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October 11, 2023

A Call to Recognize “tinwis” as the True Name of Tofino’s Mackenzie Beach

Supporting the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation in their quest to have the British Columbia Government officially recognize “tinwis” as the name of Tofino’s Mackenzie Beach is a step towards embracing authenticity and cultural preservation. Tofino, situated within the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation’s homelands, offers an opportunity to appreciate the depth of indigenous culture and language. The Tla-o-qui-aht’s language encapsulates meaning within words, a perfect example being “tinwis,” where “tin” signifies calm and “wis” translates to beach, depicting a place of serene waters.

The Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks, Tin Wis Resort, ZenSeekers, and a collective of passionate individuals invite you to sign a petition to rectify an act that occurred at the turn of the century. “tinwis” existed for thousands of years as “tinwis,” but colonizers renamed it as Mackenzie Beach. This renaming stripped the Tla-o-qui-aht people of their traditional names, an integral part of their rich culture. Culture is the soul of a society; it breathes life into its people, motivating them and instilling hope for the future.

By joining this cause, you have the power to witness the name “Mackenzie Beach” gracefully surf off into the sunset. Together, we can rewrite history and restore “tinwis” to its rightful place. Sign the petition today, and as a token of gratitude for your support, Tin Wis Resort is hosting a contest. Every individual who signs the petition by November 15, 2023, will have a chance to win a two-night stay at this mesmerizing oceanside oasis.

For thousands of years this beach has been known as tinwis, and is the location of the Tin Wis Resort.

This initiative embodies the spirit of regenerative tourism, a concept that advocates for leaving a place better than you found it. By signing this petition, you become a beacon of hope for the Tla-o-qui-aht people and contribute to Canada’s reconciliACTION efforts. Your support carries immense significance in preserving the culture, language, and heritage of this remarkable community.

As we unite in this historic moment, we invite you to explore the full story on ZenSeekers, delving into the significance of turning the tides in Tofino and bringing light to the Tla-o-qui-aht people. Visit the following link for more information: ZenSeekers – Your Chance to Turn Tofino Tides

Let us collectively embark on this journey to reclaim heritage, one signature at a time, and help preserve the rich tapestry of the Tla-o-qui-aht culture. Sign the petition here.

Video: Mike Dandurand / ZenSeekers #IndigenousCoastB