Executive Producer, Co-Producer/Director

Douglas Neasloss is the visionary elected chief of the Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation, and the director of the Nation’s Stewardship Authority. Doug envisioned Keepers of the Land as an inspiration for his people, and for the world, in terms of what is possible for the world through re-empowering indigenous people, by showcasing his territory and the work his people are doing to protect it in cinematic quality.

Co-Producer/Director, Cinematographer, Editor

Deirdre Leowinata is an emerging director and cinematographer driven by a passion for strong multimedia narratives that address our relationship with the planet. Her formal background in ecology and visual communication instilled in her a rigorous commitment to evidence-based storytelling which she brings to every project she facilitates. She combines her formal background with a strong technical skill set in digital film and a knack for personal and evocative stories.

Cinematographer

Tavish Campbell’s work brings conservation stories to magic light through his natural history cinematography and photography, combining an intimate knowledge of the coast with a keen eye and a dedicated love for the underwater world. His stunning imagery and stories have brought the plight of wild salmon and other issues to the front pages of inernational media, capturing millions of views and widespread attention. His cinematography is continuously sought after by the world’s largest natural history productions.

Composer

David Parfit is an award-winning composer with a Master in Music Technology degree from New York University and a passion for exploring non-traditional sounds. Known for his easy-going demeanour, technological expertise, and creative approach, David has created scores that have been heard around the world in theatres, on TV (CBC, BBC, ABC, PBS, ESPN, National Geographic, and others), in podcasts, and all over the Internet. Film and TV projects that David has scored have won more than 50 industry and festival awards worldwide.

Vocals

The rich textured tone of singer songwriter Hayley Wallis’ voice has an unmistakable confidence that is immediately recognizable. She is part of the Kitasoo/Xai’xais Nation, originally from Klemtu, a small isolated island located in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest in British Columbia. She began her musical journey at a young age, singing for her family and community, and credits their support for developing the passion she now has. Moving from her home in pursuit of her artistic aspirations, she now resides in Vancouver, BC, balancing work life and family life as a young mother while steadily focused on her musical goals.

Hayley is passionate about leaving a strong legacy and paving a path along her way. She sings for herself, for her children and for her people and hopes to set an example that will empower the young generation of her community to pursue their dreams.

Additional Drone Pilot

A proud member of the Nation, Vern Brown is a young leader who is com- ing into his own understanding of the chieftainship role that was passed down to him by his uncle with one of the oldest names—Dgagmsaigisk— from an ancient Kitasoo story about the creation of their clans. His role in Stewardship is both a ground-truther and a youth leader for their emerging stewards program, and he aims to instil in the next generation of leaders his strong sense of their rights and title to their territory.