About

Paul Kia‘i Modde is the Visionary Founder, Producer, and Artistic Director of the International Indigenous-Led Canoe Regatta. A proud 9th-generation Métis of Dutch, French, Chippewa, and Ojibwa heritage, Kia‘i is a direct descendant of the legendary Chief
Pontiac. His ancestry ties him to the deep roots of Indigenous resistance, resilience, and responsibility. Now in the twilight of his life at 77 years old, he is dedicating his final years to ensuring this initiative leaves a legacy for future of all generations.

Canada’s socio-economic development was built on canoe culture and the fur trade. Throughout Canada’s early history, it was the First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and even Hawaiian communities along the Pacific coast who propelled the nation’s socio-
economic rise during the Hudson’s Bay fur trade era. Kia‘i honors this canoe legacy which cannot be underestimated by fusing cultural restoration with innovation in tourism, health, wellness and environmental stewardship.

With more than 35 years of relentless research and frontline collaboration with world-renowned chefs, regenerative farmers, Indigenous healers, tourism leaders, and cultural historians, Kia‘i has committed the final chapter of his life—at 77 years old—to a singular mission: the health and wellness of Mother Nature, the planet, and all humanity. Though Indigenous-led, his work speaks to a universal truth — that all people, regardless of background, deserve to thrive in harmony with the Earth. His life’s mission — to serve the health and well-being of Mother Nature, the planet, and all humanity — is embodied in this Regatta and the broader ecosystem of projects it launches. With strong leadership, bold partnerships, and international support, Kia‘i is setting a new global standard for what community-led innovation can look like when driven by purpose, compassion, and vision.

The Regatta is more than an event — it is a launchpad for a global movement grounded in ancestral wisdom, sustainable design, proactive wellness, and spiritual renewal. Kia‘i’s bold leadership is creating a replicable blueprint for future-ready, community-powered solutions. Through this legacy, he calls on all generations to rise in unity, vision, and action — to protect what is sacred and build what is possible.

Following in Chief Pontiacs footsteps Kia’i is an advocate for truth reconciliation, indigenous led health wellness, arts, culture and the breaking down of cultural barriers for the betterment of all humanity.

Frank Marchand’s father Gordon Marchand was a Master Carver a practice and designation he passed along to his son Frank who is the leading canoe carver on Lake Okanagan for the Syilx people. He is a member of the Okanagan Indian Band who learned canoe carving from his father a well noted and respected carver in the Okanagan Valley. Frank was nominated as a community changemaker, for having a positive impact on his community for his generosity with gifts of knowledge, food and support.

He epitomizes his cultural values in both the relationship he shared with his father, Elders, and in the role he has played as an educator to dozens of local students. Frank has followed in his father’s footsteps in emphasizing the importance of dugout canoes and traditional waterways to the syilx and secwepemc people through public education.

When Frank hunts or fishes, he shares with those that need it in the band. He’s always there to help anyone,” Frank has taught hundreds of students throughout the province. And has been invited to other countries to teach and share his knowledge.