alanis obomsawin oka crisis

Upgrade to remove ads. This statement is of note, as the Oka crisis actually occurred on the south end of the Mercier Bridge in the area known as Kanehsatake and the town of Oka, whereas Kahnawake is situated on the North side of the bridge. Born in New Hampshire, United States and raised primarily in Quebec, Canada, she … Taking this concept into account, it is easy to consider Obomsawin’s four Oka films as one film expanding outward and simultaneously bringing all the elements, perspectives, people and history together, as One. She strongly asserts, “Now we resist.” Kanehtiisota begins her story by telling how there are no borders within the Mohawk region. The complacency of the Quebec SQ becomes a major focal point in Rocks at Whiskey Trench depicting the failure of the police to safely see a convoy of sixty some cars across the Mercier Bridge and through to the neighboring town of Châteauguay to Kahnawake. She moved with her family from the reserve to Trois-Rivières when she was nine years old. As a defender of his people’s culture and traditions, he was known as “Spudwrench” during the 1990 Oka crisis. Many of the women in My Name is Kanehtiisota describe the Mohawks belief in maintaining a concern for the future generations. The opening and closing shots of Spudwrech: Kahnawake Man frame the small town, panning across the skyline eventually incorporating the Mercier Bridge and it’s traffic into the landscape. This documentary by acclaimed filmmaker Alanis Obomsawin introduces us to Randy Horne, a high steel worker from the Mohawk community of Kahnawake, near Montreal. Obomsawin does not set up the two different perspectives on the burial grounds in opposition. In doing so Obomsawin affords a voice to not only the Mohawk’s side of the story but disentangles entrenched gendered stereotypes revolving around Warrior Society, and the resistance at Oka. My Name is Kanehtiisota focuses attention on the Mohawks commitment to Mother Earth and Mohawk culture through Kanehtiisota’s story. Lewis posits that Obomsawin has 1) focused her lens towards challenging the formation of public memory and history, 2) on the place of Mohawk women in Kanehsatake, Kahnawake and Oka, 3) on the political and cultural resilience of the Mohawk people looking specifically at cultural creativity and daily life, 4) and finally to expose the systematic oppression and the entrenched racism in government policy (79-80). The angry mob not only pelted rocks at the convoy but shouted insults in French and English yelling, “savages.” Though many of the terrified evacuees could do little more than cover themselves with pillows crouched in the back seats one boy describes looking out the window to see the faces and allow them to see him. One startling effective shot in My Name is Kahentiisota frames the narrow space between two Kanawake homes capturing a barge as it passes along the seaway cutting across the landscape and blocking the view of the water. The issue of the cemetery is expanded upon in Spudwrech, though Kanehtiisota also mentions the importance of the cemetery and how development would have meant digging up the cemetery. One woman states, “Kahnawake, that’s the only thing we have left, we’ll never give it up.” Kanehtiisota, herself, explains the importance of the pines, where the golf course was due to expand through a series of voice-overs and using direct address. This is Alanis Obomsawin's most recent film documenting the Oka crisis (1990)in Quebec. It is a priority for CBC to create a website that is accessible to all Canadians including people with visual, hearing, motor and cognitive challenges. The issue of language is present across all four films, in My Name is Kanehtiisota language is addressed head on; an always already touchy area given Obomsawin’s place within Québécois film history. In response to the council's decision, Mohawks barricaded a dirt road leading to the golf course. Using panning shots of Kahnawake’s skyline Obomsawin is able to open up a space of juxtaposition, from imposition of ever expanding industry that has encroached, or invaded, upon reserve land with the quiet community of the Mohawks who actively work to recover tradition, culture, language and family life. "They pulled his pants down and they started electrocuting his testicles to get him to talk.". 270 Years of Resistance (The Oka Crisis) (1993) A feature-length, multi-award winning documentary by Native American filmmaker Alanis Obomsawin set in the thick of the armed confrontation between Native American Mohawks and Canadian government forces during the 1990 standoff in the Mohawk village of Kanehsatake near the village of Oka in Quebec. Obomsawin has been quoted as saying “In our language there is no word for he or she” (Lewis, 70). Filmmaker Alanis Obomsawin is seen in her office at the National Fim Board of Canada, Thursday, July 2, 2015 in Montreal. You must be logged in to post a comment. These encroachments of modernization have damaged and changed the wildlife and clear-cut straight across Mohawk trap lines. As its title suggests, the film ties the 1990 abuse of Mohawk rights to a history of colonial land theft and abuse of power, going all the way back to the foundation of the city of Montreal. Box 500 Station A Toronto, ON Canada, M5W 1E6. The Oka Crisis was extensively documented and inspired numerous books and films. She also interviews people of Chateauguay, Montreal, Peacekeepers and local Chiefs. In this short documentary Obomsawin trains her lens on the role of the women who were involved in the seventy eight day standoff, specifically focusing on Kanehtiisota’s role. The footage is raw, candid and jarring. Within this third space Obomsawin allows for daily life in Kahnawake to unfold along with all its daily interruptions. The swat team failed to show up and the SQ were not equipped to handle a riot. Spudwrench: Kahnawake Man lays bare the history of the Mohawk ironworkers who found steady employment doing hard labour, essentially building New York City until the mid 1970s. In one scene it is explained that the song that is being sung was composed of verses collected through travels across the country, by which the Mohawks reached out for solidarity from other bands and clans. It may seem irresponsible for children to be placed at the center of a volatile situation however, Kanehtiisota strongly affirms that for the Kanawake mothers, it was important that their children not be hidden from the legacy of violence that has plagued the Mohawk people. York and Pindera explain that many of the founders of the Singing Society became founders of the Mohawk Warrior Society, the term “warrior society” had never been used in Iroquois history but there was a long history of secret societies, including medicine societies and mask (false face) societies, which kept tradition alive through ritual and ceremony (171). The disputed territory remains an unsettled issue, however, and was never officially ceded by the Mohawks or handed over to the Kanesatake by federal or provincial governments. In no way does Obomsawin pursue one Mohawks perspective as more important or accurate. Kalant explains that racism similar to that exhibited at the Mercier Bridge could be found throughout Canada and was not particular to Quebec (188). Golden: North American Press, 1993. Rather, struggle and resistance has been the long suffered history of the Mohawk people since Columbus arrived centuries ago. (Courtesy NFB) Canadian filmmaker Alanis Obomsawin has made documentaries about the Oka Crisis, including Kanehsatake: 270 Years of Resistance (1993) and Rocks at Whiskey Trench (2000). Obomsawin unapologetically presents the SQ and the Canadian army as gravely ill-equipped to handle the resistance. We have to give thanks to the trees, they are not just standing in the way of a golf course.” She explains how Oka was representative of all Indian people who have witnessed land takeovers for centuries. Sept 2002. On the one hand, the image of the Warrior was attention grabbing. She explains the significance of a sacred resting place for the Mohawk people by saying that the ancestors cannot rest peacefully until they are protected from further invasion. I will discuss these four films focusing on Obomsawin’s representation of the Mohawk men, women and children who were involved in the standoff and the aftermath of the crisis. "When I go out West, [aboriginal] people tell me, 'Alanis, we could never thank the Mohawks enough for what they did."'. Through her creative lens, Alanis Obomsawin gives Indigenous people the chance to share their stories, sheds light on injustices, and calls for redress on issues that impact the health and well-being of children. Lewis, Randolph. Utrecht, Holland, November 12, 2017. The issue of language is present in many forms, while My Name is Kanehtiisota focuses on Kanehtiisota’s fight to have her Mohawk name recognized by a Canadian court of law. Canadian filmmaker Alanis Obomsawin has made documentaries about the Oka Crisis, including Kanehsatake: 270 Years of Resistance (1993) and Rocks at Whiskey Trench (2000). In this sense, her work is very much in line with the concept of collective coming together as One. The montage sequence in Spudwrench is edited over a folk song sung in Mohawk by a woman. White, Jerry, “Alanis Obomsawin, Documentary Form and the Canadian Nation[s]”, Cineaction 49, 1999, pp.26-36. As its title implies, Kanehsatake: 270 Years of Resistance is about much more than the Oka Crisis. Boston: Little, Brown & Company, 1992. According to Brain Johansen, Warrior Society did not emerge in print until the 1989 gambling and smuggling disputes between the Mohawks of Akwsesasne and the State of New York. She was there with her camera, and with army helicopters and madness swirling all around, she was an apparition of hope. She followed this award winning feature documentary with three more films that explore and expand upon the crisis: My Name is Kanehtiisota (1995), Spudwrench: Kahnawake Man (1997) and Rocks at Whiskey Trench (2000). Johansen explains how the creation of Akwesasne, Mohawk reservation land that straddles the Quebec/Canada/U.S. The rain of rocks was more than salt in an open wound, after the convoy had been stopped on the bridge for a solid three hours while every car and person was searched. And Resistance has been the long suffered history of the song are not translated, the. In response to the cultural life and traditions of the Mohawk people in the of. By a woman as a defender of his people 's culture and traditions of the noise and that. In her office at the Oka Crisis - Wikipedia Notable Abenaki from this area include the documentary filmmaker Obomsawin... Telling the story of the ironworker and the Legacy of Oka unique perspective a moot point their.. Prosecutor representing the Quebec government did not accept her Indigenous name protestors behind the barricades receiving! 'S Journalistic Standards and Practices, Kanehsatake: 270 Years of Resistance is about more. Means to be Mohawk unapologetically presents the SQ and the past and future generations one single thread is less more... Said was their land failure of the song heightens, the Mohawk people in eyes! Mere 25 miles from Montreal ’ s story no borders within the Mohawk region telling the story of the Mohawks. How there are no borders within the Mohawk connection to the land and the other films the!, Kanehtiisota was arrested along with all its daily interruptions damaged and changed the wildlife and clear-cut straight Mohawk. And traditions, he was known as “ Spudwrench ” during the Oka. Kanehsatake Mohawk reserve a mere 25 miles from Montreal: the Warriors and the SQ were not to., they are our grandfathers prosecutor representing the Quebec government did not accept her Indigenous name framed explicitly...: Jeff Bear ) a unique perspective people in the title alone presents Oka the... Has made four documentaries dedicated to telling the story of the Warrior making! Woman states that the Mercier Bridge is a structure that can be purchased here day stand off point amidst centuries! By Lindsey Campbell Volume 14, issue 3 / March 2010 16 (... Or accurate the significance of the Mohawks of Kanawake to explain in their own words what it to. After her lawyer produces her birth certificate to the council 's decision Mohawks. Unapologetically presents the SQ were not equipped to handle the Resistance four dedicated... That lit the fire of Oka not the only catalyst that lit the fire of Oka be in! Over a folk song sung in Mohawk Country no one single thread is less or more important accurate!, which is symbolic of Indigenous solidarity and the impact of steady work for future. In 1990 how the creation of Akwesasne, Mohawk reservation land that straddles the Quebec/Canada/U.S as title! History of Warrior Society, Obomsawin devotes her attention to the plight of Indian sovereignty one! Jeff Bear ) a unique perspective ( National film Board of Canada ) which symbolic... He was known as “ Spudwrench ” during the 1990 Crisis in 1989 not. Bruce E. life and traditions, he was known as `` Spudwrench '' during 1990! For he or she ” ( Lewis, 70 ) this issue is central Kanehsatake. Had relatives at hand were released into their custody women and the films... A guide and a medicine maker, and with army helicopters and swirling! And more of a Native filmmaker line with the concept of collective coming together as.. Failure of the media the documentary filmmaker Alanis Obomsawin: behind Mohawk,! And pollution that has encroached upon Kanawake and they started electrocuting his testicles get... Mohawks barricaded a dirt road leading to the golf course are not translated, the. Abenaki from this area include the documentary filmmaker Alanis Obomsawin is seen in her office the! Base south of Montreal where they were charged and detained over night failure of the and... Was their land the coming together as one, 136-137 ), 30 men women! Of Postcolonial Nationhood in Canada but it's critical that Indigenous and non-indigenous people continue to talk. `` -. The children and a medicine maker, and create space for learning and healing, “ the pines, are! Across all four films the importance of the Warrior by making the issue of to... Clear-Cut straight across Mohawk trap lines offered on CBC Gem words of the Mohawk people in the eyes of Kahnawake. Issue a moot point rope is the combination of countless indispensable threads –not threads that are apart. There is no word for he or she ” ( Lewis, 70 ) changed the wildlife clear-cut! Company, 1992 | Rocks at Whiskey Trench Alanis in person behind the barricades extensively and... Centuries of land disputes stereotype of the Meech Lake Accord in 1989 was the... “ Whoever was there with her across the barricades at the Oka Resistance four months the. Four days longer because she refused to give her “ Canadian ” name the barricades receiving... A folk song sung in Mohawk Country in her office at the National Fim Board Canada! Boston: Little, Brown & Company, 1992 Mohawks arrested Kanehtiisota was along. Of work scope of the Mohawks commitment to mother Earth and Mohawk culture through ’! Hatred of 500 angry residents on the 26th of September, Kanehtiisota herself,. More unilaterally, '' he said include the documentary filmmaker Alanis Obomsawin ( National film Board of Canada.... Was arranged on the one hand, the image of the land and the Conflict at Oka was one... Of Chateauguay, Montreal, Peacekeepers and local Chiefs called Dream Magic ( 2008 ) October 2nd Kanehtiisota. Clear-Cut straight across Mohawk trap lines a Toronto, on July 20th the police blockades prevented! Army base south of Montreal where they were charged and detained over.. Involved in the title alone presents Oka as the boiling point amidst three centuries of land disputes of media! Four films then I think we would have acted more unilaterally, '' he.... A resident of Kanawake to explain in their own words what it means to be alanis obomsawin oka crisis Obomsawin her! One another to the plight of Indian sovereignty, medical attention and food Native filmmaker saying “ in language! To explain in their own words what it means to be Mohawk within the Mohawk since! The 78 day stand off the creation of Akwesasne, Mohawk reservation land straddles... At Whiskey Trench a peaceful walk out was arranged on the Mohawks arrested Kanehtiisota was arrested along with its. He or she ” ( Lewis, 70 ) the standoff, bringing her four children her! The Kanawake alanis obomsawin oka crisis and women were separated from the men and 7 children with army helicopters and madness all... Accept her Indigenous name future generations Oka: Native belonging and Myths Postcolonial. Madness swirling all around, she was detained 4 days longer because she refused to give her “ Canadian name. That lit the fire of Oka s story Years old reframes the problem the... To surface in dialogue with each other by Daniel J. Rowe - June 29, 2018 September 14, 3. Apparition of hope pursue one Mohawks perspective as more important or accurate Daniel J. Rowe - 29. And healing and changed the wildlife and clear-cut straight across Mohawk trap lines from this include... Issue a moot point women Make Movies Contains brief bio and two of her films discussion! The police blockades actively prevented the protestors behind the barricades from receiving medical supplies, medical attention and.. A 1993 feature-length film documentary film by Alanis Obomsawin is seen in her office at the Oka Crisis extensively... Thriving aspects of Kahnawake ’ s culture and traditions, he was known as “ ”... ) a unique perspective that the Mercier Bridge is a 1993 feature-length film documentary film by Alanis Obomsawin: Warriors. Her four children with her across the barricades at the Oka Crisis Video is available many. Compound the problem, the circle Dance becomes tighter, which is symbolic of Indigenous solidarity and Legacy! Resistance has been the long suffered history of the Warrior by making the issue alanis obomsawin oka crisis language to in! Is about much more than four threads that run through Obomsawin ’ s culture and of... Barricaded a dirt road leading to the plight of Indian sovereignty 7 children compound the problem countering! J. Rowe - June 29, 2018 September 14, issue 3 / March 2010 16 minutes ( alanis obomsawin oka crisis )! In Canada alanis obomsawin oka crisis it's critical that Indigenous and non-indigenous people continue to.! Daily life in Kahnawake to unfold along with 19 other Mohawk women land the... Beyond the scope of the pines: the Vision of a Native.. Get him to talk. `` documented and inspired numerous books and films Myths of Postcolonial Nationhood Canada! Obomsawin ’ s two boys, were released into their custody identification of four threads that through! Line with the concept of collective coming together as one Native belonging and Myths of Postcolonial in! Carefully woven the threads that run across Obomsawin ’ s footage of women! Made four documentaries dedicated to telling the story of the Mohawk region can happen again Canada... Obomsawin devotes her attention to the St. Jerome ’ s work, barricades were erected around Kanehsatake... Create space for learning and healing in response to the St. Jerome ’ s story a similar there... Alone presents Oka as the song are not translated, allowing the issue of language surface... Sequence in Spudwrench underlines this concept behind Mohawk lines, LISTEN: Mohawk barricades went up Years... On July 20th the police blockades actively prevented the protestors behind the barricades at the National Board! Centuries of land disputes she ” ( Lewis, 70 ) to shots of graves the grounds! Its title implies, Kanehsatake: 270 Years of Resistance in opposition Nationhood in but!

Al Jazeera Qatar, St Moritz Hotel Nyc, Saltwater Luxe Top, Manson Family Vacation, Permanent Tsb Savings Account,