Celebrating May Day and advancing year-round a culture of solidarity at the intersection of labour and art in Mi’kma’ki.
Find more Mayworks Kjipuktuk/Halifax Events and Film, Media & Entertainment events in Halifax
Description
Curated by Lara Lewis
This year’s Reel Justice offerings are snapshots of the lives of different Mi’kmaw women’s lives from the past to the present. From traditional stories to modern women, the creators and subjects of these women’s narratives place a strong emphasis on relationality, family, and cultural engagement.
Films
Waseteg (2010, dir. Phyllis Grant) - 6 min
Waseteg is the story of a young Mi'kmaq girl whose name means “the light from the Dawn.” A short story about dreams, courage, identity, creation and embracing our Elders, Waseteg showcases Phyllis Grant's signature style of bold lines, bright colours and simple movements. The film is beautifully narrated by legendary filmmaker Alanis Obomsawin.
Mi’kmaw Family (dir. Catherine Martin, 1995) - 32 min
This documentary takes you on a reflective journey into the extended family of Nova Scotia’s Mi'kmaq community. Revisiting her own roots, Mi'kmaq filmmaker and mother Catherine Anne Martin explores how the community is recovering its First Nations values, particularly through the teachings of elders and a collective approach to children-rearing. Mi'kmaq Family is an inspiring resource for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous audiences who are looking for ways to strengthen and explore their own families and traditions.
Klusuaqnn Ajknu’kl (dir. Stephanie Joline, 2021) - 22 min
Mi'kmaw poet and published author Rebecca Thomas uses words for a living, but she can't speak the language stolen from her father at residential school. Words Matter follows her journey to reclaim the language while exploring the complicated past that's kept it from her. This version is narrated in Mi’kmaw and with spoken English subtitled in Mi’kmaw.
Darlene Bernard: Women of this Land (dir. Stephanie Joline, 2023) - 22 min
Part of a 4-part documentary series about Indigenous women in Atlantic Canada and how they connect to land and culture. In this episode - Chief Darlene Bernard. Bernard reflects on her position as Chief, relationships with her community, and ageing.
Weli’maq (dir. shalan joudry, 2024) - 5min
A gently mesmerizing piece exploring the profound meaning of sweetgrass picking through multidisciplinary artist shalan joudry's lens. An immersive celebration of nature's gifts and Indigenous traditions.
Childcare will be provided for this event. Please use this REGISTRATION FORM.
Date & Time
Mon., May 5, 2025 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Venue Details
Bus Stop Theatre Co-op
2203 Gottingen StreetHalifax, Nova Scotia B3K 3B5
