Stories of Decolonization is a multi-film interview-based documentary project that shares personal stories in order to explore accessible understandings of colonialism and its continued impact on those living on the lands now called Canada. It also explores notions and actions of decolonization.
Stories of Decolonization: Land Dispossession and Settlementis the first short film of the series, focusing specifically on stories of personal and ancestral connections to these lands. Come experience this film, build awareness, participate in dialogue, and take action!
Stories of Decolonization is an interview-based documentary film project that emerges from a need to provide a basic and accessible understanding of colonization and its continued impacts on everyday Canadian experiences. The project aims to help viewers build awareness, think critically, and take action.
It disseminates personal experiences and stories documented in interview footage from Liz Carlson's doctoral research, as well as including other interviews gathered specifically for this project. The interviewees are a diverse group (Indigenous and non-Indigenous) of local and national people who have come to understand themselves in relation to colonization and have engaged in decolonization work.
Sharing heart-level stories personalizes history for viewers and this can help fuel motivation to work towards decolonization in their own contexts. This supports the work Indigenous people already do and invites non-Indigenous people to act and relate with integrity, working towards a just society.