Harold C. Joe

Harold, a member of the Cowichan Tribes, dedicates himself to preserving and sharing the Cowichan culture as a cultural worker, archaeology consultant, filmmaker, and producer. A Capilano Film School alumnus, his notable works include his role as Xavier in the sitcom "Ollie and Emma" and contributions to "1491: The Untold Story of the Americas Before Columbus." He directed documentaries like "Wisdom of the River" and "Broken Down," addressing cultural values and homelessness challenges, respectively.

In 2018, Harold's significant project, "Dust 'n Bones," showcased his efforts in preserving First Nations artifacts and remains. This documentary, widely recognized, has been featured on channels worldwide and will soon be integrated into Cowichan school curricula.

His recent works include "Tzouhalem," a portrayal of the famed Cowichan Chief, and "A Cedar Is Life," a deep dive into the cedar tree's significance to West Coast First Nations culture. Additionally, his films, "The Reclamation of Steve Joe" and "Pow Wow Summer," are set for production in 2022. Harold is involved in multiple projects, including the "Gold in the Valley" documentary.

Above all, Harold champions the importance of transferring oral traditions and cultural insights to younger generations and aims to enlighten society about First Nations' identity.

Leslie D. Bland

Leslie has made significant contributions to the world of entertainment, having been involved in over 150 projects spanning film, TV, radio, and theatre. He directed the female-centric comedy "She Kills Me" for APTN and helmed the documentary "Gone South: How Canada Invented Hollywood" for Super Channel. From 2001 to 2010, Leslie rejuvenated the Kaleidoscope Theatre in Victoria, BC, elevating its community profile and achieving record attendance. Under his leadership, the theatre garnered several accolades and toured both nationally and internationally.

As a co-founder and Executive Producer of Edmonton's Stage Polaris for 12 years, Leslie played a pivotal role in its evolution into Edmonton's second-largest theatre company. He contributed to over 100 productions, and under his tenure, Polaris clinched multiple Edmonton Sterling Awards.

Leslie's vast experience extends to several professional theatres across Canada, such as the National Arts Centre and Theatre Calgary. His academic achievements include a B.F.A. from the University of Alberta, certifications from the Royal Conservatory of Music, and an M.F.A. from the University of Victoria. He has lectured internationally, taught at multiple universities, and currently instructs at the University of Victoria Theatre Department.