Niagara College and the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre (PAC), with support from event partner One Dish, One Mic, is inviting the community to attend a free outdoor film screening to help raise awareness of Indigenous culture and anti-Indigenous racism.
The screening of multi-award-winning Indigenous documentary nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up will be held on Saturday, October 3 at dusk (about 7 p.m.) at the Mann Raceway Plaza in St. Catharines (located behind the PAC at 250 St. Paul St.).
The film, which was written and directed by Tasha Hubbard, explores the death of a young Cree man Colten Boushie who died from a gunshot to the back of the head in 2016 after entering a rural property with his friends. The trial and subsequent acquittal of the property owner captured international attention and raised questions about prejudice within the judicial system and anti-Indigenous racism. Hubbard’s narrative follows the journey of Boushie’s family as they search for justice, taking their fight to the highest echelons of power and, ultimately, to the United Nations; while weaving in the personal experience of her own adoption, the history of colonialism on the Prairies, and a vision for the future.
FirstOntario PAC programming and marketing manager Sara Palmieri noted that the PAC is proud to present this important film in partnership with Indigenous Education at Niagara College, free for the community in a safe outdoor setting with an abundance of caution, and strict health and safety protocols.
“We acknowledge our role in bringing communities together through the arts, and our commitment to amplify the histories and current realties of Indigenous Peoples and racialized communities in Canada,” said Palmieri. “This event is an opportunity for us to come together to bear witness to what happened to Colten Boushie and the collective movement to call out injustice, prejudice and anti-Indigenous racism.”
NC’s director of Student Services Lianne Gagnon noted that although the film addresses a difficult topic, it’s an important one. “We are at a time in history where a light is being shone on racism and oppression, and by exposing it and giving it voice, we strive for a more inclusive and sensitive society where all peoples are equal,” said Gagnon.
Gagnon noted that the event helps support the College’s Indigenous students as services are being delivered remotely during the Fall term, offering an opportunity to gather safely during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Our goal in Indigenous Education is to support our Indigenous students in a number of different ways,” said Gagnon. “Not only do we assist them in succeeding academically, we also offer cultural connections and support to further facilitate their traditional ways of being, knowing, and doing.”
Hosts of the One Dish, One Mic radio show, which airs on Newstalk CKTB, will emcee the event and kick it off with a welcome at 6:30 p.m.
“In this movie, the Boushie family lets us into the darkest chapter of their lives; they challenge injustice by getting stronger and by being good people,” said Karl Dockstader, co-host of One Dish, One Mic. “Watching this story will make us all better people.”
Tickets are not required for the free, drop-in style event. Seating will be first come, first served (100 people capacity). The space will open 30 minutes prior to start time. While the screening will take place outdoors, masks are required for ages six and older until visitors are seated in their designated physically-distanced pods (which each hold three adults, or two adults and two children). Guests may bring blankets and lawn chairs, (most seating will be on the grassy hill) and are encouraged to dress for the weather. Guests may bring their own concessions. View the PAC’s COVID-19 Health & Safety Protocols for outdoor events here.
The event is weather permitting. In the case of inclement weather, a cancellation will be announced via the PAC’s social media at 3 p.m. on October 3. Visit the PAC’s event posting here for further details.
