Learning about local Indigenous history
When you visit Terrace, you are visiting Ts’msyen territory, where the Kitselas and Kitsumkalum people have lived for thousands of years. Terrace is in many ways, rooted in Indigenous culture, history, and resilience. Every year Canada marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30. It’s a good day to learn about local Indigenous history. Terrace offers many different ways for locals and visitors to respectfully explore and honour Indigenous heritage in the area.
Start at Kitselas Canyon
This incredible National Historic site is a must-see when visiting the area. It’s a stunning location nestled among towering trees, on the banks of the Skeena Rive and is on the ancient homelands of the Kitselas people who have lived here for thousands of years. We love walking the interpretive trail to visit the spectacular House Clan poles standing among trees. These beautiful carved poles represent the four clans of the Kitselas people. The view overlooking the mighty Skeena River is breathtaking.
Learn about traditional governance, trade, and the canyon’s significance to the history of region. The Kitselas Canyon National Historic Site offers both self-guided exploration and interpretive tours for individuals and groups.
Learn more:
Visit kitselascanyon.ca for more details.
Little Canyon Lookout – Traditional Fishing Site & Early Homestead
On your way back to Terrace, take a small detour to Little Canyon – also known as Sipgawd. This traditional Ts’msyen fishing spot is located under the Old Skeena Bridge and has a parking area with interpretive signage about its historical significance to the Kitselas people. It’s also the spot where Tom and Eliza Thornhill set up their homestead in the early 1900s — their name now lives on in the community of Thornhill.
Local tip:
Pack your camera – you can get a great shot of the Old Skeena bridge from this stop.
The Survivors’ Pole
Located in front of the Kermode Friendship Centre’s Park Avenue location downtown Terrace, this powerful cedar pole was carved in honour of Residential School survivor. It’s a place to reflect and remember. Carved by revered northwest coast Master Carvers Stan Bevan, Dempsey Bob and their teams, this pole was raised on the first National Day of Truth and Reconciliation in 2021.
Learn more:
Visit kermodefriendship.ca for information about the Kermode Friendship Society.
Visit the Totem Poles at Kitsumkalum
Just west of Terrace is Kitsumkalum, where you’ll find two important totem poles that were carved in the 1980s – the first totem poles to be erected in the modern era. One of the poles lays on the ground, where it fell during a fierce wind storm decades ago. These poles are examples of resilience and the endurance of northwest coast form line and art. Famed northwest coast carver, Freda Diesing, was one of the lead carvers on these two significant poles. A teacher of the arts, Freda lead the resurgence of northwest coast form line in the region and today, Canada’s first Indigenous First Nations Fine Arts school, is named for the famed artist: The Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art at Coast Mountain College.
Local tip:
Visit the House of Simoighets at Kitsumkalum – it’s a great gift shop with arts and crafts by Indigenous artists.
Read a book!
There are so many great books out there that speak to the Indigenous experience in Canada. Locally, the Terrace Public Library has all sorts of fiction and non-fiction books to peruse. The friendly staff are great resources if you aren’t sure where to start. Local bookstore Misty River Books also features books about Canadian history, Indigenous history and carries all sorts of titles by popular local writers such as Eden Robinson (Haisla) and books about local Indigenous cultural leaders like world class carver Dempsey Bob (Tahltan, Tlingit, Ts’msyen).
Local tip:
Visit Misty River Books or check out the Terrace Public Library.
Language learning
Did you know the language of the Ts-msyen people is called Smalgyax. Sm’algya̱x is spoken by people from the Ts’msyen communities of Maxła̱xaała (Metlakatla), Txałgiu (Hartley Bay), La̱x Kw’alaams (Port Simpson), Gitxaała (La̱x Klan), Gidasdzu (Klemtu), Gits’alaasü (Kitselas), Gits’mk’eelm (Kitsmkalum) and by Ts’msyen people who live in Kxeen (Prince Rupert), Terrace, Tak’waan Alaska and beyond.
Learn more:
A great resource to learn more about the Smalgyax language is at First Voices: firstvoices.com/smalgyax
Support local Indigenous artists
There are all sorts of places in Terrace where you can find art, jewellery and carvings by local Indigenous artists. Try places like the Terrace Art Gallery, Red Raven, Sandpipers Boutique, Raven Prints and the Terrace Visitor Centre.
Learn more:
Visit the Indigenous Arts & Culture section of our website to learn more.
A Note on Visiting Respectfully
Take your time. Learn. Listen. Indigenous history is not in the past—it is living, breathing, and continuing to shape this place. When visiting Indigenous communities make sure to obey any local signage and ensure you treat the land and its people with respect.
Explore the Indigenous Culture section of our website to learn more.
Blog by Tourism Terrace
