An Evening of Community Storytelling, and Stewardship: Keepers of the Land Film Screening Event Recap
May 2, 2025 – by Brynna Kagawa-Visentin
On a sunny, crisp Wednesday evening, over 140 people from across the Lower Mainland, including conservation advocates, students, teachers, nonprofit leaders, and nature enthusiasts, gathered at SFU’s Goldcorp Centre for the Arts for a special screening of Keepers of the Land. This award-winning documentary highlights the Kitasoo Xai’xais First Nation’s inspiring stewardship efforts to safeguard their homelands, including vital marine ecosystems, for generations to come.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us, and to our partners at Reel Causes for helping bring this event to life. We were honoured to be joined by Keepers of the Land co-producers and directors Chief Doug Neasloss and Deirdre Leowinata (Moonfish Media), alongside SFU Assistant Professor Kyle Wilson, who shared thoughtful reflections during the post-film panel discussion. Your presence and contributions made the evening truly memorable.
Created in partnership between the Nation and Moonfish Media, the film captures the Kitasoo Xai’xais’ decades-long efforts to protect vital ecosystems while asserting their inherent rights and connection to their territory. The breathtaking marine footage offered a powerful reminder: for the Kitasoo Xai’xais, stewardship isn’t an abstract concept—it’s daily practice rooted in responsibility and reciprocity. The film highlighted the Nation’s wide-ranging conservation efforts, from banning grizzly bear trophy hunting and managing crab harvests, to investing in the next generation through the SEAS (Supporting Emerging Aboriginal Stewards) program.
At a time when Canada and BC have pledged to protect 30% of lands and waters by 2030, stories like Keepers of the Land are more important than ever. They show that Indigenous leadership is not only vital to achieving these goals, but also offers a deeper vision for how we must live in relationship with nature.
The evening was full of powerful moments, including a lively audience Q&A. Attendees asked thoughtful questions about how momentum can be leveraged from broader social movements to achieve conservation goals, and about the barriers Indigenous-led conservation faces today. A key theme emerged from the film and discussion: the Nation is not waiting for government action; they are leading the way, setting a gold standard for marine conservation in BC and beyond. Their drive to protect the breathtaking biodiversity of their territory, from vibrant marine life to the iconic Spirit Bear, left a lasting impression on everyone in the room.
Many attendees shared how deeply moved they were by witnessing the Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation’s leadership, resilience, and unwavering commitment to protecting their lands and waters. Personally and organizationally, we were reminded that true conservation must be rooted in Indigenous leadership, cultural knowledge, and the lived realities of those most connected to the land.
Events like this are vital for deepening public understanding of Indigenous-led conservation and strengthening the collective momentum needed to hold governments accountable to their 30×30 and conservation commitments. As we move toward this critical goal, it is essential that First Nations remain at the heart of these efforts.
If you weren’t able to join us in person, you can still watch the film on CBC Gem! As Chief Doug Neasloss shared during the panel, just as you’d ask a local for directions in the Bronx, we must turn to First Nations when it comes to protecting lands and waters across BC. They must be supported to make decisions on what happens on their territories.
If you feel inspired to support the Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation’s incredible stewardship work, you can donate directly to their Stewardship Authority here.
A heartfelt thank you once again to everyone who attended, to our partners at Reel Causes, to our incredible panelists Chief Doug Neasloss, Deirdre Leowinata, and Kyle Wilson, and to everyone who helped make this evening possible. Events like this remind us that by working together, we can build a future where people and nature thrive.
