Words and photos by Tricia Thomas

I’Hos is the traditional Coast Salish name for Savary Island. The word means tow-headed serpent. The Tla’amin (Sliammon) people have been living in this area of the Salish Sea for over 8,000 years. I’Hos Cultural Tours, located in Powell River and Lund, offers a unique experience for visitors that includes wildlife in natural settings and cultural grounding. There are a variety of adventures to choose from: One is a cultural canoe tour, a five-hour paddle to  Kwoo Kwak Thys (Copeland Island) in a 35-foot canoe accompanied with songs and stories of Coast Salish history.

There are also two Desolation Sound tours aboard a fast and comfortable Zodiac inflatable boat. One trip is a cruise through the waters of Desolation Sound. A longer six-hour trip to Desolation Sound Marine Park involves cruising through the majestic coastal fjord known as  Yekwamen, home of Klahoose First Nation.

Erik and Drew Blaney

Both tours offer a certified Tla’amin guide, including owner Erik Blaney and his brother Drew.

They share historical stories of First Nations people and their On tour with I’Hos (Erik and Drew Blaney) cultural practices, viewing pictographs and 5,000-year-old village sites.

I’Hos Cultural Tours also offers a hands-on experience of Coast Salish traditional cedar weaving. Half-day to full weekend workshops are available.

Rave reviews for this unique cultural adventure can be found on TripAdvisor and more information at www.ihostours.com.