Indigenous Culture in Victoria BC: Events, Museums & Experiences

Victoria offers a remarkable opportunity to connect with the region’s Indigenous peoples’ rich traditions, history, and ongoing cultural expressions. As the traditional territory of the lək̓ʷəŋən/Lekwungen (Songhees and Esquimalt) Peoples, the city is a vibrant centre for cultural learning and respectful engagement.

Whether you’re a Canadian visitor seeking to deepen your understanding of Indigenous heritage or an international traveller curious about the First Peoples of this land, Victoria welcomes you with meaningful and immersive experiences.

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Deepening Understanding Through Museums and Art

Royal BC Museum – First Peoples Gallery

The Royal BC Museum in downtown Victoria is home to one of Canada’s most comprehensive displays of Indigenous artifacts and knowledge. The First Peoples Gallery offers an insightful, respectful journey through over 10,000 years of Indigenous history. With carefully curated exhibits, it highlights the traditions, art, and resilience of British Columbia’s First Nations.

Visitors can view intricately carved totem poles, traditional regalia, and multimedia presentations that showcase Indigenous voices. This experience fosters an understanding of Indigenous communities’ complex histories and contributions across BC.

University of Victoria Legacy Art Galleries

Another cultural cornerstone, the University of Victoria Legacy Art Galleries features exhibitions that spotlight Indigenous contemporary and historical art. The gallery curates works by Indigenous artists across the province and offers public programs that delve into cultural and social themes.

For art lovers and cultural explorers alike, this gallery provides a platform for Indigenous expression and dialogue.

Art Gallery of Greater Victoria

With a growing collection of Indigenous Canadian art, the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria regularly hosts exhibitions celebrating Indigenous creativity.

These exhibits provide valuable context on the intersections of modern and traditional forms, offering a nuanced perspective on the evolving nature of Indigenous art. The gallery also has free admission every Thursday between 5 PM and 9 PM, so it’s a great place to finish a day of exploring.

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Experiencing Living Traditions

Songhees Wellness Centre and Cultural Tours

A short trip from downtown Victoria, the Songhees Wellness Centre provides immersive learning opportunities from the Songhees Nation. Visitors can participate in tours along traditional canoe routes, enjoy Indigenous culinary experiences, and engage in storytelling sessions. These tours are educational and serve as a form of living history, connecting present-day communities with ancestral ways of life.

Guided by Songhees members, these experiences emphasize the relationship between land, water, and culture, creating a meaningful context for reconciliation through understanding.

W̠SÁNEČ Ethnobotany Trail at the Horticultural Centre of the Pacific

The Horticultural Centre of the Pacific is located in Saanich, just a short drive from downtown Victoria. It is home to the W̠SÁNEČ Ethnobotany Trail. Developed in partnership with the PEPÁḴEḿ HÁUTW̠ Foundation, this self-guided tour introduces visitors to native plant species and their cultural, medicinal, and ceremonial uses.

Each plant along the trail is accompanied by interpretive signage that reflects W̠SÁNEČ knowledge systems. This trail is an incredible educational resource for anyone interested in traditional ecological knowledge and the interconnectedness of Indigenous culture and environment.

For more about this exceptional experience, read our detailed article here.

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Indigenous Peoples Day Celebrations in Victoria, BC

Held annually in June to coincide with National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21st), there are tonnes of festivals and events going on across the island to celebrate. Most events are free to the public and feature traditional music and dance, workshops, and artisan markets.

Organized in collaboration with local Nations, including the Songhees and Esquimalt, many events open with a traditional welcoming ceremony and continue with performances, interactive cultural experiences, and Indigenous cuisine.

Click here to view a list of upcoming festivals in Victoria and beyond!

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A Path Toward Reconciliation and Respectful Tourism

Exploring Indigenous culture in Victoria offers more than educational enrichment – it provides a path toward reconciliation. By engaging with the stories, languages, arts, and land-based practices of local Indigenous communities, visitors become part of a broader effort to honour and uplift these vital cultures.

Victoria invites all who visit to walk gently and listen deeply. The events, museums, and experiences detailed here are gateways to understanding and connection. Whether you attend a festival, visit a gallery, or walk a sacred trail, your journey will contribute to a richer, more respectful world.

Let your visit to Victoria be more than a vacation – make it an opportunity to learn, reflect, and grow.