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The filmmakers discuss topics covered in the Stories of Decolonization series including the complexities of identity, relationships, and the responsibility to challenge colonial narratives. The spotlight highlights the importance of living in Indigenous sovereignty, engaging in relational accountability, and working towards transformed futures through meaningful actions.
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Filmmaker Teddy Zegeye-Gebrehiwot reflects on the complexities of identity, colonialism, and storytelling in this Stories of Decolonization series spotlight. He offers definitions, the relationship between, and examples we can see in everyday experiences of settler colonialism and capitalism and its lasting effects on Indigenous communities. |
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“Why is it we know nothing about this history and what does that tell us about our relationship with Indigenous peoples?”
Dr. Paulette Regan reflects on settler responsibility, truth, and reconciliation, drawing from her Euro-Canadian background. She emphasizes that truth must come before reconciliation, urging settlers to confront colonial history, engage in deep listening, and challenge dominant narratives. |
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“My original life and upbringing was interrupted and disrupted by a foreign way, by colonialism.”
Niizhoosake/Saagimakwe (Sherry Copenace) shares a powerful reflection on the sacredness of Anishinaabe language, names, and teachings. She highlights the deep connections between language, identity, and relational accountability, stressing the role of respect, reciprocity, and cultural protocols in sustaining Indigenous knowledges and strengthening relationships within and among communities. |
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“No matter what I do as an individual, the system will always operate in the same violent ways because that’s the way the system was designed.”
Dr. Tasha Spillett offers a powerful reflection on identity, ancestral connections, and storytelling as vital aspects of cultural survival and healing. She reflects on the deep relationship between lands we come from, our families, and community, highlighting how these shape who we are. Tasha explores the role of storytelling as both resistance and a pathway to healing, reinforcing the importance of relational accountability and traditional teachings in sustaining Indigenous knowledge systems. |
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C'est vrai que notre vie de Canadien français est un combat constant, parce que si on veut vivre en français, si on veut parler français, si on veut être servi en français, que ce soit dans les soins de santé ou dans l'éducation, il faut se battre constamment pour cela. Et je le comprends, car je suis moi aussi impliqué dans ce combat, mais ce n’est pas la même chose que ce qui arrive aux peuples autochtones.
It’s true that our life as a French Canadian is a constant struggle, because if we want to live in French, if we want to speak French, if we want to be served in French, whether it’s in health care or education, we have to constantly fight for it. And I understand that, because I’m involved in that fight too, but it’s not the same as what’s happening to the Aboriginal peoples. Clarissa Lassaline, settler of French Canadian & Scottish ancestry, and activist offers reflections on her experiences coming to know her relationship to colonization in Canada. |