'Who is JOB' is a video series sponsored by energy drink company Red Bull starring Hawaiian surfer Jamie O'Brien.
The latest, roughly nine-minute, video in the series was shot in the unceded traditional territory of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations in Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks on the West Coast of Vancouver Island.
A recent video posted to Red Bull's website and Facebook page on Aug. 20, in addition to Red Bull's YouTube channel on Aug. 26, shows the surfers getting pulled behind a boat and taking jumps off a flaming log in Kennedy Lake.
The log was set ablaze in the middle of the lake using some toxic flame accelerant or petroleum product, as the surrounding water is also on fire.
On behalf of Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks, we would like to publicly state our disapproval and outrage in regard to the irresponsible actions of “Who is JOB”, sponsored by the Red Bull company, starring Hawaiian surfer Jaimie O’Brian.
We condemn the irresponsible use of flame accelerants or any petroleum products within our Tla-o-qui-aht Hawiih Ha-Houlthee (traditional chiefs’ lands/resources) for any reason.
This unfortunate situation could have been avoided if the Red Bull company had appropriately recognized the need to consult with Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations prior to any filming.
Our Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks initiative strives toward rehabilitating our depleting fish stocks and restoring an already disturbed watershed.
Kennedy Lake and Kennedy River comprise a sensitive watershed and critical fish habitat. Industries, governments and businesses need to respect wild salmon and protect our precious wild salmon resource, free from containments and pollutants.
Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks demand a full investigation into this careless stunt, sponsored by the Red Bull company. Those who are found responsible should be fined the maximum penalty to support restoration of the watershed, as well they should offer a public apology to correct the miseducation promoted through of the Red Bull video.
