Canoe Connections

An essential element of maintaining culture in First Nations communities is nurturing the practice of knowledge keepers passing on their cultural wisdom. For the Canoe Cultures program in Vancouver Canada, an Indigenous-lead non-profit carving centre, Mike Billy Sr. and Jr. are an example of the transference of knowledge from one generation of Squamish Nation War Canoe builder to the next. In this short film they both share their experiences of passing and receiving the torch and the future they imagine that keeping this legacy alive can bring. Through this age-old tradition the uninterrupted connection between ancestors and the present generation is maintained and flourishes.

  • Reeva Billy
    Director
    Journey of Kikya
  • Jeremy Dyson
    Producer
    Journey of Kikya, Scammerhead
  • Tim Chui
    Editor
    Journey of Kikya, Scammerhead
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    4 minutes 25 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    June 26, 2023
  • Country of Origin:
    Canada
  • Country of Filming:
    Canada
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Reeva Billy

Reeva Billy (ancestral name: Sialtinot) is from the Squamish, Yale and Nuxalk nations. Born and raised in Squamish traditional territory, her family is known for dugout war canoe building and racing. She has been racing in these canoes since she was 6 years old, and as a teenager started helping her father and brother build and renovate dugout war canoes. However, she found her strength in the administrative aspects of the North Vancouver Canoe Club, taking on the roles of; grant writer, treasurer, and spokesperson. In her career, Reeva has continued to develop these skills at the BC Arts Council and Canoe Cultures.

Reeva is working on her BA and majoring in First Nations and Indigenous Studies at UBC, with a minor in Sociology. She is currently hired at Planning and Capital Projects as the Community Coordinator Intern, mainly working with her mentors Jessica and Ruby on the Squamish Nation Generational Plan, as well as strengthening the connection with members from the Squamish Valley.

When Reeva isn’t working or spending time with her friends and family, she is often crafting or exploring the wilderness. Her hobbies include wool weaving, crocheting, watercolour painting, fixed-gear bike riding, and hiking.

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