Project dates: September 2025
Funding amount: $5,000
Project summary
This project brought together Indigenous Knowledge, marine science and art to explore the relationships between place, culture and seaweed. Working in collaboration with the Kwagu'ł (Kwa-gyu-th) First Nation, the team explored the long-term possibility of creating an art-science documentary that incorporates Indigenous language and perspectives.
As part of the research, the project investigated the chemical compounds in seaweed—such as phenols, salts, pigments and minerals—and how they contribute to alternative film development processes. Field activities included gathering and documenting seaweed species at locations such as Cluxewe Beach, testing environmental factors like nitrates, pH and metals and experimenting with seaweed-based film processing techniques.
The project now aims to recreate these processes at additional coastal locations, including Powell River, Ucluelet and Port Hardy, to build a collaborative story of place while deepening understanding of the marine chemistry that influences the photographic results.
Research team
Ana Valine
Filmmaker
Sara Child
Collaborator
Partners
UN Sustainable Development Goals
The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) align with the college’s commitment to community well-being and sustainability. By integrating SDGs into applied research at NIC, we drive innovation that supports regional development while addressing critical social, environmental and economic priorities.
