Discover Nisga'a

08/28/2023

Ḵ’alii-Aksim Lisims (the Nass River) flows from glaciers high in the Saviour Mountains through a valley of towering forests—connecting the heavens, earth, and sea.
Along the way, it courses through Nisg̱a’a life and culture.

We have lived here at least since the end of the last Ice Age, when a great flood changed the world. Today, we greet visitors with a warm Aam Wil Bakwsim’, which means both “welcome” and “it’s good that you came.”

08/25/2023

Visitors to Nisg̱a’a Lands quickly become familiar with the image of Tx̱eemsim on signs and at heritage sites. Unique in Nisg̱a’a culture, Tx̱eemsim is the ideal ambassador for Nisg̱a’a Lands.

Long ago, Tx̱eemsim was sent to help the Nisg̱a’a. When Tx̱eemsim found that the people lived in darkness, he brought sunlight to the Earth. He made the tides and mountains, and provided many gifts, including the animals, fire, and Ḵ’alii-Aksim Lisims. Today, each bend and turn in the Nass River still follows the path of Tx̱eemsim’s journey.

Kind, generous, and humorous, Tx̱eemsim is also a trickster. An approachable demi-god, he is full of human failings—even as he demonstrates how these failings can be conquered. To ensure his hard-won wisdom did not go to waste, Tx̱eemsim wandered up and down the river, teaching the people he met. This was how our oral history began. An ancient and sophisticated code of laws, customs, and conduct, Ayuuḵhl Nisg̱a’a is the living record of our nation and our conception of the world.

The deeds and misdeeds of Tx̱eemsim show that every being in the universe has a rightful and meaningful part to play—and that we need one another. This is the foundation of Ayuuḵhl Nisg̱a’a.

08/23/2023

This 700-kilometer stretch is navigable in either direction, west to east or east to west. It is home to many Indigenous Nations, communities, and businesses – from Indigenous eateries, guiding outfitters, and museums to camping and other accommodation options.

08/15/2023

Every pts’aan is a list of ayukws (crests), which are visual representations of traditional histories. Nisg̱a’a raise pts’aan to tell about the history of their families and property. Traditionally, when a chief raised a pts’aan, he hosted a feast and told his adaawak (traditional history).

Raising a pts’aan is a sign of wealth. After the sponsor properly thanks the carver, the community raises the pole and celebrates with a feast and many gifts to the master carver and assistants. The pole raising and the feast become the centre of attention for the whole community.

When the missionaries arrived, they mistakenly thought the pts’aan were statues of pagan gods worshipped by the Nisg̱a’a. They decided that all pts’aan should be cut down. Many were burned, some were cut up and used as posts for new houses, others were shipped to museums around the world.

Now, a new generation of Nisg̱a’a are raising pts’aan again.

📲 Read Blog Post Here: https://discovernisgaa.com/2022/02/22/ptsaan-totem-pole/

08/11/2023

Nisga’a Lands are home to a wide range of wildlife. Grizzly bears and black bears appear frequently in our communities. Do not approach bears or other wildlife.

📲 Learn more about what you need to “know before you go” here: https://discovernisgaa.com/plan-your-trip/

08/08/2023

Canada’s last volcanic eruption occurred on Nisg̱a’a Lands approximately 300 years ago. The lava destroyed everything in its path, sparked fires in the surrounding forests, and covered two Nisg̱a’a Villages.
More than 2,000 people perished.
Today, the vast lava beds still dominate Nisg̱a’a Lands. They serve as a memorial to those who lost their lives and as a reminder of the importance of kwhlixhoosa’anskw (respect)—for both the natural world and the wisdom of the elders.

discovernisgaa.com

08/04/2023

GETTING HERE: Most visitors enter Nisg̱a’a Lands from Terrace, British Columbia, Via Nisg̱a’a Highway 113.

It is one of the most scenic drives on Canada’s Pacific coast!

Once you arrive on Nisg̱a’a Lands, you can easily explore many fascinating and spectacular sights within a short walk from your car.

📲 Learn More: https://discovernisgaa.com/plan-your-trip/

08/01/2023

✔️ Nass Valley Bed & Breakfast
✔️ Vetter Falls Lodge

https://www.indigenousbc.com/stories/Indigenous-Owned-Hotels

07/31/2023

07/28/2023

Regenerative Tourism relies on reciprocity. Everyone should bring gifts to the exchange.

On Nisg̱a’a Lands, we aim to give visitors a warm welcome and hospitality, share our stories and knowledge of the land, and help visitors tap into the spirit of this remarkable place. By sharing something of who we are, we strengthen our culture and become better known and understood. We also open ourselves up to learning about other cultures and traditions.

We ask that visitors to Nisg̱a’a Lands come with open minds and hearts, and help protect our homeland while they’re here. Visitors who are open to new experiences and ideas allow us to share the best of ourselves and our homeland. Your openness, patience, and respect are your gifts to us. These, and the stories you’ll tell about Nisg̱a’a Lands when you return home. We hope you’ll spread the word about what we have to offer.

We hope you’ll agree: regenerative tourism supports the local economy, protects the environment and culture visitors come to see, increases understanding, and fosters unity.

📲 https://discovernisgaa.com/about-us/