Author

Philip McLachlan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Philip McLachlan is a queer settler of Scottish and English ancestry, born and raised on the unceded territory of the W̱SÁNEĆ and Quw’utsun Nations. His background includes working in small communities as a journalist for traditional media and freelancing for international wire agencies as a photojournalist. He is passionate about telling authentic stories in a way that honours Indigenous community members on their homelands.

Philip McLachlan,'s Latest Articles

Guided by her culture, Gitxsan scientist looks to old ways for climate resilience

By Aaron Hemens, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter & Philip McLachlan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Features ● June 26, 2023

Janna Wale, who is also Cree-Métis, grew up fishing for salmon — now, the UBCO grad wants to get to the root of why they’re disappearing

An Indigenous man stands face to face with a younger woman, both dressed in black shirts and shorts with white sneakers. The young woman is wearing white boxing gloves, and is punching her right glove into the man's right palm during a training session in a boxing gym in downtown Snuneymnuxw.

Boxing club coaches Indigenous Youth to grow stronger in the ring and in life

By Philip McLachlan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Features ● September 13, 2022

‘This is just a place for you to get your anger out, and a place to stay safe,’ says Team Trouble boxing coach Eli Wyse

Isaiah Harris is wearing a red t-shirt, with his long black hair framing his face and going past his chest. He is wearing glasses and standing on the beach with water behind him in the sunshine.

Stz’uminus Youth living his storytelling dreams through Indigenous films

By Philip McLachlan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Features ● August 25, 2022

Isaiah Harris has always wanted to uplift Indigenous stories — a passion rooted in responsibility, respect and love for his community

A piece of art depicts a Medicine Wheel on a green backdrop, surrounded by four northwest coast-style animals

Artwork from prisons gives glimpse into lives of incarcerated people: ‘we’re still human’

By Philip McLachlan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Arts ● August 6, 2022

‘When you’re in an 8×10 cell you’re in your head a lot. When you can have a bit of an escape, it can pull you out of deep depression,’ says one creator in the ART & Justice exhibit

VIU summer camp introduces Indigenous youth to life on campus

By Philip McLachlan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● News ● August 4, 2022

‘You don’t have to give up your cultural identity to come to a place of higher learning,’ says Thuy’she’num Tu Smun’eem camp coordinator

Ten people are seen standing behind a desk in the Williams Lake First Nation's office. More people are standing up from their seats to face the leaders at the front of the room.

Advocates question RCMP’s role in death of WLFN man, demand public inquiry

By Philip McLachlan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● News ● July 20, 2022

Advocates call for change after Rojun Alphonse died following a distress call to his home that his relations say was escalated with tear gas and weapons