Quw’utsun Cultural Centre Entrance at the Duncan Goldstream Provincial park Cowichan Vancouver Island British Columbia BC Canada
The totem poles are the Quw'utsun' people's way of telling their stories visually. Whenever a village or family member was married or passed away the carvers would be asked to transform the story of the person into a totem design. Totems also depict the stories of Quw'utsun' ancestors. From the tale of the thunderbird and the killer whale to Dsunoqwa, Wild Woman of the Woods, the totems are a visual marker of the past. The Quw’utsun Cultural Centre is centrally located in Duncan, midway between Victoria and Nanaimo, on picturesque Vancouver Island. From Victoria embark on a 45 minute journey north through Goldstream Provincial park; which is best known for spawning salmon and nesting eagles. Travel over the Malahat with views of open oceans and many gulf islands. This spectacular trip is alive with the color and beauty British Columbia is known for. The centre is on 6 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds along the banks of the Cowichan River, a designated BC Heritage River, just off the Trans Canada Highway, minutes from the Duncan city centre. The QCCC offers a truly unique experience, sharing the stories and traditions of the Cowichan people from hundreds of years ago. It is a world of colour and pageantry, where first nations talent and pride are abundant. We are committed to the culture of warmth and sharing, to bridge the gaps that exist between cultures and promote our native culture in a positive way. We are a world-class tourist attraction owned and operated by Cowichan Tribes, the largest Aboriginal Band in British Columbia with over 3900 members. Twenty years ago the Quw'utsun' People embarked on a project to raise the profile of Quw'utsun' knitters, carvers and jewelry makers, while displaying the Quw'utsun' culture and history to the world. In 1986 the Cowichan Tribes outbid twenty organizations and bought the Cultural Center buildings from Expo '86. The Cultural Centre opened its doors in 1990.
Size: 3746px × 5596px
Location: Duncan Vancouver Island Pacific Rim British Columbia BC Canada
Photo credit: © David Gowans / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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