Snuneymuxw First Nation and City of Nanaimo unveil new virtual public art tour

SNUNEYMUXW ‘imush tu hulitum (Walk of Life) offers a new way to experience the public artwork of Snuneymuxw First Nation

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed September 21, 2026 10:00 AM

Summary

Snuneymuxw First Nation and the City of Nanaimo unveiled SNUNEYMUXW ‘imush tu hulitum (Walk of Life) Public Art Tour, a free, self-guided virtual tour celebrating public artworks found throughout Snuneymuxw territory within the City of Nanaimo, created by Snuneymuxw First Nation artists.

This mobile-friendly tour invites residents and visitors to experience Snuneymuxw art while learning about the artists, the stories behind each piece, and the land. An interactive map guides participants to public artworks, where photos, videos, and stories offer opportunities to engage more deeply with each piece. Sensory stops along suggested routes encourage participants to slow down, connect with the land, and develop a deeper understanding of the natural world and our relationship to it.

The tour’s name, SNUNEYMUXW ‘imush tu hulitum (Walk of Life), is an invitation to move through Snuneymuxw territory while experiencing Snuneymuxw art. Guided by the theme ‘alhut tu xe’xe’ tumuxw – Honouring the Land, the tour is an immersive experience that encourages learning, and introduces another way to connect with Snuneymuxw art, knowledge, and the land.

The tour can be experienced online or in-person, providing participants the opportunity to explore the artwork at their own pace. Visitors can use their mobile device to engage with artworks while travelling between locations or experience the collection virtually from anywhere. This flexible format makes the tour accessible to a wide range of audiences.

The project was developed in partnership between Snuneymuxw First Nation and the City of Nanaimo, bringing together public art, digital storytelling and place-based learning to create an ongoing resource for residents and visitors.

The SNUNEYMUXW ‘imush tu hulitum (Walk of Life) Public Art Tour is now available online and is free to access through the City's website.

Link to Strategic Plan: The SNUNEYMUXW ‘imush tu hulitum Public Art Tour supports the City of Nanaimo’s commitment to strengthening relationships with Snuneymuxw First Nation and creating opportunities for people to encounter art and culture throughout the city.

Key Points

SNUNEYMUXW ‘imush tu hulitum (Walk of Life) Public Art Tour is a free, self-guided tour showcasing public artworks created by Snuneymuxw First Nation artists.
The tour was developed in partnership between Snuneymuxw First Nation and the City of Nanaimo.
An interactive map connects participants with artworks throughout Nanaimo and features artist stories, photos and videos that provide additional context for each work.
The tour provides an ongoing opportunity for residents and visitors to learn about Snuneymuxw artists, stories and connections to the land.

Quotes

"The SNUNEYMUXW ‘imush tu hulitum (Walk of Life) Public Art Tour offers residents and visitors a meaningful way to engage with Snuneymuxw art, stories and connections to the land while strengthening learning and understanding within our community. On behalf of Council, I thank Snuneymuxw First Nation for their collaboration in developing this important project."

Leonard Krog

Mayor

City of Nanaimo

"From an Ancestral lens, art holds important knowledge and reminds us of our connection and responsibilities to the natural world. We extend our gratitude to our Snuneymuxw artists who generously share their gifts with the community."

Mike Wyse, Xum’silum

Chief

Snuneymuxw First Nation

Images

SNUNEYMUXW Walk of Life Public Art Tour

Experience art created by Snuneymuxw First Nation artists

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Contact:

For media enquiries, please contact

Communications

City of Nanaimo

250-754-4251

Media.Requests@nanaimo.ca

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