Traditional Welcome featuring Ren Louie

 Cuu, Ren Louie’s cultural name is Wikinanish, which translates to ‘eldest son’. Louie comes from the Nuu-Chah-Nulth people, specifically the Ahousaht First Nation. Ren is a children’s author with his debut book, Drum From The Heart, coming out in February 2022. Ren also runs a book blog on Instagram titled, @NootkaReads. When he isn’t writing, Ren is a 4th year student at the University of Victoria in the Bachelors of Humanities – Indigenous Studies Program.

Ren has been fortunate to have been born and raised on Coast Salish territory. He always makes sure to express his gratitude as it has been an incredible honour to live, learn and play on these lands. During his time here, Ren has been a cultural singer and knowledge keeper and he has been actively engaged in his culture for the last 15 years. His goal is to help revitalize his Nuu-Chah-Nulth culture for the next generation to come.