When it comes to working with the community and with neighbouring communities the local chamber is happy to partner with the Stz'uminus Nation.
“The community of Stz’uminus is a very important player in the area and our members are happy with the support we get from their residents,” Roberta Bowman said.
In 2022 the chamber had applied for a grant from Destination BC to produce a video about Indigenous culture and learnings in the area.
“It was designed to be something we can run here in the Chamber and Visitor Centre and also feature online," Bowman said. "To feature the first inhabitants and give visitors more understanding of their lives, teachings and culture and also for information for business looking at the area.”
The video is 11 minutes long and is basically a prayer.
“During the video and the prayer Elders speak to the prayer itself and what they're saying, their connectivity with the land. It's very, very beautiful,” Bowman said.
Once completed the producer and Chamber approached the Stz’uminus chief and council to get their approval to show the video to the public.
“It took some time to not just get the approval of the grant but to find the Elders and have them tell their parts and then back to their council," Bowman said. "The Stz’uminus council were pleased on the production and how beautiful it turned out. It’s a true good reference of who they are. The video doesn’t have an official title, it’s just an Indigenous learning project. The goal of the Chamber is the video, besides being a local feature, but it’d hoped that other chambers will pick it up and it can spread the story further. It’s an Indigenous learning project. We hope to have it up online in May or early June.”
