Spirit Eagle Experiences: Rooted in Family, Guided by the Water

For the Frank-Perry family, the ocean has always been more than a workplace—it has been a classroom, a connection to family, and a way of life.

Raised in Ahousaht, Jerome Frank-Perry learned to navigate the waters of his traditional territory alongside his late grandfather, who had him driving boats by the age of 11. Those early lessons in navigation, fishing, and respect for the ocean laid the foundation for a lifelong career on the water.

The vision for Spirit Eagle Experiences began with Pam Frank and Jerry Perry. Their original plan was to build tourism cabins with support from NEDC, but an unexpected change in family circumstances led them in a different direction. When Pam's father passed away, the family took over his long-standing freight service, which had supplied groceries, building materials, and many of the essential goods needed by the Ahousaht community for years. This business is no longer in operation. While continuing this important family tradition, Pam and Jerry shifted gears and built Spirit Eagle Experiences, creating a business that shares the beauty, culture, and waterways of Ahousaht with visitors from around the world.

With financing from NEDC, the family expanded from a single tour boat to two 12-passenger vessels, allowing them to welcome larger groups and provide water taxi services throughout the region. Today, visitors from across Canada and around the world experience breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, hot springs, and the rich cultural history of Ahousaht.

Spirit Eagle Experiences is truly a family business. Pam manages bookings and day-to-day operations, while her husband, Jerry, oversees contracts and bookkeeping. Jerome leads tours and marine operations, and his younger brother, Mark, is also one of the company's skilled boat captains. Together, the Frank-Perry family has built a trusted reputation for safe, welcoming, and authentic experiences on the water.

"The ocean is my office," says Jerome. "I love meeting new people and sharing the wildlife, the sunsets, and the sunrises."

Giving back remains at the heart of everything they do. Whether supporting local youth programs, helping community members with transportation, or contributing to community initiatives, the Frank-Perry family believes success is measured by the impact they have on others.

"We don't do this just for ourselves," says Pam. "We do it for our family and our community."

Built on generations of knowledge, strong family values, and a deep connection to the ocean, Spirit Eagle Experiences continues to create opportunities while sharing the beauty of Ahousaht with visitors from around the world.