Building Strong Communities

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 a manner that honours their culture.
• Tchadas also hears from Cyrus Singh. Cyrus is the CEO of KEDC, the K’awat’si Economic Development Corporation, about how a corporation sprung up around the vision of a self-sustaining and enriched community.
• And finally, he speaks with Cecelia Dick who’s traditional name is Hulot. She is from the Lekwungen territories and is a traditional knowledge keeper and tourism supervisor for the Songhees Nation.

Each of these community leaders shares their success in building the future through sharing the lessons from the past.

About this series
Indigenous Voices of Vancouver Island is a presentation of 4VI (formerly known as Tourism Vancouver Island), a social enterprise in business to ensure travel is a force for good for Vancouver Island - forever. From its breathtaking vistas to the inspiring talents of its people, Vancouver Island is the definition of a “must-see” destination. In this series, Indigenous Voices of Vancouver Island, 4VI showcases the talents of Indigenous entrepreneurs and their stories of how they have found a way to honour and preserve their traditions while succeeding in a very competitive marketplace. Host Tchadas Leo is of the Homalco First Nation, and writer Trevor Jang is of Witset First Nation. The Cover Art is the work of Ivy Cargill Martin from Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation.

Canada's True West Coast
Vancouver Island, located on Canada’s West Coast, is known for its mild climate, abundance, and relaxed way of life. This region is defined by its ancient rainforests, rugged coastlines, and cool waters of the Pacific Ocean, creating an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities and peaceful getaways.

Vancouver Island spans 460 kilometers long, from the provincial capital of Victoria to the far-reaching beaches of Cape Scott Provincial Park. Several small islands, the Gulf Islands and Discovery Islands are found between the Salish Sea and Discovery Passage, respectively.

4VI gratefully acknowledges that we live, work, and play on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Kwakwaka’wakw, Nuu-chah-nulth, and Coast Salish peoples.

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What is Indigenous Voices of Vancouver Island?

Indigenous Voices of Vancouver Island is a presentation of 4VI (formerly known as Tourism Vancouver Island), a social enterprise in business to ensure travel is a force for good for Vancouver Island - forever. From its breathtaking vistas to the inspiring talents of its people, Vancouver Island is the definition of a “must-see” destination. In the first season, Indigenous Voices of Vancouver Island, 4VI showcases the talents of Indigenous entrepreneurs and their stories of how they have found a way to honour and preserve their traditions while succeeding in a very competitive marketplace.