ENCORE: Searching for Brother XII—the story of Nanaimo's infamous cult leader
An isolated community in British Columbia, a dominatrix, and a strange cult leader who believes he's the reincarnation of an Egyptian god. What could possibly go wrong?
This story starts in the 1920s on an isolated island off the coast of B.C. A farm, communal living, and a breathtaking natural landscape: from the outside, it's a back-to-the-landers dream. But then, enter Brother XII.
The charismatic leader would control this idealistic community but underneath the charm are stories of abuse, manipulation and fraud. So how did this mysterious man manage to build a following of thousands? Who was Brother XII? Documentary producer Jen Moss probes the disturbing and remarkable tale of Nanaimo's infamous cult leader.
Related Resources
- Brother XII: The Strange Odyssey of a 20th-Century Prophet by John Oliphant
- The Infamous Devil of De Courcy (Brother XII Song) by John Gogo [Video]
About the producer
Jennifer Moss is a Vancouver-based freelancer and long-time CBC Radio contributor. She's a Webster Award-winning producer who has spent much of her 15-year career focusing on community-based storytelling.