Načiks / Tofino
Truth & Reconciliation
Delivering on the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission within the tourism sector is a continued and ever-growing effort, in collaboration with our Indigenous neighbours.
We are committed to the reconciliation process with Tla-o-qui-aht and surrounding First Nations. We are guided by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which was unanimously adopted by the Legislative Assembly of BC into law in November 2019 as the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) – the first jurisdiction to do so in Canada. We are committed to continuing to work meaningfully with First Nations.
At the Tofino Visitor Centre
Tourism Tofino is located within the Tofino Visitor Centre. We are fortunate to have a beautiful space to welcome visitors, host workshops and hold events for the community. Here are some of the ways we participate in work toward truth and reconciliation:
Truth, Honour, and the Way Forward Exhibit
The Tofino Visitor Centre, in partnership with the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust and Ucluelet Secondary School, hosts an annual exhibit to recognize the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. The exhibit features a Legacy of Hope Foundation exhibit and work created by students after listening to the personal stories of Knowledge Holders and residential school Survivors. These works include poetry, silkscreen-printed orange shirts, research projects, and investigations into the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 calls to action.
Indigenous-led workshops
We continue to host and participate in workshops, including:
- ‘Nuu-chah-nulth Lands & Waters’ workshop by Gisele Martin.
- Beading and cedar weaving workshops with Elizabeth George, which sold out in 2023.
Community collaborations
Načiks (Tofino) is home to some incredible First Nations carvers and artists. Jewelry and keepsakes crafted by local Indigenous artists are available for sale at the Tofino Visitor Centre (and online). A traditional Dugout canoe, carved by and purchased from Master Carver Joe Martin, is also on permanent display.
We collaborated with local non-profit mułaa (Rising Tide Surf Team) to support them in getting Indigenous youth into the ocean and learning to surf by assisting with merchandise production and sales.
Indigenous Tourism BC member
Tourism Tofino is a member of Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC). ITBC now allows non-Indigenous organizations to apply and become a member of ITBC under their newly created ‘Friends of ITBC’ membership category. Non-Indigenous organizations are required to demonstrate their commitment to uplifting Indigenous tourism experiences and reconciliation through tourism.
In our daily work
As an organization, we are committed to learning from and fostering relationships with our Indigenous neighbours. As part of our journey, we are:
- Building and maintaining relationships with Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks Allies and Indigenous business leaders in Tla-o-qui-aht and Ahousaht territory to uplift Indigenous-owned tourism experiences.
- Continuing to be a proud Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks Ally and assisting with promoting the program to visitors.
- Acting on a social media content-sharing agreement with Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks to increase representation and visibility on these channels.
- Highlighting the ongoing stewardship of Tla-o-qui-aht and Ahousaht First Nations through the Travel Beyond podcast and on our social media channels.
- Supporting Indigenous tourism business leaders by sponsoring registration and travel to Indigenous tourism conferences.
- Providing marketing and financial support for the production of naaʔuu - a Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation Cultural Experience - in 2023 and 2024.
