When Indigenous people are removed from their land, art becomes a crucial way of maintaining their connection to history, culture, and identity—and there aren’t many places in North America where their work is as visible as in Vancouver.
The stunning city, flanked by snowy mountain peaks and the Pacific two-and-a-half hours north of San Francisco (by plane), is awash in Indigenous art from the moment you touch down at YVR, which was recently named the continent’s best airport for the 14th time.
YVR Musqueam welcome figures (Courtesy of Vancouver International Airport)
Vancouver, which lies on the unceded and ancestral territory of three tribal nations—the Musqueam, the Squamish, and the Tsleil-Waututh—welcomes travelers with more than 200 magnificent pieces, including Susan Point's huge cedar spindle whorl and Bill Reid's impressive jade canoe. There are giant carved welcoming figures, etched glass totem poles, massive weavings, and scores of other Native works that embody the land, sea, and sky.
Here are seven other spots to find expressions of the worldview, history, and future of Indigenous people in Vancouver. For a deeper Indigenous-led experience, venture out of the city to a Native-owned hotel, motel, campground, or luxury resort in British Columbia. Learn more about these one-of-a-kind stays and the stories behind them at Indigenous Tourism BC.
UCB Museum of Anthropology
The Museum of Anthropology on the University of British Columbia’s verdant campus should be one of your first stops. It houses an awe-inspiring collection of Northwest Coast sculptures, textiles, and canoes from the past and present. Don’t miss their “Multiversity Galleries,” where there are hundreds of drawers filled with precious pieces from around the world for visitors to slide open and discover. // 6393 NW Marine Dr., moa.ubc.ca
The Museum of Anthropology at UBC in Vancouver(Cory Dawson, courtesy of the Museum of Anthropology at UBC)
Granville Island
Granville Island is a must-see Vancouver destination known for its huge public market, myriad food options, and unique artisan outlets, some of which feature the work of Indigenous artists. For prints and cedar carvings, Native-made clothing, and jewelry, head to Inukshuk Gallery (1551 Johnston St.). It’s a great place to purchase gifts for yourself or others, including T-shirts, socks, water bottles, mugs, and many other items—all created by Indigenous artists and emblazoned with Indigenous motifs.
Indigenous-owned Wickaninnish Gallery (1666 Johnston St., Ste. 14), which was founded in 1987, showcases the artwork of established and emerging Indigenous artists and carries clothing, jewelry, blankets, affordable gifts, moccasins, and hand-engraved sterling silver jewelry. They are located inside the Net Loft Building, across from the Public Market.
Fazakas Gallery
Located in the heart of Vancouver’s Gallery District, Fazakas places special emphasis on up-and-coming Indigenous artists. Rotating works include masks, photography, contemporary beading, and textiles. Jean Paul Langlois’ solo exhibition War and Peace, and Smoky the Cowhorse is currently on view. // 659 East Hastings St., fazakasgallery
Jean Paul Langlois' 'The Purchase (Among Vultures), 2023' is one of the works on display now at Fazakas Gallery in Vancouver.(Courtesy of @fazakasgallery)
Bill Reid Gallery
Bill Reid Gallery houses an impressive collection by renowned artist Bill Reid, ranging from a massive totem pole to intricately carved gold bracelets. Reid, whose mother was Haida, was an acclaimed goldsmith and carver who inspired generations of Indigenous artists. The gallery offers exhibitions not only of his work but also of younger Indigenous artists who have followed in his wake. // 639 Hornby St., billreidgallery
Lattimer Gallery
Just a short walk from Granville Island, you’ll find a gallery and shop with exquisite art pieces ranging from woodwork, masks, and jewelry to sculpture and graphics—all by First Nations artists. Lattimer has been promoting Indigenous Northwest Coast art since 1986 and is now run by the grandson of its founders. Their diverse collection from established and emerging artists includes a large red cedar panel depicting a dancing raven, gold bracelets embodying hummingbirds and herons, teacups honoring the moon, and more. // 1590 West 2nd Ave. and at YVR’s International Departures Terminal, Level 3, lattimergallery
Roasted bison bone marrow and bbq-smoked salmon mousse with bannock crackers at Salmon N' Bannock Bistro(Courtesy of @salmonnbannockbistro)
Food is definitely an artistic expression, and at Salmon N’ Bannock, owner Inez Cook, a member of the Nuxalk Nation, has gathered recipes from a variety of Indigenous collaborators. The resulting dishes are a delicious palette of flavors celebrating salmon in many forms, as well as bison, elk, Anishinaabe wild rice, and more.
Cook was one of 20,000 Indigenous Canadian children who were involuntarily removed from their families and given to white families in “The Sixties Scoop.” Reunited with her tribal family as an adult, Cook is now making up for lost time by introducing Vancouverites to treats like salmon mousse, candied salmon, and tender bison pot roast. The “bannock” in the restaurant’s name refers to the beloved food often called fry bread in the U.S. Cook bakes her own and has come up with an ingenious and tasty gluten-free version, too. Wine and beer selections highlight Indigenous producers, and Native art pieces cover the scarlet walls of the cozy restaurant space. // 1128 West Broadway, salmonandbannock
