PORT HARDY – Kwa’lilas Hotel, the first-Aboriginal owned hotel to offer stay and play cultural experiences on the North Island, recently opened its doors after a year-long renovation from the ground up of the former Port Hardy Inn, celebrated through traditional blessings, dances, songs and food.
The Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Nation, who fully own and operate the hotel, officially unveiled the transformation that represents a legacy for the community and a unique opportunity to showcase their culture and history through artwork, food and eco-tours experienced by guests.
“This is an emotional day for our community, the realization of a vision we had to proudly share all of who we are and where we come from as a people. Kwa’lilas Hotel is inspired by our traditional Big House, the centre of our community. Our roof features a smoke hole that vents steam as a signal to visitors that they are welcome to stay, rest and rejuvenate, at any time,” says Paddy Walkus, Chief of the Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Nation.
“The project has lit a fire of excitement amongst our community as we realize today what is possible when we stay true to our ways and celebrate our origins.”
Key milestones in the construction of Kwa’lilas Hotel include:
- Early 2015: The k’awat’si Economic Development Corporation (KEDC) purchases the former Port Hardy in and begins extensive plans for the transformation of the 85-room hotel into Kwa’lilas Hotel;
- Fall 2015: Renovation plans, including architecture and interior design sketches, are revealed to the Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Nation and local community;
- Summer 2016: k’awat’si Tours, a business arm of KEDC, launches guided eco-adventure tours and cultural experience packages including Nakwakto Rapids tours, San Josef, cedar weaving, drum making, and more;
- March 2017: Kwa’lilas Hotel launches soft opening and hosts the first Aboriginal Business Match Vancouver Island; and
- May 2017: Kwa’lilas Hotel hosts grand opening including blessings from hereditary chiefs, dances from the Gwa’sala ‘Nakwaxda’xw School and installs copper artwork central to the history of the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nation.
