Walking with the First Stewards: Indigenous Nations Along The PlaidPath

Exploring the trails of British Columbia is an invitation to experience more than scenic views. It is a chance to engage with the rich cultural history of the First Peoples who have lived on these lands since time immemorial. The PlaidPath operates in regions stewarded by many Indigenous Nations whose stories shape the landscapes we hike through. Understanding these Nations is essential for practicing responsible tourism and making meaningful land acknowledgments. 

Each Nation holds its own deep-rooted cultural knowledge, language, and relationship with place. As Indigenous tourism continues to grow in BC, hikers and travelers have a responsibility to learn whose territories they explore and how to travel with respect. Below is a guide to the Indigenous communities along The PlaidPath, their histories, and their ongoing contributions to the land we walk. 

Squamish Nation (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh) 

The Squamish people are part of the Coast Salish family and have lived in the region now known as Squamish, North Vancouver, and Burrard Inlet for thousands of years. They are known for their deep connection to cedar and salmon, and for their strong canoe culture. Today, the Nation is active in land stewardship and cultural revitalization. Hikers in this region are walking through a living landscape shaped by generations of knowledge and care. 

Musqueam Nation (xʷməθkʷəy̓əm) 

Located at the mouth of the Fraser River, the Musqueam Nation has lived in what is now Vancouver, Richmond, and parts of Burnaby for over 4,000 years. The name “Musqueam” reflects a grass found along the riverbanks, symbolizing their connection to the natural environment. Their traditional fishing systems and village sites are still visible in places many pass by daily. Including Musqueam in your land acknowledgment while exploring Vancouver is essential to responsible tourism in the city. 

Tsleil-Waututh Nation 

The Tsleil-Waututh people are known as the “People of the Inlet” and have deep roots along the Burrard Inlet. Their culture is tied to marine life and shoreline ecosystems. They continue to lead in environmental protection, especially in matters affecting local watersheds and coastline development. Visitors on hiking tours in BC who pass through this region are stepping into a space of active stewardship and environmental advocacy. 

Snuneymuxw First Nation 

The Snuneymuxw territory includes the area now known as Nanaimo and extends across the eastern coast of Vancouver Island and parts of the Fraser River. Their history includes extensive trade networks, complex governance systems, and a commitment to language preservation. The Nation plays an ongoing role in protecting sacred sites and revitalizing village lands. As Indigenous tourism increases in the Nanaimo area, the Snuneymuxw are central to shaping how visitors understand the region. 

Stz'uminus First Nation 

The Stz'uminus people live around Ladysmith Harbour and speak the Hul’qumi’num dialect of Halkomelem. Formerly known as the Chemainus First Nation, they officially reclaimed their ancestral name to reflect Indigenous pronunciation. Known for their knowledge of marine harvesting and forestry, they are active in restoring language and culture for the next generation. Responsible tourism in this area includes recognizing the Stz’uminus as the first stewards of the land. 

Penelakut Tribe 

Located on Penelakut Island and nearby Gulf Islands, the Penelakut are descended from several Coast Salish groups. Their territory includes important reef-net fishing areas and ancestral village sites. The community continues to heal from the legacy of a residential school once located on Penelakut Island. Supporting Penelakut-led cultural initiatives is an important part of ethical Indigenous tourism in southern Vancouver Island. 

Cowichan Tribes 

As the largest First Nation in British Columbia, the Cowichan Tribes live in the Cowichan Valley and are well known for their traditional wool weaving, particularly the Cowichan sweater. Their territory spans forests, rivers, and coastlines vital to their cultural and spiritual life. Visitors hiking through this region should take time to learn from Cowichan teachings about sustainability and land care, which reflect core principles of responsible tourism. 

Songhees Nation 

The Songhees, or Lekwungen-speaking people, have long lived in what is now Victoria and the surrounding areas. Their territory includes significant landmarks around Victoria Harbour. They are known for governance leadership, ceremonial traditions, and active participation in modern treaty negotiations. Anyone engaging in hiking tours in BC's capital region should include the Songhees in their land acknowledgment and take time to explore local Indigenous cultural centres. 

Esquimalt Nation 

The Esquimalt Nation shares a common history and language with the Songhees. Their traditional territory includes the area surrounding Esquimalt Harbour. Despite displacement and development pressures, the community continues to protect sacred sites and strengthen cultural knowledge. Their role in regional planning is critical to maintaining a living connection between land and people. 

W̱SÁNEĆ Nations 

The W̱SÁNEĆ peoples include the Tsartlip, Tsawout, Tseycum, and Pauquachin Nations. Their name means “emerging people,” rooted in a flood story passed down through oral tradition. Their territory includes the Saanich Peninsula and southern Gulf Islands. The W̱SÁNEĆ are known for seasonal harvesting, especially camas and reef-net fishing. Travelers visiting this region should explore community-led tourism offerings and deepen their understanding of local protocols and values. 

Semiahmoo First Nation 

Semiahmoo territory spans the southern Fraser Valley and the shoreline near the Canada–US border, including White Rock. The Nation has long maintained marine harvesting traditions, including clam digging and canoe travel. Their work today focuses on habitat restoration and cultural renewal. Visitors walking these beaches or coastal trails are on Semiahmoo land and should take time to learn from the Nation's stewardship principles. 

Kwantlen First Nation 

The Kwantlen people, whose name means “tireless runner,” have inhabited the lower Fraser River for millennia. Their traditional territory includes areas now known as Surrey, Langley, and Fort Langley. Their longhouse on McMillan Island is a cultural and spiritual centre. Including the Kwantlen in your land acknowledgment while exploring the Fraser Valley encourages a deeper connection to the region’s living history. 

Katzie First Nation 

The Katzie Nation consists of five reserves across the Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge area. With close ties to river and lake systems, the Katzie have relied on salmon runs, wetland ecosystems, and mountain trails for generations. Today, they are involved in collaborative environmental restoration and monitoring. Hikers on these lands can support responsible tourism by learning from Katzie-led environmental practices. 

Kwikwetlem First Nation 

The Kwikwetlem people have lived in the Coquitlam area for thousands of years. Their name comes from the red fish, or sockeye salmon, that used to return to the Coquitlam River. Although now one of the smallest Nations in the province, Kwikwetlem is a strong voice in cultural preservation, ecological restoration, and historical recognition. Trails and parks in Coquitlam lie within their ancestral territory and should be visited with care and acknowledgment. 

Respecting the Land Through Indigenous Tourism 

Every step along The PlaidPath is a step through Indigenous territory. Practicing responsible tourism means recognizing these lands as lived-in, governed, and cared for by Indigenous Peoples. Whether you're joining hiking tours in BC or exploring solo, take the time to make a land acknowledgment, learn about local Nations, and support Indigenous tourism efforts wherever possible. Travel is an opportunity for relationship. Let it be one rooted in truth, respect, and reciprocity. 

Ready to walk with greater awareness? Join one of our guided hiking tours and explore the land with deeper respect for the Indigenous Nations who have cared for these territories since time immemorial. Discover how nature and knowledge can support your personal journey—one step at a time. Learn more at www.plaidpath.ca.