A new interactive map will allow people to explore First Nations territories, artists and more in British Columbia and beyond.

The island’s First Peoples’ Cultural Council (FPCC) announced on Wednesday it has launched a digital map, the first of its kind in Canada, containing information on Indigenous languages, arts and cultural heritage in British Columbia.

The FPCC says the project was undertaken to coincide with National Indigenous History Month and combines and replaces previous FPCC maps showing language and the arts, from 2008 and 2012 respectively.

“The First Peoples Map is a meaningful visual representation of the incredible work done by the Indigenous peoples of British Columbia to revitalize and celebrate our unique languages, arts and cultural heritage,” said Karen Aird, Interim CEO of First Peoples’ Cultural Council.

“Our hope is that this map will help non-Indigenous people better appreciate Indigenous perspectives as a small step towards reconciliation. By combining all of this rich information in one place, the map reflects an Indigenous perspective, weaving important cultural elements with the land. “

These items include audio pronunciations of Indigenous greetings, listings of local artists and significant cultural sites, and more.

204 First Nations linguistic communities and regions are represented on the map. Data on 34 First Nations languages ​​and over 90 dialects are also included.

Visitors to the online tool can search for specific geographic locations, navigate using a sidebar, or enter keywords and filters to refine a search.

The project was made possible by a $ 50 million fund from the Province of British Columbia.

“The FPCC First Nations Map is an incredibly valuable tool that anyone can easily use and learn,” said Terry Teegee, Regional Chief of the Assembly of First Nations in British Columbia.

“The First Nations of British Columbia celebrate languages, arts, cultures and
heritage that this map largely captures.

The map is available online at maps.fpcc.ca.