The purchase of Knight Inlet Lodge by Nanwakolas Timber Limited Partnership is expected to generate both revenue for the member Nations and employment opportunities for their members. The Regional Economic Development and Community Wellbeing Coordinator for Nanwakolas Council says the recent posting of three positions at the eco-adventure Lodge is the first of more opportunities to come.
“We will develop training programs that prepare people for all of the types of jobs available at the Lodge,” said Chris Roberts, “and in this initial season we will do the best we can to recruit suitable and qualified candidates from the membership of our Nations.”
Knight Inlet Lodge is a floating lodge in Glendale Cove in the Great Bear Rainforest. It is a prime grizzly bear viewing destination that also offers a full program of wilderness tours including whale watching, rainforest hikes, inlet cruises and nature interpretation hikes.
Nanwakolas bought the lodge from Dean and Kathy Wyatt last October. Nanwakolas is a First Nations controlled entity mandated to secure economic development opportunities for the benefit of its First Nations members. Members of the Timber Limited Partnership are Wei Wai Kum, Da’naxda’xw Awaetlala, Mamalilukulla, Tlowitsis, and K’omoks. While no major changes are planned, Nanwakolas plans to introduce an Aboriginal cultural component to the lodge’s programming.
“The Lodge is the crown jewel of wildlife viewing in North America and we look forward to adding the beauty of our culture to this tremendous experience,” said Dallas Smith, Nanwakolas President. “This acquisition represents a significant achievement for our First Nations toward improving the well-being of their communities and exerting greater control over and protecting their traditional territories.”