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Aboriginal Films
National Aboriginal Awareness Day - June 18, 2009
Aboriginal Film Schedule
Lecture Theater Room 1614
| Red Run 9:40 - 10:06 am |
In 1913, a railway blast sent hundreds of tons of rock cascading into the Fraser River, blocking the path of thousands of returning salmon. The Fraser Valley Aboriginal people rallied for days to save their fish carrying them one at at time over the fallen rock. Red run recalls this dramatic tale and reveals its impact today. (26 mins) |
| Forgotten Warriors 10:40 - 11:31 am |
Although they could not be conscripted, when World War II was declared, thousands of Canadian Aboriginal men and women enlisted and fought alongside their non-Native countrymen. while they fought for freedom for others, ironically the Aboriginal soldiers were not allowed equality in their own country. Gordon Tootoosis narrates this program and provides the historical overview, while Aboriginal veterans poignantly share their unforgettable war memories and their healing process. (51 mins.) |
| People of the Ice 12:35 - 1:28 pm |
For over 4000 years, the Inuit have lived in harmony with their Arctic environment. In this frozen landscape, survival depends on a deep understanding of the natural world. Today, global warming threatens the very nature of their habitat. As the ice disappears, so does the Inuit culture to which it is intimately connected. Ever changing temperatures have even made predicting the Arctic climate difficult. will this extraordinarily resilient people be able to adjust to such dramatic change? (53 mins) |
| Keepers of the Fire 1:40 - 2:05 pm |
Four elders -- Dennis Thorne, Cecil Nepoose, Francis McAdam, and Elsie Paul -- work with First Nations people who have been caught in the Canadian justice system. They help young people to regain their sense of spirituality and self-esteem through the wisdom of the sweat lodge, the sacred pipe, and the drum, presented in workshops and plays. The elders attempt to help with the issues of substance abuse, suicide and racism that plague Canada's First Nations people. (24 mins.) |
| A Tribe of One 2:40 -3:20 pm |
Chronicles the life and family history of Rhonda Larrabee, who grows up thinking she is fully Chinese, but then discovers she is half-native. Not only is she part of a forgotten First Nation in New Westminster, B.C. - the Qayqayt First Nation - she helps re-establish the band and becomes its Chief. The documentary follows Rhonda on her quest to discover her true background and reclaim her identity. (39 mins) |
