An article about the creation of the graphic novel Xwémalhkwu Hero Stories, featuring an interview with project lead Tchadas Leo and Dr. Elizabeth “Biz” Nijdam, director of the UBC Comic Studies Cluster. 

"Led by Homalco First Nation (HFN), and journalist Tchadas Leo (Homalco and Stillaguimish Tribe of Indians), the project brought together Indigenous graphic artists Alina Pete (Nehiyaw from Little Pine First Nation in Saskatchewan), Valen Onstine (Nehiyaw and Dane-zaa) and Gord Hill (Kwakwaka’wakw) to visually interpret archival audio recordings of Homalco Elders.

The recordings, which were also turned into a mini podcast featuring 11 Homalco Elders, capture memories of life in the HFN’s traditional territory in Bute Inlet, with Elders sharing their childhood experiences, traditional customs and Coast Salish history.

The three stories in the graphic novel feature canoe and clamming, river bathing, and hunting and food preservation. The project seeks to revitalize the Homalco language, ayʔaǰuθɛm (Ayajuthem), and culture in a modern format that will resonate with younger generations."