Deep within the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest, where the land meets the sea, lies Spirit Bear Lodge, an Indigenous-owned and led, conservation-based eco-tourism business on the traditional territory of Kitasoo Xai’xais First Nation. Guests are invited to immerse themselves not only in the wildlife viewing experience, but also in the land and culture of the people who take care of it. Right now, you have the opportunity to be a guest at Spirit Bear Lodge, as they have generously donated an All-Inclusive 4 Night Package for Two, which includes departure and return airfare from Vancouver, B.C. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is an opportunity to learn directly from the Indigenous peoples who have stewarded the land since time immemorial and to connect with the land in a meaningful, sustainable way, all while supporting Indigenous justice and sovereignty through RAVEN’s silent auction, Bid for Justice.
Stewards of the Land – The Kitasoo Xai’xais First Nation
Spirit Bear Lodge is owned and led by the Kitasoo Xai’xais First Nation. Residing in Klemtu, which is on the east side of Swindle Island, Kitasoo First Nation is made up of two distinct Nations that came together in the 1860s: the Kitasoo Nation and the Xai’Xais Nation. From Spirit Bear Lodge’s website:
“The Kitasoo People lived in villages that were scattered along the rivers, bays, and inlets of the outer central coast, while the Xai’xais People settled in the large river systems on the mainland of the central coast. They were not nomadic due to the abundance of natural terrestrial and marine resources, which were used as the basis of their traditional sustenance.”
For thousands of years, the Kitasoo Xai’xais people have stewarded their traditional territory and maintained a deep connection with the land. Spirit Bear Lodge is an extension of their belief in protecting their territory and culture through education and conservation, with sustainability at the forefront. Kitasoo Xai’xais First Nation does this by facilitating emotional connections between people, nature, and wildlife, creating pathways for people to care.
An Immersive Experience That Respects the Land and Wildlife
The Great Bear Rainforest is the largest intact coastal temperate rainforest in the world, and it is home to bears, wolves, whales, seals, otters, and more. The uniqueness of Spirit Bear Lodge’s wildlife viewing comes from a landscape that is undisturbed by human activity, and the lodge emphasizes the importance of ethical viewing practices that minimize the impact of human presence on the ecosystem. Tour days look a little different depending on the weather and recent wildlife sightings, but can include wildlife and bear viewing, whale watching, and visiting Indigenous cultural sites. Tour guides have an intimate knowledge of the land and often share information about traditional foods, medicinal plants, and stories passed down through generations.
This all-inclusive package offers the opportunity to reconnect with nature, to learn about diverse ecosystems and wildlife, and to understand the importance of Indigenous-led conservation and stewardship. RAVEN is humbled by Spirit Bear Lodge’s generosity in donating this package to support our silent auction, Bid for Justice, with all the proceeds going to RAVEN’s programs, initiatives that fund access to justice for Indigenous Nations, and educational work that promotes Indigenous rights and sovereignty. Each bid helps us work towards a more just and sustainable future for all. If you are interested in bidding on the Spirit Bear Lodge All-Inclusive 4-Night Package for Two, you can view the item here.
