An Indigenous-Owned Model for Sustainable Tourism – The Tyee

December 6, 2024

How the Klahoose converted a closed BC fishing lodge into a place to immerse in nature and culture.

Stepping off of a small boat and onto the dock at the Klahoose Wilderness Resort ushers visitors into a world of lush green forests and towering mountains. Upon leaving the water’s edge, they’re enveloped by the sounds of the Klahoose First Nation’s traditional drumming songs, featuring backing vocals by nearby ravens and songbirds.

The Indigenous-owned resort is located northwest of the Klahoose First Nation village on Cortes Island, B.C., and lies within the nation’s traditional territory in the Homfray Channel. It’s accessible only by water or seaplane and is a roughly 60-minute boat ride north of Lund, B.C.

Chris Tait, tourism manager at Klahoose Wilderness Resort, said the goal is to invest in tourism as a means for the Klahoose First Nation to take on a greater role in managing their territory and protecting the environment. By offering experience-based tourism, he said, the resort attracts guests who are seeking meaningful experiences — and can afford to travel to find them.

Read More: https://thetyee.ca/WhatWorks/2024/12/06/Indigenous-Owned-Model-Sustainable-Tourism/