Join Raincoast Conservation and guests in a conversation about Indigenous leader Wa’xaid, Cecil Paul

On Thursday Nov 21st at 7pm at the University of Victoria (David Turpin Building Room A120), join a conversation with author Briony Penn, Raincoast’s Brian Falconer, and photographer Alex Harris, hosted by CBC’s Bob McDonald. They’ll share stories about one of North America’s most important Indigenous leaders, Wa’xaid, Cecil Paul and the watershed he helped protect.⠀
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Stories from the Magic Canoe of Wa’xaid charts a remarkable and profound collection of reflections by one of North America’s most important Indigenous leaders, Wa’xaid, Cecil Paul. Cecil was the last person born in the Kitlope, and is chief of the killer whale clan of the Xenaksiala, now part of the Haisla Nation. This evening will take us into the story of Wa’xaid, as told by Briony Penn, who co-authored Cecil’s recent book.⠀
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The Kitlope Conservancy and surrounding area is now the largest intact area of coastal temperate rainforest remaining in the world. Under Cecil’s leadership, protection of the Kitlope set the stage for what would become the Great Bear Rainforest Agreement. From a first ban on grizzly hunting to Indigenous Guardianship programs and co-management with the Haisla Nation, the legacy of the Kitlope continues to unfold on BC’s coast.⠀
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Joining Briony, will be Raincoast’s Brian Falconer, a close friend of Cecil’s, share from his own experience supporting Cecil and others with the conservation of the Kitlope. Photographer and videographer Alex Harris recently visited the Kitlope with Maple Lead Adventures and will provide a visual story of this stunning place and the ways in which we can protect its wildlife.⠀

@universityofvictoria @alexharrris_ @mapleleafadvent @marlosha