Parks Canada Celebrates the Life and Legacy of Inspirational First Nation Elder

K^wisitis Visitor Centre theatre in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve renamed in honour of the late Barbara Touchie of the Yuułuʔilʔatḥ (Ucluelet First Nation)

 

September 24, 2016                           Ucluelet, B.C.                                              Parks Canada Agency

The Government of Canada is committed to reconciliation and nation-to-nation relationships with Indigenous Peoples, based on a recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership.

Honouring Yuułuʔilʔatḥ (Ucluelet First Nation) Elder and ambassador of the Nuu-chah-nulth culture, the late Barbara Touchie, Parks Canada today unveiled the Sičquuʔuƛ (Sitch – KHOO – ootl) Theatre in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve’s K^wisitis Visitor Centre. The theatre was renamed for Barbara Touchie’s Nuu-chah-nulth name in recognition of her incredible contributions to her community, the park reserve and the communities of Ucluelet and Tofino.

Ms. Touchie was dedicated to revitalizing the Nuu-chah-nulth language, and played an instrumental role as a member of the Nuu-chah-nulth Working Group, collaborating with Parks Canada to provide traditional knowledge and cultural guidance during the renovation of the K^wisitis Visitor Centre from 2007 to 2011.

Parks Canada recognizes the invaluable contributions of Indigenous Peoples to our work – from establishing and conserving heritage places to enhancing visitor experience on-site by sharing stories and cultural traditions. Celebrating the life and legacy of Barbara Touchie is an example of Parks Canada’s commitment to working respectfully with First Nations and honouring their history, cultures and contributions to Canada and its protected places. 

 

Quotes

“The Government of Canada is committed to a system of national heritage places that recognizes and respects the role of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. At Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Barbara Touchie was a person whose passion contributed greatly to the sharing of Indigenous culture and history, resulting in a more meaningful experience for all who come to the K^wisitis Visitor Centre. Parks Canada will continue to work collaboratively with Indigenous communities across the country to conserve, restore and present our natural and cultural heritage, now and for the benefit of future generations.”

The Honourable Catherine McKenna
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada

 

“Barbara Touchie was generous with her time and her knowledge; she passionately shared her knowledge with anyone who showed an interest in learning the Nuu-chah-nulth language and culture.”

Yuułuʔilʔatḥ (Ucluelet First Nation)

 

 “Barbara Touchie was the driving force in creating the momentum to bring Nuu-chah-nulth to the entire Ucluelet community. Because of her passion and dedication, her legacy lives every day in the school as all our children are now sharing her teachings and have a desire to learn the language. She recognized the urgency of the need to do it now and do it openly that included all the community.”

Jennifer Adamson
Principal, Ucluelet Elementary

 

 

Quick Facts

• The theatre in the K^wisitis is named after Barbara Touchie’s Nuu-chah-nulth name, Sičquuʔuƛ (pronounced Sitch – KHOO – ootl), meaning “a dorsal fin coming around a point of land”.
• Renovated in 2011, the K^wisitis (“other end of the beach” in the Nuu-chah-nulth language) Visitor Centre is an iconic west coast building perched at the south end of Wickaninnish Beach in beautiful Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. In addition to stunning views of the beach, exhibits in the building focus on the natural and cultural heritage of the area. 
• The Nuu-chah-nulth Working Group was established in 2007 to work in collaboration with Parks Canada to develop Nuu-chah-nulth exhibits as part of the K^wisitis Visitor Centre renovations. The group included representatives from Ditidaht, Huu-ay-aht, Pacheedaht, Toquaht, Tseshaht, Hupacasath, Tla-o-qui-aht, Yuułuʔilʔatḥ, Nuu-chah-nulth Language Group, and Nuu-chah-nulth Cultural Centre.

 

Related Product

Backgrounder: Backgrounder: Biography – Barbara Touchie (1931-2014)

 

Related Link

 Sičquuʔuƛ Theatre in K^wisitis Visitor Centre, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

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Contacts

Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca

 

Laura Judson
Public Relations and Communications Officer
Parks Canada - Coastal BC Field Unit
250-654-4086
laura.judson@pc.gc.ca