Indigenous Knowledge

The film excerpts under this theme consider the role of women, ways of thinking about hunting and fishing, forestry management, the technique of building an igloo, the importance of spirituality, and the preservation and transmission of ancestral values.

Excerpts

Bella Bella

Circle of the Sun

Eskimo Arts and Crafts

How to Build an Igloo

The Hunters (Asivaqtiin)

If the Weather Permits

Incident at Restigouche

Kanata: Legacy of the Children of Aataentsic

Mother of Many Children

Our Nationhood

Tales of Sand and Snow

Bella Bella

1975, Director: Greene, Barbara

excerpt 1 2 min 43 s

Description
Questions

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Description In 1975, on Campbell Island 500 km north of Vancouver, Angus, a Bella Bella elder, helps a Dutch linguist with the first Heiltsuk dictionary by reviewing translation and pronunciation of the language. Elders play an important role in the preservation and transference of a community’s culture.

Questions 1. The Bella Bella people of the Pacific coast are in the midst of a cultural revival. What are the strategies being used to ensure the preservation of Bella Bella culture?

2. The Elders of the Bella Bella community speak of the importance of passing on their language to the next generation. How is modern media being employed to help ensure the survival of the Heiltsuk language and the Bella Bella culture in general?

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About This Film

Short Description

The film focuses on the fishing people of Campbell Island, 500 km north of Vancouver, and their plan to regain self-sufficiency. Their goals are to stimulate economic development and keep alive their ancient Heiltsuk culture.