Pacific Peoples’ Partnership is incredibly excited to be running an innovative and inspiring novel program from January – March 2021 titled ‘Stories of Resilience.’ Funded in part by the Government of Canada, Stories of Resilience is a Youth-led, arts and multimedia program designed to provide young Indigenous and South Pacific leaders with skills training and opportunities to publish their stories while giving back to the community.
This program was inspired by the current challenges presenting themselves as a result of the Covid-19 Pandemic, and are intended to inspire and restore links between individuals and communities. The program is designed to help elevate and highlight the connection between Indigenous communities and traditional knowledge and cultural teachings through invigorating art and multimedia work.
We are tremendously excited to see what these young leaders will create. Follow this page closely if you would like to keep up to date with what the Stories of Resilience is up to!
Stories of Resilience Coordinators:
Kalilah Rampanen
Kalilah Rampanen comes from the west coast of British Columbia. Her heritage stems from the nuučaan̓uł (Nuu-chah-nulth) territory on western Vancouver Island, Woodland Cree near Fort Mcmurrary and Finnish ancestry.
Kalilah’s music explores a diverse range of Indigenous, environmental and social horizons that combine a blend of acoustic, blues and alternative styles of expression.
In addition to her musical path, Kalilah is actively involved in activism and advocacy for the protection and preservation of Indigenous lands, culture and language. Kalilah has participated in a wide variety of campaigns that raise awareness of environmental devastation caused by mining, oil extraction, deforestation, climate justice and aquaculture. She uses her music to shed light upon the interconnectedness that is maintained through ancestral, Indigenous roots to the lands and waters and she maintains a lifestyle that keeps her connected to her traditional territories, culture and family.
Ksid Kloulechad
Ksid Kloulechad is from the Republic of Palau, a small archipelago in the western South Pacific. Ksid’s father is Palauan and her mother who was raised in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia is of British descent. Ksid has experience in documenting with photographs and videos in Palau, such as recording events for the Ebiil Society, an NGO that promotes cultural revitalization and conservation practices. Ksid moved to Canada in 2015 to pursue a Bachelors of Arts in Anthropology. Ksid plans to use her documenting experience to pursue a Masters of Public Health in order to shed light on Indigenous and women’s health issues and create healing spaces.
Mary Lagis
Mary Lagis is from Musgamagw Dzawada’enxw located in Gwayi (Kingcome Inlet) and Kwakiutl located in Tsaxis (Fort Rupert). Mary has lived in Victoria, BC her whole life with her siblings and parents. She is very excited to have this opportunity with Pacific Peoples’ Partnership and cannot wait to gain more knowledge and experience throughout this program.
Benjamin Mulchinock
Benjamin Mulchinock is a Métis and Cree student currently living in Victoria, BC. Having grown up on Vancouver Island, Benjamin has seen displays of Indigenous resilience throughout his life. From the ‘Idle No More’ demonstrations to growing up around to the local Indigenous filmmaking scene, Benjamin continues to search for ways to share culture and realize positive change. As a Biology and Philosophy student at Concordia University in Montreal, Ben is hoping to use scientific, academic, and writing knowledge to contribute to Indigenous causes, specifically with respect to the ever-increasing threat of climate change. Ben spends his other time reading, hiking, watching films, or going for runs.
Tana Thomas
Tana Thomas is from Ahousaht and Hesquiaht First Nations of the Nuuchahnulth people. Growing up, she has developed a strong sense of purpose to follow her parents vision of contributing to the healing sector. She has nurtured her gifts of light through song, sharing when requested. At the age of 22, her dream of owning her own canoe came to fruition, through the power of vision and prayer. She worked with Master Canoe carver Joe martin on her own 25ft dug out red cedar canoe. She has been bringing her canoe on Tribal Canoe Journeys for the past few years, but hopes to use it as a platform for Indigenous Youth to also find their voice.
Edward George Jr. 5th
Edward hails from two strong nations: The Songhees Nation “Lekwungen” is from his paternal side and the Malahat Nation from his maternal side. Edward enjoys drawing in the native art style and likes to keep fit by working out occasionally. He holds a strong passion for culture, singing, drumming, hunting and making medicine.
Behdahbuhn Logan
