September 3, 2024
Embrace Ethical Travel for a more meaningful experience in Clayoquot Sound
by Erin Linn McMullan
September on the west coast has its own special kind of magic and as the seasons transition, it’s an ideal time to engage in conscious and reflective travel in Načiks (aka Tofino). Ethical Travel supports community and environmental sustainability, nuučaan̓uł cultural revitalization, and capacity building today and for the future.
Taaquuqḥłiʔin (pronounced taa-quuqh-lthi-in)
Let us speak truthfully and act honourably. Let us learn the history of this place and its People, correcting colonial narratives like the myth that this is a wilderness. [1]
Taaquuqḥłiʔ̱in is one of four central precepts embodied in the ʔiisaak Pledge inviting you to travel respectfully and carry these words in your heart within the haḥuułi of the ƛaɁuukwiatḥ ḥaw̓iiḥ.
“Every guest who sets foot in the Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks should understand the significance of these lands, their relationship with the Indigenous People who belong here, and contribute towards the achievement of our vision.”[2]
Get to know the nuučaan̓uł culture
When you stay at Tin Wis Resort, we invite you to get to know the nuučaan̓uł culture which has stewarded these lands and waters since time immemorial and is actively working towards its future in a collaborative effort between Tla-o-qui-aht and Ahousaht, and the province of British Columbia to protect 76,000 hectares via Indigenous-led conservancies, i.e., three-quarters of biodiversity-rich Clayoquot Sound. Stewardship, through an Indigenous lens, is a continuum and planning for the next 500 years strives to ensure this reciprocal relationship with the marine ecosystem for future generations.
Committing to Ethical Travel can not only deepen your relationship with this place and its People, making your experience more meaningful, but help cultivate a relationship of reciprocity by contributing towards ensuring its future.
“While the visitor is here, part of their stay will contribute to the local First Nation whose ‘backyard’ they are visiting,” points out Saya Masso, Manager of Lands and Resources for Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation.
As part of the “2024 Ḥaahuupa Series: Nuu-chah-nulth Cultural Connections” – ḥaahuupa meaning ‘continuous teaching with care’ – Saya recently gave a talk on Tla-o-qui-aht Culture and History at the Green Point Theatre in the co-managed Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.
“It was a successful event,” says Saya, “and you can see the impact that the history lesson has on visitors. All the attendees leave the event grounded in our history and certain about their goal to support Ethical Travel. By learning about the Unceded lands of the Tla-o-qui-aht ḥaw̓iiḥ, visitors are equipped with an in-depth understanding of Tla-o-qui-aht vision and stewardship of the local watersheds and mountains. The tourist also leaves the presentation comprehending the cost of tourism that is burdened by Tla-o-qui-aht, and how their stay in the area can contribute to stream restoration plans and local infrastructure needs. With this knowledge, the visitor is able to seek out businesses that ensure that they participate in Ethical Travel.”
Acknowledging history and place names
By choosing to stay at Tla-o-qui-aht-owned Tin Wis Resort, an Original Original and Authentic Indigenous world-class destination, you are already supporting the revitalization of culture and Tla-o-qui-aht capacity building.
At Tin Wis, living history and culture are all around you. All 85 rooms face oceanfront, recalling the deep relationship with the Pacific on this ancient village site and ancestral gardens. Tinwis, meaning “calm waters”, and described as “a place of refuge,” is the true name of this beach. Tla-o-qui-aht, with unanimous support from District of Tofino Council, has applied to the province to recognize and restore this name which has existed for thousands of years.
Language revitalization
You can learn other local place names in Načiks (aka Tofino) by visiting the Tla-o-qui-aht Story Map and throughout the Tribal Parks on the interactive map at Tla-o-qui-aht.org.
Tla-o-qui-aht language revitalization is also reflected in signage across Tin Wis’s property and that of neighbouring Tsawaak RV Resort & Campgound. More verb than noun, Tla-o-qui-aht language was adapted from oral culture using the IPA (International Phonetics Alphabet) writing system. Learn more about the nuučaan̓uł alphabet and pronunciation here.
Traditional transportation still used today
An over 200-year-old dugout canoe stands onsite as a monument to their Tla-o-qui-aht ancestors and “the valuable forest resource, the mighty red cedar, has been used for thousands of years by our people, mainly for canoes and houses.” Its interpretive plaque also points out that cedar was also used “for traditional, ceremonial purposes, clothing, and other items.” Dugout canoes were integral to nuučaan̓uł whaling culture, especially here on the site of this traditional Tla-o-qui-aht whale-hunting village.
Dugout canoes continue to be used for transportation and ceremony today and an exquisite example carved by Joe Martin is on display at the Tourism Tofino Visitor Centre.
The nuučaan̓uł People have a long history of trading via canoe along the Pacific Northwest Coast and you can listen to Joe Martin recount the story of the historic Tla-o-qui-aht encounter with the American fur trading vessel, the Tonquin, and subsequent trade dispute in June, 1811.
Downtown, at the gazebo in Tofino’s Village Green, you can view the Tonquin Anchor on display, which was once encrusted with blue trading beads when it was salvaged from Templar Channel, off the site of the Tla-o-qui-aht village of Echachist.
Teachings embedded within the čiinuł (totem pole) and art
On the resort’s main path to the beach, the čiinuł (totem pole) Tiičswina: We Survived! faces the ocean, keeping vigil through sun and rain, moonlight and northern lights. This čiinuł, a collaborative effort by local carvers, including master carvers Joe Martin, Joe David, Mark Mickey, and his son, Marcus Mickey, was raised for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission commemoration celebration on March 29, 2013. It honours the survivors and the children who did not survive in Canada’s Indian Residential Schools, which were run from 1971-1981. You can learn more by listening to Cultural Lifeways activist, Gisele Martin, here.
To learn more about Tla-o-qui-aht carving, and the teachings embedded within čiinułs, visit here.
This month, on September 30, 2024, observe Orange Shirt Day respectfully and with sensitivity. This grassroots Indigenous-led commemorative day began in 2013 to honour survivors, raise awareness of residential school impacts, and emphasize that “Every Child Matters.” This day of reflection concurs with National Truth and Reconciliation Day established in Canada in 2021.
Bordering the resort’s gravel pathways and fronting the dunes are indigenous plants, alive with traditional medicine, and at dusk and dawn with tiny hummingbirds. The Rufous Hummingbirds are preparing for their epic 4,000-mile fall migration while the hardy Anna’s Hummingbirds will overwinter here.
Tin Wis Resort is a story of reclaiming this land
As Tin Wis Resort prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary next month with events from October 17–19, 2024, it’s an opportunity for the community to learn more about its deep-rooted history, cultural heritage, and commitment to environmental stewardship with a free public guided tour on October 19, 2024.
Here, respected elder, Dr. Barney Williams, shares the story of the lightning snake which is integral to the Tla-o-qui-aht logo and to the čiinuł, as well as to art and signage featured at the resort, and at Tsawaak. Connect with the Spirit of the Lightning Serpent with the Zenseekers Article here.
As you enter the resort’s welcoming lobby, notice the vibrant whale carving by Ahousaht-artist George John, the majestic painting depicting Sutton Pass by Joe David, and the newly installed surfboard art, “Keep Hope” by his daughter, Marika Echacis Swan as you enter Allied Tofino Browns Socialhouse.
As a preview, take a virtual tour here to get to know the history and cultural significance of Tin Wis Resort and this beach site.
Supporting Indigenous-led and Allied businesses
Your eco-friendly adventure in Clayoquot Sound begins by supporting our Indigenous-led partners and local Tribal Parks Allies.
Connect with this place while reducing your impact
With T-Bird Ebikes rentals available onsite at Tin Wis, you can set out to park and explore at local beaches or within the co-managed Pacific Rim National Park Reserve using the ʔapsčiik t̓ašii (pronounced pronounced ups-cheek ta-shee) connecting the communities of Tofino and Ucluelet and enjoy autumn’s more comfortable temperatures.
The Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Taylors’ family-run business is the first Indigenous-owned E-bike company in Canada. Through rentals of sustainable human- and electric-powered bikes, Gordon Taylor, Jr.’s overarching vision for “Everything E” is to help heal the land by reducing the carbon footprint while also relieving local traffic and parking congestion. Learn more about this visionary company here.
Learn about Tla-o-qui-aht history and the formation of the Tribal Parks
If you’d like to visit the Giant Red Cedars on Meares Island’s Big Tree Trail, Clayoquot Wild offers an historical tour with Tla-o-qui-aht elder, Moses Martin, 7th generation descendent of War Chief Nookmiis. As the Chief Councillor during the 1984 Meares Island blockades and subsequent trial that kept these old-growth suč̓as (trees) standing and Tofino’s watershed intact, his insight can help make your visit deeply relevant.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the declaration of Wanachus/Hilthuu’is Tribal Park on Meares Island, with subsequent declaration by the Tlao-qui-aht ḥaw̓iiḥ of the Tribal Parks throughout the haḥuułi to preserve and manage its watersheds, including “traditional territory, resources, rivers, songs, (and) names”: Ha` uukmin Tribal Park (Kennedy Lake and Clayoquot Lake watersheds); Tranquil Tribal Park (Tranquil and Tofino Watersheds); and the Esowista Tribal Park.
Get to know Ahousaht culture
As your portal to adventure, Tin Wis Resort partners with award-winning Ahous Adventures, an Original Original and Authentic Indigenous eco-marine tour company whose mandate is sharing Ahousaht culture with the world.
Autumn is an incredible time to be out on the water in the Ahousaht haḥuułi as activity heightens with whale migration and bears’ fall foraging. The trail to Lone Cone, the most prominent peak near Tofino, is newly reopened for a “bucket list” day-hike to the summit and an unparalleled coastline vista. Ahous Adventures provides year-round, and exclusive morning and evening access to the rejuvenating, Ahousaht-managed Mux̣šiƛa Hot Springs amidst old-growth rainforest in Hot Springs Cove.
With its unique and unscripted knowledge-sharing on all its tours, Ahous Adventures marks Ahousaht’s debut into the tourism sector, where they’ve previously been marginalized, and empowers community capacity building and stewardship of their traditional lands and waters to help ensure thriving for future generations.
Allied partners onsite enhance your stay at Tin Wis Resort
Enjoy human-powered watersport
Beachfront at the resort, Tribal Parks Ally, Tofino Paddle Surf provides Surf & SUP rentals and lessons on tinwis and locally, as well as guided west coast SUP adventures up the inlet, along the coastline, and in remote fly-in locations.
In September, the big, family-sized paddleboard is still available for your weekend getaways here in the protected cove at tinwis. Learn more about this homegrown business here.
Delicious and locally-sourced sustenance
As the crisp fall air permeates the ocean breeze, it’s still nice enough to sit out on Tofino Browns Socialhouse’s dog-friendly patio and watch the sunshine sparkling across the waves. Warm up between adventures with their locally sourced grilled wild salmon bowl or share a plate of loaded nachos and add chilli-spiced beef or sweet and spicy mole chicken. Or, pack a hearty picnic to go using their easy online menu.
Cozy up inside in inclement weather in their enclosed patio with its wall-to-wall windows as you witness the beauty of the rain refreshing everything here in the lush rainforest, a prelude to storm season ahead.
Strengthening Indigenous-led tourism across the coast and BC
When you choose an Indigenous-led or Tribal Parks Allied business you help strengthen the network of partnerships across #IndigenousCoastBC along the west coast of Vancouver Island.
Indigenous Tourism BC shares valuable insight into how to travel responsibly by planning ahead before you visit.
A key principle of ʔiisaak: Everything is one
“One of the ʔiisaak teachings is Hišukiš čawaak – everything is one, including visitors to these territories.”
—Tourism Tofino, written in collaboration with Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks. [3]
“It is so important that folks take the time to learn about the place they’re visiting, whose land they are on and how to conduct themselves as a guest in that territory,” says Brad Parsell, Executive Director, Tourism Tofino. “The Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation’s ʔiisaak Pledge has become central to how Tourism Tofino communicates responsible visitor messaging as it comes from Tla-o-qui-aht teachings that have been passed down for generations and is centred around the idea that ‘everything is one, everything is connected’. This education also adds to the richness of the experience for the visitor.
“Tourism Tofino is committed to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and promoting opportunities for visitors to give back to the place they are visiting,” Brad emphasizes.
“The Tribal Parks Allies program is a world-leading example of regenerative tourism where the visitor economy contributes to the stewardship efforts, economic opportunities, and the health and well-being of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation who have been historically marginalized form tourism opportunities on their territory. Tourism Tofino are proud Tribal Parks Allies ourselves,” Brad points out, “and we work to promote the program among local businesses and to visitors.”
Take the ʔiisaak Pledge
We invite you to take the ʔiisaak Pledge and carry these words in your heart as you travel within the haḥuułi of the ƛaɁuukwiatḥ ḥaw̓iiḥ.
As you hike the Pacific Northwest’s awe-inspiring old-growth temperate rainforest, practice leave no trace and challenge yourself to a 5-minute beach clean as you stroll or play along this incredible coastline.
Slow down and be present and aware of how special this place truly is as you unwind with a sunset paddle, soak in the oceanfront hot tub as glittering stars reveal themselves in the night sky, and gather with your friends and family at a bonfire in the firepits on the dunes at the resort’s edge under the moonglow spreading across the shore.
Feel the pulse of the Pacific, ever-present, and let its timeless music spread through your being like natural dopamine, lifting you up. The cadence of the wind’s refrain. The night call of the heron punctuating the Barred Owl’s chorus from the rainforest, “Who cooks for you?” Carry this coastal symphony in your heart.
Share your memories of Tin Wis
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or coming back to your home-away-from home for decades, we’d love to hear how Tin Wis has touched your life and feature the highlights in October’s blog. We welcome your favourite memories from all the resort’s community, guests, and neighbours. Please email us here.
Visit our Tin Wis Beach Cam anytime to plan your day, rekindle those memories, or dream of your adventure ahead.
Come stay with us to celebrate Tin Wis Resort’s milestone 30th Anniversary from October 17-21, 2024, at a 30% discount by using the promo code “CELEBRATE30”. Book Here.
Tickets for the free public tours of Tin Wis Resort on October 19, 2024, during this 30th Anniversary celebration are available Here.
Return for Storm Season (3-night minimum from November through February) at a 30% discount by following the link OR by using the promo code “STORMS30”. Book Here.
During Storm Season (October 1, 2024–May 1, 2025), Tsawaak RV Resort & Campground offers long-term (off-season) monthly rates for RV Sites and Cabins. For more information Visit Here: and to Book, email: manager@tsawaakrvresort.ca
Guests of Tin Wis Resort and Tsawaak RV Resort & Campground receive 15% off a session at the Tuff City Sauna at Mackenzie Beach, or for a mobile sauna that can be delivered right to the resort! By Storm Season, a sauna will be installed onsite. Book Online using the discount code and present your Tin Wis Bonus Card.
Order food to go or make reservations for lunch or dinner via Tofino Browns Socialhouse online portal here. Open from 12 p.m.–11 p.m. with a full menu until closing time. Social Hour daily from 3–6 p.m. Come relax and #socialize on their dog-friendly patio.
Guests of Tin Wis Resort and Tsawaak RV Resort & Campground receive a 10% discount with their discount code on T-Bird Ebikes’ rentals now available onsite. Book Here.
Guests of Tin Wis Resort and Tsawaak RV Resort & Campground enjoy a 10% discount for online bookings at Tofino Paddle Surf onsite year-round. Open daily in September from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunset paddle tours are still available. Book Here.
Beach Yoga is available this fall on Tin Wis Beach at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday (if it’s not raining). Online reservations are mandatory. Book Here.
Guests of Tin Wis Resort and Tsawaak RV Resort & Campground receive $20 off with their discount code when booking with Ahous Adventures online or by calling 250-725-0650. Ahous Adventures is located downtown at 368 Main Street, Unit 313. Present your bonus card on arrival for your tour.
Plan ahead for next summer’s Tofino Wine & Dine 2025 (June 5-9) with an Early Bird special of 25% on a minimum 3-night stay at Tin Wis Resort. Book Here or with Promo Code WineDineEB before December 31, 2024. Purchase your weekend showpass for Tofino Wine & Dine 2025 (June 7-8) Here.
[1] From the ʔiisaak Pledge, 2023 Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks Report.
[2] pp. 4-5, 2023 Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks Report.
[3] “Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks”, Tourism Tofino: https://tourismtofino.com/about-tofino/tla-o-qui-aht-tribal-parks/