A Documentary of Return, Resilience, and Sovereignty
CLIENT: Huu-ay-aht First Nations
PROJECT: waałšiʔaƛin (Coming Home) Documentary
/ Services Provided
Film Production & Photography
/ Background
Huu-ay-aht First Nations have a proud history of triumphing over adversity and are one of only a handful of nations in British Columbia to achieve self-government through a modern treaty.
As a result of the treaty, Huu-ay-aht First Nations has full ownership and jurisdiction over more than 8,200 hectares of land within their territories and continues to have rights throughout their ḥahuułi (traditional territory). The nation operates under a made in Huu-ay-aht Constitution, which supports the laws and policies that establish how the Huu-ay-aht government makes decisions on behalf of its citizens.
Since their treaty came into effect in 2011, Huu-ay-aht First Nations Council and Hereditary Chiefs (Ḥaw̓iiḥ) have been actively seeking opportunities to engage in responsible and sustainable economic development in order to forward the Huu-ay-aht vision of working together to establish a healthy, prosperous, and self-sustaining community.
/ The Deliverables
- Film Production
- Photography
- Award Submissions
- Film Festival Submissions
/ Where We Came In
We partnered with Huu-ay-aht First Nations to produce a feature-length documentary that would share the Nation’s modern story with both domestic and international audiences. The film, titled waałšiʔaƛin (Coming Home), was developed in close collaboration with community members and Knowledge Holders.
Told across generations, the film explores Huu-ay-aht’s journey to self-government and the Nation’s ongoing efforts to rebuild their homelands, reconnect with traditional culture, and bring their people home.
“When we’re self sufficient, we’re able to provide more services and programs for our citizens. We’re able to go beyond what’s offered by the federal government. And that’s the key. That to me is self-governing.”
– Emchayiik Robert J. Dennis, Sr.
/ CREW
Director – Brandon Thompson
Producer – Amanda Munro
Director of Photography – Liam Mullany
Cinematography – David Peacock + Nolan McAllister
Editors – David Peacock, Brian Park, Chris G. Miller + Andrew Park
/ Special Thanks
ƛ̓eko ƛ̓eko (thank you) to the Huu-ay-aht government, citizens and communities of Bamfield and Anacla for opening up their homes and lives to us.
In partnership with Huu-ay-aht First Nations.
/ The Result
The documentary uses powerful storytelling and cinematic imagery to invite viewers into the lived experience of Huu-ay-aht’s past, present, and future.
waałšiʔaƛin (Coming Home) was met with wide acclaim, earning recognition at several international festivals. It helped bring Huu-ay-aht’s story to a global audience and deepened understanding of what it means to govern, recover, and thrive on one’s own terms.
Awards Received:
- Directors’ Choice, Social Justice Film Festival
- Platinum Award, Oregon Film Awards
- Award of Excellence, Accolade Global Film Competition
- Award of Excellence, Impact DOCS Awards
