NANAIMO — What started as a youth program over 20 years ago has evolved into a local First Nation trying to become the fastest people in the world to paddle a canoe.
The Snuneymuxw Island Brave canoe team qualified for the 2025 International Va’a Federation World Distance Championship in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in August, the highest level of international outrigger canoe racing competition.
Snuneymuxw First Nation chief Mike Wyse first formed the Island Brave team for youth in 2002 as a paddler and coach, and said it’s a dream come true to see them reach this level of success.
“They’ve done very well, not only in our dugout circuit, but they’ve brought their talents to the outrigger circuit and travelled around the world as young men, and now they have an opportunity to represent Canada at a big race. Very proud of them.”
SFN chief Mike Wyse stands in front of the some Island Brave members prior to training on Wednesday, June 25, along Shoreline Dr. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)With an intense four-days-a-week training schedule and competing in the War Canoe circuit on weekends, the seven-man team is made up of Wyse’s three sons and nephews, cementing those strong family bonds through sports and dedication.
Island Brave has a stellar track record, capturing three consecutive Canadian Championships, and qualified for Rio at tryouts in Vancouver last October.
Wyse said canoe racing is one of their traditional sports, bringing people together and working as one.
“I’m just thankful they’ve embraced the sport. It gives them something to shoot for, a common goal, but it’s also helped them later in life, too. They develop good habits. Commitment, sacrifice pays off, and they’ve brought that forward in their own personal lives. Raising their own kids the way they were taught on the canoe.”
He plans to head to Rio with his wife to watch them compete, although he admits he’s not the best spectator.
“I’m always a coach from the sidelines, no matter what. They always tell me to shut up.”
Island Brave team member and captain Michael Wyse has been paddling since he was a kid, and he said the support he’s received at home has been incredible.
“It’s special being a part of this, and then also just representing Canada too, it’s really rewarding. We also get to represent our Nation.”
Echoing those sentiments is Eli Wyse, who’s been an Island Brave since he was 12, quickly becoming engrossed in the lifestyle.
“The Nation’s been great, they support us with open arms. I’m 34 now, so sleep, diet, and a clean lifestyle is what I’m doing because I don’t want to let down, first and foremost, my grandparents, and I don’t want to let down my wife and my kids, because they’re sacrificing time too, and then knowing that the Nation is following us.”
You’ll have a chance to check out Island Brave in action before their Rio trip, as they’ll be competing locally during Snuneymuxw Days, on July 25-27.
More information on Island Brave can be found here on their website.
The Snuneymuxw Island Brave canoe team. (SFN)Subscribe to our daily news wrap. Local news delivered to your email inbox every evening. Stay up to date on everything Nanaimo and Oceanside.
info@nanaimonewsnow.com
Follow us on: Twitter (X) | Bluesky | Facebook
