Public-private partnership creates vital jobs, empowers youth, and spurs economic growth for Tlatlasikwala First Nation.
Tlatlasikwala Territory, Hope Island, April 2, 2025 – Tlatlasikwala First Nation is leading a public-private partnership with Coastal Rainforest Safaris to establish an eco-tourism startup on Hope Island, off the north coast of Vancouver Island. The initiative is moving forward through a new investment with Island Coastal Economic Trust.
The cultural and nature-based tourism startup includes construction of a permanent eco-camp on Hope Island that will offer multi-day boat and land-based wilderness adventures with an Indigenous Cultural focus. Tlatlasikwala’s fully-equipped new camp will serve as a foundation for future tourism expansion, aligning with the Nation’s strategic priorities to drive economic development and increase their presence across their traditional territory.
Through the partnership with Coastal Rainforest Safaris, Tlatlasikwala benefits from 25 years of wilderness tourism expertise of owners Mike Willie and Andrew Jones and builds on a strong existing business relationship with the company. The collaboration between Tlatlasikwala and Coastal Rainforest Safaris focuses on sustainable tourism practices and mutual respect. The initiative has gained further tourism expertise and financial planning through a project management agreement with 4Ever Strategies, a 4VI Social Enterprise Group professional services company.
The eco-camp will facilitate Indigenous knowledge sharing and skills training for younger generations through an annual two-week youth camp for Tlatlasikwala First Nation members at the start of each tourism season. In the shoulder seasons, the camp will also be used for community programming, cultural activities, and skill development initiatives.
The project will empower Tlatlasikwala First Nation members with stable employment and training opportunities at an important location in their ancestral territories. The initiative is also expected to increase visitation across North Vancouver communities, including Port McNeill and Port Hardy.
Island Coastal Economic Trust is investing with Tlatlasikwala First Nation to establish the Hope Island Eco-Tourism Start-up and Indigenous Tourism Partnership through the Capital and Innovation Program. The Trust will contribute $200,000 towards a total investment of $950,000. The Trust is investing in this new project with focus on on Culture and Nature-Based Tourism impact.
Quotes about the project
“Our territory deserves a strong and sustainable economy that will support our people and future generations. This was the vision of my late father, who believed in creating opportunities that would bring our people back home. Getting into Indigenous tourism allows us to build the economies we need to achieve that—through capacity building, training, and employment.” – Chief Tiffany Wallace, Tlatlasikwala First Nation
“Partnering with Coastal Rainforest Safaris is a meaningful step in demonstrating that partnerships, when done right, can support reconciliation and economic growth. By working together, we can create opportunities that respect our traditions, uplift our communities, and ensure that our people are empowered in their own lands.” – Chief Tiffany Wallace, Tlatlasikwala First Nation
“This unique partnership model will result in a new Indigenous owned tourism business offering world-class cultural and wilderness experiences on Northern Vancouver Island. Global demand for Indigenous tourism experiences is at an all-time high and we are delighted to play a role in advancing Tlatlasikwala First Nation’s tourism ambitions. “ – Calum Matthews, President, 4EVER Strategies Inc.
“We are grateful for this first opportunity to partner with the Tlatlasikwala First Nation as they start-up a culture and nature-based tourism business on Hope Island. This project is centred on a public-private partnership between Tlatlasikwala and Coastal Wildlife Safaris, and strengthened by their shared commitment to sustainable Indigenous-led tourism.” – Brodie Guy, CEO, Island Coastal Economic Trust
Media Contacts
Jeff Bartlett
Communications and Impact Manager
Island Coastal Economic Trust
jeff@islandcoastaltrust.ca
250-871-7797
Calum Matthews
VP Sustainability and Strategy
4VI
250-619-2569
calum@forvi.ca
Andrew Jones
Co-owner
Coastal Rainforest Safaris
778-787-1874
andrew@coastalrainforestsafaris.com
