Gilakasla,

Welcome to the Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre

It is our hope that during your visit you will gain some insight into the beliefs and practices of the Kwakwaka’wakw people.

Nuyumbalees means, The Beginning. The Nuyumbalees Society was founded in 1975 by Hereditary and Elected Chiefs of the Kwakwaka’wakw people, to negotiate the return of their Potlatch Treasures and Regalia (Kikasuw). The society has been entrusted with the care and preservation of a priceless and historic collection of original Kwakwaka’wakw Kikasuw returned in February, 1979. The Kwagiulth Museum opened in June of that same year.

Since its inception, the Nuyumbalees Society has been committed to the care and preservation of the Potlatch Collection and to the Revitalization of the Kwakwaka’wakw Language, Culture and Traditions through Cultural Education Programs.

The Cultural Centre was closed several years ago for the completion of major renovations and reopened on May 13, 2007. The Kikasuw that you will see exhibited in the Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre have been returned from the National Museum of Man in Ottawa, the Royal Ontario Museum, and the Heye Foundation, the National Museum of the American Indian, New York.

Enjoy the Beautiful Treasures of the Sacred Potlatch Collection exhibited in the Main Gallery and Upper Gallery.

Allow approximately 45 minutes to fully enjoy the exhibits. Movies are shown throughout the day and may be enjoyed at your leisure in the Lower Gallery.

There are several Petroglyphs outside the Cultural Centre which were moved from their original location to preserve and protect them. There are also petroglyphs on the waterfront near the Ah-Wah-Qwa-Dzas across the street.

Make a Petroglyph Rubbing in the Upper Gallery. Fibreglass casts were taken of the petroglyphs and these are located in the Upper Gallery of the Cultural Centre for your convenience.

NEW - Kwak'wala/Liqwala Dictionary (PDF)We gratefully acknowledge the financial support from Aboriginal Affairs and
Northern Development Canada's Advocacy and Public Information Program, BC Hydro and the RBC Foundation.
Without their support, this Kʷak̓ʷala/Liq̓ʷala Language Dictionary would not be possible.

Ah-Wah-Qwa-Dzas - A Place to Relax & Tell Stories

Relax on the Waterfront and enjoy the beautifully designed Ah-Wah-Qwa-Dzas with a fire pit in the centre provides a perfect venue for traditional BBQ Salmon demonstrations and Cultural Education. The four poles were designed and carved by local artists.

Kwik Kwik Gillas - House of Eagles

The Kwik Kwik Gillas Cultural Education Centre located next to the Cultural Centre is being developed for the delivery of a variety of Cultural Education Programs, including a library and resource centre, a workspace for artists and a space for cultural workshops and dance performances.