Atikamekw elder Cézar Néwashish continues to recount the history of the community of Manawan that first began in The History of Manawan: Part One. As Christianity and European customs take deeper root in the community – abetted by residential schools and aggressive assimilationist government policies – seemingly irreversible changes to significant customs begin to unfold. Despite these struggles, the people carry on. This short is part of the Manawan series directed by Alanis Obomsawin.
Atikamekw elder Cézar Néwashish continues to recount the history of the community of Manawan that first began in The History of Manawan: Part One. As Christianity and European customs take deeper root in the community – abetted by residential schools and aggressive assimilationist government policies – seemingly irreversible changes to significant customs begin to unfold. Despite these struggles, the people carry on.
This short is part of the Manawan series directed by Alanis Obomsawin.
An introduction to the restrictions and impacts of forced assimilation laws and policies imposed upon many Indigenous communities across Canada. This film can be used to prompt class discussions, essays or research projects in relation to forced relocation, enforced reserve systems, confinement and other long-term social implications many Indigenous communities continue to face today. Research the various ways the Canadian government has tried to restrict Indigenous peoples from practising their way of life, which is tied to the land. To contrast the negative impacts and methods used to control Indigenous Peoples, research traditional world views and child-rearing practices of a Nation that traditionally occupied the land in which you now live.
History of Manawan - Part Two - Atisokan nte Manawanik minowach kenokok (Atikamekw Version), Alanis Obomsawin, provided by the National Film Board of Canada