Embrace Indigenous Tourism on Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Indigenous-led Tourism fosters reconciliation while providing visitors with a deeper understanding of their culture. In British Columbia alone, there are 204 Indigenous communities and more than 30 Indigenous languages, as reported by the Indigenous Tourism British Columbia. The West Coast of Vancouver Island is home to many Nations, including Tla-oqui-aht First Nation. They seek to welcome respectful visitors to their community, because His-shuk-nish-tsa-waak, “Everything is one. Everything is interconnected”.

What is Indigenous Tourism?

Indigenous Tourism is when travelers engage directly with an activity that supports and engages with Indigenous people. Activities can be cultural, accommodations, and experiencing Indigenous ancestral gardens.

Why is Indigenous Tourism important?

Indigenous Tourism is important in that not only is it an opportunity for Indigenous people to share their culture and community, but because it has a positive economic impact on the livelihoods of their Nations. It can economically empower Indigenous communities and it is a start to truth and reconciliation in Canada.

How can I experience Indigenous Tourism in Vancouver Island, British Columbia?

Visit the Tla-oqui-aht First Nation Tribal Parks

The Ha’uukmin Tribal Park is the newest addition to the tribal parks family. Ha’uukmin means ‘like a great feast bowl’ in the Nuu-chah-nulth language, which alludes to its wilderness abundance. The Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks and the Wilderness Committee describe Ha’uukmin Tribal Park as follows: “The tribal park encompasses the entire watershed known today as Kennedy Lake. Its boundaries extend far beyond the shores of Kennedy Lake, encompassing 500 sq km of mountain peaks, backcountry trails, ancient forests and salmon rivers. The Ha’uukmin Tribal Park is a great place to go to experience the amazing mountain rainforest of Tla-o-qui-aht territory.” The views of Ha’uukmin Tribal Park are even more spectacular than described; go see for yourself and immerse yourself in the wild.

Note:“Natural beauty” as seen and misinterpreted as “wilderness” by newcomers and recent international visitors, is not “wilderness”, but the ancestral gardens of Nuu-chah-nulth Nations. They are the result of long-term intergenerational dedication, discipline, adherence to Indigenous law, and work. Tla-o-qui-aht ancestral laws protect and cultivate biodiversity, and express a commitment and connection to place over a continuousness of time that can be challenging for many who have been educated by colonialism to imagine.

Whale Watch with Clayoquot Wild

Clayoquot Wild hosts wilderness tours that will allow you to get in touch with the remote places of the wilderness of Clayoquot Sound. The guides from the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations can take you on a Clayoquot Wild Whale Watch & Wildlife Tour or a Hot Springs & Wildlife Tour. During the latter, you can explore the ancient healing waters of natural hot springs and explore a mysterious cedar forest. During the tours, you can encounter much wildlife, including humpback whales, sea otters, and porpoise. For historian buffs, dive into Indigenous history with the Clayoquot Wild Journey into History. The tour is hosted by Moses Martin, a 7^th generation descendent of War Chief Nookmiis, famous for sinking the Tonquin in the early 1800s, and learn about the political history of Meares Island, the pioneer settlement of Stubbs Island, and more about the Tonquin.

Stay at the Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort

The Tla-oqui-aht First Nation proudly owns and operates the Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort. Tin Wis literally means “calm waters” and its shoreline was used for whaling in traditional times because of the peaceful waters.

“When visitors come to this place, to Tofino, they’re coming to unceded Tla-oqui-aht territory. The Tla-oqui-aht have hosted international visitors for thousands of years. And when they would arrive, they would first come to our village sites. This right here, Tin Wis, is the site of one of our summer villages,” describes Gisele Martin.

With almost one hundred ocean-side facing rooms, Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort is a unique, beautiful property that is simply magical. Enjoy a stroll on Mackenzie Beach, or go out into the placid ocean waters yourself, by stand up paddleboarding or surfing with on-site Tofino Paddle Surf. Or, have a bbq with the family at one of the bbq grills or look up at the stars as you soak in the new, outdoor hot tub.

Elements of the Tla-oqui-aht nation are everywhere. The tall, čiinuł (totem pole) named Tiičswina can’t be missed when approaching the shore. Tiičswina, meaning “We Survived!” was raised to honour the survival of Canada’s Indian Residential Schools, which ran from 1971-1981. The Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort was the site of an Indian Residential School, and the process of reclaiming this ancestral site would begin in 1981 with a hostel and campground operated by the Tla-oqui-aht.

“Tin Wis more than just a hotel. It is a legacy for the Tla-oqui-aht First Nation, it will change the idea of the past, of this being a residential school, and be something that can be remembered more positively for our people and for the future generations. It creates jobs and opportunities. It gives us an opportunity to have an interpretive experience with the guests who come,” attests Maria Clark, the Assistant General Manager at Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort.

Experience the Tla-oqui-aht community and culture firsthand. Book your stay at Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort today.

From wildlife to city life, there’s plenty of room to roam in Canada. Find more Canadian travel inspiration at Travel Zone | Adventure Across Canada. Explore past the coastline to the turquoise waters of national parks and discover rich, urban centres when you stay with Best Western® Resorts & Hotels Canada.