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A traditional welcome pole outside the Nanaimo Fire Station No. 1 at the corner of Fitzwilliam St. and Milton St. is part of the new virtual public art tour featuring work from Snuneymuxw First Nation artists. (Image Credit: File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)
walk of life

Virtual Nanaimo tour showcases Snuneymuxw First Nation art and history

Sep 28, 2026 | 2:18 PM

NANAIMO — Just in time for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a free virtual tour of local First Nation art and history across the Harbour City and Snuneymuxw First Nation territory is now available.

‘imush tu hulitum (Walk of Life) is a self-guided tour of local SFN art, complete with information on each piece and artist, along with an interactive map to help guide your journey, whether it’s online or in person.

A collaboration between the City and SFN, Mayor Leonard Krog said in a release, this offers locals and tourists alike a chance to engage with local, Indigenous art in a more in-depth and personal way.

“… a meaningful way to engage with Snuneymuxw art, stories and connections to the land while strengthening learning and understanding within our community. On behalf of Council, I thank Snuneymuxw First Nation for their collaboration in developing this important project.”

Artist Richie Brown carved Indigenous-themed salmon eggs into the back of a yellow Cedar pole in front of Ecole Hammond Bay Elementary School.
Artist Richie Brown carved Indigenous-themed salmon eggs into the back of a yellow Cedar pole in front of Ecole Hammond Bay Elementary School. (Image Credit: File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

The tour includes the Welcome Pole at Maffeo Sutton Park, utility covers featuring SFN artwork from the late Joel Good, and a Welcome Pole outside of École Hammond Bay Elementary School.

“From an Ancestral lens, art holds important knowledge and reminds us of our connection and responsibilities to the natural world. We extend our gratitude to our Snuneymuxw artists who generously share their gifts with the community,” SFN chief Mike Wyse said.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation takes place on Wednesday, Sept. 30.


The City says the new, SFN-focused public art tour includes “sensory stops along suggested routes encourage participants to slow down, connect with the land, and develop a deeper understanding of the natural world and our relationship to it.” (Image Credit: City of Nanaimo/SFN)

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