Documentary series highlights war canoe racing in Pacific Northwest
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Asia Youngman and her film crew followed the Island Brave Canoe Club from the Snuneymuxw First Nation in Nanaimo, British Columbia, as they prepared for their 2025 racing season.
Youngman noticed a lack of public knowledge about war canoe racing, despite its prevalence in Indigenous communities across the Pacific Northwest. She hopes her nine-episode docuseries, Racing Waters, will introduce more people to the sport and its cultural significance.
The series focuses on the paddlers’ dedication to both the competition and preserving their traditions. Youngman observed that the team views war canoeing as a lifestyle, a way to maintain cultural practices and strengthen family bonds. The sport also provides positive outlets for Indigenous youth, helping to steer them away from harmful substances.
Youngman’s previous work includes documentaries exploring social issues and personal stories, such as I’m Just Here for the Riot and a short film about Indigenous wrestler Dawn Murphy. She found common themes in these projects, the sacrifices people make for their passions and the importance of community. Racing Waters will continue with a second season, as the Island Brave Canoe Club prepares to compete in a six-hour race in Moloka‘i, Hawaii in October.
