Docuseries features action-packed Snuneymuxw canoe club: ‘Our culture is alive and well’

Docuseries features action-packed Snuneymuxw canoe club: ‘Our culture is alive and well’ The nine-episode ‘Racing Waters,’ which premiered on APTN on Sept. 13, aims to ‘show the world how amazing this sport really is’ BY DIONNE PHILLIPS, LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER ● ARTS, SPORTS, VANCOUVER ISLAND ● SEPTEMBER 18, 2026 Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Share on Reddit Share on WhatsApp Email this Page A still from ‘Racing Waters’ shows the Island Brave Canoe Club on the water fighting for the lead. Submitted image A new docuseries showcases the fast-paced sport of canoe racing — with sprawling overhead views of competitions to close-up shots of rapid-fire paddles on the water. Over nine episodes, Racing Waters follows Snuneymuxw First Nation’s Island Brave Canoe Club located on “Vancouver Island.” There are multiple competitions included in the series  — including single, double and six person races — but the 11-man war canoe races remain the main event.  “Eleven-man is the main show, and everybody comes out to watch that,“ said Eli Wyse, a paddler on the Island Brave team and a member of Snuneymuxw First Nation. Beyond the large in-person crowds that races draw on the West Coast and beyond, Racing Waters brings that spirit to audiences across the country, with a high energy and connection to the sport that can be felt through the screen. The in-depth portrayal of the sport includes highlighting the culture and humanity attached to it.  The docuseries premiered on Sept. 13 on APTN. It’s already been renewed and filming is underway for season two. A family legacy The Island Brave team carries their canoe. Submitted image Wyse has been canoe pulling since the age of 12, and has acquired various winning titles in the years since. Before he started, he remembers being home at the Snuneymuxw First Nation and noticing the community feeling empty, and wondering where everyone went — before finding out that they were all out on the water.  The sport has been in his family for generations. Wyse recalled how he has heard stories about his grandparents and great-grandparents canoe racing and said he is proud to continue that family legacy and represent his community.  His uncle, Snuneymuxw Chief Michael Wyse Sr., founded the Island Brave Canoe Club in 2002 and still serves as the team captain. These relational connections are explored throughout the docuseries.  “It was just great to have a sense of belonging and have a…