Thursday, March 28, 2024
ADVT 
Travel

Huu-ay-aht First Nations Launches Tours To Ancient Village Site

Darpan News Desk, 30 May, 2018 12:14 PM
  • Huu-ay-aht First Nations Launches Tours To Ancient Village Site
Inhabited by Huu-ay-aht ancestors for more than 5,000 years, Kiix̣in is the only known remaining complete traditional First Nations village on the southern B.C. West Coast. Though the National Historic Site has lain empty for more than 300 years, the Huu-ay-aht First Nations has brought Kiix̣in back to life as an authentic tourism experience that brings visitors intimately close to the region's culture, history and nature.
 
During the Kiix̣in experience, guests hike the trail to the site, exploring Vancouver Island's pristine old-growth rainforest and beautiful protected beaches. Along the way, guides will share Huu-ay-aht's knowledge, history, and culture, weaving stories that transport guests back to Kiix̣in as it first stood. Once they have reached the site, visitors will see significant standing remains of the original fortress, where 15 to 20 original longhouses once stood. Guests will wander among the ruins; explore the surrounding forest and beaches; and gaze upon the fortress look-out, where 
the Huu-ay-aht once kept watch for invaders and grey whales.
 
Each tour to Kiix̣in lasts approximately three hours and is guided by Huu-ay-aht traditional knowledge holders. The tours were originally launched last summer as part of a pilot project. This year Huu-ay-aht plans to offer a full tour season from May 19 to September 30. Tours to the site are complimentary.
 
The Kiix̣in Village and Fortress National Historic Site of Canada is located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, strategically set between the exposed, rugged outer coast and the protected inner waters of Barkley Sound, British Columbia. The 19th-century village and fortress exhibit evidence of occupation dating back to 1000 B.C.E., and is still considered a sacred site to present-day Huu-ay-aht First Nations. Official recognition refers to four distinct archaeological sites, which include the main village and fortress sites and two other related archaeological sites.
 
Kiix̣in is the traditional capital village of the Huu-ay-aht, a Nuu-chah-nulth First Nation. It is the only known First Nations village of more than 100 villages on the southern British Columbia coast that still features significant, standing traditional architecture. Much is known about Kiix̣in thanks to a wealth of historic information collected from oral histories, archaeology, and archival records, which demonstrate continuous occupation of the area for almost 3,000 years. The area is characteristic of Nuu-chah-nulth defensive sites and warfare patterns, resource extraction and commercial practices, and illustrates the changing Nuu-chah-nulth political and economic patterns of the 18th and 19th centuries.
 
The Kiix̣in tours will depart daily from Bamfield, B.C., and are complimentary. To book, e-mail info@Kiixin.ca or call 250-735-3432. For more information, visit www.Kiixin.ca.
 

MORE Travel ARTICLES

How to Combat Jetlag

How to Combat Jetlag
No one knows better than a Crew member how to combat and avoid jet lag when travelling across different time zones.

How to Combat Jetlag

Discover weekend treasures through Doors Open Ontario

Discover weekend treasures through Doors Open Ontario
Hundreds of buildings, many not usually open to the public, will welcome visitors on weekends in September and October, all free of charge.

Discover weekend treasures through Doors Open Ontario

Peru Travel Reveals Startling Connection Between Ancient Cultures

Peru Travel Reveals Startling Connection Between Ancient Cultures
Silva's research has also uncovered connections between Inca ceremonial sites and similar "tombs" in Egypt, China and Greece.

Peru Travel Reveals Startling Connection Between Ancient Cultures

Croatia is Big News

Croatia is Big News

In need of some ideas for your next vacation? How about zip-lining at 40 miles per hour, taking y...

Croatia is Big News

Planning the next family vacation? Consider volunteering abroad!

Planning the next family vacation? Consider volunteering abroad!
Projects Abroad offers international volunteer opportunities for families interested in making a difference on their next vacation

Planning the next family vacation? Consider volunteering abroad!

Hit the Road During the Niagara Wine Festival

Hit the Road During the Niagara Wine Festival
Celebrate the grape harvest with a tour through wine country.

Hit the Road During the Niagara Wine Festival