How Clayoquot Sound’s War in the Woods transformed a region
May 13, 2022
By Stephanie Wood, The Narwhal – Published August 21, 2021 Almost 30 years after the ‘war in the woods’ stopped most industrial logging in Clayoquot
Welcome to the home of the Naa'Waya'Sum Gardens, the IISAAK Learning Lodge, and the Little Costa Rica Cafe.
The Tofino Botanical Gardens has entered a new phase of life. In 2021, the 10-acre site was sold to the IPCA Innovation Program – a project of MakeWay Charitable Society – and renamed the Clayoquot Campus. The unique space, established in 1997, has shifted to a focus on supporting Indigenous-led conservation.
The Naa’Waya’Sum Gardens and Little Costa Rica Cafe are closed for the season. We invite you to come by for a visit, witness the live carving of totem poles, explore the trails, sip a hot drink on the patio, and learn about Nuu-chah-nulth art and culture in the near future.
Naa'Waya'Sum Coastal Indigenous Gardens
We are closed for the season, and hope to see you in the near future!
Garden admissions support on-site language and cultural revitalization efforts, garden maintenance and operations.
"Naa'Waya'Sum" means 'the transfer of knowledge from one generation to another' in the Nuu-chah-nulth language.
IISaAK Learning Lodge
The IISAAK Learning Lodge (formerly the Ecolodge) is an educational space that includes accommodation for those participating in on-site classes and programs. The focus of all educational programs is Indigenous-led conservation with specific attention to Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs).
The IISAAK Learning Lodge is a place where organizations, business and indivuduals to host educational programs related to indigenous-led conservation. The Lodge is not currently available for bookings. Please stay tuned as more information becomes available.
We are currently accepting booking requests for the IISAAK Learning Lodge for September 2022 and beyond. We will no longer be accepting nightly bookings. The IISAAK Lodge is an educational space, and accommodations are reserved for those taking or hosting programs related to Indigenous-led conservation.
The Clayoquot Campus is dedicated to supporting Indigenous-led conservation initiatives in Canada and beyond. Our programs aim to provide guidance on the establishment, governance, and management of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs). As the first land-based campus of the Pacific IPCA Innovation Centre, we are proud to provide educational experiences that specifically highlight Nuu-chah-nulth teachings and worldviews on how to care for our communities and ecosystems.
Little Costa Rica Cafe
Darwin’s Café has been given the temporary name Little Costa Rica Cafe in honour of founder George Patterson’s original inspiration for the gardens. The café will eventually be given a Nuu-chah-nulth name in line with the goals of the new Clayoquot Campus, which will be announced upon the official launch of the Campus.
The Clayoquot Campus is dedicated to supporting Indigenous-led conservation initiatives in Canada and beyond. Our programs aim to provide guidance on the establishment, governance, and management of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas. As the first land-based campus of the Pacific IPCA Innovation Centre, we are proud to provide educational experiences that specifically highlight Nuu’chah’nulth teachings and worldviews on how to care for our environment.
News & Articles
Tofino Botanical Gardens Changes Hands, Makeway Canada Takes Ownership
April 15, 2022
10-acre property is now an Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (IPCA) Innovation Centre By Nora O’Malley, Alberni Valley News – Published March 3, 2022 The
Tofino Botanical Gardens Has Transformed
April 7, 2022
Tofino Botanical Gardens has transformed to honour Indigenous knowledge and conservation. The Naa’Waya’Sum Coastal Indigenous Gardens will provide place-based education and inspiration to support Indigenous-led