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October To-Do In Tofino: Supporting Our First Nations Communities

  • Forest Eden Greenwell
  • 2 days ago
  • 3 min read

While October is generally known as “Spooky Season” across North America, it’s also a powerful time to honour the land and those who have stewarded it long before it was known as “Tofino”.


Coming right off of Truth & Reconciliation day (otherwise known as “Orange Shirt Day”) on September 30th, we would like to highlight that as we collectively celebrate the harvest of a beautiful summer, this is available because of the work of First Nations communities.


Tofino, as we commonly know it, is traditionally the land of Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations. There are many different communities within this like the Esowista, Ty Histanis and Opitsah who all have their own lands throughout Tla-o-qui-aht. These communities span from Long Beach to Meares Island and beyond.


Instead of highlighting what to do for Thanksgiving or Halloween in Tofino, we would rather show you ways to engage more deeply with the communities here, educate, and share with you places you can support with peace of mind.


First Nations Events in Tofino in October


This is not an exhaustive list of what events are happening in Tofino, but rather ones that support our First Nations communities and focus on uplifting them. If you would like to see all of the events that are happening in Tofino in October, you can head to Tourism Tofino.


October 4th: Tofino Market


While this event is not exclusively Indigenous, it has a wide scope of local vendors including makers and creators from our First Nations communities. 


The Tofino Market is every Saturday from May 17th - October 11th, 10AM-2PM



This is a free event, with the theme of this particular beading workshop being “Orange Shirts”. Beading is a traditional practice and art in many First Nations communities. If you can’t make this date, there is a workshop every Thursday until December 18th.


This particular class is from 12PM-4PM at 331 Main Street.

polaroid style photo of beaded orange shirts
Beaded Orange Shirts from the Elizabeth George workshop/



This exhibit showcases the work from Ucluelet Secondary Schools youth, who through September have created projects that reflect what they have learned about those who went through the Canadian Indian Residential School System, it’s survivors and those in our memories. They are on display alongside an exhibit from the Legacy of Hope Foundation: A National Crime.


930AM-5PM at the Tofino Visitor Centre



This is a workshop series focused on how to enact change through social movements. Protesting, organizing, and using our voices are valuable tools. With guidance from Dan Lewis, this workshop series highlights the different ways in which we can come together to let our voices be heard. This work and efforts of a similar kind have helped us save lands, seek justice, and be heard. The values of this workshop deeply align with those of First Nations and is a powerful way to show up for your communities.


October 8th - General Assemblies

October 22 - Peaceful Direct Action


7PM-9PM at Wickaninnnish Community School - 431 Gibson Road


First Nations Communities & Businesses in Tofino


Aside from events, there are year round ways to support the First Nations communities in Tla-o-qui-aht. Buy art, have adventures, and feel good about who you are resourcing with your dollars.



There are endless incredible, inspiring ways to experience Tofino. No matter the weather or time of year or budget, there are ways to meaningfully engage with the rich culture and history that has given us the gift that it is today.


When planning your next trip, know you have the resources available to make support, reconciliation and truth more than just a day.

 
 
 

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