Tune in to S4 Episode 11 of Our Native Land on Chek Plus to hear interviews with Cecil and Ruth Hershler of EwB, and Cree artist Alina Pete as they share the story behind a new graphic novel that brings Homalco oral histories to life.
The Xwémalhkwu Hero Stories graphic novel is preserving the oral histories of the Homalco people, thanks to a unique collaboration between Indigenous artists, Homalco elders, national award-winning Podcaster and Journalist Tchadas Leo from the HFN along with support from Elizabeth “Biz” Nijdam, a UBC Assistant Professor and Director of the UBC Comics Studies Cluster, and Education without Borders. Co-founded by Ruth and Cecil Hershler (South African immigrants shaped by apartheid), EwB saw strong parallels between the injustices faced by Indigenous communities in Canada and Black South Africans, prompting them to support this project.
What began as a podcast through 100.7 FM The Raven in Campbell River, has evolved into a visual storytelling project. The result is a powerful tool for youth engagement, language revitalization, and cross-cultural connection. To purchase a copy, contact heroes@homalco.com
In the News
– Homalco.com: Xwemalhkwu First Nation Celebrates Historic Graphic Novel!
– UBC News: Graphic novel brings Xwémalhkwu (Homalco) Elders’ voices to a new generation
– Oak Bay News: Hero Stories: How an Island First Nation’s stories became a graphic novel
