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Waseteg

Waseteg is the story of a young Mi'kmaq girl whose name means “the light from the dawn.” Sadly, her mother dies while giving birth and, though her father works very hard to provide for his family, Waseteg is surrounded by the bitterness and loneliness felt by her sisters. As a young girl, Waseteg looks for solace in nature, and dreams of the stories she’s heard in the village – including one about Walqwan, the mysterious boy living across the river. Eventually, with the gentle care of the boy's grandmother, Waseteg succeeds in finding Walqwan, discovering the Spirit Path, and restoring …
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Waseteg is the story of a young Mi'kmaq girl whose name means “the light from the dawn.” Sadly, her mother dies while giving birth and, though her father works very hard to provide for his family, Waseteg is surrounded by the bitterness and loneliness felt by her sisters.

As a young girl, Waseteg looks for solace in nature, and dreams of the stories she’s heard in the village – including one about Walqwan, the mysterious boy living across the river. Eventually, with the gentle care of the boy's grandmother, Waseteg succeeds in finding Walqwan, discovering the Spirit Path, and restoring love to her family.

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.

Indigenous Peoples in Canada (First Nations and Métis) All subjects
Indigenous Cinema
  • writer
    Phyllis Grant
  • director
    Phyllis Grant
  • animator
    Phyllis Grant
  • narration
    Alanis Obomsawin
  • animation
    Sam Decoste
    Randall Finnerty
    Wenqi Hou
  • original music
    Normand Roger
    Pierre Yves Drapeau
  • sound design
    Normand Roger
    Pierre Yves Drapeau
  • flute
    Michel Dubeau
  • traditional chant
    Gilbert Sewell
  • digital imaging supervisor
    Susan Gourley
  • digital imaging consultation
    Sam Decoste
    Randall Finnerty
  • online editing
    Yannick Carrier
  • recording
    Geoffrey Mitchell
  • mixing
    Geoffrey Mitchell
  • translation
    Lyly Fortin
  • technical coordinator
    Steve Hallé
  • production supervisor
    Patricia Coughran
    Candice Desormeaux
  • production coordinator
    Stephanie Coolen
    Vanessa Larsen
  • marketing manager
    Julie Armstrong-Boileau
  • centre administrator
    John William Lutz
  • producer
    Annette Clarke
    Michael Fukushima
  • executive producer
    Kent Martin

Education

Ages 8 to 12

Study Guide

Guide 1

Notes

Pre-teach Native legends and symbols. Discuss the reasons why Waseteg was able to see the boy who lived across the river when her sisters could not. Suggest alternate titles for this film.

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Waseteg
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