Nuxalk History and Petroglyphs

The history of the Valley dates back 10,000 years according to oral history and archeological estimates. The first Native People who lived in villages along the rivers and coastline were known as Bella Coola or Nuxalkmc people. By 1922 when anthropologists were researching this region, all the villages had disappeared and the Natives lived only at the mouth of the Bella Coola River. They interviewed the elders and, at that time, the name of the people was shortened to Nuxalk. For more information on the Nuxalk Nation please see www.nuxalknation.org

Today's visitors experience a community where history melds comfortably into everyday life. You will meet world-renowned carvers at their galleries and visit a school that boasts works of art and teaches young people an ancient language. One of the highlights of Bella Coola is a guided hike to the petroglyphs at Thorsen Creek, which archeologists have dated to between 5-10,000 years. Follow a Nuxalk guide along the magical forested route and immerse yourself in this ancient culture. On a high bank, surrounded by forest, you gaze at weathered etchings of human faces, and others of frogs, fish and geometric patterns carved into rock. The wind whispers through the trees as your guide chants and relates legends. This is a spiritual place and should be experienced with a knowledgeable Nuxalk guide. This may well be the heart of Bella Coola.

A visit to a school is not usually on a tourist itinerary. Acwsalcta School located in Four Mile Subdivision, is a First Nations school for Kindergarten to Grade 12 students, it displays works of art. Don't miss seeing the magnificent totem pole carved by a teacher and three students. Erected in 2002, it is the first Nuxalk totem pole to be put up in 38 years.