INDIGENOUS FILM PROGRAMME

1 REEL Uniting our Nations through Film WHO WE ARE REEL CANADA is a charitable organization whose mission is to introduce new audiences to the power and diversity of Canadian film, and engage them in a conversation about identity and culture. Showcasing works by WHAT IS THE INDIGENOUS FILM PROGRAMME? Indigenous filmmakers from Canada is an integral part of that mission. Our travelling film festival has reached nearly a million students — and it just keeps growing! • A selection of Indigenous-made films by filmmakers from diverse Nations across Canada including Abenaki, Anishinaabe, , Dene, Gwich’in, , Métis, Mi’kmaq, Heilsuk, and Mohawk • We bring these films to students in grades 9-12 for either in-class viewing, or for larger screenings in front of multiple WHAT WE DO LESSON PLANS AND classrooms or an entire school Our work is delivered via three core programmes, each of which incorporates incredible work created by RESOURCES • Films featured in the Indigenous Film Programme include something for everyone with documentaries, comedies, dramas, animation and experimental works to choose from Indigenous filmmakers: With a track record of thousands of successful school screenings, we can give you effective tools • Everything we offer is absolutely FREE OF CHARGE Our Films in Our Schools: For more than 13 years, to get your colleagues and students excited about we have helped teachers and students across Canada your event, and work with you to create a festival organize over two thousand screenings of Canadian film. that will resonate with your community. Benefits For Non-Indigenous Students WHY AN INDIGENOUS FILM Presenting Indigenous films in schools helps dispel myths Welcome to Canada: We introduce new Canadians We offer: and stereotypes by providing a more inclusive history of to Canadian film and culture through festival events Canada, and also promotes better understanding and zz Film-specific lesson plans for all feature-length PROGRAMME? designed specifically for English-language learners of all sensitivity to contemporary Indigenous experiences. films in this programme Indigenous stories on film have often been told by ages. “I may not be Indigenous but I now understand zz Lesson plans for Indigenous and Native studies non-Indigenous filmmakers, sometimes even with non- Indigenous actors portraying Indigenous characters. that I have a role to play in changing how we as a National Canadian Film Day (NCFD): An annual one- courses This has resulted in a stifling of Indigenous voice and collective society view Canada’s history.” day event where Canadians from coast-to-coast-to- zz Lesson plans about Canadian film and has contributed to stereotypical misrepresentations — Grade 11 student, Golden SS, Golden B.C. coast get together to watch a great Canadian film storytelling for grades 9 to 12 English and of Indigenous people in film and television. The — across all major platforms, online, and in theatres. media courses presentation of films made by Indigenous artists in Benefits For Mixed Audiences zz Games, quizzes and other resources to help schools provides opportunities for dialogue, education Movies from the Indigenous Film Programme can be teachers bring this important part of our and cultural exchange. both a mirror and a window as they reflect Indigenous culture to their students experiences while also providing an opening for Benefits For Indigenous Students cross-cultural exchange and greater understanding. Research shows — and our audiences confirm — Presentation of Indigenous films can help your school that seeing oneself on film can be a profound and address the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s transformative experience. When Indigenous stories are imperative to explore “Aboriginal peoples’ historical Email [email protected] told by Indigenous filmmakers, the result is authentic, and contemporary contributions to Canada” (Truth and self-determined cultural expression. When First Nation, Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action, or call 1-855-733-5709 Inuit and Métis students witness a true reflection of Section 62.i). to start planning a festival or to their lives and experiences, the effect is empowering and “Education is the key to reconciliation, but only inspirational. a true and complete experience in education can access our resources. “Watching a film about native women makes me pave the path to relationships built on mutual happy because I could relate to the things they said, respect and peaceful co-existence.” ­ did and thought.” — National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, — Grade 12 student, W.F. Herman SS, Windsor, ON University of Manitoba

1 2 INTRODUCTION FROM ARIEL SMITH tānsi! I am thrilled and privileged to join the REEL CANADA team as Manager of the THEWe are committed to celebrating FILMS the work of Indigenous filmmakers Indigenous Film Programme. and believe in the importance of Indigenous stories being told by REEL CANADA has a national focus and reach. However, I want to recognize and Indigenous peoples on their own terms. We consider a film to be honour the fact that we operate in , Ontario, on the territory and treaty Indigenous made if an Indigenous director, writer or producer is lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit, which is the traditional territory of the involved.* Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and Huron Wendat, and is subject to the Dish with Ariel Smith (nēhiyaw) Manager of the One Spoon Covenant. We are grateful to be on this land. Please note: Our use of the term Indigenous is inclusive of Métis, Indigenous Film Programme, Inuit and both Status and Non-Status peoples. REEL CANADA Within commercial film and television production in Canada, Indigenous peoples have long been underrepresented as makers and misrepresented as subjects. REEL CANADA recognizes this fact and we are passionately dedicated to ensuring that Indigenous films are integrated and included throughout all of our core programmes.

We achieve this by building and nurturing relationships with Indigenous filmmakers, LEGEND programmers and partner organizations that are based on respect and reciprocity. I would like to wholeheartedly thank our partner organizations and all of the members Denotes films that are appropriate for English- of our Indigenous Film Programme Advisory Committee for their dedication, ESL language learners. commitment and wisdom.

REEL CANADA recognizes the importance of the calls to action made by the Truth and GRADES 11–12 Denotes films that contain mature subject matter. Reconciliation Commission (TRC), particularly those specific to education, art and Jack Blum, Executive Director media. The TRC calls for intercultural understanding and mutual respect. We seek Denotes films that were produced by the National Film Sharon Corder, Artistic Director to answer this call, using film to spark dialogue, build bridges and expand empathy Board of Canada. REEL CANADA amongst young learners. The Indigenous Film Programme is a valuable resource for educators, students and community members across the country. NOTES ON FILM RATINGS We believe that Indigenous-made content must be seamlessly integrated into all of Our catalogue lists the Ontario Film Review Board’s ratings for each film. To check the INDIGENOUS FILM PROGRAMME rating of a particular film in other provinces and territories, please consult the film’s ADVISORY COMMITTEE our programmes; however, there is also great value in highlighting Indigenous films, page on our website, reelcanada.ca/films. specifically through focused initiatives such as the Indigenous Film Programme. This programme and its accompanying catalogue serve as an opportunity to spotlight The rating “NR” denotes a film that has never received theatrical distribution and Danis Goulet and celebrate the wealth of incredible work being made by Indigenous filmmakers in was therefore never rated by any provincial government film ratings agencies. Ronnie Dean Harris Canada today. Kawennáhere Devery Jacobs Jennifer Podemski I greatly look forward to helping you bring this exciting initiative into your school, Dr. Duke Redbird and warmly invite you to join us as we celebrate and honour Indigenous voices in the *Included in the Indigenous Film Programme are a small selection of classroom. Jason Ryle films by non-Indigenous artists. We have included these films as their Amanda Strong Kinanâskomitin, stories feature Indigenous actors and/or offer a nuanced portrayal Janelle Wookey of Indigenous life. Indigenous educators have screened these works and have found them to be valuable learning resources. You can find these films on page 13. Ariel Smith (nēhiyaw) Manager of the Indigenous Film Programme, REEL CANADA For the complete REEL CANADA catalogue of great Canadian films, visit reelcanada.ca or write to [email protected].

REGISTERED CHARITABLE # 8508 92 36 5 RR0001 [email protected] • www.reelcanada.ca • 720 Bathurst Street, Suite 504, Toronto, Ontario M5S 2R4 • 416-642-5796 • 1-855-733-5709 • Fax: 647-557-2111

3 4 FEATURE FILMS

ANGRY INUK BIRTH OF A FAMILY (2016) Director/Writer: Alethea Arnaquq-Baril (Inuk). Producers: Alethea (2016) Director/Writer: Tasha Hubbard (Cree), Writer: Betty Ann Adam Arnaquq-Baril, Bonnie Thompson. 85 min. PG (Dene). Producer: Bonnie Thompson. 79 min. PG We all know about the terrible “brutality” of the arctic seal hunt — Four siblings, taken from their Dene mother’s care as infants and or do we? Turns out there’s more to this story: families that need to raised separately across North America, meet for the first time in this be fed, a hunting practice that began centuries ago and a tradition deeply moving documentary. central to the economy and food security of Inuit communities in the They were among the estimated 20,000 Indigenous children who Canadian Arctic. Angry Inuk is a story that’s over 4,000 years old. The were taken from their homes between 1955 and 1985 and placed in seal hunt is not exactly a laughing matter, but humour and technical the child welfare system as part of the Sixties Scoop. This policy was savvy go a long way to debunk certain claims. Wryly tackling both part of the same trend of forced assimilation as residential schools. misinformation and aggressive appeals to emotion, Inuk filmmaker ALETHEA ARNAQUQ-BARIL Arnaquq-Baril equips herself and her community with the powers of Over several decades, Betty Ann has worked tirelessly to track down TASHA HUBBARD Arnaquq-Baril is an award-winning Inuk social media — and yes, #sealfies — to reframe a controversial topic as her siblings, all of whom have had very different life journeys. Now An award-winning filmmaker and an assistant filmmaker whose work has screened on CBC a cultural issue in this 2016 Audience Award-winning Hot Docs hit. they reunite, challenged by the sadness and comforted by the joys of professor in the University of Saskatchewan’s and APTN, and at festivals like Hot Docs and learning their full history. Despite the heartache of separation, their Department of English, Tasha’s solo writing/ directing project Two Worlds Colliding won a imagineNATIVE. Notable credits include Aviliaq/ “Angry Inuk delivers important information about an issue we tend to love uplifts them all as they move towards the birth of a new family. Entwined and Tunniit: Retracing the Lines of think we know everything about, and delivers a powerful emotional Gemini and a Golden Sheaf Award in 2005. Inuit Tattoos. punch.” — Susan G. Cole, NOW magazine

“I enjoyed watching a film about challenges faced by Indigenous families a lot more than just reading and then discussing articles. “Angry Inuk was truly breathtaking.” It’s a better way to learn and gave me a new balanced outlook.” — Grade 11 student, Southwood SS, Cambridge, ON — Student, Great Lakes SS, Sarnia, ON

ATANARJUAT: THE FAST RUNNER (2001) Director: (Inuk). Screenwriter: Paul Apak (2008) Director/Writer: (Mohawk). Producers: Catherine Angilirq (Inuk). Starring: Natar Ungalaaq (Inuk), Sylvia Ivalu (Inuk), Bainbridge, Christina Fon, Linda Ludwick. 78 min. NR Peter-Henry Arnatsiaq (Inuk), Lucy Tulugarjuk (Inuk). 161 min. AA On the Mohawk reserve of , outside of Montreal, there (Inuktitut with English subtitles) are two unspoken rules: don’t marry a white person, and don’t have a Based on an ancient Inuit legend, Atanarjuat is an epic tale of love, child with one. The consequences of ignoring these rules can be dire betrayal and revenge. The beautiful Atuat (Ivalu) has been promised to — loss of membership on the reserve for yourself and your child. For the short-fused Oki (Arnatsiaq), the son of the tribe’s leader. However, those who incur them, the results can be devastating. she loves the good-natured Atanarjuat (Ungalaaq), a fast runner and In this honest and affecting doc, filmmaker Tracey Deer follows the excellent hunter. When Atanarjuat is forced to battle the jealous Oki for stories of four Kahnawake women whose lives have been affected by Atuat’s hand, the events that follow determine not only his fate, but these rules, shedding light on contemporary Indigenous identity and that of his people. ZACHARIAS KUNUK asking questions about how we all understand who we are. TRACEY DEER An Officer of the Order of Canada, Kunuk Atanarjuat won 20 awards, including eight Genies and the Caméra d’Or In 2008, Deer became the first Mohawk woman With her own family as a poignant case study, Deer’s film will strike to win a Gemini Award, for Best Documentary is an Inuk director and producer. In 2015, at the 2001 Cannes Film Festival. Atanarjuat was selected as the number one a chord with anyone who’s ever thought about ethnicity, culture or Writing on Club Native. Her debut doc was Canadian film of all time, according to TIFF’s “I am not surprised that The Fast Runner has been a box office hit ... It the award-winning , which was their place in the world. adapted into a dramatic TV series in 2014, with Canada’s All-Time Top Ten List. His latest film is unlike anything most audiences will ever have seen, and yet it tells a is Maliglutit (Searchers). “... it’s a compassionate and compelling exploration of what it means Deer serving as writer, director and producer. universal story.” — Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times to be Native, to be Canadian, to be a woman and to be in love.” — Katarina Gligorijevic, exclaim! NOTE: Due to the unusually long run time of this film, if you would like to screen Atanarjuat, please contact us to discuss the logistics. “You could hear a pin drop in the auditorium!” — Teacher, Maniwaki Woodland School, Maniwaki, QC 5 6 FEATURE FILMS (continued)

EMPIRE OF DIRT GRADES 11–12 KAYAK TO KLEMTU ESL (2013) Director: Peter Stebbings. Screenwriter: Shannon Masters (Cree). (2018) Director: Zoe Leigh Hopkins (Heiltsuk/Mohawk). Writers: Zoe Producer: Jennifer Podemski (Saulteaux). Starring: Jennifer Podemski Leigh Hopkins, Michael Sparaga. Producer: Daniel Bekerman. Starring: (Saulteaux), Cara Gee (Ojibwa), Shay Eyre (Cheyenne/Arapaho/Oglala Ta’kaiya Blaney (Tla’amin), Evan Adams (Tla’amin), Lakota/Mnicoujou Lakota). 99 min. 14A (Cree). 90 min. PG When single mom Lena (Gee) realizes that her daughter (Eyre) is in When a prominent Kitasoo/Xai’Xais activist passes away, his 14-year- danger of succumbing to the same addiction issues she herself faced, old niece Ella (Blaney) embarks on a kayak journey to take his ashes she decides to take her daughter and leave the city to return home to home to Klemtu. It’s a race against the clock as Ella tries to make it her estranged mother (Podemski) in the rural Indigenous community back in time to give a speech protesting a proposed pipeline that would of her youth. The homecoming forces Lena to deal with her past and cross Indigenous land. raises issues that test all three generations of this family of spirited Ella is joined by her aunt, cousin and grumpy uncle (Cardinal), as the PETER STEBBINGS women. Powerful and inspiring, Empire of Dirt was nominated for five four paddle with all their might through the Inside Passage and past the ZOE LEIGH HOPKINS A longtime film and TV actor, Stebbings made Canadian Screen Awards, including Best Picture. shores of the Great Bear Rainforest. Join this family on the adventure Hopkins is an alumna of the Sundance his directing debut with Defendor, which was Institute’s Feature Film Program, and Kayak to nominated for four , including “Empire of Dirt tells a traditional mothers-and-daughters story in a of a lifetime as they learn about themselves and connect with the land Klemtu is her first feature. Currently, she lives Best Screenplay. new way by making their Cree heritage and the role it has in their around them. in her father’s community of Six Nations, where lives and relationships the true heart of the drama.” — Linda Barnard, she teaches the Mohawk language online to JENNIFER PODEMSKI students across Turtle Island. Jennifer Podemski is an award-winning film The and television producer and actor with a career “It encouraged Indigenous kids to pursue their dreams and spanning over 25 years. She is the creator and stand up for what you believe in.” producer of APTN’s famed paranormal series The Other Side. “Being able to talk to Jennifer Podemski was an — Student, Kelvin HS, Winnipeg, MB amazing experience that I will always remember.” — Grade 12 student, W.F. Herman SS, Windsor, ON

KANEHSATAKE: 270 YEARS OF RESISTANCE (2009) Director: (Cree). Producers: Christina Fon, Catherine Bainbridge, Linda Ludwick. 86 min. PG (1993) Director/Writer: Alanis Obomsawin (Abenaki). Producers: Wolf Koenig, Alanis Obomsawin (Abenaki). 119 min. PG Reel Injun is an enlightening documentary about the way Indigenous people have been depicted in film from the silent era to the present Legendary documentary filmmaker Alanis Obomsawin has created a day. Chock-full of clips from hundreds of films and packed with remarkable body of work chronicling the injustices against Indigenous interviews with famous Indigenous and non-Indigenous actors, communities. In July 1990, she spent 78 nerve-racking days filming the directors and writers, Reel Injun is an entertaining and insightful look at standoff between the Mohawks, the Quebec police and the Canadian how the powerful medium of film both reflects and influences culture. army. The result is a powerful documentary about a historical moment that catapulted Indigenous issues into the international spotlight Director Neil Diamond takes the audience on a trip through time to and challenged a nation to confront its own history and ongoing explore the history of the “Hollywood Indian” and offers a refreshing, ALANIS OBOMSAWIN colonial processes. Obomsawin takes you to the frontlines to show the candid and personal analysis, tracing how these cinematic images have NEIL DIAMOND An Officer of the Order of Canada, Obomsawin shaped and influenced the understanding of Indigenous culture and Diamond is known for several award-winning has made over 50 documentaries on issues resilience of a people who are determined to protect their land at all history. documentaries that focus on Indigenous affecting Indigenous people in Canada. Some costs. life and issues. His debut film, Cree Spoken notable films include Rocks at Whiskey Trench, “Impeccably well researched and crafted, Reel Injun neatly walks the Here, won the Telefilm/APTN award for Best Hi-Ho Mistahey! and her latest, Our People Will line in balancing entertainment and education.” Aboriginal Documentary. His latest film is Inuit Be Healed. Cree Reconciliation with filmmaker Zacharias — Todd Brown, ScreenAnarchy “When you believe in something, and see something unjust, Kunuk. you just have to stand up and fight for it.” — Alanis Obomsawin, filmmaker “I know more about myself because of this film.” — Grade 8 student, John Oliver SS, , BC

7 8 (continued) FEATURE FILMS INDIGENOUS CINEMA RISE: SACRED WATER & RED POWER IN THE CLASSROOM STANDING ROCK PARTS 1 & 2* (2017) Director/Writer: Michelle Latimer (Algonquin/Métis). Producers: INDIGENOUS-MADE FILMS FOR Jarrett Martineau (nêhiyaw/Denesuline), Dean Perlmutter. With Sarain LEARNERS OF ALL AGES Fox (Anishinaabe) Watch our curated playlists In this powerful new series from VICELAND, Michelle Latimer and host Sarain Fox travel to Indigenous communities across the Americas to Ages 6–11, ages 12–14, ages 15–18, and meet people protecting their homelands and combating colonization. professional learning for educators PART 1 45 min. NR Designed to support curriculum The unfolding drama of Standing Rock is explored within the context of MICHELLE LATIMER other key moments in Native American history. Michelle Latimer’s The Underground won STREAM FOR FREE the best short film award at the 2014 PART 2 44 min. NR NFB.ca/education/indigenous-cinema imagineNATIVE Film & Media Arts Festival. Over 5,000 Red Power warriors arrive in Standing Rock to stand in Her latest work is the documentary Nuuca, and she is currently adapting award-winning solidarity with other protestors, and halt the construction of the author Eden Robinson’s Son of a Trickster for Dakota Access Pipeline. the screen. *Parts 1 and 2 may be viewed separately or shown together for a “While watching Rise I felt like I wanted to combined running time of 89 minutes. become a leader, become more involved in my community, and help support my people.” — Student, R.B. Russell Vocational HS, Winnipeg, MB

THE SUN AT MIDNIGHT GRADES 11–12 (2016) Director/Writer: Kirsten Carthew. Producers: Kirsten Carthew, Amos Scott (Dene). Starring: Kawennáhere Devery Jacobs (Mohawk), Duane Howard (Nuu-chah-nulth). 93 min. PG Set in the stunning landscape of the Arctic Circle, this charming coming-of-age drama tells the story of an unexpected friendship between a hunter obsessed with finding a missing caribou herd and a teenage rebel who gets lost while on the run. After her mother dies, 16-year-old “urban princess” Lia (Jacobs – who won an award at the Whistler Film Festival for her performance) is sent to spend the summer with her Gwich’in grandmother in a small KIRSTEN CARTHEW community in the far north. Desperate to get back to city life, she The Sun At Midnight marks Kirsten Carthew’s steals a boat and heads south. directorial debut. Shorter form credits include: The YK Doc Project, Abe & Alfred and Fish out of As might be expected, she quickly gets lost, and is soon discovered by Water. Alfred (Howard), a Gwich’in hunter who reluctantly helps her navigate Festival. Tour. Institute AMOS SCOTT the unfamiliar wilderness. Based in the Northwest Territories, Amos Scott is an emerging filmmaker and the creator, “A truly inspirational masterpiece that I hope everyone has a chance to producer and director of the APTN series Dene: see.” – Blake Priddle, CKLB Radio imagineNATIVE.org A Journey. @imagineNATIVE

9 INUIT HIGH KICK TWILIGHT DANCERS* DRAMA (Continued) Alethea Arnaquq-Baril (Inuk) 2010 Paola Marino, Theola Ross (Cree) WAKENING 3 min. 2017 16 min. A stunning slow-motion visual Indigenous teenagers use dance SHORT FILMS Danis Goulet (Cree/Métis) 2013 9 min. examination of an athlete as a tool to heal from the trauma THE ORPHAN AND THE BAREFOOT Set in the near future, a lone Cree ANIMATION performing the traditional Inuit of a suicide epidemic in the small, POLAR BEAR Danis Goulet (Cree/Métis) 2012 11 min. wanderer roams through an urban high kick. remote community of Pimicikamak Neil Christopher (Inuk) 2014 9 min. In a tight-knit Cree community in wasteland overseen by a brutal ᑐᒃᑐᒥᑦ/TUKTUMIT Cree Nation. / TUKTUMIT In this adaptation of an Inuit legend, northern Saskatchewan, 16-year- military occupation, searching for an ᑐᒃᑐᒥᑦ Ippiksaut Friesen (Inuk) 2014 4 min. LELUM’ (HOME) * Twilight Dancers deals with HONEY FOR SALE This gorgeously rendered animation a neglected orphan is adopted by a old Alyssa enjoys the attention that ancient and dangerous creature. Asia Youngman (Cree/Iroquois/ difficult subject matter (suicide) explores the way traditional hunting polar bear elder and learns the skills comes with pregnancy — until her secret plan unravels. Carrier/Métis) 2017 9 min. in has evolved so that it he will need to survive under the WAPAWEKKA bear’s guidance. Witness the beauty and strength WAYS OF YESTERDAY can continue to play a vital role in Danis Goulet (Cree/Métis) 2010 16 min. Elliott Simon (Anishinaabe) 2014 6 min. THE BLANKETING of the land through the eyes of contemporary Inuit culture. Josh and his father visit their family Through breakdance and rap, Elliott TRADITIONAL HEALING Trevor Mack (Tsilhqot'in) 2013 8 min. cabin in Saskatchewan for the last empowered Indigenous youth (Lelum’ A fictional confrontation before the is the Hul’qumi’num word for ‘home’). and Curtis share their life experiences ABORIGINALITY Raymond Caplin (Mi’kmaq) 2013 time, confronting the generational and try to motivate and inspire Dominique Keller, Tom Jackson (Cree) real-life smallpox outbreak in the 3 min. differences between their Cree Indigenous kids to follow their dreams. 2007 5 min. In this beautiful animation, a woman’s mid-1800s that nearly wiped out heritage and Josh’s urban lifestyle. THE LIFE YOU WANT ABORIGINALITY A young boy is transported through sacred healing dance causes a miracle the Tsilhqot’in First Nation of British Michelle Derosier (Anishinaabe) MÉMÉRE MÉTISSE his television set to the scene of a to occur in an otherwise bleak and Columbia. W H E R E T H E R I V E R W I D E N S 2011 34 min. EXPERIMENTAL In the isolated northern town of traditional Indigenous hoop dance, devastated environment. Zach Greenleaf (Mi’kmaq) 2014 5 min. Fort Hope, Ontario, many residents encountering his family’s cultural GOD’S ACRE A lyrical ode to the hard work, INDIGO are addicted to prescription drugs. Amanda Strong (Michif) 2014 9 min. heritage in a new way. THE VISIT Kelton Stepanowich (Métis) 2016 determination and kinship of the One brave community member Inspired by Indigenous stories and Lisa Jackson (Anishinaabe) 2009 15 min. fishermen of Gesgapegiag First admits her problem and applies for vividly realized through stop-motion BIRCHBARK 3 min. A man living alone on his family’s Nation. John Hupfield (Anishinaabe) 2008 ancestral Cree lands is forced to treatment. animation, a woman trapped The charming “true” story of an in a cluttered space is freed by 4 min. encounter between extraterrestrials choose between abandoning his home or adapting to rising water levels. DOCUMENTARY MÉMÉRE MÉTISSE “Grandmother Spider,” who still has Symbols of traditional knowledge and a Cree family. come alive and find themselves Janelle Wookey (Métis) 2008 30 min. some important webs to weave. ASSINI AGAINST THE GRAIN A young filmmaker explores her OVERBURDEN inside the pages of a book. WALK-IN-THE-FOREST KAJUTAIJUQ: THE SPIRIT THAT COMES Curtis Mandeville (Métis) 2009 24 min. family’s past as she schemes to INUKSHOP Diane Obomsawin (Abenaki) 2009 DANCERS OF THE GRASS Scott Brachmayer, Co-Producer/Co- Survivors of the Indian residential convince her grandmother to accept Jobie Weetaluktuk (Inuk) 2009 2 min. 3 min. school system attempt to cope with her heritage, uncovering a legacy of What is the state of Inuit culture on Melanie Jackson (Métis/Saulteaux) Writer: Nyla Innuksuk (Inuk) 2014 A medicine man walks in the woods its impact on their personal lives shame and the profound courage screen? Inuk filmmaker Weetaluktuk 2009 2 min. 15 min. and discovers an intriguing secret and communities. A good primer needed to overcome it. mixes archival reels with new Spectacular stop-motion animation A hunter in the Arctic tries to live by world. for discussions of the Truth and footage to make this commentary on breathes life into a traditional dance. the traditional skills his grandfather Reconciliation Commission report. MOHAWK GIRLS cultural appropriation. taught him — but they are difficult THE MOUNTAIN OF SGAANA for a modern man to apply, and the Tracey Deer (Mohawk) 2005 55 min. EMPTY Christopher Auchter (Haida) 2017 THE CREATOR’S GAME Three teens from the Kahnawake Jackie Traverse (Anishinaabe) 2009 price of failure is high. LITTLE THUNDER BAREFOOT 10 min. Candace Maracle (Mohawk) 2011 Indigenous community wrestle not Nance Ackerman, Alan Syliboy THREE THOUSAND 5 min. A wondrous tale of a young man stolen QAGGIQ/GATHERING PLACE 41 min. only with decisions about their (Mi’kmaq) 2009 3 min. Set to a song by Little Hawk, this by the spirit world, and the young Denied entry into Europe because futures, but also the challenges of Zacharias Kunuk (Inuk) 1989 Inspired by the Mi’kmaq legend “The animated story is a daughter’s woman who comes to his rescue. of their Haudenosaunee passports, maintaining and embracing their 58 min. (Inuktitut with English subtitles) Stone Canoe”, this coming-of-age starkly honest tribute to her the Iroquois Nationals lacrosse Mohawk identity. Conflicts arise when families in an story follows a boy who reluctantly estranged mother. team was forced to forfeit their shot COMEDY Inuit camp build a communal igloo sets out on a canoe trip by himself, at the World Championship. A year to celebrate the coming of spring OVERBURDEN as a rite of passage into adulthood. FIGHTING CHANCE INDIAN later, the team fights to bring the Neil McArthur, Warren Cariou with games, singing and drum Alexandra Lazarowich (Cree) 2011 Darryl Nepinak (Saulteaux) 2008 title and national sovereignty to (Métis) 2009 15 min. 9 min. dancing. MOBILIZE 2 min. their people. Indigenous communities in Caroline Monnet (Algonquin) 2015 An Indigenous youth who’s GOD’S ACRE In this amusing and powerful short, defend the environment, their health 2 min. TWILIGHT DANCERS struggling with the intergenerational the etymology of the word “Indian” SPIRIT OF THE BLUEBIRD and their way of life in the face of a Jesse Gouchey (Cree), Xstine Cook CREE CODE TALKERS Repurposed NFB footage is used to effects of Canada’s Indian residential is deconstructed at the Canadian Alexandra Lazarowich (Cree) 2016 destructive oil recovery enterprise. 2011 6 min. explore the perpetual negotiation school system, takes advantage of National Spelling Bee. 14 min. Cree artist Gouchey creates a between the modern and the the chance to turn his life around. This documentary film reveals the RELEASED personal and poetic tribute to Gloria traditional by a people always DRAMA role of Cree code talker Charles Chantal Rondeau (Northern Tutchone) Black Plume, a woman who was moving forward. THE GIFT ‘Checker’ Tomkins, who used the Cree 2015 10 min. murdered in Calgary in March 1999. Terril Calder (Métis) 2011 2 min. ASSINI language during the Second World A traditional artist and former drug THREE THOUSAND This stop-motion tale explores Gail Maurice (Cree/Métis) 2015 THROAT SONG* War to confound and defeat the Axis. addict is released from prison and Asinnajaq (Inuk) 2017 14 min. the historical question of whether 13 min. finds comfort in her passion and Miranda de Pencier. Executive producers: Historic footage of Inuit is woven smallpox-infected blankets were Seven-year-old Assini and her friends talent for embroidery. THE MOUNTAIN OF SGAANA Alethea Arnaquq- Baril (Inuk), Qajaaq H O N E Y F O R S A L E into a stunning animation to shine a WAKENING given by European settlers to often play Cowboys and Indians. But Ellsworth (Inuk) 2011 16 min. Amanda Strong (Michif) 2009 7 min. new light over the past, present and Indigenous populations unwittingly, when Assini discovers that she herself is A young Inuit woman with a A honeybee’s tenuous life is THE ROUTES future. or as a deadly “gift.” an “Indian”, the game takes a new turn. James McDougall (Anishinaabe) 2014 troubled past begins to connect documented in this poetic and 4 min. with other victims of violence from thoughtful meditation on the WAVE A RED FLAG A man cycles through his memories MIA’ AVILIAQ/ENTWINED her community and reclaims her fragility of human existence. Adam Garnet Jones (Cree/Métis) 2009 of the local women who have gone Amanda Strong (Michif), Bracken Alethea Arnaquq-Baril (Inuk) 2014 voice along the way. 3 min. missing in his Anishinaabe community. Hanuse Corlett (Wuikinuxv-Klahoose) 15 min. (Inuktitut with English subtitles) * Throat Song deals with difficult A whimsical, wordless exploration 2015 8 min. In the 1950s, two Inuit women subject matter (abuse and suicide) of Indigenous identity, community A young Indigenous street artist attempt to protect their relationship “I never knew Canadians made such important films!” and culture. when pressure from their community THE VISIT struggles to return home after being — Grade 11 student, East River CI, Winnipeg, MB WHERE THE RIVER WIDENS transformed into a salmon. forces them to marry men. 11 12 FILMS BY NON-INDIGENOUS ARTISTS The reviews are in! Included below is a small selection of films by non-Indigenous artists. We have included these films as their stories feature Indigenous actors and/or offer a nuanced portrayal of Indigenous life. Indigenous “Our students and staff cannot stop talking about this educators have screened these works and have found them to be valuable learning resources. awesome experience.” — Ngozi Okongwu, teacher, Middlefield CI, Markham, ON

MAÏNA “REEL CANADA is really essential. For students to have access to (2013) Director: Michel Poulette. Screenwriter: Pierre Billon. Starring: Roseanne Supernault (Cree/Métis), Ipeelie Ootoova (Inuk), Graham film, and Canadian film especially — for them to see their own Greene (Oneida), Tantoo Cardinal (Cree/Métis), Reneltta Arluk (Gwich’in stories, especially in a country that gets so much other cinema — and Chipewyan-Cree). 102 min. PG (Inuktitut with English subtitles) it’s just amazing.” Maïna is an intimate yet epic adventure story set in the Far North in the — Danis Goulet, Cree/Métis filmmaker time before the arrival of the Europeans. During a bloody battle between Innu and Inuit, a young Innu boy is captured in the fray. Embarking on a dangerous mission that will forever “This is eye-opening and critical and everyone should have the change her life, Maïna (Supernault), the daughter of an Innu grand chief, chance to have a programme like this.” promises to venture into enemy territory to rescue him. MICHEL POULETTE — Gr. 10 student, Maniwaki Woodland School, Maniwaki, QC Montreal writer/director Poulette won Soon after she begins her quest, Maïna is herself captured by an Inuk numerous awards for Louis 19, le roi des ondes, leader (Ootoova), and together they must navigate the perilous journey including the Canadian Screen Award for Best to the “Land of Ice.” “The kind of dialogue REEL CANADA makes possible is so First Feature and the Golden Reel Award. Poulette also directed the TV movie Agent of Based on the novel by award-winning author Dominique Demers, this important for...young Canadians.” Influence, starring Oscar winner Christopher gripping and visually-stunning film was nominated for three Jutras and six Plummer, and the feature film Swept Under. — Janelle Wookey, Métis filmmaker Canadian Screen Awards, including Best Picture.

“I think it inspires us all to tell our stories — we have a lot of stories as First Nations people — and it is important for First THE WHALE ESL Nations filmmakers to tell our stories.” (2010) Directors: Suzanne Chisholm, Michael Parfit. Narrator: — Student, Winnipeg Aboriginal Youth Leadership Programme, Winnipeg, MB Ryan Reynolds. Featuring the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation. 85 min. G This touching documentary tells the story of a young killer whale “Thank you, REEL CANADA, for advocating for Aboriginal named Luna, who gets separated from his family on the rugged west storytelling. We have much that we want to coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Rambunctious, surprising share with the world.” and like a visitor from another planet, Luna endears himself to the community with his determination to make contact, leading to many — Roseanne Supernault, Cree/Métis filmmaker unexpected consequences. The Whale charts the competing efforts of various community “This programme has the potential to highlight and shift SUZANNE CHISHOLM & groups, including local families, nearby business owners, the federal perspectives on Aboriginal issues.” MICHAEL PARFIT Department of Fisheries and Oceans and perhaps most significantly, Chisholm and Parfit co-founded the BC-based — Principal, Southwood Secondary School, Cambridge, ON Mountainside Films, named one of the world's the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation, as they each struggle to help 100 most influential production companies by Luna survive. Raising more questions than it can answer, the film is a Realscreen in 2009. Their work has aired on the truly compelling exploration of our relationship with animals. “I would ... like to applaud REEL CANADA for the efforts in creating National Geographic Channel, CBC, CNN, PBS and BBC. Their most recent project is Call of the specific programming around Indigenous films and creators to Baby Beluga. “The audience cheered, sighed, laughed and cried for Luna. further the dialogue between Canadians and the First Peoples of The hearts of all viewers were captivated.” Turtle Island.” — Grade 12 student, Adam Scott CVI, Peterborough, ON — Jesse Wente, Ojibway programmer and film critic

13 PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS

REEL CANADA’s Indigenous Film Programme is generously supported by:

720 Bathurst Street, Suite 504 | Toronto, Ontario M5S 2R4 416-642-5796 1-855-733-5709 [email protected] reelcanada.ca @REELCANADA

Front and back cover images: Angry Inuk, courtesy of the National Film Board of Canada