Coast Funds has featured the Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Nations in an article that looks at how the community is reclaiming its economic self-sufficiency through the establishment of the k’awat’si Economic Development Corporation. Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Chief Paddy Walkus speaking at the grand opening of Kwa’lilas Hotel. “Decades after a government relocation of two First Nations separated them from their…

With the arrival of our final tour bus on September 12th, the inaugural summer season for our lovely new hotel is reaching its’ conclusion. Reviews have been spectacular, and Kwa’lilas quickly vaulted to #1 in Tripadvisor’s North Island Hotel category, surpassing nearest competitor Quarterdeck Inn and Marina by a full point. Ha’me Restaurant and Nax’id…

Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Nation-owned property to immerse visitors in history, culture May 17, 2017 (Port Hardy, BC)— Kwa’lilas Hotel, the first-Aboriginal owned hotel to offer stay and play cultural experiences on the North Island, opened its doors to the world today after a year-long renovation from the ground up of the former Port Hardy Inn, celebrated through…

Jackie Hildering— a biology teacher, cold-water diver, underwater photographer, and humpback whale researcher living on North East Vancouver Island—came to Port Hardy to deliver a training session to our k’awat’si Tours team. Knowing tours would be operating in an area where she does extensive research, k’awat’si Tours caught Jackie’s eye a couple of months ago,…

  For the first time, Aboriginal Business Match Vancouver Island was hosted in Port Hardy, and our team at Kwa’lilas Hotel played a big role in making the conference a success. We sold out of rooms at the hotel, we opened the restaurant to the general public and we catered the three-day conference at the…

Want to be part of the KEDC team? Now is a great time! On February 23 from 3-6pm, join us at Pier Side Landing to meet the team and learn more about the jobs available. We’re looking to hire people in food and beverage (both servers and kitchen staff), guest services to work at the…

k’awat’si Economic Development Corporation team excited to open hotel doors to the world  With just a few short months to go, k’awat’si Construction and k’awat’si Tours are working with our suppliers and partners to put the finishing touches on our game changing project, Kwa’lilas Hotel. The restaurant and pub have been redone from top to…

        Our Executive Chef, Jevon Thow, has been working hard to develop the menu for the restaurant at Kwa’lilas Hotel. The assortment of North Island fare includes a traditional salmon trio, creamy chowder filled with local seafood, and seared wild salmon. Whether you’re looking for a few nibbles or a complete main…

We are happy to announce that after an exhaustive search, Scott Mercs has joined the KEDC team as General Manager, overseeing Kwa’lilas Hotel, Pier Side Landing and k’awat’si Tours. As of February 9, Scott will serve as the senior leader for day-to-day operations in KEDC’s ventures related to tourism and hospitality. He will also develop…

Kwa’lilas Hotel is pushing forward with final design elements in various areas of the hotel. In an exciting step, both the restaurant and pub have received their official names and signs designed by the hotel’s art curator, Shain Jackson, are complete. The Elders’ Selection Committee named the pub ‘Nagilas, which means place to drink. The…