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 Café.
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 Clayoquot Campus is a centre for place-based, collaborative learning in the Ha’houlthee of the Tla-o-qui-aht Ha’wilth. It is part of the Pacific IPCA Innovation Centre.
The Clayoquot Campus and Naa’Waya’Sum Gardens will be closed for construction and renovation beginning Spring 2024. Our team appreciates your patience during this time of transformation!
Come back to this page for updates on the projects.
Safety Notice
We request that individuals refrain from entering the property due to ongoing construction hazards. For your safety and well-being, please respect this request as construction activities may pose risks to unauthorized visitors. Anyone choosing to enter the premises does so at their own risk, and we cannot be held liable for any accidents or injuries incurred as a result.
Naa'Waya'Sum Coastal Indigenous Gardens
"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 is a place where organizations, business and individuals to host educational programs related to Indigenous-led conservation. 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).
With support from Infrastructure Canada, the Lodge is undergoing a deep energy and accessibility retrofit. Updates will transition the facility to net-zero energy use and make the building more inclusive to those of all ages and abilities.
The Lodge is not currently available for bookings. Our doors will re-open in 2025.
The IISAAK Lodge is an educational space, and accommodations are reserved for those taking or hosting programs related to Indigenous-led conservation. We will no longer be accepting nightly bookings.
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
The café is a space under development. It will eventually be given a Nuu-chah-nulth name, which will be announced when the campus reopens in 2025.
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
Pacific IPCA Innovation Centre
August 30, 2021
Anchoring a New Movement of Indigenous-led Conservation By Monica Shore, Executive Director & Co-Founder, IISAAK OLAM Foundation & Eli Enns, Co-Founder & President, IISAAK OLAM