On Sunday (July 12) at the Adventure Centre, Reel delves into the history of conflict between North America's First People and European settlers with Alanis Obomsawin's multi-part series, The Collection: 270 Years of Resistance.
The camera of Alanis Obomsawin does not simply see. It speaks. And it listens. What it hears are North America's First Peoples - the Aboriginal voices so often cast aside and overlooked within official history.
From an extraordinary artistic journey that took her from the folk clubs of Greenwich Village to the barricades of Indigenous protest, Obomsawin emerges as a cultural leader of singular fearlessness and grace - one of the most important filmmakers of our time. Her lifelong documentary project finds vibrant expression and focus within this remarkable collection of four films.
The 1990 Oka Crisis re-ignited historic First Nations grievances and galvanized collective resolve like few other events in recent history. With characteristic courage and generosity, Obomsawin was present to record the experience, crafting this compelling four-part tribute to cultural resistance and pride. Woven around her subjects' testimony is her own unmistakably elegant narration - measured and impassioned, committed and clear - the voice of a storyteller who's always listening.
On July 12, the series begins with Kanehsatake - 270 Years of Resistance. On a hot July day in 1990, an historic confrontation propelled Native issues in Kanehsatake and the village of Oka, Qu茅bec, into the international spotlight and into the Canadian conscience. Director Alanis Obomsawin endured 78 nerve-wracking days and nights filming the armed stand-off between the Mohawks, the Qu茅bec police and the Canadian army.
A powerful feature-documentary emerges that takes you right into the action of an age-old aboriginal struggle. The result is a portrait of the people behind the barricades, providing insight into the Mohawks' unyielding determination to protect their land.
Reel tickets are $7 or $5 for seniors and NFB members. It's free to become an NFB member, simply visit www.nfb.ca and receive10-flick passes $50. Doors open at 12:30 p.m.
