Tlatlasikwala First Nation Launches Eco-Tourism Start-up on Hope Island
Tlatlasikwala First Nation’ forms public-private partnership to achieve its strategic priorities to create jobs, empower youth, and grow sustainable tourism across the Nation’s traditional territory.
A permanent eco-camp will be built on Hope Island, improving infrastructure and replacing a temporary campsite to strengthen tourism business and employment opportunities for Tlatlasikwala First Nation.
Overview
Tlatlasikwala First Nation, a small community of 65 members, is creating an ecotourism start-up through a public-private partnership with Coastal Rainforest Safaris. This initiative leverages the natural beauty of the North Vancouver Island area with the rich cultural heritage of the Tlatlasikwala First Nation to create a unique culture and nature-based tourism experience.
Tlatlasikwala has engaged 4Ever Strategies, a 4VI professional services company, to provide project management as they position the start-up to be established as a sustainable, revenue-generating tourism business benefiting Tlatlasikwala First Nation for many years to come.
Island Coastal Economic Trust is investing in the start-up through the Capital and Innovation Program focus on Culture and Nature Based Tourism impact.
Community Wellbeing
This new business start-up will build on the Tlatlasikwala’s strategic priority to drive economic growth and increase their presence within their traditional territory.
Media Contacts
Jeff Bartlett
Communications and Impact Manager
Island Coastal Economic Trust
250-871-7797
jeff@islandcoastaltrust.ca
Calum Matthews
VP Sustainability and Strategy
4VI
250-619-2569
calum@forvi.ca
Project Details
Project Impact
The Trust invests in projects using a Wellbeing Impact Framework that looks beyond traditional economic metrics. This approach evaluates how each investment strengthens economic prosperity, cultural vitality, climate resilience, and social empowerment. By focusing on outcomes that matter to people and place, the Trust works to spur new investments that create meaningful, lasting benefits across Vancouver Island and the coast.
Economic Prosperity
- Through a multi-year lease agreement established with Coastal Rainforest Safaris and visitor fees, Tlatlasikwala First Nation will create a sustainable revenue stream through this new business.
Climate Resiliency
- The project will enhance Tlatlasikwala’s climate resiliency by generating sustainable tourism revenues from this off-grid, ecologically focused, nature-based business. Profits from the business will go back to Tlatlasikwala for reinvestment into youth development, stewardship and Guardianship efforts, and other important activities that increasing the Nation’s presence and activities across their traditional territories.
Cultural Vitality
- The project will enhance Tlatlasikwala’s climate resiliency by generating sustainable tourism revenues from this off-grid, ecologically focused, nature-based business. Profits from the business will go back to Tlatlasikwala for reinvestment into youth development, stewardship and Guardianship efforts, and other important activities that increasing the Nation’s presence and activities across their traditional territories.
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