It is incredible to witness the gradual yet consistent development of the Xwemalhkwu Hero Stories (2024) graphic novel.
The three stories featured in the graphic novel, which are based on recordings of Homalco Elders from the early 90’s that were first produced into a mini podcast series by 100.7 FM the Raven, depict the traditions of the Homalco First Nation, including canoe travel, clam digging, river bathing, hunting and food preservation.
Thanks to the amazing and comprehensive support of Education without Borders Canada and the University of British Columbia, this graphic novel continues to surprise, educate and impress both the Nation and those who encounter it in public libraries, public schools, and through UBC’s outreach efforts.
In addition to bringing awareness to Homalco culture, traditions and language, Xwemalhkwu Hero Stories has made a meaningful impact on Homalco Language and Cultural programs. Within a few short months of the launch of the graphic novel, the sales of the graphic novel made over $7,000, which has directly supported the Homalco Language and Cultural programs. In particular, this funding financed the Nation’s 2025 Tribal Canoe Journey from Campbell River to Sooke. The funding paid for food, fuel for support boats, and other amenities required to make sure Homalco youth and Elders were comfortable along the way.
In recent months, thanks to the UBC Comic Studies Cluster and Education without Borders Canada, the Nation and I are honoured to announce that we will be developing a second graphic novel! This second project will feature returning artist Valen Onstine, whose story on clam digging was featured in the first graphic novel, as well as give an opportunity to a second emerging Indigenous cartoonist, whom we’re in the process of identifying.
Additionally, thanks to the UBC Dept. Language and Literacy Education, Xwemalhkwu Hero Stories is being partly digitized and incorporated into an open-access teaching guide. Not only will these stories appear as they do in the novel, but they will also be fully available in ʔayʔajuθəm as an Indigenous language version of the graphic novel. Finally, the team is producing a French-language version for French immersion and francophone teachers to use in their classrooms. Check out the following link for our work-in-progress: indigenousstorybooks.ca/homalco
The possibilities for showcasing our language and preserving it are becoming endless. Both myself and the nation could not be more grateful for the unwavering support and funding from Education without Borders Canada and UBC collaborators Elizabeth “Biz” Nijdam, Liam Doherty, and Bonny Norton.
Tchadas Leo
Award-winning Indigenous Journalist from CHEK News, Host and Producer, Our Native Land Podcast and TV Show
A portion of EwB Canada’s revenue is allocated to local Indigenous education projects in British Columbia, Canada, such as this graphic novel project, the Storybooks Canada Project, and more. Give today.
From Left to Right: Sarah Leo, Tchadas Leo, Ruth Hershler, Cecil Hershler, Chief Blaney, Valen Onstine, Biz Nijdam, Alina Pete
From Left to Right: Sara Davidson, Monica Shank, Lauwo Asma Afreen, Bonny Norton, Ingrid Schechter, Liam Doherty
Top image: Homalco Nation Language Consultants
