(PORT ALBERNI – January 22, 2020) – Explore the modern story of Huu-ay-aht First Nations in waałšiʔaƛin (Coming Home), an award-winning documentary, in its broadcast premiere presented by CHEK Television on January 29, 2020 at 8 p.m.
Throughout history, Huu-ay-aht survived natural disasters, famine, war and colonial oppression. Now our modern story, waałšiʔaƛin (Coming Home), told from the perspectives of several generations, is about overcoming the devastating effects of colonization, healing and rebuilding our homelands, restoring the connection to our traditional culture, and bringing our people home.
“We started telling our story in past films Run of the River and Heart of the People, but we are a treaty nation now, so our story has changed and the next chapter needs to be shared,” explains Robert J. Dennis Sr., Chief Councillor, Huu-ay-aht First Nations. “This documentary shares our vision for the future, while telling our story of resiliency.”
“We are proud to broadcast the world premiere of waałšiʔaƛin (Coming Home) right here on Vancouver Island,” said Rob Germain, General Manager and CEO (Chief Employee-Owner) of CHEK Television. “waałšiʔaƛin is an important story of restoration, healing and rebuilding by the Huu-ay-aht that deserves to be shared with all who live here.”
waałšiʔaƛin (Coming Home) received five award wins, including an Award of Excellence from the Accolade Global Film Competition, Award of Excellence from Impact DOCS Awards, Director’s Choice at the Social Justice Film Festival, Platinum Award for short documentaries at the Oregon International Film Awards, and Best Documentary at the Chilliwack Independent Film Festival. It has also been nominated in four additional categories from various film festivals, including Best Documentary Short, Best Documentary, Best Director, Best of BC, and the Chilliwack Spirit Award.
waałšiʔaƛin (Coming Home) is the third Huu-ay-aht documentary, following Heart of the People (1997) and Return of the River (2003). The documentary was produced by Munro/Thompson.
The broadcast premiere is open to the public and will be screened live at the Alberni District Secondary School (4000 Roger St., Port Alberni, BC). Doors open at 7 p.m., broadcast begins at 8 p.m., followed by a live-broadcast question and answer period.
About Huu-ay-aht First Nations – Huu-ay-aht First Nations is an Indigenous community located on the west coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia. It is a part of the Nuu-chah-nulth Nation, formerly called the Nootka. Huu-ay-aht is a party to the Maa-nulth Final Agreement, a modern treaty that grants its five member-nations constitutionally protected self- government as well as ownership, control, and law-making authority over their lands and resources. For more information, visit huuayaht.org.
About CHEK Television – In 2019, CHEK celebrated 10 years since it became an independent, employee-owned company. CHEK’s just cause is to serve Vancouver Islanders, enrich their lives and strengthen the fabric of our communities, as it has done for the past 63 years. For more information, visit cheknews.ca.
About Munro/Thompson – An award-winning production and communications company, Munro/Thompson works with Indigenous communities and governments to help share their stories with wider audiences. Based in Vancouver, Munro/Thompson works with communities all over BC.
For more information, please contact:
Heather Thomson
Communications Manager
Huu-ay-aht First Nations
250-720-7776
[email protected]
CHEK News
