Nature-inspired Connection: Indigenous Tourism BC Team Retreat at Klahoose Wilderness Resort
After three years of observing guidelines for responsible travel and respectful gathering, the Indigenous Tourism BC team left the office and the city behind for a three-day team-building and strategy session at Klahoose Wilderness Resort. The mood-boosting effects of time spent in nature and face-to-face connection allowed the team to share unforgettable moments of awe, adventure, and support.
Further Back Inside
No cell signals and distractions–unless you count the nighttime spouts and blows of humpback whales heard offshore from the lodge campfire. Or the endless opportunities to recreate and connect at the resort, located just north of the Sunshine Coast in a remote deep water channel called Homfray Channel, or Thee chum mi yich, meaning further back inside.
The team was sent off and wished well before departure on its flight to Powell River by Klahoose Wilderness Resort’s Tourism Manager, Chris Tait. After a short bus ride to Lund, followed by a 45-minute boat ride north, the team arrived at the lodge–a place of respite hidden from view behind a point until the final approach. Food and Beverage Carol Pierce and the Klahoose team officially welcomed ITBC staff to the territory of Klahoose First Nation, owners of the resort.
On the Land, With Each Other
The retreat included a packed and creative one-day agenda of planning and team-building activities led by Will Harding. On the second day, the team ventured out with ever-entertaining and informative cultural interpreters and wildlife viewing guides Leon Timothy and Klemkwateki, Randy Louie.
Evenings were spent feasting on Chef Gloria Wang’s heartful creations, followed by easy circles and conversations around the fire with ITBC and Klahoose team members. Ceremony and song filled the final night. Klahoose cultural interpreters offered a smudging and cedar brushing ceremony to lift and cleanse.
Humpbacks, Grizzlies, and Team-building
On the final morning, it was clear that the time spent unplugged had increased connectivity–to nature and meaningful work, between team members, and between ITBC and Klahoose staff. Humble thanks to Klahoose Wilderness Resort for closing its first full season with ITBC staff.
The dedicated and spirited staff at Klahoose create space for teams to kayak and swim, sit with humpbacks and grizzlies, and focus on personal and professional growth.