Experience the Spirit of Tla-o-qui-aht Culture in Tofino

Tla-o-qui-aht ḥaḥuułi (Tofino) — Beginning in March 2023, Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks invites visitors to immerse themselves in the rich traditions of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation through a limited cultural event series titled “naaʔuu.”

The “naaʔuu” event series offers a unique opportunity to gather in celebration of Indigenous culture through an evening of traditional coastal cuisine, captivating art, and cultural presentations. Hosted by the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, naaʔuu supports Tribal Parks’ ongoing efforts to preserve and restore the nation’s lands, language, and cultural heritage.

What is naaʔuu?

The name “naaʔuu” originates from the Nuu-chah-nulth word meaning "come together" and "feast." This ticketed experience invites guests to enjoy a traditional dinner prepared by Chef Ian Riddick and his team at Heartwood Kitchen, featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients provided by Tla-o-qui-aht suppliers.

“Through sharing our culture, visitors can begin to see Tla-o-qui-aht’s perspective,” shares Saya Masso, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation’s Natural Resources Manager. “When they experience our stories, art, and traditions, they connect with our future.”

An Evening in a Traditional Big House Setting

The event will be held at the Tla-o-qui-aht-owned Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort in Tofino, where the conference center will be transformed into a traditional bighouse environment. Hjalmer Wenstob, naaʔuu Co-Producer and Tla-o-qui-aht artist, describes the setting as a welcoming space where guests are invited to “share a meal, witness powerful performances, and experience our transformative masks and artwork.”

What to Expect at naaʔuu

Attendees can look forward to:

• Traditional Dinner: Coastal cuisine by Chef Ian Riddick, prepared with support from Tla-o-qui-aht food suppliers.

• Cultural Presentations: Experience Tla-o-qui-aht art, stories, and traditional performances by singers and dancers.

• Art Show: Local artists and makers will showcase and sell their creations, offering visitors a chance to bring home a piece of Tla-o-qui-aht culture.

Through naaʔuu, visitors gain a deeper understanding of Tla-o-qui-aht’s worldview, rooted in the principles of iisaak (respect) and hi-shuk-nish-tsa-waak (we are all one).

Ticket Information

Limited tickets are available on Eventbrite, with proceeds going directly to support Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks’ stewardship efforts.

Get your tickets here

Media Resources and Contacts

For media usage, approved images and video clips from naaʔuu are available:

Download Media Kit

For additional information or media inquiries, please contact:

• Saya Masso, Natural Resources Manager, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation
  Email: lands@tla-o-qui-aht.org | Phone: 250.725.3350

• Hjalmer Wenstob, Tla-o-qui-aht artist and naaʔuu Co-Producer
  Email: art@cedarhousegallery.com | Phone: 250.266.0984

About naaʔuu’s Supporters

The naaʔuu event series is proudly supported by Pacific Economic Development Canada as part of a commitment to cultural preservation and economic development within Indigenous communities.