Bella Coola, also called Nuxalk, are a First Nations peoples whose villages traditionally were located in what is now the central British Columbia coast, along the upper Dean and Burke channels and the lower parts of the Bella Coola River valley.

They spoke a Salishan language related to that of the Coast Salish to the south. Their ancestors probably separated from the main body of Salish and migrated northward. Although their material culture, ceremonials, and mythology resembled those of their Heiltsuq neighbours (see Kwakiutl), their social organization was similar to that of the more distant Salish.

The Bella Coola were one of the tribes of Northwest Indians who erected Totem Poles. Totem poles were carved with animals that symbolized their guardian spirits.

The majority adhere to American Indian panentheism or Christianity.

For more information, see Nuxalk Nation.

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