A Campaign to Reclaim Nuu-chah-nulth Place Names in Tla-o-qui-aht Territory

The Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks are leading a powerful campaign to restore the original Nuu-chah-nulth names to the beaches within Tla-o-qui-aht haḥuułi (traditional territory). This initiative is an invitation for community members, visitors, and supporters to honor Indigenous history and cultural heritage by reestablishing traditional names that have long been a part of these lands.

Why Restore the Name "Tinwis"?

One of the campaign’s focuses is the beach commonly known to settlers and visitors as "Mackenzie Beach," located just outside of Tofino. However, to the Nuu-chah-nulth, this beach has always been called tinwis, meaning "calm beach." Tinwis was historically significant for its calm surf, making it an ideal spot for beaching whales after a hunt and distributing the resources throughout the community. Restoring this name is a step toward preserving and honoring this area’s true identity and cultural importance.

Join the Movement to Reclaim Indigenous Language

With support from local jurisdictions, Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks is working to see traditional names like tinwis officially restored across the region. You can play a part in this historic reclamation effort by signing our petition.

Sign our petition to restore the name Tinwis!

Your signature helps amplify the movement for Indigenous language restoration, showing your support for the stories and history embedded within these names.

Learn More About Tla-o-qui-aht's Storied Landscapes

To dive deeper into the cultural and historical significance of these beautiful places, visit the recent coverage by Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks Allies on ZenSeekers:

Read more on ZenSeekers.com

Acknowledging the Rising Tide of Support

Special thanks go to the Multhaa Rising Tide Surf Team for their design of a beautiful Nuu-chah-nulth beach map. This map captures the essence of the region’s history and is a valuable reminder of the cultural landscapes that continue to shape Tla-o-qui-aht’s unique biosphere.

Stay Connected with Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks

For ongoing updates on this campaign and to follow other efforts to preserve Tla-o-qui-aht language, culture, history, and environmental stewardship, follow Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks on Facebook and Instagram.