A film by A̱myax’id – Lindsey Mae Willie, Wołk̓ine’ – Robert Smith and the Musgamakw Dzawada̱’enux̱w ga̱nga̱nana̱m

This film grew from a clear need voiced within the community and affirmed through A̱ka̱la’s years of work with Musgamakw Dzawada̱’enux̱w youth.

For generations, both mainstream society and colonial systems have overlooked young people ; expecting them to carry the weight of climate change, community wellness, and cultural revitalization, while rarely giving them space to speak. Indigenous youth carry this pressure alongside intergenerational trauma, disconnection from land, and the impacts of living in diaspora. Their voices are often the last to be heard, even when their futures are the most affected.

This film exists to change that.

Hutłilala Xa̱n’s Sasa̱m Yak̓int̓alux — “Listen, our children are speaking to you” — is both a teaching and a call to action. Our youth are not only our future; they are our right now. We cannot make decisions about their lives, land, and wellbeing without hearing directly from them.

Through A̱ka̱la Society’s Youth Leadership Paddle Program : multi-day, on-the-land and on-the-water journeys across Musgamakw Dzawada̱’enux̱w territory, the film brings us into the world of our young people. We see the territory through their eyes, hear the concerns they carry, and witness their joy, resilience, humour, and strength on the water. We learn what matters to them and what they need from us.

Tour Dates

2026

November 7th, 4-8pm
Red Carpet Premiere
Vic Theatre, 808 Douglas St
lək̓ʷəŋən territory, Victoria, BC

2027

K’emk’emeláy
Vancouver Date TBD

Tla’mataxw
Campbell River Date TBD

‘Yalis
Alert Bay Date TBD

Uk̕wanalis
Kingcome Date TBD

G̱wa’yasda̱ms
Gilford Date TBD

T̕saxis
Port Hardy Date TBD