The National Screen Institute – Canada (NSI) is pleased to announce that four short documentary films created by talented Indigenous storytellers through the NSI IndigiDocs training course will air on documentary Channel on Friday, June 21, 2019, National Indigenous Peoples Day, starting at 9 p.m. ET (6 p.m. PT).

The films are:

• Lost Moccasin by producer Darcy Waite and director Roger Boyer
• Cedar Tree of Life by producer April Johnson and director Odessa Shuquaya
• Mihkowapikwaniy by producer Petie Chalifoux and director Micheal Auger
• Leave It On the Water by producer Michele Mundy and director Steve Sxwithul’txw

“We are grateful for documentary Channel’s investment in NSI IndigiDocs and the exposure they offer graduates of the course,” said Joy Loewen, acting executive director of the National Screen Institute. “A national platform gives these four films the wide audience they deserve.”

“documentary Channel is proud to provide Canada’s next generation of documentary filmmakers with a national platform to share such important stories,” said Sandra Kleinfeld, senior director at documentary Channel. “We believe NSI IndigiDocs is a vital training program for developing the skills of these storytellers and strengthening the industry and communities across Canada.”

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Lost Moccasin
Produced by Darcy Waite, directed by Roger Boyer (Winnipeg, MB)

Bradford Bilodeau, a Sixties Scoop survivor, was taken from his family in Valley River First Nation and put up for adoption at an early age. Bradford did not learn he was an adoptee until later in his life.

Although Bradford has now reconnected with his brothers and sister, he does not know much about his family back in Valley River First Nation. The film follows Bradford as he travels back to his home community, where he meets with his Uncle Bobbie to find out more about his mother and his past.

Cedar Tree of Life
Produced by April Johnson, directed by Odessa Shuquaya (Vancouver, BC)

Three Indigenous women hold knowledge passed down from their grandmothers and ancestors; they commune with the sacred materials of Cedar and Spruce. The knowledge they hold has been passed down from one generation to the next, and they share their knowing in continued practice and teaching.

Cedar is a life-giver. Cedar Tree of Life exposes how each woman uses the material and medicine of Cedar, and how they share their knowledge in both traditional and contemporary contexts and as a form of resistance.

Mihkowapikwaniy
Produced by Petie Chalifoux, directed by Micheal Auger (North Vancouver, BC)

Fuelled by the desire to improve the quality of life for his people and to grieve the senseless and tragic death of his youngest daughter, Bella, Lubicon Lake First Nation Chief Billy Joe Laboucan creates a special place for healing. This place is called Mihkowapikwaniy.

Leave It On the Water
Produced by Michele Mundy, directed by Steve Sxwithul’txw (Duncan, BC)

Outrigger racing is a global sport embraced by many Indigenous peoples. The film follows a canoe group, known as For the People, from a small isolated First Nation village, Penelakut, on Vancouver Island as they represent their community in the Queen Lili’uokalani race – the world’s largest outrigger canoe race based out of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.

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The films air on documentary Channel at 9 p.m. ET (6 p.m. PT) and again at 12 midnight ET (9 p.m. PT). Check your local listings for times in your region.

About NSI IndigiDocs

NSI IndigiDocs offers development and mentorship for up to four producer/director teams to produce a short documentary.

Teams receive a cash award of up to $16,000 to put towards the production of a 10-minute documentary, and attend the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival in Toronto. Each team is paired with an industry mentor to help with the development and production of their film.

NSI IndigiDocs is funded by Program Partners APTN, Manitoba Sport, Culture & Heritage and RBC Emerging Artists Project; Boot Camp Presenting Sponsor Manitoba Film & Music; Strategic Sponsors the Directors Guild of Canada and documentary Channel; Supporting Sponsors Telefilm Canada, Super Channel, CBC Gem, Saskatchewan Media Production Industry Association (SMPIA), Corus Entertainment, Breakthrough Entertainment and the Jim Murphy Filmmakers Bursary; Provincial Sponsors Manitoba Film & Music and Creative BC through the Daryl Duke and William Vince Scholarship Fund; Industry Partners the National Film Board and the Directors Guild of Canada; Industry Supporters imagineNATIVE Film & Media Arts Festival, Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival and Service Sponsor Line 21 Media. NSI Core Funders are Manitoba Sport, Culture & Heritage and the City of Winnipeg through the Winnipeg Arts Council.

About documentary Channel

documentary Channel is Canada’s signature destination for provocative, thoughtful, and entertaining factually-based programming. Canada’s only documentary channel, it brings viewers documentary programming 24 hours a day, seven days a week.