Tla’amin Accepts $10,000 Donation from ILLAHIE Foundation for NameSake Documentary Film
November 27, 2024
The Tla’amin Nation is grateful for a generous $10,000 donation from the ILLAHIE Foundation to support post-production activities for təm kʷaθ nan (NameSake) documentary film.
təm kʷaθ nan documents the Tla’amin Nation’s request that the City of Powell River change its name. The city is named after Israel Wood Powell who served as B.C.’s Superintendent of Indian Affairs for 17 years. Powell was instrumental in the establishment of Indian Residential Schools, the banning of the potlatch and the theft of Lot 450 in Tla’amin territory.
təm kʷaθ nan has been in production since 2022 and hundreds of hours of interviews and footage have already been captured. The films trailer can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/n6tIGPXtjs8?si=FkKgr0m6A5KnYWCu
The ILLAHIE Foundation is a family foundation established by Julia and Ed Levy. The term “Illahie” originates from the Chinook Jargon, meaning “land” or “earth.” The ILLAHIE Foundation, draws its name from this term, reflecting a connection to the land and a commitment to environmental and social causes.
Dr. Julia Levy, a cofounder of the ILLAHIE foundation, says, “The NameSake documentary is an essential window into Tla’amin People’s deep connection to their lands, as well as the history of dispossession at the hands of colonial agents. We are honoured to support this seminal film.”
Dr. Julia Levy is a distinguished Canadian microbiologist, immunologist, educator, entrepreneur, and business leader. She is an Officer of the Order of Canada in recognition of her roles in discovering and developing the first medical treatment for macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness in the elderly. Dr. Levy resides in qathet territory.
“We extend our heartfelt čɛčɛhaθɛč (thank you) to the Levy family and the ILLAHIE Foundation for believing in the importance of this story,” said Hegus John Hackett. “These finishing funds will go a long way in making this documentary one that leaves a legacy for our community and beyond.”
Scheduled for release in June 2025, təm kʷaθ nan combines oral history, archival imagery, and contemporary perspectives to amplify Tla’amin voices and build community understanding about the request for a name change. In the spirit of reconciliation 45 local organizations, businesses and non-profits have voluntarily changed their name over the last three years.
The Tla’amin Nation invites others who are inspired by this project to contribute to its success. Donations to the NameSake documentary film can help preserve this critical story for future generations. For more information or to make a contribution, please contact media@tn-bc.ca
A trailer for the documentary can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/n6tIGPXtjs8?si=FkKgr0m6A5KnYWCu
Media
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Tla’amin Namesake documentary film crew, from left: Claudia Medina, Davis McKenzie, Dr. Evan Adams, Peg Campbell, Eileen Francis, and Angela Kendall. Missing Emily White.