The leadership of the ‘Namgis First Nation has long understood that the development of many types of eco-tourism ventures will play an important role in diversifying the economy of Cormorant Island. Eco-tourism businesses that already exist contribute many jobs to the local economy. The goal of further eco-tourism development is to increase the participation of ‘Namgis members in activities that will be located in up to 20 different locations throughout the land and marine portions of ‘Namgis territory.
Recent Projects:
 
Woss Lake-Tahsis Grease Trail

A major component of ‘Namgis cultural identity is connected to the production and trade of eulachon grease, or ‘glitna.’ For thousands of years this precious food seasoning has been made at the mouth of Knight Inlet and transported by canoe and a network of six major trails to neighbouring First Nations on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Although glitna has continued to be traded, the grease trail routes have not recently been utilized. As part of a newly adopted eco-tourism and cultural development strategy, the ‘Namgis First Nation is now committed to systematically opening all of the ancient trade routes.


Construction of tent pad

In 2001 the ‘Namgis Nation initiated a process to re-open and utilize the Woss Lake-Tahsis Grease trail for cultural and eco-tourism purposes. A cabin was constructed mid-way up Woss Lake to act as a staging base. An informal campsite was then developed at the top end of Woss Lake. Over several years gatherings of ‘Namgis community members were held at these locations. In this same period preliminary trail design, campsite design, and general archaeological investigations were also completed.

In 2003-4 a preliminary business plan was written in partnership with Ecotrust Canada for eco-tourism activities associated with the Grease Trail. As well, in 2004 the ‘Namgis First Nation also benefited from funding provided by BC and Canada in a ‘treaty related measure’ designed to improve ‘Namgis capacity to research and protect archaeological sites. Archaeologist Jim Stafford and a ‘Namgis field crew made up of Dawn Cranmer, Jackson Warren, Cecil Brown and Tom Brown excavated test holes at several locations on the historic Woss Lake-Tahsis Grease Trail.
   


In 2005, $150,000+ in funding was secured from the Community Economic Adjustment Fund, the North Vancouver Island Aboriginal Training Society and internal ‘Namgis sources to fully develop the Grease Trail. This work has included upgrading of the Woss Lake cabin, installation of two composting privies, location of 12 elevated tent platforms, construction of two weather shelters, and building of three kilometres of trail. This work has been completed by a 5 person ‘Namgis crew including Lawrence Isaac, Amber Wadhams, Albert Prevost, Cecil Alfred and Jerry Alfred.
Yukusam Heritage Society



Hanson, or Yukusam (“shaped like a halibut hook”) Island, is located near the eastern border of ‘Namgis core territory. This small island hosts upwards of 10,000 culturally modified trees, as well as other significant cultural heritage resources. In the early 1980s, when the 1,400 hectare island was threatened with intensive industrial logging, the ‘Namgis and U’mista Cultural Centre spearheaded a campaign to protect the island. In 2003, as part of the Central Coast Land and Resource Management Plan process, Hanson Island was set aside as a ‘protection area’ to be jointly administered by the Mamalilikulla Qwe Qwa Sot Em, ‘Namgis and Tlowitsis First Nations.


The Yukusam Heritage Society, jointly controlled by the Mamalilikulla Qwe Qwa Sot Em, ‘Namgis and Tlowitsis First Nations, was incorporated on April 27, 2004. The first major project of the Society was to create a Management Plan ‘vision’ for the protection and limited development of the Island. A key part of this planning process was the creation of 26 large-format maps that tell the story of Hanson Island in an exciting visual format. Next, a series of business plans were also completed that describe economic opportunities linked to activities including marine access campsites, cultural education, land-based whale watching, and resort development. Ecotrust Canada and staff members of the ‘Namgis Treaty and Natural Resources Department played central roles in completing these innovative planning and business development projects.