The Clayoquot Campus, formerly known as the Tofino Botanical Gardens, is dedicated to supporting Indigenous-led conservation initiatives in Canada and beyond. The Clayoquot Campus is home to many indoor and outdoor spaces. Each space hosts a variety of programming: The Naa’Waya’Sum Gardens, the Carving Lodge, the čukʷaa haʔuk cafe, and the IISAAK Learning Lodge. Its programs aim to guide the establishment, governance, and management of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs).
As the first land-based campus of the Pacific IPCA Innovation Centre, the Clayoquot Campus provides educational experiences that specifically highlight Nuu-chah-nulth teachings and worldviews on how to care for communities and ecosystems. Programs include language revitalization, carving apprenticeships, hosting of field schools, and cultural tours.
The Clayoquot Campus is owned by the Clayoquot Indigenous Conservation Innovation Centre. The IISAAK OLAM Foundation played a critical role in fundraising to purchase the 12-acre site and utilizes the space to host IPCA Productive Retreats and other educational events.
The IISAAK OLAM Foundation respectfully acknowledges the Ha’houthlee of the Tla-o-qui-aht Ha’wiih on which the Naa’waya’sum Gardens and the Clayoquot Campus of the Pacific IPCA Innovation Centre are situated. The IISAAK OLAM Foundation does not represent the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation Band Council or the Tla-o-qui-aht Ha’wiih.
Major renovations and construction at the Clayoquot Campus are complete! The gardens and cafe are open 7 days a week, the carving studio and gallery features rotating exhibits, and the lodge is open for bookings.
