Walking with the Ancestors: The Story of Kiix̣in
CLIENT: Huu-ay-aht First Nations + HFN Group of Businesses
PROJECT: Kiix̣in Destination Film
/ Services Provided
/ Background
Kiix̣in Village and Fortress National Historic Site is located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, nestled between the rugged outer coast and the calm waters of Barkley Sound. This culturally and ecologically significant site is home to the remains of a 19th-century village and fortress, with evidence of continuous occupation dating back over 3,000 years.
For Huu-ay-aht First Nations, a Nuu-chah-nulth and Modern Treaty Nation, Kiix̣in is more than a historic place — it is a sacred site and a living part of their story. Kiix̣in Tours invites visitors to experience this connection firsthand, guided by Traditional Knowledge Holders who share oral histories, cultural teachings, and the deep spiritual significance of the land.
/ The Deliverables
- Video production
- Stills photography
“For so very long we have been trying to hide and protect this from the rest of the world, but now we’ve gotten to that place where we want to open it up.”
– Qiic Qiica, Huu-ay-aht Traditional Knowledge Holder + Kiix̣in Tour Guide
/ Where we came in
To support the launch of Kiix̣in’s updated tourism experience, we were engaged in October 2019 to create a short cinematic film that would serve as both an introduction and an invitation. The goals of the project were to:
- Create a compelling visual story that evokes curiosity and respect for the site
- Provide a narrative anchor for use on Kiix̣in and Huu-ay-aht websites
- Generate high-quality visual assets that could support ongoing marketing and training
We worked in close partnership with Huu-ay-aht leadership and community members, including Qiic Qiica, a Huu-ay-aht Traditional Knowledge Holder and Kiix̣in tour guide, to craft a voiceover script rooted in Huu-ay-aht oral history and origin stories.
/ CREDITS
Director + DOP – Liam Mullany
Producers – Amanda Munro + Brandon Thompson
1st AC – Kelvin Wong
Additional Cinematography – Nolan McAllister + Andre Nutini
Key Grip – Andre Nutini
DIT/Craft – Chris Miller
Editors – David Peacock + Liam Mullany
Composer – Jeremy Wallace Maclean
Colourist – Sam Gilling
Sound Mix – Keith White
Featuring – Qiic Qiica
/ special thanks
Seth White, Charlie Clappis, Stella Peters, Trevor Cootes, Robert Dennis, Rachel Young, Crystal Clappis, Edward Johnson Jr., Cory Howard Jr.
/ The Result
The final film offers a meditative, immersive experience — transporting viewers to Kiix̣in’s coastal forest, ancient village site, and cultural heart.
The result is more than a tourism video. It is a respectful representation of place, culture, and identity — created to inspire visitors, support economic development, and honour the legacy of Huu-ay-aht ancestors.
