Tlaook (aka. Gisele Martin)
Tlaook is a member of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation. She is a respected guide in the territory of her people, and has been working as an interpretive guide since 1992.Tlaook has a thorough knowledge of local flora and fauna, and a deep interest in her cultural history. It has been a long-time dream of hers to share her experience in dugout canoes with other people. One of the canoes we use, Saa-sit-qua-iis, belongs to Tlaook and her sister Tlee-eek, and was carved and given to them by their father, Joe Martin.
Kwa-kwa-ees (aka.Joe Martin)
Joe Martin is a Master Canoe Carver and experienced man of the sea. A member of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, from the house of Sheewish, he has spent his life fishing, driving boats, and carving traditional dugout canoes, a skill learned from his father. His expertise on the water and in our ocean going canoes is unparalleled, his storytelling engaging, and his knowledge of the area detailed. Joe has travelled all over the world to speak about Nuu-chah-nulth culture and was recently in Hawaii to participate in the 2002 Celebration of Canoes. Joe also enjoys story telling and taking visitors on bear tours by motor boat.
Tsimka Martin
Tsimka Martin is the newest addition to our guiding team. She joins us with a lifetime of canoeing experience and a passion for her culture and for Clayoquot Sound. Her family is renowned for their canoe carving. Tsimka graduated from the Coastal Adventure Tourism program through North Island College. She enjoys sharing her knowlege of native songs and exploring the waters of Clayoquot Sound by canoe.
