Indigenous Tourism and the Nation History of the Heiltsuk Nation and Tourism Tourism Opportunities Originally occupying over 50 communities, the Heiltsuk Nation have lived The Heiltsuk Nation has been exploring The Heiltsuk Territory is a remarkable tourism within their territory from time-immemorial. Confirming Heiltsuk oral history, the possibilities of tourism and the destination for many companies today (Harris, the most recent archeological findings confirmed that the Heiltsuk have impacts it may have on its community 2018), the Nation is exploring ways to occupied this area on the central coast for 14,000+ years. since the 1980’s (Harris, 2018), the respectfully incorporate this industry into the 1833 – Hudson's Bay Company build Fort McLaughlin interest was high enough that tourism community. The tourism opportunities that are was added to various 5 and 10-year available are endless and can contribute to 1860 – Smallpox epidemic spreads throughout the coast strategic plans. Today, the Heiltsuk the local economy by creating more jobs to 1870 – Continued Amalgamation to ‘Qelc have established a Tourism and Retail accompany the seasonal employment. Board through their Heiltsuk Economic Some tourism development opportunities 1897 – 1903 – Heiltsuk fully relocated 3kms north of ‘Qelc to Bella Development Corporation, with the include; guided tours, wildlife viewings, parks Bella. Heiltsuk Population 322. intention of moving forward within the and trails, campgrounds, hotels, restaurants, tourism industry. The Nation recognizes lodges, and local markets (Harris, 2018). The 1902 - 1910 – Community established a strong economy with; the many unique tourism opportunities, local culture and history provides a rich houses, boardwalk, hospital, church, stores, and wharf. Bella Bella and the economic benefits of educational resource for visitors and can be sustainable tourism, available on the delivered through interpretation and personal was already the 2nd largest community on the coast. coast and have explored partnerships stories, and if done right, can attract visitors 1985-1995 – The Airport and BC Ferries Terminal were built, Bella with surrounding Nations (AtBC, 2016). world-wide.

Bella revitalized activity on the central coast, reclaiming the status of 185 VISITORS TO TRAVEL MOTIVATIONS HEILTSUK TERRITORY IN 2018 being the main contact point on the central coast South America-1 Accommodations- 2018 – Community has; a community hall, hospital, church, all levels 1% United Visitors- Food & of schools, health centre, fish plant, stores, post office, and much States-18 Europe/Asia- 13% Beverage- 8 Fishing- 4% more. Todays Heiltsuk Population is 2267, with 1168 living on 8% History-6% reserve.

- Heiltsuk Cultural Education Centre Wildlife- Other 27% -34 British Shearwater- Columbia- 24% 88

Africa-2 Tours Bella Bella ○ (Walking or )- 17%

-Clifton, E. (2018, January) -Clifton, E. (2018, January)

References AtBC. (2016). Tourism Development and Ferry Services: A Vision for . Report of the Central Coast / North Island Tourism and Ferries Committee . Cadence Strategies, on behalf of Aboriginal Tourism BC. Retrieved from http://www.tiabc.ca/wp-content/uploads/recent-current-advocacy-issues/AtBC-Central-Coast-Ferries- Report-FINAL.pdf Clifton, E. (2018, January). Daily Visitor Log - Bella Bella, BC - Summer 2017. Bella Bella, , Canada. Heiltsuk Territory Harris, J. (2018, February). Rough Draft of Tourism Plan - Living Doc. Bella Bella, Britch Columbia, Canada. Heiltsuk Cultural Education Centre. (n.d.). Retrieved from Historical Notes: http://www.hcec.ca/heiltsuk.html Heiltsuk Tribal Council. (2015). Retrieved from History: http://www.heiltsuknation.ca/about-2/history/