Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation’s naaʔuu returns to Tin Wis Resort May 2024

Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation (Tofino, BC) – Given 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 return of its indigenous tourism experience, titled naaʔuu (meaning “feast” in Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation language). 

“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 local’s opportunity to gain our nation’s perspective,” explains Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks lead Saya Masso. 

This three-hour experience returning May 24, 2024 to the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation owned Tin Wis Resort, offers ticketed guests a chance to enjoy a Tla-o-qui-aht themed evening, including Tla-o-qui-aht inspired cuisine and cultural program.

Indigenous Tourism BC is thrilled to support the return naaʔuu as a key sponsor, says Chief Marketing and Development Officer Paula Amos, having experienced the culturally enriching event last year. "The partnership between Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation and Tin Wis Resort exemplifies the power of Indigenous-led collaborations and initiatives, in sharing the traditions and heritage of Indigenous communities. 

We commend Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation for their dedication to cultural revitalization and sustainable tourism, and we look forward to the transformative journey ahead for guests as they immerse themselves in the rich history and perspectives of the Tla-o-qui-aht people through naaʔuu." 

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

Tin Wis Resort plays host to the event, which aligns with the mission for the venue, says  Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation citizen and Tin Wis Resort assistant manager Maria Clark, “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, knowing that this establishment is meeting the original goal set out by our leadership, to be fostering our culture and bringing more potentials for Tla-o-qui-aht people.” 

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 experience. This includes an art show on site during the event, representing Tla-o-qui-aht and Nuu-chah-nulth artists and creators works for sale.  

“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.”

The event also features a traditionally inspired menu, prepared and served by chef .Roberta Tom

Seekers Media is honoured to assist in the production and marketing of naaʔuu, as producers Ivy Cargill-Martin and Maria Clark welcome Jim Barr as co-producer to the event series. ZenSeekers is supporting media production and promotion, featuring a series of stories and videos on the event. Check out our coverage on ZenSeekers.com.