By Jen Dart

Yet another festival is happening this fall, this time showcasing west coast carvers.

Carving on the Edge 2011: A Celebration of the West Coast Carver is a ten-day series of events, workshops, demonstrations, activities and exhibitions, including an ongoing exhibition at the Shore building.

The festival runs from Sept. 16-25 in various locations in Tofino, Ucluelet and First Nations communities.

Carving on the Edge began only last year as a way of recognizing both traditional and contemporary carvings artists that have influenced the west coast.

The Cedar Tree of Life First Nations carving exhibition will run for the length of the festival at the Wya Welcome Centre at the Tofino-Ucluelet junction. This exhibition will feature many First Nations local carvers.

Also at the Wya Centre on Sept. 17 and 18 from 10am-5pm is a carving workshop on two and three-dimensional designs, tool-making, storytelling and carving.

The Shore will be hosting a contemporary wood carvers show for the duration of the festival from 1-6pm at the building at 316 Main St.

A retrospective of the work of influential west coast carver Henry Nolla will be featured in the Salal Room at the Wickaninnish Inn.

Henry was a great influence on many residents of Tofino and Ucluelet, and a source of inspiration for many carvers. He lived on North Chesterman Beach near the Wickaninnish Inn for many years, and his handiwork is all over the hotel. He hand-adzed many of the cedar beams in the Inn, and did many additional carvings for the building. Henry’s touch is also visible at the Common Loaf Bake Shop and the Eagle Aerie Gallery in Tofino, as well on several signs and pieces of art around town.

Two Nuu-chah-nulth carvers will be passing on their knowledge of canoe-making during the Carving on the Edge Festival. Tla-o-qui-aht carvers Joe and Carl Martin are offering a 10-day workshop, as well as single days of instruction, during the festival.

Nuu-chah-nulth historian and artist Ron Hamilton will be giving a slideshow and presentation on Nuu-chah-nulth artfacts from Captain Cook on Sat., Sept. 18 at 7:30pm at the Clayoquot Sound Community Theatre. These artifacts are on permanent display at the British Museum in London.

On Thurs., Sept. 22 the Eagle Aerie Gallery is hosting “Legends and Carving,” an evening with First Nations carvers starting at 7pm. Learn about how First Nations legends are woven into various carvings.

Carl and Joe Martin will also be doing a traditional canoe steaming at Henry Nolla’s carving shed at North Chesterman beach on Sept. 24, and Carl will be doing daily adzing demonstrations at the carving shed from 10am-3pm.

There will be carving demonstrations and markets on Sat. Sept. 18 from 10am-2pm on the Village Green in Tofino, as well as on Sat. Sept. 25. In Ucluelet, local galleries and shops will have similar exhibitions on the 25th from noon to 5pm.

A Nuu-chah-nulth film called “The New Canoe – a visit to Nuu-chah-nulth Territories” is showing daily throughout the festival at the Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre at Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.

A community celebration and salmon barbecue will close the festival on Sat. Sept. 25 at the Wya Welcome Centre from 10am-5pm.

The Carving on the Edge Festival is a presentation of the Pacific Rim Arts Society, with the assistance of many sponsors.

Please visit the Carving on the Edge Blog for a complete listing of events and locations for the festival.

Images: Carving on the Edge Festival

Tags: Fist Nations carving, Henry Nolla, Nuu-chah-nulth, The Shore, Tofino, tofino events
Posted in Tofino Activities, Tofino Culture, Updates | Comments Off

By Jen Dart

Tofino is synonymous with fresh air and clean living.

In part because this area attracts and inspires health professionals, and also because of the visitors looking for a wellness experience, means there are many spa and healing opportunities available.

From small to large, from a team to single practitioners, there are ample opportunities to experience relaxation and rejuvenation.

The Ancient Cedars Spa at the Wickaninnish Inn is an award-winning spa set on a rocky promontory overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Offering everything from massage to acupressure, facials to salt scrubs, and hydrotherapy to mud therapy and even yoga, the Ancient Cedars Spa is pampering at its best.

Sacred Stone Spa is located steps away from the Shore building on Main St. in downtown Tofino. Sacred Stone’s practitioners specialize in international styles of massage, combined with a west coast influence. Hot stones massage, Shiatsu, Thai, Aruveyda and their signature massages are offered for bodywork, as are facials and bamboo scrubs. Sacred Stone also has the only infrared sauna on the coast, which can be enjoyed before or after treatments.

Solwood Spa at 1298 Lynn Rd is right across the road from North Chesterman Beach. With a treatment room in the woods, this spa offers a full range of esthetic and body treatments. For more information, call 250-725-8883.

In addition to bodywork, Arbutus Health has acupuncture, private yoga, and herbal medicine services. With a team of practitioners operating out of the health centre above the Live to Surf shop in the Beaches complex, Arbutus offers a comprehensive approach to health. With a philosophy of treating issues before they become problems, Robyn and team provide a range of services under one roof. For more information call 250-725-2212.

There are several individual massage practitioners operating in Tofino. Breedom Massage Therapy operates out of Salty Dolls hair studio, directly across the street from the Shore building, at 381 Main St (250-266-0669). Robert Kowatsch is a massage therapist operating out of the Arbutus clinic (250-725-2212).

Therese Bouchard has a garden studio setting for her varied treatments; call her at 250-725-4278.

Affinity Massage Studio (250-725-2072) is located on 4th St. in downtown Tofino, and Sarah Platenius also offers therapeutic bodywork (250-725-3667).

Some massage therapists in Tofino will also come to your location with a portable massage table. Dawn Batenchuk is one of these traveling practitioners. She can be reached at 250-266-0086.

The Celtic Touch Healing Therapies has a studio on Neill St. in Tofino and will also travel to your location for Reiki and Shiatsu treatments. Please call 250-725-2870.

Linda Baril is a reflexology practitioner operating next to Arbutus Health. Linda’s treatments offer deep relaxation. Contact her by calling 250-726-5300.

Earth Acupuncture Studio is located at 110 Fellowship Dr. Shawna Bohlender offers acupuncture, along with aromatherapy massage and Reiki treatments.

Tofino also has two naturopathic doctors practicing here. Dr. Jeannie Doig and Dr. Nathan Gagne operate out of a space they share with Doctor of Chiropractic Jonathan Clow at the rear of 381 Main St. (again, right across the street from your condo!). Both naturopathic doctors specialize in nutrition, acupuncture, homeopathy and herbal medicine. They also offer lifestyle counseling and other services for maximum natural health.

Dr. Jonathan Clow, DC has helped many west coasters with physical misalignments. His approach involves educating people about their health and helping them in the lifelong pursuit of health using chiropractic care. To make an appointment with Jonathan, call 250-726-2220.

Another wellness option in Tofino is regular yoga practice. There are several places to take classes from a variety of experience yoga teachers.

Coastal Bliss Yoga Studio is located above Studio One in the Beaches complex. With numerous instructors offering a variety of practice styles from beginner to advanced, there is something for everyone. Coastal Bliss has both morning, afternoon and evening classes.

Natalie Rousseau is a well-known yoga instructor in Tofino. She offers private classes and group classes at Coastal Bliss and the Ancient Cedars Spa, as well as yoga teacher training in compliance with Yoga Alliance standards. For more information about Natalie’s classes and to learn more about the practice of yoga, visit the Pacific Elements Yoga website.

There are so many inspired options for health and wellness in Tofino, it makes sense to add this element to your time here.

Photo (Main): Pacific Elements Yoga

Photo (Inset): Wickaninnish Inn

Tags: aromatherapy, health, herbal medicine, natural healing, Reiki, The Shore, Tofino, tofino acupuncture, tofino massage therapy, tofino naturopathy, Tofino spas, tofino yoga, wellness
Posted in Tofino Activities, Tofino Culture, Updates | Comments Off

By Jen Dart

The traffic hasn’t stopped at the Tofino Brewing Company since they opened their doors in April this year.

The microbrewery on Industrial Way is a first for Tofino and the reception from the community has been overwhelmingly positive say founders Dave McConnell, Chris Neufeld and Bryan O’Malley.

The partners, along with brewmaster David Woodward, are offering one flagship beer year-round – the Tuff Session Pale Ale – along with several seasonal brews.

The pale ale is described as a light to medium bodied pale ale with a toasty malt base, balanced with west coast hops.

At the moment the seasonal beer on offer is a heffeweizen, the Fogust Wheat Ale (fog-ust refers to the frequently foggy weather in August). In May and June, the Hoppin’ Cretin IPA was the featured beer.

Tofino Brewing Company sells their beer in kegs, half kegs, growlers and half growlers, or “growlitas.” Growlers are refillable 64oz (1.89 litres) glass jugs (growlitas are 32 oz.).

Many local restaurants carry Tofino Brewing Company beer on draught, as does the Alibi Room in Vancouver. Look for it at Shelter Restaurant, Long Beach Lodge Resort and the Wickaninnish Inn locally, to name a few.

Tofino Brewing Company’s beer was the top pick of festival-goers at the recent Suds and Scotch Festival at Mt. Washington.

A microbrewery is one that produces no more than 60,000 hectolitres of beer in one year (one hectoliter is equal to 12 cases of 24 standard bottles of beer).

Starting a microbrewery has meant a lot of research for the three partners, all of whom are relatively new to the brewing business. During the last couple of years of research, they’ve come up with several innovations.

First the entire brewery is powered by hydroelectric power.

And given the cost of water in Tofino, the partners were looking for efficiencies in that area as well. They’ve developed a water recapturing system whereby water is used twice – first to cool down the wort (unfermented beer), and then again in the actual brewing process.

The spent grain from brewing is transported to Port Alberni where it is used as animal feed on the Collins Farm.

The guys have also offered the “trub” – leftover hops and barley protein – to local gardeners to use as fertilizer.

It’s safe to say Tofino has embraced its brewery. And there’s good reason why these local partners have had such great success – the brews are tasty and visiting the brewery is always fun.

You can find out more about Tofino Brewing Company’s brewing process, and have a taste, during a brewery tour. Also at the brewery, growler holders, Tofino Brew Company clothing and other swag.

Located at 681 Industrial Way, the brewery is open from 11am until late every day. To contact Tofino Brewing Company call 250-725-2899 or email the guys at info@tofinobrewingco.com.They are on Twitter and on Facebook as well.

Happy tasting!

Image: Tofino Brewing Company

Tags: The Shore, Tofino, Tofino beer, Tofino Brewing Company, tofino businesses, tofino microbrewery
Posted in Tofino Culture, Updates | Comments Off

By Jen Dart

There are many stories that are part of the common vernacular of Tofino residents that are slowly discovered by new residents and visitors.

There is the story of the sinking of the American fur-trading vessel Tonquin following a battle with the local Tla-o-qui-aht in the early 1800s. Or the tales of preparing for more recent wars in the 20th century by driving wooden poles into local beaches to prevent enemies from landing here.

Few stories have the romanticism of that of Frederick Tibbs, however. An Englishman described as a short man with a round face and curly hair (some accounts say he had a facial disfigurement), Tibbs was an early arrival to the growing community of Tofino on Esowista Peninsula in the early 1900s (John Grice was one of the first to establish himself at Grice Point in 1890). As previously described in the History of Tofino post (LINK), the original town was located on Clayoquot Island in Tofino harbour before it was moved to its current location.

Fred Tibbs arrived in Tofino in 1908 and preempted land at Long Beach. He soon purchased his Dream Isle in Tofino harbour, visible from the Shore building.

Tibbs proceeded to clearcut the entire island, except for one 100 ft. spruce tree in which he built a platform. From this perch, he could often be heard playing his cornet, perhaps serenading the maidens of Tofino.

For a house, Tibbs built a four-storey wooden castle with large shutters. It is said that it looked just like an English castle if you looked at from the west.

When Tibbs went off to fight in World War 1, he left a detailed will that revealed his love for two local ladies. The will, which created much gossip in town, lefts his Dream Isle castle to Miss Olive Garrard and the island itself to Miss Alma Arnet.

“I give devise and bequeath unto Miss Alma Arnet (because she is the nicest girl I ever met and another reason she knows), Lot 1460 Tibbs Island and everything thereon, excepting the house and ten feet of land on either side including the house site. The house and contents thereof, except the gamophone, go to Miss Olive Garrard of Tofino (because it was built for her) so long as she remains single. In case of her marrying, the house goes to Alma Arnet if she is still single.” F. G. Tibbs.

Tibbs returned safely from the war, but never married. Upon his return to Tofino, he was appointed keeper of the lights on the harbour buoys. On July 5th, 1921, the skiff Tibbs was using while attended to a lamp near Mission Point slipped off the float. Being a good swimmer, Tibbs swam after the boat but wind and tides carried it out of his reach. He swam to a beach on Clayoquot Island, but succumbed to exhaustion and hypothermia, died.

Fred Tibbs is buried in the cemetery on Morpheus Island in Tofino harbour, which was in use until the current one outside of town was built in 1950.

The legend of Fred Tibbs and the two women he loved is part of the story of the area that lies just outside your door at the Shore in Tofino harbour.

Photo Credit: Tofino Photography

Tags: Fred Tibbs, Morpheus Island, The Shore, Tofino, Tofino history
Posted in Tofino Culture, Updates | Comments Off

By Jen Dart

The artwork of First Nations is abundant in the Tofino area.

The distinctive artwork of both the Nuu-chah-nulth people and many others has become increasingly popularity over the past few decades. Along with the potlatch ceremony, First Nations art went underground for many years following settling by the Canadian government.

The art world – and the general public – slowly began to take notice and recognize the traditional artwork of First Nations over the past few decades.

Today, First Nations art takes many forms: masks, totems, carvings, canoes, talking sticks, jewellery, bentwood boxes, paintings, clothing and traditional hats, and basket weaving.

Red and black were the main colours used. Before the days of paint, the black was achieved using charcoal, graphite or lignite coal, and the red from ochre or other minerals.

There are many traditional and distinctive shapes used in the First Nations art of the Pacific Northwest, including the ovoid, the U-form and the S-form. Animals are featured in all types of art, from carving to painting to totems. All animals pictured have different significances. The eagle, for instance, can be a symbol of power, leadership and prestige, as the bird is thought to be a messenger to the spirit world.

In Tofino, two canoe carvers, Joe and Carl Martin, who learned the art from their father, continue to carve cedar dugout canoes regularly. Some of the canoes are used in Joe’s daughter Gisele’s canoe tour company, Tla-ook Cultural Adventures (www.tlaook.com). Local videographer Jackie Windh captured the Martins steaming a canoe on Chesterman Beach a few years ago:

There are several local galleries featuring First Nations art in Tofino. The House of Himwitsa, owned by an Ahousaht family, features jewellery, masks, and carvings. Himwitsa, in the Nuu-chah-nulth language, describes the tradition of elders sharing wisdom with the young through storytelling. The House of Himwitsa is located just down the street from the Shore, at the corner of Main and First Sts.

The Eagle Aerie Gallery, located on Campbell St. opposite the Village Green, is built in the form of a traditional longhouse. Featuring the artwork of Roy Henry Vickers, who is of coastal First Nations descent, the gallery also has carvings and jewellery from other artists. Visit the Roy Henry Vickers website for more information and to view these unique prints online.

The Reflecting Spirit Gallery at Main and 3rd Sts features a wide variety of artwork, including paintings, carvings, pottery, and glass.

There are also several galleries in Ucluelet, including the Du-Quah Gallery on Peninsula Rd. Featuring glasswork, carvings, baskets and more; the Toquaht First Nation operates the Du-Quah Gallery. The Huu-mees Ma-as or Cedar House Gallery is located in the Whiskey Landing Building at the base of Main St., and features a variety of local and other artists in both the contemporary and traditional styles.

There are also more informal opportunities to see native artists at work in the area. There are carving sheds on North Chesterman beach (near the Wickaninnish Inn), and also in the Live to Surf parking lot complex (tucked in beside Westside Surf School). These artists are open to talking to the public about their craft.

There is much to discover in the world of Pacific Northwest Coast art, and Tofino is the place to do it.

Photo Credits: Ecotrust Canada

Tags: canoe carving, Cedar House Gallery, Eagle Aerie Gallery, First Nations art, House of Himwitsa, native art, Roy Henry Vickers, The Shore, Tofino
Posted in Tofino Activities, Tofino Culture, Updates | Comments Off

By Jennifer Dart

Tofino Time Magazine is a widely circulated free local publication that contains pretty well all the information you’ll need to experience this west coast town.

April 2011 marks the 108th edition of Tofino Time, says one half of the publication team, Adam Buskard. He and business partner Baku started publishing Tofino Time in May 2002 on their own dime. Since then, it’s grown and become the go-to guide for both locals and visitors.

The tagline for Tofino Time is “Half the pace, twice the pleasure.” This is certainly an accurate assessment of this laid-back town with a lot to offer.

Adam and Baku see the magazine as a forum to showcase Tofino – its people, activities, the place – all the things that make life here special. The articles and content in the magazine reflect this philosophy.

The content that appears regularly includes horoscopes, gardening tips, surfing tips, tide tables, and event and concert listings. There is also a community calendar that includes the many activities and events happening in Tofino each month.

Tofino Time relies on contributors to submit articles about a variety of topics, including special events in the month they occur. Many other regular contributors offer insights on everything from organic food to new businesses to yoga practices to the history behind street and landmark names in town.

There aren’t too many publications you can go to that will tell you how to pump on a front side wave, what to plant in your garden this month, and how to harvest food from the ocean all in one issue.

Other submissions come from local experts on everything from grey whales to declining salmon populations in Clayoquot Sound.

Adam and Baku also make a point of profiling the work of local artists in all mediums, such as glass, sculpture, pottery, and painting.

The cover and content page of Tofino Time feature a different local photographer each month, with spectacular views of the local environment and wildlife.

For the tourists, a map of local beaches and hiking trails on the back cover provides a quick reference guide.

A business directory also gives a breakdown of the different local possibilities for restaurants, activities, services, shopping, and accommodation.

That seems like a lot to cover in a monthly magazine, doesn’t it?

With all the information contained within it, Tofino Time is highly anticipated each month by locals. Horoscopes, concert listings, not to mention any specials being offered by local businesses and feature articles – it’s no wonder people wait for it to pop up around town at the beginning of each month.

Tofino Time is distributed all over the west coast area, as well as in Nanaimo, Victoria, Vancouver and on BC Ferries.

It’s far reach means that Tofino has a presence far from home too.

Look for Tofino Time around town or online at www.tofinotime.com.

Image Credit: TofinoTime.com

Tags: The Shore, Tofino, Tofino Time Magazine
Posted in Tofino Culture, Updates | Comments Off

By Jennifer Dart

Celebrating the return of migrating whales to the west coast has become an annual tradition that has grown into a series of events over the years.

Springtime means some 20,000 migrating grey whales are on their way back from their breeding grounds in Baja, California. They’re heading to their favourite summertime haunts in Alaska, but on the way they’ll often stop in to spend time in local waters, where we have residents populations of humpbacks as well.

Tofino and Ucluelet celebrate the Pacific Rim Whale Festival in March to welcome the whales back to the west coast.

Originally conceived of by one of the area’s original whale watch tour operators, Brian Congdon of Ucuelet, the whale festival is now in its 25th year.

Congdon had seen similar festival up and down the coast and thought this area should properly welcome back these giants who make an amazing 4,000 km trek each year.

Since its inception, the Pacific Rim Whale Festival has evolved and it now includes 75 events in nine days.

The festival kicks off with the Parade of Whales and Wonders in Tofino on March 19 and ends with closing ceremonies at the Ucluelet Community Centre March 27.

Festival events are meant to be both informative and educational, and there are such activities as interpretive walks, land-based whale watching opportunities, educational sessions with experts, guided hikes and tidal specimen collecting with the Ucluelet Aquarium.

There are also fun events like movie nights, storytime, Sea Creature Cookie making, Family Dinner Night and Maritime Kids’ Day.

Local arts and culture play a big part in the festival with art displays in many locales, including the Winter Wave Photo Showdown at Black Rock Resort. The winner of the best storm-watching photo will be chosen on the opening day of the festival.

There’s also a cedar weaving demonstration, storytelling with artist Roy Henry Vickers, artists in action, live music and more.

Many food and drink related events are also part of the festival.

The Wickaninnish Inn hosts an annual fundraising dinner for the volunteer-driven festival just before it starts on March 17. Dinner includes several courses paired with wine, as well as a silent auction.

On the first day of Whale Fest local, chefs vie for bragging rights at the annual Chowder Chowdown at the community centre in Ucluelet. Also in Ukee is the Sweet Indulgences all-you-can-eat dessert challenge on March 21. Local mixologists show off their skill at the Martini Migration, held at the Tofino Community Hall on March 23.

Barnacle Blues is a culinary fundraiser at Black Rock Resort in Ucluelet on March 24 that includes live music by Jim Byrne. Also at Black Rock is A Whale of a Wine dinner featuring wines of Kettle Valley Winery and Alderlea Vineyards.

Some new events this year include a kayak demonstration and raffle, and a panel discussion with local experts and university professor on 25 Years of Sea Changes.

The Pacific Rim Whale Festival is nine days of action-packed activities for locals and visitors of all ages.

Image Credit:  PacificRimWhaleFestival.com

Tags: Pacific Rim Whale Festival, The Shore, Tofino
Posted in Tofino Activities, Tofino Culture, Updates | Comments Off

By Jennifer Dart

We’ve touched on the pre-European history of this area in a previous post about First Nations, but what of the settlement of the village of Tofino?

The original non-native village in the area was actually located on Clayoquot (or Stubbs) Island (across the channel to the west of the Shore building) and was called Clayoquot. A trading post was established there in the 1850s and a community soon followed.

Clayoquot was central for homesteaders who were spread out on various islands in Clayoquot Sound, but as settlement spread further down the Esowista Peninsula the need arose for a more centrally located town centre. The current town location was established in the early 19th century.

The name Tofino comes from a Spanish naval officer and cartographer Captain Vincente Tofino de San Miguel. The captain’s fellow officers bestowed the name on the area while exploring the coast. It’s unclear why this name stuck when others, including Tla-o-qui-aht names, did not.

The location of the Shore building is close to where the hub of the town was in its early days; the first store was located on Grice Rd. The early industries in the area were fishing and logging, as well as a short-lived gold rush.

Early residents relied on the S.S. Maquinna to arrive every ten days with supplies, mail and travelers from Victoria. The Maquinna and another ship that ran in the summers, made the trip to the west coast until the mid-1950s, though the road to Port Alberni was not paved until 1959.

The site of the Tofino-Ucluelet airport was an early air base, established during World War II.

A little later in the mid-1950s, the Pacific Rim area became part of North America’s cold war line of defense. A radar station was set up at Radar Hill as part of a line of early warning in the event of a Soviet missile launch. Evidence of the buildings still exists there today.

With the paving of the logging road to Port Alberni (now Hwy. 4) the area attracted a greater number of adventurers, tourists, draft dodgers, and hippies.

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve was established in 1971, forcing the preemption of land from numerous owners and the eviction of beach squatters. The park is still called a reserve because of outstanding First Nations land claims within its boundaries.

With the 1980s came Tofino’s first large scale logging protests. The battle over Meares Island (visible across Tofino Inlet from the Shore) came to a head in 1984, when Nuu-chah-nulth protested logging of the old growth on the island en masse at the provincial legislature. A court injunction stemming from that time of protest prohibiting logging on the island still stands.

But the bigger protests were yet to come. In 1993 large scale logging protests divided the coast’s loggers and environmentalists. The summer of ’93 culminated in the largest number of mass arrests in Canadian history (until the G20 summit in Toronto in 2010).

The Clayoquot Land Use Decision in 1995 brought in tougher logging regulations to the area, but the issue is still hotly contested today.

Since the 1990s, tourism has been the driving force behind Tofino’s economy and it’s been reported that one million visitors come to this area in a given year.

The book A Walk in Time is a wonderful resource of Tofino history. Look for it at local bookshops or visit Postelsia Press and enjoy it while walking down Main St. back to your condo.

Image Credit: GoTofino

Tags: Captain Vincente Tofino de San Miguel, Clayoquot, Meares Island, Pacific Rim, Stubbs Island, The Shore, Tofino, Tofino history
Posted in Tofino Culture, Updates | Comments Off

By Jennifer Dart

Thousands of years before any European explorers set foot on the west coast of Vancouver Island; First Nations people lived and thrived here.

The town of Tofino is located in the traditional territory of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, part of the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations. There are 14 Nuu-chah-nulth nations in territories stretching some 300 km along the west coast of Vancouver Island and inland to Port Alberni. In their own language, “Nuu-chah-nulth” means “all along the mountains and the sea.”

The Nuu-chah-nulth governing structure is centred around both modern-day elected chiefs and councilors, as well as Ha’wiih (hereditary chiefs). Each nation is responsible for the stewardship of their Hahoulthee (traditional territory), which stretches well beyond reserve boundaries.

The coastal Nuu-chah-nulth nations, five of which are located in the Tofino area, have always been deeply connected to the bountiful sea and the lush rainforests of the west coast of Vancouver Island. Traditionally, they fished salmon, halibut, cod and shellfish, gathered seaweeds and other plants, and hunted sea lions, seals and whales in cedar dugout canoes.

Local First Nations hold to the “living philosophies” (in Nuu-chah-nulth) of Iisaak (living respectfully), Qwa’aak qin teechmis (life in the balance), and Hishuk ish ts’awalk (everything is one and interconnected).

Along with the Tla-o-qui-aht, the Ahousaht and the Hesquiaht people live in Clayoquot Sound. Their reserves are located north of Tofino and are boat and floatplane access only.

South of Tofino, the Ucluelet and Toquaht First Nations live in and around Ucluelet and Barkley Sound.

The Tla-o-qui-aht village of Opitsat is visible directly across Tofino inlet from the Shore building. Located on Meares Island, the village is boat or floatplane access only. It is one of two Tla-o-qui-aht reserves in the Tofino area, the other being Esowista and Ty-histanis (an expansion of Esowista currently under construction) on the north end of Long Beach.

Once the seat of the mighty Tla-o-qui-aht chief Wickaninnish, Opitsat is one of the longest continually inhabited sites on Vancouver Island. It was destroyed and rebuilt as recently as the 1790s, after relations soured between the Tla-o-qui-aht and the American naval captain Robert Gray and his crew of the vessel Columbia. Gray traveled to Nootka and Clayoquot Sounds to trade sea otter furs with First Nations. Skirmishes in 1791/92 with the Tla-o-qui-aht resulted in Gray’s attacking and burning of the village of Opitsat.

Centuries later in an unprecedented event during the Tall Ships Festival of 2005, a reconciliation ceremony took place between Gray’s descendants and the Tla-o-qui-aht at Opitsat.

History lies just outside your door at the Shore and if you’re keen to discover more about it and the cultural traditions of local First Nations, the local Tla-o-qui-aht tour company Tla-ook Cultural Adventures offers dugout canoe tours of the area. More tour information and links to local galleries featuring local First Nations art can be found at Tourism BC. In addition to these, displays and information at the Wickaninnish Centre at Pacific Rim National Park also offer a glimpse into local First Nations culture that continues to thrive in this area today.

Image Credit: Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation

Tags: Esowista, Meares Island, Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations, Opitsat, The Shore, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, Tofino, Tofino First Nations, Ty-histanis
Posted in Tofino Culture, Updates | Comments Off