Portrait: Orca Group Series interview still.
The person behind the conversation
Tom Sewid is a member of the Kwakwaka’wakw First Nation from Alert Bay, British Columbia. He shares his own experiences of coastal life, fishing, art and orcas. His words are attributed to him and are not presented as representing every Indigenous person or Nation.
Meet the guest
Tom Sewid shares his own experiences and interpretations from Alert Bay and coastal British Columbia. His account is not presented as speaking for every Indigenous person, Nation or language.
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Orcas, coastal knowledge and the painted bow
Tom Sewid shares orca stories from Alert Bay and coastal British Columbia, including underwater sounds, winter killer whales and his account of orcas approaching the painted orca design on his boat.
In this extended Orca Group Series interview, recorded on 1 October 2023, Tom discusses his Kwakwaka’wakw and Cree background, commercial fishing, whale watching, oral history, the painted bow encounter, Pacific Northwest art, day names, seasons, moons and copper traditions.
From Nick’s question: “So Tom, I'll leave it up to you to introduce yourself and thanks very much for being a part of this episode.”
But anyway, my name's Tom Sewid, I'm a member of the Kwakwaka’wakw First Nation, coastal Indians off from northern Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.
Tom speaks from his own experience. His account does not represent every Indigenous person, Nation or language.
Watch the full conversation ↗