Episode 4 available now!
Show Notes
ʔaƛa-Suu-qʷayac̓iik (Dennis Hetu) is a t̓uk̓ʷaaʔatḥ (Toquaht Nation government) citizen. He works for the Toquaht Nation government in the Lands and Resource Department, where he holds roles related to workplace safety and First Nations archaeology. In addition to his government work, Dennis serves as a cultural liaison and seafood harvester for his community. As a commercial diver, he has a unique perspective on Toquaht Nation territory and its surrounding underwater ecosystems.
Dennis was raised in a culturally rich environment by his Grandfather Chief Cecil Mack and Grandmother Jessie Mack. He sings and drums t̓uk̓ʷaaʔatḥ songs, performs t̓uk̓ʷaaʔatḥ dances, and teaches these cultural practices to youth, helping preserve the culture and traditions of his community.
A carver since his late teens, Dennis has over 35 years of experience as both a contemporary and traditional artist. Discover his artwork here: https://www.facebook.com/of2wolves/
Learn more about the topics discussed in this episode:
t̓uk̓ʷaaʔatḥ (Toquaht Nation Government)
Website: https://toquaht.ca/
Glossary of terms: https://toquaht.ca/about/language/glossary/
Secret Beach Campground: https://www.secretbeachcampground.com/ and
accompanying video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fN4bLcU3OQ&t=77s
Dennis’ interview on ancestral clam farm:
https://hashilthsa.com/news/2024-10-04/clam-garden-series-dennis-hetu-and-ancestral-clam-farm
Restoration projects:
Thornton Creek Hatchery: https://www.thorntoncreekhatchery.com/
The Past, Present, and Future of Pacific Herring :
https://uclueletaquarium.org/the-past-present-and-future-of-pacific-herring/
Stream Restoration: https://reddfish.org/chenatha-1
Wild About Wolves program: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/bc/pacificrim/nature/recherche-research/loups-sauvages-wild-wolves and accompanying video featuring Dennis: https://youtu.be/xrNqtvkMWZw
Ucluelet and area:
Mt. Ozzard radar station: https://www.ucluelet-info.com/mount-ozzard/
Bear Aware program: https://wildsafebc.com/
Dennis’ interview on importance of Bear Aware: https://hashilthsa.com/news/2023-01-26/human-behaviour-needs-shift-coexistence-wildlife-say-specialists
Ucluelet & Area Historical Society https://ucluelethistory.ca/
Credits:
Brought to you by two friends with a passion for local history and storytelling - Carly Steven and Kemal Denman are both born, raised, and residing in Ucluelet and Tofino.
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Host/Writer/Producer: Kemal Denman
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Co-Producer: Carly Steven
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Sound Designer: Kemal Denman
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Audio Engineer: Paul Chirka
Recorded and produced on the west coast of Vancouver Island on the sacred lands of Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ, tuk̓ ̓ʷaaʔatḥ, ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ, ḥiškʷiiʔatḥ, and ʕaaḥuusʔatḥ, in Nuučaan̓uł territory.
Disclaimer:
The stories shared here are the expressed views, thoughts, and opinions of the featured guests only and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the producers. All rights reserved @SSSH Productions, 2024.
Family pole carved by ʔaƛa-Suu-qʷayac̓iik at Macoah. Click photo to expand