Victoria creator debuts series of short films celebrating Island culture and history

A Victoria creator is debuting her latest project today on the Knowledge Network.

Tara-Lee Novak of Earnest Entertainment is releasing a series of short films that shine a light on the history and culture that make the Vancouver Island community unique.

Coastal Dwellers is made up of 10 stories, focusing on everything from the history of the Cowichan sweater and Island utopias to cold water surfers.

The series starts with a story about the Coast Salish knitters who have become known for their handmade sweaters.

Novak explained that although many of us are familiar with the Cowichan sweater, we might not know the history behind it and how Coast Salish knitters kept their craft alive.

Also featured in Coastal Dwellers is the story of one of first females in Canada to be sponsored and make a living off of being a professional surfer.

Leah Oke was born to a family of 11 surfers. She was raised in a squatting community that was located on Sombrio Beach, before it was turned into a provincial park in the 90s.

Novak said that Oke talks about her unique upbringing, and how she looked to surfing to overcome the tragedy that unfolded in her life.

Novak worked on the project with a small but mighty team, and they were lucky enough to finish filming the series before the pandemic hit.

She emphasized the importance of sharing the stories in our community, especially during time like this.

Coastal Dwellers premieres on the Knowledge Network at 9 pm tonight.