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Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks welcomes all to ‘come feast’ at new cultural event series

“We are excited to welcome you into our house, to share a little bit of who we are, in our own words”
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Hjalmer Wenstob drums and sings a traditional Nuu-chah-nulth song to promote the upcoming naaʔuu event, at the Best Western Tin Wis Plus Resort in Tofino, British Columbia, on December 3, 2022. (Photo submitted)

The Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation is set to open a new cultural experience showcasing food, art and culture through a limited event series called naaʔuu.

The cultural experience launches at the Tla-o-qui-aht-owned Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort in Tofino this month beginning at the resort’s conference centre, which will be “transformed to look and feel like a traditional longhouse,” according to a media release announcing the series.

“We are excited to welcome you into our house, to share a little bit of who we are, in our own words,” naaʔuu Co-Producer Hjalmer Wenstob said through the announcement. “Come 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.”

Naaʔuu is a Nuu-chah-nulth word that means “come together” and “feast,” so delicious food will be a big part of the experience, which will include “a delicious dinner that celebrates traditional coastal cuisine prepared by Chef Ian Riddick, with support from his Heartwood Kitchen team and Tla-o-qui-aht food suppliers,” according to the announcement.

“This sumptuous meal commences your three-hour immersion into the Tla-o-qui-aht tradition, filled with performative storytelling, dance and song,” it reads.

Tickets are available through Eventbrite, with proceeds going to the Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks restoration work.

“Our ambition is to share our culture,” said Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation’s Natural Resources Manager Saya Masso through the announcement. “By experiencing our culture, it will help visitors understand Tla-o-qui-aht’s perspective. To see our culture, to see our art and to understand our stories is how they can participate in our future.”

The first experience is set for March 15 from 6-9 p.m. More information can be found at www.eventbrite.com.

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