February 22, 2025
5 WAYS TO EXPERIENCE NUU-CHAH-NULTH ART IN NAČIKS (TOFINO)
The vibrancy of Vancouver Island’s west coast art is an expression of Nuu-chah-nulth culture and the Peoples who have been here since time immemorial. Welcome signs invite you to visit with respect. Č̓iinuł (totem poles) carry “beautiful histories” forward. Indigenous-run galleries are themselves works of art. Explore public art via a free self-guided tour [https://www.tacwalks.com/] to listen to Indigenous artists describe art’s deep roots within their identity, culture, and communities – art transcending a liminal space between past and present, the artist’s intention and viewer’s emotion.
Discover 5 meaningful ways to engage with local Indigenous art:
WELCOME TO THE WEST COAST
Carving isn’t just an act of art or an act or work. It’s really about bringing something from the past back to life again.
— Hjalmer Wenstob,
Culture keepers: showing visitors what it means to be Nuu-chah-nulth.
The journey to Načiks (Tofino) truly begins with the “Welcome to Tla-o-qui-aht Ha’Houlthee” sign and continues with a series of “place-marker poles” – čiinuł made from salvaged cedar – synthesized with the stunning scenery alongside Hwy 4 to remind you where you are. On this totem trail, you’ll discover a pair of T̓iick̓in (Thunderbird) at Wally Creek (2021) and Kennedy Hill (2024) and qʷayac̓iik (wolf) (2024) at the Kennedy Lake Rest Area. You may glimpse Kakawin (Killer whale) (2021) as you pass Esowista, and if you stop at Radar Hill, a Moon Mask (2022) commemorates the village once at its base.
“We carved these as a gift to the community,” says Hjalmer Wenstob, Tla-o-qui-aht artist and Cedar House Gallery owner. He explains that the dozen poles installed to-date are part of a family passion project involving his brother Timothy Masso, his mom and dad, his wife Annika and their children.
“Our kids are growing up in a different time,” says Hjalmer, “with their language being heard since birth, with poles and carvings happening throughout the entire territory and with our culture being celebrated not just in our own community but out in public.”
LEARN ABOUT ČIINUŁ IN NAČIKS AND AT TIN WIS
Tla-o-qui-aht artist and master carver Joe David gifted the čiinuł (totem pole) in Anchor Park where it was raised on September 7, 2018, in the spirit of moving forward with the village of Tofino.
Listen to Joe David Here.
Tiičswina: We Survived! was raised at Tin Wis Resort for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission commemoration celebration on March 29, 2013.
Learn more about this collaborative effort from Gisele Martin Here.
LISTEN TO INDIGENOUS ARTISTS ON THIS FREE AUDIOTOUR
This winter, explore Indigenous art via Tofino Arts & Culture Walks free self-guided audiotour.
Learn more about these čiinuł, Joe Martin’s exquisite dugout canoe, and the magic Roy Henry Vickers (Haida, Heiltsuk, and Tsimshian ancestry) experienced on first arriving here, building his iconic gallery and co-creating the “Welcome to Tofino” sign.
Start downtown or at Tin Wis Resort Here.
VISIT INDIGENOUS-RUN GALLERIES
These west coast galleries are works of art. In Tofino, House of Himwitsa (Ahousaht, 1994), the island’s largest First Nations run gallery, overlooks the harbour from First Street and on Campbell Street, the cedar-and-copper Roy Henry Vickers Gallery (Haida, Heiltsuk, and Tsimshian ancestry, 1986) celebrates Roy’s art and occasionally, his masterful storytelling. In Ucluelet, Hjalmer Wenstob’s Cedar House Gallery (Tla-o-qui-aht, 2018) at Whiskey Landing in Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ territory is a community hub featuring Pacific Northwest Coast artists.
EXPERIENCE NUU-CHAH-NULTH ART AND CULTURE
Immerse yourself in Tla-o-qui-aht culture when you stay at Tin Wis Resort, an Original Original and Authentic Indigenous. Take time to consider the 200-year-old canoe displayed in the garden, Tiičswina: We Survived! (2013) facing oceanfront, the deep cultural history of this place. Notice Nuu-chah-nulth artwork in our lobby: George John’s (Ahousaht) sparkling whale carving; Joe David’s majestic Sutton Pass, Patrick Amos’s (Mowachat/Muchalaht) colour-saturated sun mask.
Learn more about featured artists at Tsawaak’s new visitor centre Here.