7 THINGS TO DO RIGHT NOW
1 [ I N T H E S P OT L I G H T ]
Watch and learn from a legend
Photograph by TED BELTON
ALANIS OBOMSAWIN is one of the most prolific directors in Canada—but her contributions far exceed filmmaking. The 89-year-old Abenaki woman has made more than 50 films spotlighting how systems have failed, and continue to fail, Indigenous peoples. Her work has given them the chance to share their stories and generate discussions that inspire change. Obomsawin’s filmography includes Kanehsatake: 270 Years of Resistance, a landmark documentary released in 1993 that chronicles the tense 78-day standoff between the Kanien’kéha:ka (Mohawk) and law enforcement during the Oka Crisis. Her 1984 film, Incident at Restigouche, looks at the Quebec provincial police’s raid on the Listuguj reserve as part of their efforts to impose fishing restrictions on the Mi’kmaq. Eleven of Obomsawin’s films, including the two mentioned above, are now available to stream on APTN Lumi, the Indigenous network’s streaming service. — Haley Lewis
MARCH/APRIL 2022 • CHATELAINE
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