On May 1, 2026, University of British Columbia Press published Belonging with Indigenous Lands: Resurgence, Reciprocity, and Environmental Stewardship in the Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks.

Edited by John Reid-Hresko and co-authored by Saya Masso, Julian Hockin-Grant, Gisele Maria Martin, Moses, Deb Masso, Barb Audet, Brendan Tom, Levi, Tsimka, and Adam Werle, this book examines the ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ Tribal Parks Allies program and its reception by settler communities on western Vancouver Island.

What the Book Covers

The story begins in 1984, when the ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ First Nation and allies mobilized to protect the watersheds of Meares Island, creating one of Canada's first Indigenous-managed park systems.

Since then, tourism in Tofino has become an economic force. But ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ have not equitably benefited, despite bearing the costs of stewarding the land and waters that make this economy possible.

In 2018, the Nation created the Tribal Parks Allies program, asking tourism-related businesses to contribute financially to ecosystem maintenance, cultural revitalization, and Indigenous well-being initiatives. Community responses ranged from enthusiastic to resistant.

Written in both English and nuučaanuł (Nuu-chah-nulth), this book unpacks competing ideas about sovereignty, social contracts, land, and time. It illuminates how we understand place-based belonging and our relationship to those with whom we share our homes.

Why It Matters

This book offers:

• Context for the ʔiisaak Pledge and the responsibilities that come with being on Tla-o-qui-aht territory

• Insight into the origins and evolution of the Allies program

• A model for ethical travel and Indigenous-led conservation

For residents, visitors, businesses, and allies — this is the story of how we got here and where we go next.

Order Your Copy

Belonging with Indigenous Lands is available now through University of British Columbia Press.

Order here