First Nation people of Terrace are one of North Americas oldest populations still occupying the same land as their ancestors did. It was not till the late 1800's when the Europeans arrived in the northwestern part of British Columbia, Canada. There survival has played a big part in the history books of the area, as like in many BC communities with a rich First Nation past.

Today, the Northwestern BC region remembers the cultural importance and long history of the many First Nation Villages - mainly because each village has an important story to share. There is the Kitselas and Kitsumkalum of the Tsimshian people and the Nisga'a Nation which consists of the Gitwinksihlkw, Gingolx, Gitlakdamix and Laxgalts'ap Villages - each with a different traditional First Nation experience.

The Kitselas and Kitsumkalum people are nearest the community of Terrace, BC. The Kitselas "People of the Kitselas Canyon" , also referred to as the Gitselasu, are located 16 kilometres east of the city, while the Kitsumkalum "The People of the Robin" are located just west of Terrace, BC where the Skeena and Kalum River meet.

The Kitselas people (Gitselasu) have a close relationship with the Kitselas Canyon, both, in the past and into the present. It was many years ago, that the canyon was once a strategic location for many First Nation villages - as it was here a camp was built so to control access to the ocean used heavily by the trappers, traders and miners traveling the Skeena River. Today, the canyon is a big tourist attraction because of the pictographs located throughout the Skeena Valley canyon telling the story of the Kitselas. In the village, there is a First Nation Cultural Centre used by carvers and artists to create First Nation art.

The Kitsumkalum people live in harmony with the Skeena and Kalum River. The rivers provide many hours of enjoyment for many fisherman. The village long houses and Totem Poles are located across the highway from Fisherman's Park and easily seen from the highway when crossing the Kalum River bridge. The administrative and art gallery buildings are colorful and painted with First Nation art. One building is decorated with the main figures of the Kitsumkalum people - a Robin, Killer Whale, Eagle, Raven, and Wolf.

The Nisga'a Nation is located north of Terrace, British Columbia, Canada in the Nass Valley and includes four First Nation Villages - Gitlakdamix, Gitwinksihlkw, Laxgalts'ap and Gingolx. The valley is awe-inspiring with snow capped mountain ranges and the rumbling Nass River. Wildlife roams freely here neighbouring a historical lava bed park.

Gitlakdamix (New Aiyansh) Village is the centre of the Nass Valley. The village is home to the Nisga'a Government offices (inside building resembles a lava cone) and to an impressive display of Totem Poles. The Unity Pole was raised in 1977 and is recorded as the first pole raised since the late 1800s. Four more poles are erected in the reception area of the New Aiyansh Recreation Centre. In 2005, four more Totem Poles were raised during a celebration attended by many in the area. Each pole represents a First Nation clan - Eagle, Raven, Killer Whale and Wolf.

Gitwinksihlkw (Canyon City) Village is home to Totem Poles and a 400 foot suspension bridge. The village is located next door to the Lava Bed Memorial Park and sits on the north side of the Nass River. The people of the community have erected many Totem Poles to experience. There are four 25 foot poles at the entrance of the bridge before entering Canyon City - each representing a symbol of the Nisga'a people: Eagle, Raven, Killer Whale and Wolf. The Education Pole is a towering 60 feet tall representing elders teaching children and sits proudly in front of the local elementary school. The Bears Den pole is 55 feet tall and celebrates the history of the Gitwinksihlkw people.

Laxgalts'ap (Greenville) Village is west of Gitlakdamix. The people of this small village call home, "the dwelling place comprised of dwelling places". The village is popular for the Oolichan (a popular fish harvested in the spring called the "salvation" or "saviour" fish because they were the first fish to arrive in the river after a long cold winter).

Gingolx (Kincolith) Village is located at the mouth of the Nass River and is a popular destination for seafood and Totem Poles. It was not until 2003, that a 30 kilometre road was constructed connecting Gingolx people to the rest of the Nass Valley by car. Before then, the village was accessed by floatplane and boat only. When traveling to the area take some time also, to walk the boardwalk path to enjoy viewing the seabirds playing in the ocean breeze and some marine boating activity.