Celebrating the Opening of Ocean House: Háw’aa | Hawaa | Thank You

Last week, we celebrated the long-awaited opening of Ocean House - a day filled with joy, tradition, and community spirit.

First and foremost, we extend our deepest appreciation to the Council of the Haida Nation (CHN), Old Massett Village Council (OMVC), and our generous funders: Coast Funds and the Province of BC’s Rural Economic Development Infrastructure Program, whose funding programs helped bring Ocean House to life.

We were honoured to share the ribbon-cutting ceremony with CHN Vice President Stephen Grosse, OMVC Deputy Chief Brodie Swanson, HaiCo Board Chair Kuund koyas Laara Yahgujaanas, and HaiCo CEO Leticia Hill.

A heartfelt háw’aa | haawa to singers Jenny Cross-Nelson, Patrika McEvoy, Raven-Ann Potschka, Jeff Samuels, and Tanya White, who lifted the space with their voices.

To Naanii Lily Bell, supported by her grandson Freeman - háw’aa | haawa for opening the space with prayers filled with love and respect.

It was a great joy to welcome members of the community to celebrate with us. Your presence made the day feel truly special, and we are excited to now welcome guests as we begin this new chapter.

This moment has been a long time in the making. With support from CHN, the Hereditary Chiefs Council, and the Secretariat of the Haida Nation, HaiCo and Haida Tourism exited the sportfishing industry and reimagined this site as a land-based hotel. The transformation wasn’t without its challenges. Renovations, including the creation of a new entranceway, were significantly delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Following CHN’s direction, all development was guided by CHN archaeological protocols and included on-site cultural monitoring. Thank-you to all past and present staff at HaiCo, Haida Tourism, Taan and Haida Wild - this project has been a collective endeavour.

As we look ahead, we carry the spirit of this opening day with us. Háw’aa | haawa again to everyone who made this possible. Book your stay now!