The Squamish Historical Society (SHS) is showcasing two films which together document the lives of coastal Aboriginal Peoples over the last 115 years at the Adventure Centre on Saturday (Nov. 21).
The night opens with SHS director Helmut Manzl's production of The First People of the Pacific Northwest, which is based on a collection of images of from 小蓝视频, Washington and Alaska that were photographed by Edward S. Curtis during his journey across North America between 1896 and 1930.
Manzl received permission to use the photos from Northwestern University. There is no narration included in the film, only the music of internationally acclaimed aboriginal violinist Arvel Bird. No words are needed, said Manzl.
"I think the photos speak for themselves. They really do. As they say, a photo is worth a thousand words and in this case, they truly do, because each photo is very evocative," he said.
One such photo is a portrait taken in 1896 of Chief Seattle's eldest daughter Princess Angeline as an elderly woman, which launched Curtis's documentary project. Although the modern idea of "princess" evokes an image of youth, the portrait brings out the lines of the woman's face in a very surprising manner, said Manzl.
"Each photo really tells a story about the individual," he said.
The First People of the Pacific Northwest acts as an introduction to Manzl's second film, Squamish Nation: Stories from the Heart, which he co-produced with Squamish Nation member Alice Guss.
The film features interviews with local and North Vancouver Squamish Nation members, as it brings out firsthand accounts of life from the 1940s to present. Retired logger Alex Williams, for example, explains how he got into the business at the tender age of 13.
Manzl said he didn't anticipate such a welcoming reception when he began his historical digging. But the people were eager to tell their stories.
"In many ways I was really surprised because there was little coaxing needed. I was invited into people homes both in Squamish and in North Vancouver and they discussed their background freely," he said.
Manzl interviewed the First Nations Snowboard Team leaders Aaron Marchant and Virginia Johnston. Both grew up in Squamish and now work towards inspiring and developing young athletes.
Since its founding in 2004, the team has grown from 10 Squamish and Lil'Wat First Nations members to 116 young athletes.
"I think what it really points to is leadership in that community," said Manzl. "That was what came out for me because you hear a lot of negative stuff about reserves and what this film talks about is the positive features."
The First People of the Pacific Northwest begins at 12:30 p.m. and Squamish Nation: Stories from the Heart follows at 2:30 p.m. Admission is by donation.
