On October 13, 2016, the Nathan E. Stewart tug and fuel barge ran aground near Gale Creek after the watchperson fell asleep. 110,000 litres of oil and fuel spilled into unceded Heiltsuk territorial waters on BC’s central coast as a result, and efforts to contain the spill failed.
Return to Gale Creek features father and daughter, Russell and Latoya Windsor who have a special connection to Gale Creek, an area severely impacted by the spill. In this short film, Russell, who was a first responder at the site of the spill, and Latoya reflect some of their memories of Gale Creek, the day of the incident, and the lasting impact it has had on themselves personally, and the Heiltsuk community.
This film was produced as part of Yellowhead Institute’s knowledge mobilization work for 2019 Red Paper, Land Back. This Red Paper is about how First Nation lands have been stolen and how they’re getting it back. Part Four of the report, Reclamation, featured twelve case studies, including the case of the Nathan E. Stewart spill and the Heiltsuk community’s response, which ultimately created an infrastructure for future environmental and marine care through the Horizon Maritime partnership. To download the Red Paper, please visit redpaper.yellowheadinstitute.org.
