Experience New Aiyansh: Cultural Heritage & Deep History
Welcome to New Aiyansh, the heart and capital of the Nisg̱a’a Nation. Nestled in the Nass River Valley, our community is the perfect base camp for exploring a landscape shaped by living history.
New Aiyansh offers a collection of essential stops that bring the community to life. Here is your guide to the signature experiences, dining, and amenities waiting for you:
📍 Signature Highlights & Essential Stops
🧭 New Aiyansh Interpretive Centre
Tour Overview
Welcome to the New Aiyansh Interpretive Centre (NAIC). We are open Monday to Friday, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Visitors are welcome to drop in at any time during these hours to explore our rich heritage.
Our Storyline: “How We Came to Be Here”
Our exhibits trace the history of New Aiyansh from the volcanic eruption of 1799 through to the present day. We share the enduring journey of the Nisg̱a’a people, highlighting how our communities evolved through pre-contact, European fur trade eras, missionary arrivals, and environmental challenges like major floods.
A central theme of our tour is continuity and adaptation. We explore how our people have preserved Nisg̱a’a Law, our tribal system, and our four main crests while navigating the demands of modern life. Visitors will also learn about the resilience of the Nisga’a language, which continues to be proudly taught to our children from daycare through Grade 12.
Key Tour Topics
Our guided experience provides a deep dive into the history, culture, and daily life of the Nisga’a nation. Key topics include:
- Culture & Governance: The tribal system, the four main crests, and living by Nisga’a Law.
- History & Contact: Traditional life before contact, the transition to Christianity, and adapting to European lifestyles.
- Struggle & Resilience: Moving from Gitlax̱t’aamiks, surviving historical floods, and navigating the impacts of the Residential School and Boarding programs.
- The Land & Politics: The Land Question, the journey from the Nisga’a Tribal Council to the landmark Treaty, and an open dialogue on the treaty’s pros and cons.
- Industry & Sustenance: The vital role of fishing, the history of local canneries, logging, and the significance of the oolichan and historical grease trails.
- Community Life: Health and education (then and now), men’s and women’s sports, the Harmonic Silver Band, and everyday community stories passed down from Gitlax̱t’aamiks.
Tour Duration
Please Note: A standard tour typically takes between 45 minutes to over an hour. Because we love engaging with our guests, every tour is a unique experience tailored to the questions and interests you bring with you!
🍽️ Lava Roc Restaurant
After completing your immersive tour of the Interpretive Centre, make your way over to the Lava Roc Restaurant, conveniently located right next door. It’s the perfect place to relax, unwind, and refuel after your exploration, offering the choice of a cozy indoor dining room or a beautiful outdoor patio where you can soak up the fresh air.
The restaurant proudly serves up its original, crowd-pleasing classic menu items alongside an ever-changing lineup of delicious daily specials. Be sure to save room for sweet treats, as their specialty desserts are a must-try, and you can pair your meal with a refreshing beverage from their fully stocked drink cooler.
Planning your visit or want to see what’s cooking today? Head over to their official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DMrQWDjgg/?mibextid=wwXIfr for the latest menus, operating hours, and updates!
🐟 Smokehouse Project
To truly understand the heartbeat of the Nass Valley, you have to experience the wood smokehouses. Salmon stands as a cornerstone of Nisg̱a’a culture, sustenance, and economy. In New Aiyansh, community smokehouses meticulously prepare, cure, and smoke seasonal harvests of sockeye, coho, spring salmon, oolichan, and sea lion. These time-honored methods rely on select woods and have been passed down through generations.
Tours are available upon request. To learn more about this living tradition, visit the Smokehouse Project – gitlaxtaamiks.com
⛽ New Aiyansh Gas Bar
Driving through remote terrain requires preparation, and the New Aiyansh Gas Bar ensures you won’t be caught short. Pull in, stretch your legs, and take advantage of everything they have to offer:
Grocery & Last-Minute Essentials: Forgot the sunscreen? Need ice, a quick meal ingredient, or a camping necessity? Browse their selection of grocery items and daily essentials so you don’t have to turn back.
Fuel Up: Top off your tank with reliable fuel before hitting the long stretches of highway where stations are few and far between.
Hot & Ready Food: Satisfy your road cravings with a delicious selection of fast foods and quick bites perfect for eating on the go.
Freshly Baked Goods: Treat yourself to fresh baked goods that pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee.
Classic Road Trip Snacks: From salty to sweet, stock up on all the essential candies, chips, and drinks to keep your passengers happy.
Hours of Operation: Open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, though operating hours may vary. Please check ahead or call 250-633-2918 to confirm current times.