CFE Film Series: Kanehsatake: 270 Years of Resistance

Synopsis:

In July 1990, a dispute over a proposed golf course to be built on Kanien’kéhaka (Mohawk) lands in Oka, Quebec, set the stage for a historic confrontation that would grab international headlines and sear itself into the Canadian consciousness. Director Alanis Obomsawin—at times with a small crew, at times alone—spent 78 days behind Kanien’kéhaka lines filming the armed standoff between protestors, the Quebec police and the Canadian army. 

“one of the most brilliant visual texts of our time, and one of the most important examinations of contemporary settler colonialism there is.” Audra Simpson, Globe and Mail

“passionate, affecting documentary…describing the 11-week battle fought by the Mohawks of Montreal during 1990 to stop one of their sacred burial grounds being developed into a golf course.– Time Out

“Anyone who reckons Canada is a land of quiet tolerance is in for quite a shock when they see how badly the Oka Crisis was handled… there's no knocking the sheer force of Obomsawin's dignified anger.”– Neil Young’s Film Lounge

Introduction by Cyndy Baskin, Chair of Ryerson’s Aboriginal Education Council and Associate Professor of Social Work

Co-sponsored with the Documentary Media Research Centre at Ryerson University

This event is free and no registration is required.

Please contact cfe@ryerson.ca if you require accommodation to ensure inclusion in this event.