Canadian Indigenous Storytelling program

Screening:
Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner- Zacharias Kunuk, 2001, Canada, 152 minutes.
Kanehsatake: 270 Years of Resistance- Alanis Obomsawin, 1993, Canada ,119 minutes.
Curated by The Toronto Indigenous Programs
Sunday June 21, 2020

AUDIENCE AND PURPOSE:

Indigenous storytelling is a form of art that allows Canadians to understand and familiarize themselves with the rich history that is of Canada. Since the beginning of colonization, Canadian indigenous people have been left in the shadows, however, through this event, they will now be center stage. The event will take place on Sunday, June 21, 2020. The date that this event takes place is a key element in making this event as powerful as possible. The Government of Canada has documented June 21st as officially being known as National Indigenous Peoples Day. Many use this day to appreciate and celebrate the wealth and diversity of Canadian society. Therefore, that is what this day will be used for.

This event is targeted at Canadian Indigenous people who would like to come out and celebrate their culture through the act of screening films that have had a major impact on Canadians Indigenous cinema. These films have paved the way for many Canadian Indigenous filmmakers, and they have left an everlasting impression on Canadian cinema.

LOCATION:

The location for this event is on the park grounds of The Toronto Inukshuk Park located on 789 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto. Toronto Inukshuk Park is home to the Toronto Inukshuk. This Inuit stone structure, often found in arctic lands, is used as navigation for travelers by providing direction, and spatial orientation.

Kellypalik Qimirpik, a well-known Inuit artist created the inukshuk. This structure’s artistic and spiritual presence allows for a deeper experience for those attending the event. Having this monument present during the program will create a connection between the films screened and the landscape they will be screened on. Indigenous art in all forms shall be celebrated this day, purposefully and aggressively.

SCREENINGS:

This events cinematic component will consist of screening two indigenous films.The indigenous made films will be screened on a large projector on the park grounds. The first film that shall be screened at 12:00 pm is The Fast Runner directed by Zacharias Kunuk. This film plays a huge role when it comes to Indigenous recognition within the film’s cultural space. This was the first-ever film to be written, directed and acted entirely in the Inuktitut language. Such a powerful moment for the Indigenous community. This film needs to be shown so that this lively community and culture can see the amazing strides they have created for themselves.

The second film that will be screened at 5:00 pm is Kanehsatake: 270 Years of Resistance directed by Alanis Obomsawin. Through Alanis Obomsawin’s unique form of documentary, audiences can peer into the lack of sovereignty the Mohawk group of Oka, Quebec so desperately needed and fought for. The film also allows audiences to not only appreciate the work of other Indigenous individuals that came before them who have fought for fair treatment but to honor them as well.

Once again, each film will be presented on an enormous projected screen within The Toronto Inukshuk Park. The use of an enormous projector co-relates to the enormous impact indigenous filmmakers had and created for Canadian Cinema. One by one the public will come together to sit under the stars to enjoy a night of Canadian Indigenous Storytelling.                        

ALANIS OBOMSAWIN AS A GUEST SPEAKER:

Alanis Obomsawin will be engaging with community members and those attending the event for a Questions and Answer segment at 7:15pm. The Q&A will be commencing right after her film, Kanehsatake: 270 Years of Resistance is screened. This shall create a safe, educational and spiritual experience for all attending. Her motivation, integrity, and aspirations as a filmmaker will be on display for all to hear. Alanis Obomsawin is a great individual to have speaking at this event as she is the embodiment of voice for Canadian Indigenous people who at a time had none. She became a voice for the voiceless and now can share her knowledge and life experiences as being a Canadian Indigenous filmmaker with the public.

SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE:

The social media that will enhance engagement and publicize the event will be through Instagram. The Instagram handle that will be used is @torontoindigenousprograms. This form of social networking will allow us to share thoughts, ideas, and information about the event. Not only will the account share information about the event, but it will celebrate indigenous culture through posting indigenous art, historical photographs as well as any other celebratory indigenous content. The Instagram page will not only be used as a tool to reach out to community members but to also create an exchangeable place for respectful cultural discussion and gratitude.

The event coordinators group does indeed have a logo. The logo clearly states, “Toronto Indigenous programs” and at the top of the logo is a traditional Indigenous eagle. Within Indigenous culture, animals are symbolic spiritual creatures and the eagle is one of them. This specific symbolic representation of culture is extremely vital to acknowledge.

 It is important to take pride in every aspect of such an important Canadian culture. These Indigenous visual components such as symbols, structures, and cinema all come together to create an event filled with celebration and honor

CREATIVE COMPONENT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oq1LDx1Yk8

Bibliography

Atanarjuat – The Fast Runner. Directed by Zacharias Kunuk. 2001. Canada: Isuma Igloolik Productions

Heritage, Canadian. “Government of Canada.” Canada.ca, Government of Canada, 24 July 2019, https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/indigenous-peoples-day.html.

Kanehsatake 270 Years of Resistance. Directed Alanis Obomsawin. 1993. Cananda: NFB.