Indigenous Voices of Vancouver Island For Vancouver Island

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 as being an elected counselor for Snuneymuxw First Nation.The final guest is Julian Hockin-Grant who heads Allied Certification using the Indigenous Stewardship vision to educate visitors about where they are and how they can contribute to a more equitable tourism industry.Conversations with each guest explore commercial, historical and future visions for Environmental Stewardship and discuss how visitors to the area can contribute.
About this seriesIndigenous 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 CoastVancouver 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.
Produced by Everything PodcastsEverything Podcasts, now part of Pattison Media, is a world-class podcast production company. We help brands evolve and expand their media strategy into the audio space with a custom podcast series. Let us tell your story: Everything Podcasts

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 seriesIndigenous 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 CoastVancouver 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.
Produced by Everything PodcastsEverything Podcasts, now part of Pattison Media, is a world-class podcast production company. We help brands evolve and expand their media strategy into the audio space with a custom podcast series. Let us tell your story: Everything Podcasts

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 fits into that plan.The second interview is with Stevie Dennis, owner of NAAS Foods in Tofino, a supplier of seafood to both a local and global market. Harvested in Clayoquot Sound, Ucluelet and Port Alberni, Stevie is proud of this local, fresh, food supply.Food is necessary for survival but also is an important part of how Indigenous culture and values are expressed.
About this seriesIndigenous 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 CoastVancouver 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.
Produced by Everything PodcastsEverything Podcasts, now part of Pattison Media, is a world-class podcast production company. We help brands evolve and expand their media strategy into the audio space with a custom podcast series. Let us tell your story: Everything Podcasts

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 sustainability and using tradition as a building block.
Also, in this episode, Tchadas sits down with Jolleen Dick from Hupačasath First Nation in the Alberni Valley. Jolleen has worked as an Elected Councilor of the Hupačasath First Nation, the Tourism Development Manager at Tourism Vancouver Island and she’s now the Chief Executive Officer at the Alberni Chamber of Commerce - the “voice of business” for the entire region. Her view of tradition and how this is incorporated into businesses is fairly broad.
About this seriesIndigenous 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 CoastVancouver 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.
Produced by Everything PodcastsEverything Podcasts, now part of Pattison Media, is a world-class podcast production company. We help brands evolve and expand their media strategy into the audio space with a custom podcast series. Let us tell your story: Everything Podcasts 

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 House, which specializes in Northwest Coast Indigenous art and apparel.Ali Assu of the Wet'suwet'en First Nation on her mother’s side describes her career transition from managing sports events to launching West Coast Wildflowers Collective in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.Valerie Lamirande recounts her journey from office management to soap making and the inspiration she draws from her Haida roots.Each of these remarkable women share their inspiration and journey offering advice to the women who will follow them.
About this seriesIndigenous 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 CoastVancouver 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.
Produced by Everything PodcastsEverything Podcasts, now part of Pattison Media, is a world-class podcast production company. We help brands evolve and expand their media strategy into the audio space with a custom podcast series. Let us tell your story: Everything Podcasts