First Nations Eco-business presentation

Our thanks to Dennis Thomas, Tsleil-Waututh First Nation (The People of the Inlet) member (and husband of Club member, Deneka).  Dennis is the Project Manager, Economic Development and the operator of Takaya (meaning wolf) Tours, located in Cates Park, North Vancouver, on the traditional lands of the Tsleil-Waututh First Nation.  Takaya Tours was started in 1999 by his great uncle, Leonard, the Economic Development Officer.  Dennis' lineage comes from Chief Dan George, who became a voice for the native people in the 1960s/70s.

Dennis gave us a history of the three First Nations in the area.  Tsleil-Waututh has about 500 members, Squamish about 3,800 members (due to a consolidation of several villages in 1928) and Musqueam about 1,300 members.  The three nations have faced a number of challenges over the years but came together during the 2010 Olympics and have entered into a partnership to develop their land and culture for the benefit of their members.  Dennis started in the theatre and film industry (you might have seen him in Storeum, Gastown) and then moved into marketing and business development, recently earning his degree.

Dennis talked briefly about the First Nations culture, including the history, songs, legends and dances.  The business model for Takaya Tours is a First Nations eco adventure.  Takaya has an archaeologist who makes replica artifacts and an ethnobotonist who specializes in natural remedies.  Takaya does paddling tours up Indian Arm in traditional canoes, in False Creek, and will soon be able to do salmon spawning tours with a larger vessel.

We look forward to an outing with Takaya tours in the spring and to Part 2 of Dennis' presentation (there was so much that he couldn't finish in just one hour!!).

Thanks Dennis!!