Journeys with Purpose

During 2023’s bustling summer, the only route in and out of Tofino, British Columbia was blocked by wildfires for 17 days. Brad Parsell of Tourism Tofino shares how the community responded and why every positive change a travel organization can make relies on rock solid relationships. Elder and former Chief Moses Martin of Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation tells us about the 1980s-90s War in the Woods and the impact Indigenous stewardship has had on protecting the lush environment so many visitors now enjoy.

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A social enterprise and a stewardship fee from tourism businesses are two ways Ahousaht First Nation is regaining the ability to control its tourism destiny. Head Hereditary Chief Hasheukumiss (Richard George) and Hereditary Chief ʔikaatius (Tyson Atleo) are co-owners of Ahous Adventures on behalf of the Nation. They describe these solutions and others they’re using to care for nature, lift up their people, and point the way to a flourishing future.

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In 1984, a logging blockade led to the creation of the first Tribal Park near Tofino, British Columbia. Four decades later, the Tribal Parks Allies program is building a coalition of support for restoration among members of the tourism industry. The project brings in reliable funding for Indigenous-led sustainable projects and cultural revitalization. Saya Masso, Lands and Resource Director at Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, explains the positive impact alongside a history lesson about those who have protected the forests.

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The travel industry has been selling “wilderness” adventures for a long time. But does wilderness really exist? This episode we learn from two Tla-o-qui-aht leaders about their culture’s care for the environment, why many Indigenous languages have no word for wilderness, and how Indigenous knowledge can unlock new ways of practicing respectful travel. We also learn about the ʔiisaak Pledge and how Tribal Parks Guardians are protecting the lands many people visit.

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How to be an ally to First Nations? Within Tofino’s tourism industry, one way is to pledge your business to the Tribal Parks Allies program. The program provides direct benefits, financial and otherwise, to the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, where the town is located. Can this model of settler-Indigenous allyship spread to other places? We speak with Julian Hockin-Grant to learn about how this project came to be and where it might go next.

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How can travellers make a positive impact when they visit and take home sustainable values? Two leaders from local NGOs in Načiks (Tofino) tell us about their organizations’ long-term restoration projects, relationships with local First Nations, and how they are trying to encourage a culture of conservation among visitors. This is a two-part episode featuring Emily Fulton of Redd Fish Restoration Society and Michelle Hall of Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Trust.

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How can travellers make a positive impact when they visit and take home some sustainable values? Two leaders from local NGOs in Načiks (Tofino) tell us about their organizations’ long-term restoration projects, relationships with local First Nations, and how they are trying to encourage a culture of conservation among visitors. This is a two-part episode featuring Emily Fulton of Redd Fish Restoration Society and Michelle Hall of Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Trust.

> Listen here