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one destination, four options
Experience
our Culture, History and the Arts
Call Rhonda Shackelly for Reservations: 250-989-2323 · www.xatsull.com
WHERE THE MOUNTAIN
MEETS THE VALLEY
Go back in history and visit a
traditional native village along the
shores of the Fraser River. We offer
sweats, drum-making, arts and crafts,
pit cook demonstrations, drumming
and singing.
The Central Cariboo is rich with First Nations and Pioneering
history, which are embraced to this day throughout the region.
There are many celebrations commemorating the region's earliest
inhabitants, all openly welcoming visitors to the area.
Discover ancient petro-glyphs, spend time with the elders who
pass down wisdom through the time-honored art of storytelling,
sample delicious traditional cuisine, have a spiritual experience
at a sweat lodge, or take part in one of several annual pow-wow
celebrations held by various First Nations Communities. Sites
like the Xats'ull Heritage Village in Soda Creek, just north of
Williams Lake, are open to visitors for guided tours and provide
an enjoyable and informative glimpse of the First Nation's
way of life, both historically and presently. Soda Creek, Alkali
Lake, and Williams Lake Bands
host outstanding annual pow-
wows you won't want to miss.
Local museums and heritage sites
throughout the Central Cariboo
are devoted to educating people
and preserving the Cariboo
Gold Rush days, traditional
First Nations history, and our
pioneering legacy. Cowboy
culture is prevalent everywhere
within the Central Cariboo, and
nowhere is this more evident
than in the City of Williams
Lake, which hosts the second
largest Stampede & Rodeo
in BC. The Williams Lake
Stampede takes place annually
on the July long weekend and
has been a four-day, "wild
west" extravaganza since
1926! People come from all
over the world to witness
the thrills and spills of
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the internationally renowned rodeo,
and participate in a number of
exciting events and activities such
as the barn dance, parade, midway,
mountain race, pony chariot, and
chuck wagon races.

Culture is also prevalent in the
Central Cariboo in the form of
music, theatre, and handcrafted
art. Many talented craftspeople
and artisans who reside in
the area display their unique
products in local galleries,
shops, and the weekly farmer's
market in Williams Lake.
The local theatre group
regularly hosts a variety of
musicals, dramas, and comedy
productions at the Studio Theatre. The
local Arts Council is dedicated to preserving and showcasing
local works of art through shows, events and programs such as
the Children's Festival and exhibits at the Station House Gallery,
located in the old railway station (built in 1920) in Williams Lake.
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www.CentralCariboo.com | Toll Free: 1.877.967.5253
14
First Nations Pow-W
ow
Williams Lake Stampede
Mountain Race
Photos: (l-r) John Smith, Jesse Madden