and history, this podcast confronts colonial myths with humour and heart."52 Ways to Reconcile"
From bestselling author of the Misewa Saga series David A. Robertson, this is the essential guide for all Canadians to understand how small and attainable acts towards reconciliation can make an enormous difference in our collective efforts to build a reconciled country.
Squamish Language Learning
On my walking tours, we travel through the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Squamish, Musqueam, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. If you’d like to engage more deeply with the local languages, here are two great starting points:
FirstVoices – Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Language App Hear and learn basic Squamish vocabulary and pronunciation.
Kwi Awt Stelmexw
A Squamish-led organization dedicated to language revitalization and cultural resurgence.
Indigenous-Led Tours
Small group, Indigenous Owned and Operated Walking Tours in Vancouver BC. Photo courtesy of Talaysay.com
If you're interested in exploring the region with Indigenous guides, I highly recommend Talaysay Tours. This Indigenous-owned company offers authentic walking tours and cultural experiences in Stanley Park and around the Lower Mainland. Candace and her daughter Talaysay are seriously inspirational, informative and really lovely people…
Talaysay Tours
Learn from Indigenous guides through experiences like Talking Trees and Spoken Treasures.
Celebrated Indigenous Artists
Indigenous art is a living expression of cultural knowledge and storytelling. These two well known BC artists have made lasting impacts in public spaces and beyond:
Bill Reid (Haida)
Known for iconic pieces like The Spirit of Haida Gwaii, Reid brought Haida traditions to the world stage.Susan Point (Musqueam)
A master carver and printmaker, Susan Point has led the revival of Coast Salish art and is featured in many public works around Vancouver.
Final Thoughts
Reconciliation and Repatriation are happening NOW in BC. Check out this YouTube video about the return of Poles and artifacts to their original nation territory.
There’s always more to learn, and I encourage you to seek out Indigenous-led sources, visit local cultural centres, and approach these topics with humility and curiosity. On my tours, I introduce respectful context and broad cultural references—but the deeper learning begins when you continue the journey on your own.
Like many in Vancouver, I respectfully acknowledge that I live and work on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. You can read my personal land acknowledgment here.
Let’s explore Vancouver together—with open minds and open hearts.
