Welcome. Glad to see you. ƛayaaḥuɁał
Tofino is located within the ancestral gardens of the Tla-o-qui-aht Nation, the haḥuułi of the ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ ḥaw̓iiḥ, and their Tribal Parks.
ƛayaaḥuɁał, meaning “welcome, glad to see you” in the Tla-o-qui-aht language, is accompanied by an understanding that those who are welcomed practice ʔiisaak: to observe, appreciate and act accordingly. To practice respect. ʔiisaak is a natural law and teaching, the principle that has governed and protected this place for thousands of years.
hišukʔiš cawak means we are all interconnected, or everything is one. We recognize the need for all visitors and residents to act for the good of the whole and protection of future generations. When you take the ʔiisaak Pledge, you commit to its practice.
This is an invitation into relationship. It asks something of you. And it offers something in return: a more honest, more meaningful way of being here.
Let it live in how you move through this place — in every choice you make while you are here.
ʔiisaak
Observe. Appreciate. Act Accordingly. Practice Respect.
The ʔiisaak Pledge introduces four Tla-o-qui-aht teachings and laws that have helped protect and shape this beautiful place, the haḥuułi of the ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ ḥaw̓iiḥ, and its people over many generations.
Take the ʔiisaak Pledge and put it into practice for the duration of your stay so that the ecosystems continue to be maintained for future generations of all life.
Four Teachings
While visiting, working or residing in Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks in the haḥuułi of the ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ ḥaw̓iiḥ we practice the ʔiisaak pledge.
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ʔiisaaksinḥiʔin ( ii-saak-sin-hi-in )
We observe, appreciate, and act accordingly. We practice respect.
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taaquuqḥłiʔin ( taa-quuqh-thli-in )
We speak truthfully and act honourably.
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łaayaksiinḥiʔin ( thlaa-yak-siin-hi-in )
We are generous and helpful, contributing energy, currency and time to community, we practice reciprocity with the natural world.
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qʷaasiinḥapin ( kwa-siin-hap-in )
We protect habitats and keep healthy ecosystems as they are for future generations of life.
Take the ʔiisaak pledge
Let it live in how you move through this place — in every choice you make while you are here.
These teachings are alive. They have shaped and have been shaped by this place for thousands of years, and they carry that responsibility forward — into every visit, every choice, every moment here.
When we commit to live by them, they will lead us toward an abundant future.
Leave a legacy by contributing to the resurgence of Tla-o-qui-aht culture, governance, and stewardship. Every contribution helps us honour our responsibility to care for the land, water, air, and life of this place.