An excerpt from an upcoming graphic novel inspired by tales from the Homalco First Nation community, shared by Tchadas Leo.
Amidst the frosty embrace of winter, a tale unfurls, one of tradition, passage, and the gentle whispers of an ancient river. It begins with a young man, dispatched by paternal decree to immerse himself in the icy waters, a ritual marking his journey into adulthood. Such narratives, steeped in the lore of the Homalco First Nation, dance across the canvas of a forthcoming graphic novel, a vessel crafted to ferry the wisdom of elders across generations.
Alina Pete, a storyteller hailing from the Little Pine First Nation, weaves her narrative magic in Surrey, British Columbia. Her pen breathes life into these ancestral chronicles, a testament to the enduring power of visual storytelling. "I think it's absolutely one of the best ways to reach out to people," shares Pete, her voice tinged with reverence and anticipation. The endeavour, an opportunity both humbling and profound, carries a weight of responsibility.
Bound by the echoes of yesteryears, Pete, along with fellow Indigenous artists Valen Onstine and Gord Hill, embark on a pilgrimage to Bute Inlet. There, amidst the cradle of nature's grandeur, they seek inspiration and guidance, communing with elders, and tracing the contours of landscapes destined to grace the novel's pages. For Pete, the journey is a pilgrimage of authenticity, a sacred trust forged between artist and community.
Tchadas Leo, the custodian of this ambitious project, threads the narrative tapestry with care and purpose. Having lent his voice to the podcast that birthed these tales, Leo sees the graphic novel as a torchbearer for the next generation. With funding from Education Without Borders, the vision crystallizes: to empower youth with the inheritance of their ancestors, fostering a renaissance of identity and pride.
Yet, the novel remains nameless, its pages awaiting the imprint of history and myth. As the sun inches towards the zenith of summer, anticipation mounts, for within those pages lies a treasure trove of wisdom waiting to be unearthed. Chief Darren Blaney speaks of the book's destined role, envisaging it as a beacon illuminating the corridors of education, from daycare to beyond.
But this literary odyssey is but a prelude, a glimpse into a vast repository of lore and legend. Blaney, eyes alight with fervour, speaks of uncharted territories, stories yet untold, awaiting their moment in the sun. It's a narrative of reclamation, a defiance against the erasure of the past, a symphony of voices rising to reclaim their rightful place in the annals of time.
In the heart of winter's chill, a river beckons, whispering secrets of old. And in its currents, the echoes of a people, their stories etched upon the canvas of time, awaiting discovery.
