Nim Nim Interpretive Centre in Comox Valley, Vancouver Island, Canada | Heritage Village

Welcome to Nim Nim Interpretive Centre in Courtenay, Comox Valley, British Columbia in Canada. Nim Nim Interpretive Centre is situated at the location of the original Pentlatch People. The name of our campground honours the Pentlatch People by naming the Nim Nim Interpretive Centre after the late Chief Joe Nim Nim.
At Nim Nim Interpretive Centre in Comox Valley, British Columbia, we are fortunate to have on display Chief Joe Nim Nim?s beautiful beaded headpiece and carved cane. At one time, Chief Joe Nim Nim was the Indian Police. We have his police cuff links and baton on display as well. The display also includes Joe Nim Nim?s wife's handwoven basket and photos of the Nim Nim family and Comox People.
A mythical creature, the thunderbird was considered the most powerful of all spirits. His power is believed to come from the curved appendages on his head.
The pole was carved by Richard Hunt (Gwel-la-yo-gwe-la-gya-les) a Kwakiutl carver. It was commissioned by Royal BC Museum and displayed at Expo 86 in Vancouver.
The design is based on two house posts that were collected by C.F. Newcombe at Comox in 1912. These posts are now on exhibit in the Glass House at the RBC Museum. There is no photograph of the original posts in situ but they appear to be related to, or versions of, earlier poles that were photographed in a Comox village in the 1880s.
The Nim Nim Interpretive Centre features a collection of traditional and contemporary North West Coast artwork and crafts. The collection includes masks, paddles, prints, silver jewellery and wood carvings, textiles and clothing produced by First Nations.
We invite you to browse our kiosk and discover for yourself the wide range of First Nation talent represented here. We have something for everyone in a wide price range.
Come in for a visit with our friendly and knowledgeable staff.