“It’s not how it used to be.” The words of Cézar Néwashish resonate throughout this short documentary that explores the history of the Atikamekw community of Manawan, Quebec. Less than a century old in name, Manawan embodies the experiences of so many Indigenous communities across Canada. Where once they practised their customs freely on a vast territory, the arrival of the Europeans would eventually mean the restriction of their cultural practices and confinement to a reserve named Manawan.
“It’s not how it used to be.” The words of Cézar Néwashish resonate throughout this short documentary that explores the history of the Atikamekw community of Manawan, Quebec. Less than a century old in name, Manawan embodies the experiences of so many Indigenous communities across Canada. Where once they practised their customs freely on a vast territory, the arrival of the Europeans would eventually mean the restriction of their cultural practices and confinement to a reserve named Manawan.
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 One - Atisokan nte Manawanik nistam kenokok (Atikamekw Version), Alanis Obomsawin, provided by the National Film Board of Canada