Wilderness wildlife lodge, British Columbia

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION:
The off-the-grid Resort produces its own power. In 2022 the resort was awarded a grant from BC Government's First Nation Clean Energy Business Fund to help fund the redesigned and improve the resorts water intake, Pelton wheel (hydro-wheel) and storage capacity. This brand new hydro electrical grid comes with state-of-the-art equipment, allowing them to harness the stream run-off water more efficiently, triple energy generation, and most importantly, enable them to store energy (otherwise lost) so critical during peak consumption periods. The micro-hydroelectric project has eliminated diesel fuel generators at the off-grid resort, removing up to 38 tonnes of carbon emissions annually to help create a low carbon future for the resort.

ENVIRONMENT & WILDLIFE:
The Klahoose Nation supports sustainable forestry, aquaculture, and an expanding tourism portfolio. They are fully committed to continue protecting the environment, its wildlife, and natural resources for all future generations.

They are committed to the preservation, conservation, and protection of the ocean, wilderness, marine, and terrestrial life as well as the local community by purchasing locally, employing Indigenous staff, and partnering with local artists.

Klahoose Wilderness Resort has signed the Sustainable Tourism 2030 Pledge, to demonstrate their commitment to improving the sustainability performance of the business between now and 2030. The UN World Tourism Organization defines sustainable tourism as “tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities.”

Partnership with the Commercial Bear Viewing Association (CBVA) to develop industry standards, uniform guide training, and ongoing research to protect bear and wildlife habitat and supporting the Grizzly Bear Foundation.

Supporting the North Island Marine Mammal Stewardship Association (NIMMSA). A conservation fee is collected from guests and funds go to support conservation and education in the northern Salish Sea region.

The resort uses refillable natural based ONEKA shampoo, conditioner, body & hand wash, and lotions. This helps support a local company, while providing a high quality package-free product to help transition the resort to a plastic-free and lower our environmental impact.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY
Contribution to the local economy to support regional coastal communities by purchasing locally sourced and sustainable goods, food, and supporting Indigenous and local artists. Examples of this include the purchase of art direct from Coast Salish Indigenous artist's including Ernest Pugless, with wood carvings in main lodge, Maynard Johnny Jr with art in main lodge, and Adam Lewis with art in main lodge and guests rooms.

Serve beer from locally crafted beer, Townsite Brewing, based in the historic Townsite District of Powell River, the beers are named for local sites and language including the recent collaboration beer called "Toba Inlet Lager" named after the majestic Toba Inlet.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY & DIVERSITY
Guest's conservation fees are collected, and included in each guest's tour package and goes towards conservation efforts including a portion of the funds that go to the CBVA and NIMMSA, but also to specific efforts to conserving, and enhancing sites, traditions, and the Klahoose First Nation of cultural, historical, archaeological, and spiritual significance. Some examples of this include their Klahoose Women's retreat and their Klahoose cultual learning program for the entire Klahoose team.

They prioritize hiring from the surrounding communities where they operate.

Support program and training for Indigenous careers in tourism. Recent training has included SVOP, Interpretive Guide Training, Grizzly Bear Guide Training and Marine Mammal training.

They are working to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for 2030, and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Reconciliation Through Travel: q?aga k?anac?m - Come sit down, with us
Guests who choose to visit Klahoose Wilderness Resort will naturally support these great initiatives while etching memories through their personal adventures. This collective effort, a connection to place, its people, and time-gathered wisdom come together at Klahoose Wilderness Resort within the Klahoose Nation to cast lifelong memories while providing a positive impact for us all.

Their commitment to Indigenous Tourism in Canada includes signing the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) 2030 Pledge. The pledges recognizes the importance of Indigenous Tourism in Canada.