Just as Xaayda Gwaay.yaay Haida Gwaii is once again welcoming visitors, the Haida House at Tllaal has announced the highly anticipated opening of six ocean view cabins for late July. An additional six units will be ready to meet visitor demand by late September.

The two-bedroom cabins are located on the east coast of Haida Gwaii, nestled between sand and forest where the serene Tlell River enters Hecate Straight. Accommodating up to four people, the cabins include a private hot tub, and sweeping ocean views. The cabins feature Haida-inspired architecture, interior design and décor, paying tribute to Xaayda Gwaay.yaay Haida Gwaii’s rich culture and heritage.

Every element is guided by the Haida concept of Yahguudang, respect for all living things and the interdependence that binds us.

The cabins are an expansion of Haida House at Tllaal  which is owned and operated by the Haida Enterprise Corporation (HaiCo), a company focused on building enterprises that reflect Haida cultural values, create career opportunities for Haida citizens, and strengthen the economy of Haida Gwaii.

“We are proud stewards of the land and are committed to protecting its wild unspoiled beauty,” says the Haida Tourism website. “As such, Haida Tourism properties are Sustainable Tourism Gold Certified and managed to the highest environmental standards. Every element is guided by the Haida concept of Yahguudang, respect for all living things and the interdependence that binds us.”

Gaagwiis Jason Alsop, the President of the Council of the Haida Nation (CHN), announced the Nation would be welcoming domestic tourists to visit Haida Gwaii beginning July 1, 2021, in alignment with the BC Restart Plan. The Nation encourages visitors to arrive fully vaccinated and to visit the Haida Pledge Website to learn more about how to visit respectfully.

Haida House is one of 118 businesses that First Nations have created, acquired, or expanded through investments with Coast Funds. The ocean view cabins were constructed with funding support from Coast Economic Development Society. In 2019, Coast Funds’ board of directors approved funding of $1.2 million to transition Haida Tourism LP to a land-based ecotourism operation that is in alignment with Haida environmental objectives. Of that funding, $600,000 was earmarked for the construction of the cabins.

Ecotourism is one way First Nations are sustainably diversifying their economies and creating new employment. Since Coast Funds’ inception, First Nations on Haida Gwaii and in the Great Bear Rainforest have invested $361 million into a wide range of economic sectors, including tourism, manufacturing and processing, forestry, aquaculture, and stewardship public service and conservation.

Coast Economic Development Society approved funding of $1.2 million to the Council of the Haida Nation to transition Haida Tourism LP to a land based eco-tourism operation including $600,000 toward the construction of the Ocean View Cabins at Haida House.