Indigenous Voices of Vancouver Island For Vancouver Island

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. Tchadas visits an adventure tourism company based on Quadra Island and then takes a breathtaking electric bike ride between Ucluelet and Tofino along a new forest trail to white sand beaches on the western edge of North America.

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.

On this episode, ‘Destinations’, we travel north, to the traditional territory of the Kwakwaka’wakw peoples. Host Tchadas Leo visits some magnificent wilderness destinations to help us understand just how special the north end of Vancouver Island is, as well as taking in BC’s world-renowned Great Bear Rainforest.
4VI is the sponsor of this five part series that captures the voices of Indigenous entrepreneurs sharing the stories of their culture, their inspirations and how they make tradition a core part of the businesses they operate.
In Port Hardy, the gateway to authentic, unspoiled natural adventure, we join lead guide Mike Willie of the Musgamagw Dzawada'enuxw First Nations for wildlife viewing with Coastal Rainforest Safaris. In the town of Campbell River, traditional territory of the Wei Wai Kum First Nation, part of the Kwakwaka'wakw peoples, we board a float plane to the Great Bear Rainforest with Brian Collen, General Manager of Knight Inlet Lodge. Tchadas Leo, host, is of the Homalco First Nation, and Trevor Jang, the writer, is of Witset First Nation. The Cover Art is the work of Ivy Cargill Martin from Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation.

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.

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. In this episode, 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 Art is the work of Ivy Cargill Martin from Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation.

Indigenous Voices of Vancouver Island is a five-episode 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.