Meares 40

IISAAK OLAM Foundation is hosting a series of gatherings in 2024 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Meares Island (Wanachus-Hilthuu’is) Tribal Park and its lasting legacy.

Photos: Bob “Suds” Sunderland, Ha-Shilth-Sa (1984).

#Meares40

2024 marks the 40th anniversary of the Wanachus-Hilthuuis (Meares Island) Tribal Park, declared in 1984 by ƛaɁuukwiatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht) and ʕaaḥuusʔatḥ (Ahousaht) Nations. This declaration represents the assertion of Indigenous governance of the lands and waters in the Clayoquot Sound and on the west coast. 

Today, the monumental old growth forests of Wanachus Hilthuu’is are still standing. The watershed provides a source of clean, fresh water to the community of Tofino – some of the best in the world. Tla-o-qui-aht are upholding and reviving their cultural practices in this incredible place.

Since 1984, three additional Tribal Parks have been established in the haḥuułi (traditional territories) of the ƛaɁuukwiatḥ ḥaw̓iiḥ. Read more here: https://tribalparks.com/ 

Photos: Bob “Suds” Sunderland, Ha-Shilth-Sa (1984).

Voice your support for a new conservancy in the Clayoquot Sound!

ƛaɁuukwiatḥ and ʕaaḥuusʔatḥ have announced their plans to create a new conservancy encompassing 77,000 hectares of forested lands, currently part of TFL 54.

Read more here

The province is currently seeking public input on the proposed conservancy.  Please visit this link to show your support:

#Meares40 2024 Events

IISAAK OLAM Foundation is hosting a series of gatherings in 2024 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Meares Island (Wanachus-Hilthuu’is) Tribal Park and its lasting legacy. New events will be announced throughout the year.

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

#Meares40 Evening Reception

xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, and səlilwətaɬ territories

An evening reception downtown Vancouver. Ceremony, speeches, historical photos and footage, music, and refreshments to be enjoyed.

Location: #200-422 Richards St.

Time: 6-9pm

If you identify as Indigenous, your entry is by donation | $100 for friends and allies

Sunday, April 21, 2024

#Meares40 Tofino Village Green

ƛaɁuukwiatḥ territories

Gather at the Tofino Village Green to hear from ƛaɁuukwiatḥ leaders and knowledge holders at the heart of the Tribal Parks movement and celebrate, together, the great strides being made in Indigenous stewardship of lands and waters. Bring your reusable mug to enjoy coffee, tea and hot chocolate! 

Time: 12 – 2:30pm

Wednesday, June 26, 2024

#Meares40 Dinner & Film Festival

Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm territories

Vancouver – The North American Congress of Conservation Biologists is gathering on the traditional, ancestral, unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) First Nation in June. Join us for dinner, followed by a film festival from 7-9pm with screenings from IOF and our partners.

Dinner location: UBC Point Grey Campus – The Nest [5-7pm]

Film festival location: UBC Point Grey Campus – Great Hall [7-9pm]

For questions about events, email events@iisaakolam.ca

#Meares35 2019

IISAAK OLAM Foundation is hosting a series of gatherings in 2024 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Meares Island (Wanachus-Hilthuu’is) Tribal Park and its lasting legacy. New events will be announced throughout the year.