Feast on Indigenous Tourism Culture at Tofino’s naaɁuu

Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation’s naaʔuu is back for an encore 2024 season. This uniquely immersive, west coast indigenous tourism experience combines art, song, dance, storytelling, and authentic cuisine. Named after the Nuu-chah-nulth word meaning “come together” and “feast,” the seven upcoming naa?uu performances unfold June 7th to 29th.

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Connect with First Nation’s History + Traditions

Prepare to be transported through the past, present, and future vision of Tla-o-qui-aht culture as members of Tla-o-qui-aht guide you through their way of life through generations of stories and artistic expression.

Hosted by Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks, naa?uu [pronouned naa-ooh] offers deep perspective into the rich and vibrant traditions of the Tla-o-qui-aht community. An entertaining, cultural showcase of resurgence through indigenous tourism.

Event highlights include:

• Culinary journey of traditional food led by Chef Roberta Tom
• Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation song, dance, and storytelling
• Interactive art featuring works by Tla-o-qui-aht and Nuu-chah-nulth artists

Naa?uu Tofino Cultural Packages

Come together at feast at naa?uu! Book now to experience a naa?uu Tofino Cultural Package with Pacific Sands and receive 10% off tickets.

• Upcoming 2024 dates: June 7, 8, 14, 15, 22, 28, 29
• Location: Best Western Tis Wis
• Event time: 6pm to 9pm

Meet Chef Roberta Tom

Born and raised in Tofino’s Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, Roberta grew up learning how to cook and harvest with her mother and grandparents.

“Our way of life was, and still is, to gather what we need from the sea, air, and land,” Roberta declared proudly. “But to take only what we need. To respect our resources and the food that nourishes us.”

After leaving Tofino to live in other places on Vancouver Island, Roberta returned at 19 with renewed cooking goals.

Roberta set the stage, “I wanted to show the world what incredible food the west coast naturally provides. So, I started at Tofino’s Schooner Restaurant as a sous chef, then worked my way up to catering at Best Western Tin Wis, then restaurant manager.”

“People were always asking me where to get authentic, indigenous food. What evolved was a dream of creating beautiful buffet tables filled with local cuisine and telling people the origin story of the food as they were eating.

“Especially fresh seafood and how we catch, harvest, and cook it. The idea started to take shape, but it didn’t align with the business partner I was working with, so I parked it and got on with life.”

With the planting of that seed, time marched on, and a new plan emerged for Roberta.

Beautiful Buffet Dreams Come True

“Twenty-five years later, I received a call from the First Nation about naa?uu. They asked me to be the chef for the the naa?uu event series,” continued Roberta. “I received tickets to an event to experience it, however the timing did not work and I could not go, so I sent my daughters. They went and reported back that it was a great performance but there was no connection to food.

“After hearing that, my beautiful buffet dream was resurrected. Now, as naa?uu’s Chef, I’m so proud to show off the bounty of how we eat in our special community.”

Drawing flavours from the Tla-o-qui-aht lands, and cooking techniques from her elders, Chef Roberta’s menu includes local salmon, crab, halibut, oysters, scallops, snapper, shrimp, root vegetables, berries, and breads.

“My family is Tofino’s deeply-rooted Martin family and harvesting food is a big part of our heritage. Cooking for, and with, my family will always be my favourite thing to, but it’s an honour to now also cook for naa?uu guests at these spectacular events.

“I want people to know this is what we do. To show them what and how we eat. For example, we eat the fish from the head to the tail, wasting nothing. Respect.”

Let’s Feast

Experience Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation culture and Chef Roberta’s cuisine at naa?uu.

Photo credits: Bryanna Bradley