Tell Us Your Story. What motivated you to start your business? Why are you passionate about what you do?

Ahous Adventures was founded with a deep-rooted commitment to merging environmental stewardship with cultural preservation and economic empowerment. Our story begins in 2012 when the ʕaḥuusʔatḥ Ḥaw̓iiḥ, Elected Chief & Council, and advisors established the Maaqutusiis Hahoulthee Stewardship Society (MHSS) and the Ahous Business Corporation (ABC). This strategic move aimed to reclaim and control economic development decisions within the ʕaḥuusʔatḥ haḥuułii (Ahousaht territory), ensuring that all development aligns with the values and needs of the ʕaḥuusʔatḥ people. As the Ahousaht First Nation seeks to revitalize their lands and waters, recovering from past industrial impacts, tourism has emerged as a powerful tool for economic growth and cultural rejuvenation. Our co-founders, Hasheukumiss (Richard George) and ?ikaatius (Tyson Atleo), both esteemed Hereditary Chiefs, recognized the opportunity to channel tourism in a way that honors culture and supports sustainable development. What drives our passion is the belief that tourism can be a force for good—a means to foster economic resilience while upholding our cultural and environmental values. We are deeply committed to ensuring that every aspect of our business serves the broader purpose of benefiting our community and preserving our lands for future generations. Our initiatives reflect this dedication. For example, we implemented a voluntary stewardship fee that directly supports conservation efforts and community projects. This approach not only generates essential funds but also encourages visitors to actively participate in our environmental stewardship mission. We are committed to providing a space where cultural and environmental healing go hand in hand. By integrating these practices, Ahous Adventures strives to set a benchmark for how tourism can contribute to a meaningful and lasting positive impact. Our story is one of resilience, responsibility, and renewal—demonstrating that when cultural values and sustainable practices guide business decisions, communities and environments flourish together.

Describe and demonstrate, including metrics, your community support. How do you support and uplift your community, and how do they show that support in return? Minimum 25 words, maximum 2500 characters.

Ahous Adventures is dedicated to transforming our community by fostering economic opportunities and cultural rejuvenation. We created 28 jobs for the Ahousaht First Nation, counteracting the impacts of historical injustices like residential schools and the Sixties Scoop. These positions are not merely jobs but pathways to restoring a sense of purpose and cultural pride that was eroded through these traumatic events. Our approach extends beyond economic gains. We have implemented a five-year transition plan to phase out non-Indigenous employees and integrate our community members into the workforce. This initiative addresses the socio-economic challenges exacerbated by historical trauma, such as substance abuse, and aims to heal and uplift our people. Financial constraints have long hindered our participation in tourism. However, with 200 jobs now available in Ahousaht, we are offering our youth viable career options, ensuring they have a future in their own community. Our business model includes the Maaqutusiis Hahoulthee Enterprises Inc. Corporation, which is held in trust by hereditary chiefs. This structure guarantees that all revenues are reinvested into community well-being, exemplifying our commitment to sustainable, community-driven development. Our daily operations reflect our dedication to upholding cultural values and addressing historical marginalization. We ensure that visitors respect our traditions and work to increase our community’s participation in sectors like tourism, where we have historically been excluded. This includes improving transportation and training access to bridge the gap between our village and neighboring economic centers. The support from our community is profound; it manifests in the dedication of our workforce and the collective effort to reclaim and nurture our culture. Through Ahous Adventures, we are not only creating jobs but rebuilding a community and its future, one step at a time.

Why do you deserve to win the Business Impact award?

Ahous Adventures deserves to win the Business Impact Award because we uniquely represent an opportunity for the Ahousaht people to showcase our culture, traditions, and deep connection to our lands and waters. Our mission is to provide visitors with a profound understanding of our Indigenous culture and the values that guide our stewardship of these territories. In a world increasingly seeking meaningful connections to natural systems, Ahous Adventures offers a gateway to the profound knowledge and well-being that come from such connections. We invite visitors to experience firsthand the rich stories, cultural practices, and the current state of marginalization our community faces in the tourism sector. Our aim is for guests to gain a genuine understanding of who the Ahousaht people are, appreciate our way of life, and contribute to the ongoing stewardship of our lands. Our tours go beyond traditional experiences, incorporating elements like whale watching, bear viewing, and visits to hot springs, all enriched with Indigenous knowledge and perspectives. Our guides, who are deeply connected to the land and its history, provide guests with unique insights into our culture and the historical significance of our territory. We emphasize the importance of understanding our place names, historical battles, and the cultural context of our practices. By offering a space where visitors can engage in cultural and environmental stewardship activities, we provide opportunities for meaningful contributions to our land's preservation. This aligns with our vision of integrating tourism with active, on-the-ground conservation efforts. Winning the Business Impact Award would acknowledge our dedication to cultural preservation, community empowerment, and sustainable tourism. Ahous Adventures is more than a business; it is a platform for educating the world about our rich culture and fostering a deeper connection to our lands, all while creating meaningful economic opportunities for our people, Ahousaht First Nation. We exemplify the true essence of making a meaningful difference in both our community and beyond. Our business is driven by a deep commitment to cultural preservation, economic empowerment, and environmental stewardship, all of which are central to our mission.

Tell Us About Your Culture. How are you creating a sustainable and healthy workplace where everyone feels welcome? Provide examples of leadership you show in interactions with clients, vendors, contractors, staff and others.

At Ahous Adventures, we proudly embody our Ahousaht culture through every aspect of our operations, creating a sustainable and welcoming environment for all. Our team, deeply rooted in our traditions, benefits from ongoing cultural training and mentorship, ensuring a rich understanding of our heritage and a strong sense of belonging. We emphasize work-life balance and respect for individual contributions, fostering a supportive atmosphere where every staff member feels valued and empowered. In our interactions with clients, we exemplify our cultural values by integrating educational elements into our tours. We invite visitors to engage with our knowledgeable guides, ask questions, and immerse themselves in our traditions and stories. This approach not only enhances their experience but also deepens their connection to the sacredness of our lands. When collaborating with vendors and contractors, we prioritize partnerships that align with our commitment to sustainability and cultural respect. We ensure that our business practices reflect our values by integrating traditional knowledge and promoting environmental stewardship, thereby reinforcing our dedication to responsible tourism. Our leadership style is participative and inclusive. We actively involve staff in decision-making processes, valuing their input on business operations and cultural programming. Regular team meetings and feedback sessions help align our activities with our cultural and business goals, strengthening team cohesion and effectiveness. In the broader community, we focus on building capacity and creating opportunities for our members. By prioritizing local hiring and providing valuable training and internships, we support self-determination and economic sustainability for the Ahousaht people. Ahous Adventures is not just a business; it is a living expression of our culture and a commitment to preserving and sharing it with the world. Our dedication to cultural education, respectful partnerships, and community support exemplifies a workplace where every individual is connected, valued, and essential to our shared mission.

Why do you think you should win the Premier’s People’s Choice Award?

Ahous Adventures should win the Premier’s People’s Choice Award because our success is a testament to the unwavering and enthusiastic support of our community. We are not just a small business; we are a vital part of the Ahousaht First Nation, and our achievements reflect the collective efforts and dedication of our entire community. From the outset, our mission has been to create a platform that highlights Ahousaht culture, traditions, and values while providing economic opportunities for our people. The support we receive from our community is a crucial factor in our success. Our members have rallied behind us, not just as customers but as active participants in our journey, contributing their time, knowledge, and resources to ensure our endeavors thrive. Our local community has embraced Ahous Adventures with enthusiasm, demonstrating their support through various means. They have been instrumental in spreading the word about our unique offerings, participating in cultural events, and providing valuable feedback that helps us continuously improve our services. The strong sense of ownership and pride in our business is evident in the way our community members engage with our tours, share their experiences, and advocate for us. Moreover, the positive impact we have on our community is reciprocal. By creating 28 jobs and offering training and mentorship opportunities, we have empowered local individuals and contributed to economic development. This support has been vital in overcoming the historical marginalization of the Ahousaht people from the tourism sector. Our community's commitment to our mission has helped us build a sustainable business that aligns with our cultural values and goals. Winning the Premier’s People’s Choice Award would not only recognize our efforts but also celebrate the strong, supportive network that has been essential to our success. It would be a testament to the collective spirit of the Ahousaht First Nation and our shared dedication to cultural preservation, economic empowerment, and community well-being. The award would honor the unity and resilience of our community, reinforcing the importance of collaboration and mutual support in achieving great things.