Moving Forward with the Tla-o-qui-aht Land Vision

The Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation has reached an important milestone in advancing recognition and support for Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks and their Land Vision in partnership with the Province of British Columbia. The recent public engagement on the Clayoquot Sound Conservancies, which concluded on April 10, 2024, marks a significant step in removing competing tenures from Tla-o-qui-aht lands and restoring customary stewardship traditions.

A Legacy of Stewardship and Protection

The Tla-o-qui-aht’s commitment to preserving their lands dates back to 1984, when Tla-o-qui-aht leadership declared the wanačas hiłhuuʔis (Meares Island) Tribal Park. This act reaffirmed Indigenous stewardship rights, which were solidified in the 1985 Meares Island title case, protecting the area from clear-cut logging. Since then, additional areas including the hiisawista (Esowista Peninsula), ʔaʔukmin (Kennedy Lake watershed), ḥiłsyakƛis ʔunaacuł (Tranquil River watershed), and surrounding islands have been designated as Tribal Parks.

These protections have allowed Clayoquot Sound to remain home to Vancouver Island’s largest intact old-growth temperate rainforests, a testament to the power of Nuu-chah-nulth stewardship.

Recognition and Support from BC

The Tla-o-qui-aht applaud the Province of British Columbia for supporting their Land Vision, aligning with the Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. This recognition will encourage more respectful use of Tla-o-qui-aht lands and waters, contributing to the survival of these ancient forests, climate stabilization, and the preservation of habitat for diverse species.

Looking to the Future

Protecting Tribal Parks is essential for the Tla-o-qui-aht way of life, allowing future generations to maintain cultural practices while safeguarding ecological balance. The Tla-o-qui-aht Land Vision is a pathway toward preserving the health of these lands and waters in a way that honors Tla-o-qui-aht customs and sustains their territory for the future.

For more information, please contact:

Saya Masso, Tla-o-qui-aht Natural Resources Manager
Phone: 1-250-726-6401
Email: lands@tla-o-qui-aht.org