Storytelling, Tourism, & Reconciliation

For Cheryl Chapman, also known as Sunrise When the Salmon Come, reconciliation begins with sharing the full story of a destination. By uncovering and embracing these truths, visitors form deeper connections to the land, its people, and their shared histories—nurturing a stronger commitment to sustainability and reconciliation.

Cheryl has been a trailblazer in developing Indigenous heritage and cultural sites in British Columbia’s Cariboo Chilcotin Coast region. In 1996, she played a pivotal role in establishing Xatśūll (hat-sooth) Heritage Village, North America’s first site of its kind. This award-winning destination invites visitors to immerse themselves in the traditions and stories of the Xatśūll First Nation, offering a variety of educational and recreational activities.

Her passion for Indigenous representation extended to Barkerville, a major historical site on the Gold Rush Trail. Over 26 years, Cheryl advocated tirelessly for Indigenous perspectives to be included in the narrative of the 1850s and 1860s gold rush era. In 2019, her efforts culminated in the integration of Indigenous interpretation into the visitor experience.

“You asked about my mission, it’s education through tourism and truth telling and getting to that place where sustainability means something to everybody, not just us.” — Sunrise When the Salmon Come (Cheryl Chapman)

Listen to the podcast below or learn more