HERITAGE STORIES ON FILM
núyems cekʷáinukʷ - Our Fish Weir Story
A remarkable discovery in Minette Bay, on X̄á’islaTerritory, tells the story of ancient technology, conservation, and preservation. And it solidifies X̄á’isla Nation’s history in there, as well as their Strength of Claim. A project collaboration between X̄á’isla Nation, Kleanza, and MFR Productions, the story marks a turning point for the Nation. The film is used along with lesson plans in the classroom.
Reclaiming the Language of the Land
Łutsël K'é Dene First Nation Elders & Youth welcome
Mãori Elders & Youth to Timber Bay, NWT to share ways of
knowing and being, language, wisdom, and oral history.
This cultural exchange was a powerful intergenerational
transfer of traditional knowledge, to preserve for the future.
z á xʷ e n - Our Saviour Fish
For thousands of years, the Oolichan, and the treasured grease, made from the fish oil, have been a crucial source of food and medicine, and a valuable trading commodity for the X̄á’isla. The Oolichan have been disappearing from the nine Oolichan rivers on X̄á’isla Territory. The community is searching for answers and solutions. This film, along with its lesson plans and education modules, are used in the classroom.
hénƛ̓ikʷilaxʷ - A Haisla Origin Story
Narrator Teresa Windsor, artist Paul Windsor and composer Shelley Bolton, help bring to life the story of the first X̄á’isla people. A collaboration between X̄á’isla Nation, Kleanza, and MFRP, it is a celebration of resilience. With the support of Fluent Speakers, this animation is subtitled in x̄á’islakala, and is used along with lesson plans in the classroom.
Explore Nisga'a Nation
Elder Gerald Robinson shares thoughts and wisdom about the bountiful, pristine Nisga’a territory where peace, serenity and sustenance can be found on land and water. He also shares important values of the Nisga'a People, and his hopes for future generations. This film also generated :60sec clips for use on social media and YouTube.
núyems q̓ʷaselás q̓ʷáx̄alanukʷ - Our Forest Garden Story
For thousands of years, X̄á’isla Territory and the waiwais system, have provided for the X̄á’islapeople. From trees for carving, bark for weaving, fruit for preserving, flora and fauna for nourishment, vitamins, healing medicines and teas, the Forest Garden has been a critical source of well-being throughout the year. This film, along with its lesson plans and education modules, are used in the classroom.
A Culture of Mutual Respect
The Kitsumkalum community share stories of culture and heritage to illustrate their deep connection to their land. Asking for mutual respect and for their values to be honoured - they welcome visitors and workers warmly to their beautiful territory. This film also supports Kitsumkalum Cultural Sensitivity Training.
núyems x̄ʷáλemanukʷ - Our Carving Story
Creating and carving is hard work that takes time, skill and patience. This responsibility is taken seriously. X̄á’isla carvers and builders learn or receive from those who have gone before them. Once a skill is mastered, whether it be creating a totem, or a canoe, or a small spoon, they share this knowledge with the next generation. This film, along with its lesson plans and education modules, are used in the classroom.