Digital Arts Resource Centre (DARC) is proud to present looping screenings of My Indian Name, directed by Anishinabe filmmaker Abraham Côté, and SGaawaay K’uuna (Edge of The Knife), co-directed by Haida filmmaker Hluugitgaa Gwaai Edenshaw and Tsilhqot’in filmmaker Jaada Yahlangnaay Helen Haig-Brown, in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
September 30th marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day devoted to recognizing the impact of colonization on Indigenous communities who have cared for and continue to care for the land on which we live, work, and create. The looping screening will occur in the DARC Microcinema at 2 Daly Street from September 30th to October 4th.
THE FILMS
My Indian Name by Anishinabe filmmaker Abraham Côté is a one-hour documentary that takes a look at how Indigenous peoples have been impacted by having their traditional names stripped away from them. Without their original names, people are often left trying to find how they fit in this world. Luckily, steps are being taken today to reclaim their basic right to their true names.
SGaawaay K’uuna (Edge of the Knife), co-directed by Haida filmmaker Hluugitgaa Gwaai Edenshaw and Tsilhqot’in filmmaker Jaada Yahlangnaay Helen Haig-Brown, is the first feature film made in the endangered Haida language. Set in Haida Gwaii in the 1800s, two families at a seasonal fishing camp endure conflict between the nobleman Adiits’ii and his best friend, Kwa. After Adiits’ii causes the accidental death of Kwa’s son, he flees into the rainforest, descending into madness and transforming into Gaagiixid – “the Wildman.”
CONTINUED RECONCILIATION EFFORTS
“Presenting works created by Indigenous artists is a small way that DARC can more meaningfully engage with Indigenous communities in a reconciliatory manner,” says Emily Ramsay, DARC Director. “Our commitment to supporting Indigenous media artists is of high priority to our centre. Sharing stories like My Indian Name, which examines how colonialism has contributed to stripping away Indigenous identity, and SGaawaay K’uuna, which is told in the endangered Haida language, will allow the public to see and hear stories directly from those artists and engage them in Indigenous storytelling.”
The screening is one of many steps DARC is taking towards reconciliation and recognition of the systemic injustices faced by Indigenous groups. Start your National Day for Truth and Reconciliation learning journey with The Indigenous Foundation and the Government of Canada.
