KCFN
PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLY 2023 FILM
Kyuquot and Checleseht First Nations tell their story in a feature documentary. They take us through their history, traditional ways of living, and share the language. They describe the impacts of colonialism, residential schools, and lack of funding/infrastructure the community faces, but how they break barriers when it comes to self-governance, economic development, and cultural revitalization; all to inspire younger generations to follow in their footsteps.
Watch the full documentary at the link below or scroll down to explore a guided journey of the peoples assembly.
In a scene from the People's Assembly Film, Cynthia Blackstone emphasizes her love for her community, and the need for new infrastructure. She talks about the challenges the community faces when trying to acquire funding and build reliable, affordable housing.
01/11
INTRO TO KYUQUOT
In a scene from the People's Assembly Film, KCFN members reflect on the history of Aktis Island. They paint a picture of what life on Aktis Island used to be like and outline the impacts of loss of culture and destruction of Bighouses/artifacts.
02/11
Aktis Island & Kyuquot History
In a scene from People's Assembly Film, KCFN members explain the history of treaty in their community, highlighting key people and events that led to the current Maa-Nulth Treaty Nations, and how it felt to become a self-governing nation.
03/11
Treaty History
In a scene from the People's Assembly Film, KCFN is hopeful to celebrate their culture again. They highlight how a new Bighouse will positively impact the community and provide an overall plan to make the Bighouse a reality.
04/11
Returning to the Bighouse
In a scene from the People's Assembly Film, Cynthia Blackstone touches on the infrastructure and housing issues within the community that challenge the efforts of building the Bighouse. She explains the hardships of not having a Bighouse and how important it is to have a gathering place. She gives insight on the challenges the community faces financially and the struggle to find reliable contractors.
05/11
Infrastructure and Housing Issues
Kyuquot and Checleseht First Nations describe the power/electricity issues that the community faces, the lack of response from the Provincial government, and what they are doing within the community to solve the problem.
06/11
Power and Energy Challenges
Members of KCFN discuss the topic of tourism, as they explore the history of Walters Cove and the rebirth of it. They welcome ecotourists to visit the community to explore the lands and connect with their culture and history.
07/11
Walter's Cove and Tourism
In a breakout scene of the People's Assembly Film, the Witwaak team and Mindy Ogden visit Aktis Island. They talk about conservation of lands and resources and the efforts they are taking preserve artifacts.
08/11
Witwaak: Stewards of the Land
Len Apedaile highlights the forestry interests in the Kyuquot and Checleseht First Nations territory and the relationship they are cultivating to create a sustainable forestry venture within the community lands, despite challenges with Provincial governments.
09/11
Kyuquot Forestry Opportunities
Members of the KCFN Warriors program explain the training and opportunities they provide for participants and the community's youth.
10/11
Warriors Program: Connecting with Youth
In the final act of the People's Assembly Film, KCFN discusses the importance of language. After residential schools stripped so many people of it, the community is determined to preserve traditional language. The community blesses the carving shed in their traditional song.
