TOFINO, B.C. — Ahous Adventures, an eco and cultural adventure tour company owned and operated by the ʕaḥuusʔatḥ (Ahousaht) Nation, has launched at Nišmâqin (Nis-maa-quin, Maquinna Marine Park).
Ahous Adventures offers a variety of excursions including hot-spring tours, whale watching and bear watching, and invites visitors to explore ʕaḥuusʔatḥ territories through the lens of the people who have lived on and stewarded these lands and waters since time immemorial. By openly sharing ʕaḥuusʔatḥ knowledge, culture and history through storytelling on the lands and waters, locals and visitors can connect deeply with the true spirit of the remarkable ecosystem.
The launch of these tours intends to continue building a sustainable conservation economy, further ʕaḥuusʔatḥ self-determination and create training, employment and mentorship opportunities for ʕaḥuusʔatḥ community members, as well as partnerships with non-ʕaḥuusʔatḥ businesses and crown governments.
“We are looking forward to welcoming locals and visitors to Tofino on our eco and cultural tours,” says Hasheukumiss, Tyee Ha’wiłh (Tyson Atleo) of the Ahousaht Nation. “The launch of these tours will continue to strengthen the vital role that ʕaḥuusʔatḥ have within the tourism industry, and provide an opportunity for visitors to learn about the rich ʕaḥuusʔatḥ history, culture and experience that the beautiful lands have to offer.”
“Ahous Adventures creates a real opportunity for members of the Ahousaht Nation and neighbouring Nuu-chah-nulth communities to access meaningful employment, mentorship and training out on the lands and waters of their ancestral territories. Transmission of cultural knowledge through storytelling is a cornerstone of cultural health and identity. Careers in the tourism industry provide Ahousaht people the ability to practice, share and strengthen their culture on a daily basis,” says Corene Inouye, general manager of Ahous Adventures.
