Connect to Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation culture, as naaʔuu returns to Tin Wis for spring 2024

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Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation (Tofino, BC) – Following its debut success in 2023, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation and its Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks initiative is pleased to announce the spring 2024 return of its Indigenous tourism experience naaʔuu which means “feast” in Tla-o-qui-aht. And all are invited!

For many millennia, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation has been living here and serving as stewards on the environmentally significant west coast of Vancouver Island, generating a wealth of ancestral heritage passed down from one generation to the next. 

WATCH: a preview of the naaʔuu experience

Watch Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation's naaʔuu on YouTube.

Intricate carving, traditional ceremony, respect for nature and a diet rich in West-Coast ingredients are some staples of that heritage which you can now connect to, through the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation cultural experience, naaʔuu.

Tofino British Columbia Naauu Melissa Renwick ZenSeekers
Photo: Melissa Renwick
A meet and greet with Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation hosts and guests, during naaʔuu in 2023.

“Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation’s path forward around our language and cultural resurgence includes events like naaʔuu, delivered by Tla-o-qui-aht people increasing visitors’ and locals’ opportunity to gain our Nation’s perspective,” explains Saya Masso, Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks lead.

Tofino British Columbia tin wis joe 7 Lexi Lancaster ZenSeekers (2) (1).jpg
Photo: Sunseta Media
Saya Masso, Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks lead, on the grounds at Tin Wis Resort.

The event series returns for a month-long run, May 22 - Jun 29, 2024 to the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation-owned Tin Wis Resort. Here, ticketed guests will enjoy a three-hour Tla-o-qui-aht themed evening, including Tla-o-qui-aht inspired cuisine and culture. 

Proceeds from naaʔuu, go back to Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation supporting language and cultural resurgence.

“Given Tin Wis Resort is owned by Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, we are honoured to be the host venue for the event series while fostering our culture and bringing more potentials for Tla-o-qui-aht people,” explains Maria Clark, Nation citizen and Tin Wis Resort assistant manager.

Tofino British Columbia iisaak pledge Melissa Renwick ZenSeekers12 (1) (1).jpg
Photo: Melissa Renwick
Maria Clark, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation citizen and assistant general manager at Tin Wis Resort.

For naaʔuu, the event production team will be converting the Tin Wis Resort conference centre into a Tla-o-qui-aht inspired art space, providing an interactive cultural experience served up over a fine culinary experience. 


Tickets for one of the West Coast's leading cultural experiences are now on sale and expected to sell out fast 

naaʔuu presents the chance to listen, learn, and join the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation as we embark on a journey through our past, present, and future generations,” explains naaʔuu’s artistic director, Ivy Cargill-Martin.

“I am pleased to be a part of bringing Tla-o-qui-aht stories to life through art, my own personal way of storytelling. A chance for understanding where you are and to gain perspective from those who have maintained it for generations.” 

naaʔuu 411 

Who
A Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations Indigenous tourism experience

What
A Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation cultural experience over a Tla-o-qui-aht inspired dinner. Ticket buyers can expect to be part of an event that immerse you in Tla-o-qui-aht history, culture and perspective, shared through song, food and through engaging content. 

Tla-o-qui-aht Nation Tofino BC naauu Heartwood Kitchen
Photo: Jordyn Giesbrecht
Part of the naaʔuu experience includes a feast prepared in traditional Tla-o-qui-aht style.

Where
Tin Wis Resort, located on Tin Wis Beach (Mackenzie Beach) about five minutes from downtown Tofino, BC.

When  May & June, 2024
Fridays and Saturdays, 6 - 9pm

May 22, 24 & 25 
June 7, 8, 14, 15, 22, 28 & 29

Why
Many travellers coming to Tofino, BC within Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation homelands are seeking connection with the community. naaʔuu provides that “bridge” between both worlds, leaving guests transformed from the cultural perspective gained from the event.

For a taste of what you're in for, watch this CTV video review of the 2023 event series, explaining why the experience is one of Canada's leading Indigenous cultural experiences.

Tickets
Purchase your tickets here

When you Go 

location: The Tin Wis Resort is a Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation-owned beachfront hotel located in Tofino (within Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation’s homelands) located on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. 

getting there: access to Tofino is a BC Ferries adventure away from Vancouver or direct flight from YVR with Pacific Coastal Airlines. 

WHERE TO STAY

Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort (Tla-o-qui-aht owned and operated) is offering a naaʔuu packaged stay, with discounts on your event tickets with a hotel booking. To book, go to the Best Western Tin Wis site, and select your naaʔuu dates to find the best offers.

Tsawaak RV Resort & Campground is for the nature lovers who want to stay outdoors or bring your own accommodations. Situated right next to Tin Wis Resort, and also operated by the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation. Phone the resort at 250-266-5015 to book your naaʔuu package directly.

Tofino Resort & Marina is offering 15% off for guests booking their naaʔuu package

Pacific Sands Beach Resort is offering 10% off of the ticket price for guests booking their cultural package

Learn more about naaʔuu through this Vancouver Sun review

Tla-o-qui-aht legacy of nature preservation
Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation is Canada’s most storied First Nations, home to a ground-breaking Indigenous lands rights settlement after one of the country’s biggest civil uprisings, known as “the war in the woods.” 

Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation members fought to protect their ancient gardens.

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