Author

Aaron Hemens, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Aaron Hemens is a photographer, journalist and visitor in unceded syilx territory. He is Filipino on his mom’s side, and has both French and British roots on his dad’s. As a settler, he is committed to learning and unlearning in his role as Okanagan Storyteller, and to accurately and respectfully tell stories of Indigenous peoples throughout the region. Aaron’s work is supported in part with funding from the Local Journalism Initiative in partnership with The Discourse and APTN.

Aaron Hemens,'s Latest Articles

A dead fish along the shore of the Kw'ikw'iya:la (Coquihalla) River in S'olh Temexw in “Hope, B.C.” on Aug. 15, near the site of the Trans Mountain Expansion (TMX) project’s Coquihalla River crossing. Photo by Aaron Hemens

TMX continued work in river for two weeks after salmon controversy

By Aaron Hemens, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● News ● August 30, 2022 August 30, 2022

After residents and activists rang alarm bells during early salmon run on Aug. 7, pipeline workers continued in Kw’ikw’iya:la River until Aug. 21

Clint Gabriel, left, and Dean Schreiber of the Penticton Indian Band outside of the band’s Natural Resources office in syilx homelands on Aug. 11. Gabriel and Schreiber make up the two-man crew of PIB’s Guardian Program. Photo by Aaron Hemens

Indigenous guardians: Meet PIB’s two-man crew looking out for the land

By Aaron Hemens, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Features ● August 23, 2022 August 23, 2022

Clint Gabriel and Dean Schreiber patrol the reserve, monitor the environment and alert members of potential threats

A young Indigenous man stands in front of a river, with trees and hills behind it. He is standing with his hands on his hips, wearing a grey t-shirt and smiling while the sun shines down.

syilx Coyote Cruises manager, 19, uplifts young leaders

By Aaron Hemens, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● News ● August 16, 2022 August 18, 2022

Jacob George is making a splash in the PIB-owned tourism business while working to support fellow Indigenous youth

Kelowna Museums offers introductory nsyilxcən course for all learners

By Aaron Hemens, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● News ● August 9, 2022 August 9, 2022

In addition to learning basics of nsyilxcən, participants will also explore language-related values and teachings

A dancer wearing regalia with “Every Child Matters” written on it participates in the grand entry of the second day of the 41st Kamloopa Powwow in Tk’emlúps (Kamloops) in Secwépemc homelands on July 30. Photo by Aaron Hemens

Survivors, Two-Spirit people honoured at 41st Kamloopa Powwow

By Aaron Hemens, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● News ● August 5, 2022 August 5, 2022

After controversial rules caused a stir on social media, leaders ‘acted quickly’ to make the event inclusive

Two people stand outside the Kelowna Provincial Court holding signs protesting fraudulent social worker Riley Saunders

Man who defrauded Indigenous youth while posing as a social worker sentenced to 5 years in prison

By Aaron Hemens, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● News ● July 28, 2022 August 2, 2022

Saunders misappropriated $460,000 from youth under his ‘care,’ using the funds to finance a lavish lifestyle, rules judge