A new tourism hub aims to bring reconciliation and economic growth for an Island First Nation.
The Tlatlasikwala First Nation has officially launched an eco-tourism hub on Hope Island, located off the coast of North Vancouver Island.
The hub’s goal is to not only provide stable jobs and training for members of the First Nation, but to also boost tourism across northern communities like Port Hardy and Port McNeill.
Nation chief Tiffany Wallace says their territory deserves a strong and sustainable economy that can support them for generations.
“This was the vision of my late father, who believed in creating opportunities that would bring our people back home,” said Wallace.
“Getting into Indigenous tourism allows us to build the economies we need to achieve that, through capacity building, training, and employment.”
According to Island Coastal Economic Trust, who are investing $200,000 into the project, the hub will see a permanent eco-camp that offers multi-day boat and land-based wilderness adventures with an Indigenous Cultural focus.
The camp also includes a two-week youth camp, one that’ll teach Indigenous knowledge sharing and skills to young First Nation members at the start of every tourism season, with community programming and activities planned for the shoulder seasons.
Crews are currently constructing the eco-camp.
