This summer, we’re gathering camera and curiosity and hitting the highway to capture the unique story of 8 rural and Indigenous communities across western Canada. Each of these communities has a co-op at the centre of it, and we’ll be sharing the story of how these co-ops have played a role in the community and local economy.

To help us do this, we’ve hired Sisan Fregene, a budding young YouTube personality and all around great person. Sisan comes to us from Edmonton, thanks in part to the Canada Summer Jobs program, and is in the middle of studying to become a x-ray tech. (So, he’s practical too!)

Starting in July, you can follow Sisan’s journey on Facebook (@TheBackroadDiaries), Twitter (@TheBackRDiaries) and Instagram (@TheBackroadDiaries).