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Sisters & Brothers

2015 3 min
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In a pounding critique of Canada's colonial history, this short film draws parallels between the annihilation of the bison in the 1890s and the devastation inflicted on the Indigenous population by the residential school system. This film is part of Souvenir, a series of four films addressing Indigenous identity and representation by reworking material in the NFB's archives.

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Sisters & Brothers

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In a pounding critique of Canada's colonial history, this short film draws parallels between the annihilation of the bison in the 1890s and the devastation inflicted on the Indigenous population by the residential school system.

This film is part of Souvenir, a series of four films addressing Indigenous identity and representation by reworking material in the NFB's archives.
  • director
    Kent Monkman
  • producer
    Anita Lee
  • executive producer
    Anita Lee
  • editor
    Jamie Chirico
  • associate producer
    Kate Vollum
  • song - performer
    A Tribe Called Red
  • song - writer
    Dan General
    Ian Fern Campeau
    Ehren Thomas
  • production supervisor
    Mark Wilson
  • technical lead
    Marcus Matyas
  • assistant editor
    Tiffany Beaudin
    Zoya Rezaie
  • studio administrator
    Stefanie Brantner
  • production coordinator
    Jennifer Bertling
    Andrew Martin-Smith
  • producer's assistant
    Serena Lee
  • marketing manager
    Melissa Wheeler
  • publicist
    Jennifer Mair
  • head credits
    Sébastien Aubin
  • title design
    Sébastien Aubin
  • online editor
    Laura Aqui
  • post picture facility
    Fearless Films
  • stock footage
    Ragnhild Milewski
    Fred Savard
    Josée Riopel
  • technical services
    Antonia Gueorguieva
    Jean Coulombe
    Aldo La Ricca
    Pascal Vincent
    William Holley

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Education

Ages 14 to 18
School subjects

This short film emphasizes the correlation between the genocide against Indigenous Peoples’ cultural ways of knowing, being and doing, and the annihilation of the buffalo on the plains. Research the historical significance of the buffalo in relation to Indigenous Peoples’ way of life. Research the purpose of the intentional slaughter of buffalo on the plains. Research starvation tactics as a form of colonization and control. Research actions and initiatives that society can take to repair the damage of attempted genocide. What are the long-term effects on the health and well-being of Indigenous Peoples in terms of diet and food choices and sources? How does this knowledge reflect the ethics of those who implemented the destruction of the buffalo? Why is this knowledge of Canadian history important for all citizens to be aware of?

Sisters & Brothers
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