Ahousaht Nation has launched an ecotourism tour company called Ahous Adventure, the first large Indigenous-owned tour company in Tofino in decades.
“There’s a huge amount of potential here,” Stewart said. In the off-season months, the company has plans to start a “skipper’s boot camp” for Ahousaht members interested in joining the industry, he said. There are Indigenous-owned tour companies operating out of Tofino. But there hasn’t been an Indigenous-owned tour company with more than a single boat for more than 20 years, said Stewart.
“The biggest challenge is going to be helping people fill these jobs in a meaningful way, ensuring that guests are educated on Ahousaht history and realities,” Atleo said. Ahousaht’s tourism foray is funded in part by leveraging Maaqutusiis Hahoutlhee Stewardship Society revenue generated from resource-based sectors, Atleo said.