Explore Our Stories

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In the spirit of language reclamation and preservation, use the “listen” function throughout this site to hear the X̄á’islakala language pronounced out loud.

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Our Origin Story

Our animated film retraces the steps of the first X̄á’isla - Waamis/hénƛ̓ikʷilaxʷ - in this recounting of our Nations’ origin. The film includes the talents of narrator Teresa Windsor, artist Paul Windsor, and composer Shelley Bolton. We thank Elder Fluent Speakers Vera Wilson and Verlie Nelson and linguist Jonathan Janzen, for their guidance regarding translation.

Launch Story

Person wearing a New York Yankees cap and a red life jacket, standing outdoors near a body of water with a forested background.

Abstract tribal face design with two pairs of eyes, large mouth, and sharp red and black teeth against a gradient background.

Graphic with a stylized sun, a landscape with houses and trees, and a white fish-like figure against a blue background.

Oolichan, Our Saviour Fish

Our Oolichan have provided for us since time immemorial. Also known as the saviour fish, at the end of a long, cold winter when food supplies are often depleted, it is a sign to us that spring has arrived and a renewed food supply. We also value them for their high oil content. We thank Angie Silvestre, Minnie Rosso, Megan Metz, Elder Fluent Speakers Vera Wilson and Verlie Nelson and linguist Jonathan Janzen, for their guidance regarding translation.

Launch Story

A smiling man in glasses and a checkered shirt stands indoors with a blurred background.

A rustic wooden cabin on stilts stands by a forested lakeshore, featuring a small porch and surrounded by trees and grass.

A person in a blue and black plaid shirt holding a wooden bowl containing yellow liquid.

Our Fish Weir Story

A remarkable discovery in Minette Bay, on X̄á’isla Territory, tells the story of ancient technology, conservation, and preservation. And it solidifies X̄á’isla Nation’s history in their territory, as well as their strength of claim.

Launch Story

Our Forest Garden Story

We have managed our Forest Gardens, planting and tending to food and medicine-bearing trees, shrubs and plants—sometimes including species from hundreds of miles away—to yield a bounty of nuts, fruits, berries, medicinal herbs and edible roots. Our techniques include controlled burns, pruning, and fertilization to enhance productivity and biodiversity. They represent our deep connection to the land and its resources, and are integral to our culture, practices, and knowledge systems that contribute to the preservation of our heritage.

Launch Story