The Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation invites locals and visitors to gather and feast at naaʔuu, an immersive cultural dining experience in Tofino, British Columbia. The limited series event presents an evening of Indigenous food, art, song and dance, with an eye towards restoring the nation’s lands, languages and culture.
Launching March 2023, naaʔuu was inspired by a Nuu-chah-nulth word that translates to “come together and feast.”
Melissa Renwick | ZenSeekers
Guests will gather at the Tla-o-qui-aht-owned Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort, whose conference centre was transformed to replicate a traditional longhouse. Over the course of three hours, Tla-o-qui-aht hosts will tell stories and share transformative teachings through song and dance, with carved masks and signature regalia on display.
naaʔuu will culminate in a decadent, coastally inspired dinner prepared by Chef Ian Riddick of Heartwood Kitchen in Ucluelet, with support from his kitchen team and Tla-o-qui-aht food suppliers. The event features an art show where the public can purchase handcrafted works by local artists and makers.
Visitors seeking to enhance their experience in Tofino can plan their trip to coincide with the Pacific Rim Whale Festival (March 17-25), which runs in collaboration with naaʔuu and takes place in Tofino, Ucluelet and Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.
“Our ambition is to share our culture,” said Saya Masso, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation’s Natural Resources Manager. “Through naaʔuu, locals and travellers can gain a greater understanding of Tla-o-qui-aht’s worldview, which follows the principles of iisaak (respect) and hi-shuk-nish-tsa-waak (we are all one). To see our culture, to see our art and to understand our stories is how visitors can participate in our future.”
Melissa Renwick | ZenSeekers
“We are excited to welcome you into our house, to share a little bit of who we are, in our own words,” said Hjalmer Wenstob, naaʔuu co-producer. “We invite guests to share a meal and bear witness to our powerful singers, dancers and transformative masks and artworks. This is a nation rich in beautiful art and culture in one of the most stunning places in the world.”
Limited tickets are available through Eventbrite, with proceeds going to Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks to support the nation’s ongoing stewardship efforts. Tickets are priced between $199 – $229 and can be purchased at naauu.eventbrite.com.
For more information about naaʔuu visit tribalparks.com/naauu.