Ćixʷatsac / Frank Island, between N̓an̓akʷuuʔa / North Chesterman & Yuʔatu / South Chesterman
Kyler Vos
About Tofino ʔiisaak Pledge
In the haḥuułi (Territory) of the ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht) ḥaw̓iiḥ (Hereditary Chiefs)
This content was written in collaboration with Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks.
The ʔiisaak pledge introduces four Tla-o-qui-aht teachings and laws that have helped protect and shape this beautiful place, the haḥuułi (Territory) of the ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht) ḥaw̓iiḥ (Hereditary Chiefs), and its people over many generations.
ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht Nation) has hosted visitors over thousands of years. ƛayaaḥuɁał, meaning “welcome/glad to see you” in the Tla-o-qui-aht language is accompanied by an understanding that those who are welcomed practice ʔiisaak (to observe, appreciate and act accordingly / to practice respect) to show respect for Indigenous ways of being while travelling within the haḥuułi of the ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ ḥaw̓iiḥ.
Like the guests in your own home, there are protocols for being a guest in Indigenous territories. As a visitor of Tofino in the Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks, you are asked to take the ʔiisaak Pledge and put it into practice for the duration of your stay so that the ecosystem can be maintained for future generations to enjoy.
Qʷaasiinḥapin
(kwa-siin-hap-in)
Let us leave healthy habitats undisturbed, keeping them as they are for future generations.
Some how-to’s:
- Leave places cleaner than you found them: dispose of garbage and ensure fires are put out properly.
- Refrain from disturbing, destroying or removing Indigenous plants - especially during bird nesting season.
- Watch your step and leave small animals, shells, stones, minerals and cultural belongings in place.
- Walk, ride, drive, park and camp only where permitted, respecting that not all areas and events are open to visitors.
Take the Pledge today
