ARCOLA - White Bear students gave a presentation earlier in the year for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Behind the Blanket, an Interactive History of the Indigenous and non-indigenous People of Canada, challenged people to build their understanding and empathy through the program.
It is hoped that with the proximity of White Bear and Pheasant Rump First Nations’ communities, students from all local districts will participate in more events together to form friendships and connections to one another.
On Nov. 22, 15 students from three different high schools took part in an Indigenous film industry workshop at Arcola School. Students from Weyburn, Carlyle and Arcola came together for the one-day event. These students, along with those from the White Bear Education Complex, met and attended an assembly to kick off their workshops.
Arcola teacher Jacquie Walbaum facilitated the event and welcomed artists from the Pathfinders Film Institute. Actor and founder of institute, Julian Black-Antelope, along with Mike Morrison, senior program supervisor and Kerry Opoonechaw, program co-ordinator, provided students with inspiration and connection to the film industry and pride in the indigenous culture.
The students were encouraged to embrace their culture's heritage and their authentic selves. Students opened to the program quickly as the day progressed. Their comfort level grew, and they connected with one another and the workshop’s various levels of film making. These included acting, filming, makeup and hair, lighting, script writing, the arts department, directing and production.
The White Bear and Arcola groups made their own short film collaboratively. The artists from the Pathfinders Film Institute will edit, fine tune and add music to the production and return it to the students. The youths are excited to see the finished product and share it with the rest of the school.
“There is a certain vulnerability to an individual's art expression," she said.
In time the students were stepping up and performing, improvising, writing and directing, while others enjoyed the behind-the-scenes work and flourished there. It is ultimately hoped that the students are inspired to consider careers in the Indigenous film industry.
The Pathfinders Film Institute has discussed returning for a week-long workshop. This in-depth event would allow more time to study the roles available in the film industry. Students would train with the leaders and become certified for on-set roles. The certification would set them up for careers and a future in the film industry.
