Local Stewardship Initiatives Featured on the Travel Beyond Podcast Home News + Blogs Local Stewardship Initiatives Featured on the Travel Beyond Podcast The Travel Beyond podcast features tourism destinations leading the way in stewardship and sustainability initiatives. Season 9 features Tofino, the ongoing stewardship of Tla-o-qui-aht and Ahousaht First Nations and the amazing work of local organizations. Episode 1 -This beautiful place was fought for: Welcome to Načiks (Tofino) with Moses Martin and Brad Parsell In this episode, you’ll learn about: Tofino’s 17-day closure due to wildfires, its impact, and the community’s response. Advice from Tourism Tofino for other destinations facing climate risks. The War of the Woods and the 1980s Indigenous-led protest movement that prevented the logging of Meares Island, a vital ecosystem and a key factor in visitation to Tofino. The opportunities present in Indigenous tourism. Tla-o-qui-aht culture, language, and stewardship efforts sustained over millennia. Stewardship solutions from Ahousaht First Nation – Načiks (Tofino) E2, with Hasheukumiss (Richard George) and ?ikaatius (Tyson Atleo) In this episode, you’ll learn about: How the Ahousaht First Nation is regaining its ability to control its destiny in tourism through economic development projects and a social enterprise. How the Ahousaht Stewardship Fund is helping to restore habitats by collecting a voluntary percentage of tourism revenue. How tourism experiences are allowing the Ahousaht First Nation to share its culture. Two pieces of wisdom Hasheukumiss and ?ikaatius learned from previous generations. Advice for other communities looking to improve tourism’s positive impacts. Tribal Parks Allies: Forming a coalition to steward the environment – Načiks (Tofino) E3, with Saya Masso In this episode, you’ll learn: How a landmark court decision led to the creation of Tribal Parks in Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation. Why coalition building is such a powerful lever for change that other places can adopt. Why the Tribal Park Allies program is vital to the continued stewardship of the environment surrounding Tofino, British Columbia. How Tribal Park Allies is changing the norms for both businesses and visitors in Tofino by encouraging ethical travel. About the positive impacts that reliable funding is having on restoration and First Nations culture. The wilderness myth: Tribal Parks Guardians and the language of respect – Načiks (Tofino) E4, with Gisele Martin and Joe Martin In this episode, you’ll learn: How the Tribal Parks near Tofino are a crucial part of mitigating the harms that tourism can cause, and why the program needs support from all local businesses. What expectations the Tribal Parks Guardians and Allies have of visitors, expressed through the ʔiisaak Pledge. What it means to “commit to the place like our ancestors did.” Why many Indigenous languages have no word for “wilderness,” and how studying language can unlock new ways of thinking about travel. About what it might mean to “re-indigenize” Tofino. The allyship journey: How tourism businesses are collaborating toward a better future – Načiks (Tofino) E5, with Julian Hockin-Grant In this episode, you’ll learn: How Julian’s business began with the creation of Tribal Park Allies, in collaboration with Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation. Why he’s hoping to replicate that project’s model with other First Nations communities. Why tourism disproportionately impacts Indigenous communities in negative ways. How the funding Tribal Park Allies brings in can compound as it keeps Tla-o-qui-aht culture and restoration projects going. Some surprising commonalities between Tofino and Bhutan. Teaching visitors the value of restoration – Načiks (Tofino) E6: Part 1, with Emily Fulton Teaching visitors the value of restoration – Načiks (Tofino) E6: Part 2, with Michelle Hall In these episodes, you’ll learn: About long-term restoration projects in Načiks (Tofino), including salmon habitat restoration and the creation of Clayoquot Biosphere Centre in collaboration with local First Nations members. How campaigns by Surfrider Foundation Canada involve locals and travellers in beach clean-up, and how businesses were invited to participate. How circular economy projects are reducing waste in Tofino. Advice for organizations looking to engage visitors through education. Advice for travellers looking to make a positive impact when they visit. Twitter Facebook Email Back to Top