Port Hardy
British Columbia
Port Hardy is located at the northern tip of Vancouver Island in British Columbia and is as far north as you can drive. The Tsulquate reserve is home to both the Gwa'Sala and 'Nakwaxda'XW people who were relocated by Indian Affairs in 1964 from their homes in Smith Inlet and Seymour Inlet.
Filmmaking mentors created films with the Tsulquate community in 2011 and 2013 around the themes of Kwakwaka'wakw language and culture in conjunction with the feature documentary How a People Live, directed by Our World mentor Lisa Jackson. The community enjoyed making their own films so much that in March 2014 Our World conducted the first official workshop!
The Eke Me-Xi Learning Centre (established in 1997) provides educational programs in the Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw community for secondary students from the Port Hardy area.
The welcoming and family atmosphere at Eke Me-Xi encourages personal growth, self-worth, pride, responsibility and integrity. The program is specially designed to allow students to engage in their learning and to participate in setting their own goals and dreams in a cultural setting. Part of the Eke Me-Xi curriculum is implementing Kwak’wala language and culture and thus Our World’s workshop fits right into these teachings.
MORE INFO:

Reasons to Brag
2015
Mariah Walkus creator of Language won Culture & Heritage Award
Stephen George creator of How We Sea won Culture & Heritage Award
Kelly Anderson creator of Relocation won Best Documentary
Michael Regnier creator of Pick a Path won Best Scripting
Roberta Williams creator of It's Up to You won Research Award
Alex Heuman creator of One of Granny Lil's Amazing Stories won Best Animation
Ricky Johnny creator of Fun won Animation Award
Roberta Williams creator of It's Up to You won The Jury Recognition Award
Kelly Anderson creator of Relocation won The Editing Award
Alex Heuman creator of One of Granny Lil's Amazing Stories won The Jury Special Mention Award
Alex Heuman creator of One of Granny Lil's Amazing Stories won The 2015 First Prize in the 13-16 age category
Port Hardy Films
2017
An homage to the filmmaker’s grandfather and his attachment to his Gwa’sala culture and his encouragement for his granddaughters' own interest and practice in their culture as well.
An adapted and animated version of The Kwakwaka'wakw Legend: The Dzunuk’wa, who is a sleepy monster who steals children who are out late at night.
This filmmaker bravely and poetically reflects on the effects from having a disappointing & unavailable father figure as a role model and care-giver. Although hard hitting and honest, this film also provides hope for youth in the same position.
This documentary explores addiction and depression in the indigenous community. Personal experience is shared and hope is given to those who choose a healthier and more cultural path!
A suspenseful short that has a sceptical hotel clerk come into contact with the supernatural spirit of the Kwakwaka'wakw: The Bakwas.
A short doc about the filmmaker’s mother who is the empathetic employee at the homeless shelter in Port Hardy BC.
2015
Two filmmakers interview their Grandfathers to find out what going to St. Michael's Residential School (In Alert Bay) was like.
A wonderful film that celebrates an important 'Nakwaxda’xw ceremony for young girls as they move into adulthood!
Although this film educates the viewer about the shameful Potlatch Ban of 1884-1950 it also manages to look toward the future with positivity.
Tsulquate, a remote water side reserve has hope for a Big House to be built. An uplifting film celebrating the ability to practice culture on your own terms within your own community.
Cutting edge documentary that incorporates animation to tell the hard realities of a residential school survivor and father of the filmmaker.
2014
A grandaughter interviews her grandmother about the Kwakwaka'wakw language.
Translated by Ema Child.
A young dancer interviews her grandmother to learn more about the history of her culture and get advice.
An interview with a grandmother reveals a suspenseful true story with a surprising end.
In her own words this filmmaker explains what happened to her people, the Gwa'sala, in 1964 when they were relocated along with the 'Nakwaxda'xw people. She wants to help others understand the whole story.
Inspired by the video game meme of "choosing your own adventure", this video explores the ideas around culture and heritage and the choice to embrace or not...and the subsequent outcomes.
This filmmaker wanted to celebrate the lighter side of living and not dwell on sad stories of the past. For this he interviewed his grandmother to learn what she did for fun.
A behind the scenes look at the Eke Me-Xi Community School filmmaking workshop in Tsulquate.