Coastal Revival documentary series highlights BC wildlife, eco-tourism

Coastal Revival, a five-part documentary series launched Monday. The series, by Canadian filmmaker Brandy Yanchyk follows the efforts of First Nations, conservationists and researchers in protecting BC's coastal wildlife and promoting tourism.

The first episode of the series focuses on guides from the Raincoast Conservation Foundation taking people to interact, rather than avoid, grizzly bears.

"When I first started coming to these places people carried bear bangers, they carried shotguns. The relationship we had with the bears was very different. It was avoid, prevent and defend," said Raincoast's Brian Falconer in a press release, "Now it’s respect and interaction and that's a complete shift. ”

Director Brandy Yanchyk focused on the growth of eco tourism, or sustainable tourism, and how it is changing the lives of First Nations Communities and changing the way that people look at nature.

“The Kitasoo Xais’xais and Gitga’at Nations now have thriving businesses, providing local employment and bringing people from all over the world to view the elusive Spirit Bear and learn of it’s cultural significance, ” said Yanchyk.

Later episodes look at the researchers at Cetacealab, as well as Jackie Hildering, the "Marine Detective," who monitors threats to humpback whale recovery.

The first episode of Coastal Revival is available on TELUS Optik™ Local’s Youtube channel. Subsequent episodes will be released over the next 4 weeks.