Photo by Philip McLachlan/The Discourse A local cast Harold Joe stands in the window of the Stone Butter Church, on Quw’utsun Territory, looking out towards Mount Tzouhalem. “You come for the war chief, you leave with an appreciation for First Nations self government.” Tzouhalem’s story takes place during the time of colonization, Leslie notes, but the film focuses on his relationship with surrounding First Nations and Indigenous law. Related story: What happened at the great battle at Maple Bay? “It’s the biggest battle in recorded history in this part of the world, he was the planner and victor of that battle,” Leslie says. It tells of how Tzouhalem brought many Coast Salish nations together, leading them to victory in the Battle of Maple Bay. The film also highlights Tzouhalem’s leadership, Leslie says. Related story: Who was Chief Tzouhalem? Harold Joe pictured at the Stone Butter Church, on Quw’utsun Territory, near Mt. And if it weren’t for the pleas of his mother, Ts’uwxilum would have been ‘cast into the clam shell piles,’” Qwustenuxun writes. Ts’uwxilum’s father was appalled when he looked upon his disfigured son, for Ts’uwxilum’s head was too large and he had a hunched back. “It is said that when Ts’uwxilum was born there was a great storm and that thunder and lightning filled the sky. He uses a Hul’q’umi’num’ version of Tzouhalem’s name, Ts’uwxilum. In an article for The Discourse, local writer Jared Qwustenuxun Williams tells the story of Chief Tzouhalem and also touches on the Chief’s birth. Through strength of character and pure willpower, taught to him by his grandmother, he became known as one of the most powerful First Nations Elders in the Pacific Northwest. Tzouhalem was deformed at birth with a hunched back, says Leslie. The film also highlights the importance and complexity of First Nations self governance. The story the film tells is multifaceted, touching on Tzouhalem’s achievements, battles and downfalls, Leslie says. Photo by Philip McLachlan/The Discourse A legendary chief Harold Joe stands on Quw’utsun Territory, looking out towards Mount Tzouhalem. Through films like “Tzouhalem,” both Harold and Leslie say they hope to empower Indigenous people to share their stories with domestic and international audiences. It’s a local production team that focuses on producing films, television and digital media projects that have “distinctive and authentic First Nations content.” Harold is the star of the film formed Orca Cove Media alongside Leslie. Tzouhalem’s story is both history and legen d, says Leslie Bland, the film’s director. Tickets for upcoming screenings, March 11 through 14 in lək̓ʷəŋən territory (Victoria), Quw’utsun territory (Duncan) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, and Sel̓íl̓witulh territories, (Vancouver) are available but selling fast. The film is called “Tzouhalem” and was recently screened for the first time in front of audiences on the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and Lilwat7úl (Lil’wat) territories in Whistler and on Vancouver Island. Harold’s grandmother often told him stories about Tzouhalem’s tall nature and independence - traits Harold found within himself, too.ĭecades later, Harold has put this story on the big screen.Īn upcoming film - combining reenactments and interviews with Cowichan Tribes Elders and historians - tells the riveting story of Chief Tzouhalem, who lived amongst and led the Quw’utsun People during the mid-1800s. The story of the former Cowichan Tribes Chief was always close to him. Harold Joe (Xulputstun), a Cowichan Tribes actor, grew up comparing himself to the legendary Chief Tzouhalem. Harold Joe, actor and Cowichan Tribes member, is pictured in front of Mount Tzouhalem, the centerpiece of a new historical film that hit the big screen last month.
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