In the final episode of this second series, Tchadas Leo touches on one of the core values of Indigenous Peoples on Vancouver Island: their relationship with the land. Environmental Stewardship is woven through so much of what has been discussed in this series and these next guests tackle the issue directly. The first guest is Chyanne Trenholm from Homalco First Nation. Cheyenne is the General Manager of Homalco Wildlife and Cultural Tours in Campbell River. The second guest is Erralyn Joseph. She is from Snuneymuxw First Nation and works as the executive advisor to Chief Mike Wyse, as well a ..read more

In Episode Four of Indigenous Voices of Vancouver Island, Tchadas Leo tackles the challenge of building strong communities that keep tradition and heritage in place despite the challenges from outside forces. To do this, Tchadas reconnects with Gary Wilson who we met in season one. Gary is at the heart of community building in Northwest Vancouver Island, known asǦṇísḷaǧy̓ḷís which means screeching throughout the beaches of the world as an eagle. Gary is enabling and empowering the people of Ka:'yu:'k't'h'/Che:k'tles7et'h (Kyuquot Checleseht) First Nation to succeed on their own terms and in ..read more

In episode three, Tchadas Leo explores the differences between Food Security and Food Sovereignty. He speaks with two people working to supply food and hears how Indigenous values about food are infused into Indigenous owned commercial and tourist organizations. Up first, Tchadas Leo speaks with Aaron Hamilton, the operations manager with the Ts'uubaa-asatx First Nation. Originally from the Hupačasath First Nation, he now lives and plays near Lake Cowichan. Aaron shares how the Ts'uubaa-asatx First Nation is inviting the outside world in to preserve their way of life and how food sovereignty ..read more

In episode two, the focus shifts slightly into the examination of tradition and how it plays a part in the lives of two communities and the ways in which they are making this part of the tourist experience. Tchadas Leo speaks first with a hereditary chief of the Mowachaht Muchalaht  First Nation, Jerry Jack, also known as Tlakwagiila from the house of Tsa’Xana. He has a unique perspective with over 40 years of experience working on First Nations issues including justice, policing, governance, fisheries and environmental management. He is steering his nation towards economic sustainabilit ..read more

The second season of Indigenous Voices of Vancouver Island continues the exploration of the history, culture, and role of Indigenous Peoples in the Vancouver Island of today. In the first episode of the new season, the focus is on Indigenous Women in Business. Host Tchadas Leo introduces us to three women making a huge difference in their communities through their entrepreneurial endeavours while staying true to and building on their cultural heritage. Erin Brillon of Haida and Cree heritage shares her journey from working in the nonprofit sector to starting her own business, Totem Design Ho ..read more

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In this episode, ‘Journey with our Ancestors’, three Indigenous guided cultural tours and excursions are profiled. Host Tchadas Leo gets up close and personal with some grizzly bears, goes on the kayaking trip of a lifetime, ventures across the Salish Sea, and comes away with a deep appreciation of these magnificent lands and waters. Tchadas is of the Homalco First Nation, and Trevor Jang, the writer, is of Witset First Nation. We meet Wisqii from Huu-ay-aht Nation. Gary Wilson is from Kimsquit First Nation (Bella Coola) and Chris Tait is a spokesperson for the Klahoose First Nation. The Cover ..read more

In this episode, "Culture", host Tchadas Leo goes home. As a member of the Homalco First Nation, Tchadas’ pride in his coastal routes shines through as he shares his return to his traditional territory. He visits Homalco Wildlife and Cultural Tours for an in-depth experience in his history, culture and conservation efforts around local grizzly bear populations.  Tchardas' then visits an Indigenous art gallery in Comox that is empowering the arts and culture scene for Indigenous artists from many Nations up and down the west coast. We hear from Cheyanne Trenholm of the Homalco First Nation ..read more

The final episode of Indigenous Voices of Vancouver Island takes you on two adventures into the magnificence that is Vancouver Island and highlights the resilience of its First Nations. In this series, we have heard the pride of Indigenous people and how, through their businesses, they have found ways to move people forward while preserving the environment. The warmth that visitors to Vancouver Island experience and the pride in what has been restored and built have come through in every word of the journey Tchadas Leo has shared. Tchadas visits an adventure tourism company based on Quadra Isl ..read more

In ‘Food of Life’, we continue our journey with host Tchadas Leo traveling in the steps of the ancestors. Indigenous cultures influence almost every facet of life on the island today, and that definitely includes the local cuisine. In this episode, we speak to people who are making their mark through Indigenous-inspired food. In Port Alberni, we meet Lance Dodds of the Qualicum First Nation; Chef at Barebones Fish and Chips, and in Tofino, we speak with Stevie Dennis, of the Ashouhat First Nation who harvests the seas for both Domestic and International markets. Featured on this episode: Naas ..read more