Thomas Land

UPCOMING PROJECT: The Valley of the Bears [Working Title]

STATUS: <IN FUNDING>

The first time I stepped foot in British Columbia, it was love at first sight. The mountains, the bears, the whales...

The people of the First Nations that inhabit the region, the Gwa'sala and the 'Nakwaxda'xw, have an incredible, diverse culture, in tune with the landscape. Throughout the last century they have encountered violence and hatred against their own existence. Now, they are negotiating for ownership of their ancestral lands with the Canadian government. They are restating what their home is; in the soil, amongst the trees, in the sea.

The bears of British Columbia are safe. The western coastline of British Columbia, 'Bear Country', is a unique place where the pulse of the land can still be felt. Here bears are not persecuted, shot at, or hunted. Among the moss, and ferns, they can find sanctuary.

For both the First Nations, and the Bears, this place is home.

This is the story of finding that home, and ensuring it thrives into the next generation.

Image©: Josh Fogal

[CONTEXT]

Inspired by Lisa Jackson's 'How a People Live' (2014) which told the story of tragedy and the persecution of the nations, and theextraordinary courage and survival of the people who maintained tradition and history from a thousand generations before them, to persevere and continue - this film will tell the story of where the Gwa'sala and 'Nakwaxda'xw nations are, and the hope of where the future will take them.

Away from the horrors of the residential schools; but back to fishing, building, and supporting the nation - and fighting for their homeland in court. Their story is intertwined with the bears; the survival and persistence of the animal representing their ancestors, relies on whether they can win this fight.

We will follow Patti Sewid, the 'Bear Whisperer'. A First Nations' woman, a salmon fisherman, and inhabitant of the forest; through her eyes we will see the changes that are taking place, and the incredible, unfolding story of a people declaring their existence on the world stage.

[WHY NOW?]

This is a hopeful story, in a time where hope can seem lacking. This will bring to light the momentous leaps of a group in touch with nature, and what can be learned to stay in touch with the ecosystems around us.

The Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw nation is shortly opening their Big House; their seat of government, council, and community. This is a big shift for their declaration of ownership in the region. They are also currently mid-negotiation for the title rights to their land; so they can own where they live.

This is an unfolding story; the elders are ready to tell their tales, the bears are thriving.- and now is a better chance than ever to capture this story of a brighter tomorrow.

For more information on the Nations, you can find information on their site: Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw Nations Home.

[FUNDING]

We are currently approaching funders to invest in this story; with the intention of entering into global film competitions, and get this film seen by as many people as possible.

I am looking for people/groups with financial support to promote their environmental and social credentials. If you are interested in getting involved; please contact me, and I would be more than happy to give you more information and discuss working together.

Become part of the solution - together, we can tell the stories that deserve to be told.