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this river

This short documentary offers an Indigenous perspective on the devastating experience of searching for a loved one who has disappeared. Volunteer activist Kyle Kematch and award-winning writer Katherena Vermette have both survived this heartbreak and share their histories with each other and the audience. While their stories are different, they both exemplify the beauty, grace, resilience, and activism born out of the need to do something.
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This short documentary offers an Indigenous perspective on the devastating experience of searching for a loved one who has disappeared. Volunteer activist Kyle Kematch and award-winning writer Katherena Vermette have both survived this heartbreak and share their histories with each other and the audience. While their stories are different, they both exemplify the beauty, grace, resilience, and activism born out of the need to do something.

Law and Crime Indigenous Peoples in Canada (First Nations and Métis) Women All subjects
Human Rights Short Docs All channels
Indigenous Cinema
  • director
    Erika MacPherson
    Katherena Vermette
  • writer
    Katherena Vermette
    Erika MacPherson
  • producer
    Alicia Smith
  • executive producer
    David Christensen
  • narration
    Katherena Vermette
  • participant
    Kyle Kematch
    Calvin Alexander
    Katherena Vermette
  • director of photography
    Iris Ng
  • location sound mixer
    Anita Lubosch
  • sound designer
    Anita Lubosch
  • sound editor
    Anita Lubosch
  • picture editor
    Erika MacPherson
  • digital intermediate technician
    Marcel Kreutzer
  • workflow consultant
    Marcel Kreutzer
  • boat driver
    Kyle Kematch
    Jan Bass
  • sound mix engineer
    Bruce Little
  • on-line colourist
    Tony Wytinck
  • production coordinator
    Faye Yoneda
    Jasmine Pullukatt
  • production supervisor
    Mark Power
  • production assistant
    Kristin Poyntz
  • program administrator
    Bree Beach
    Ginette D'Silva
  • centre operations manager
    Darin Clausen
  • director general
    Michelle van Beusekom
  • marketing manager
    Leslie Stafford
  • marketing coordinator
    Michelle Rozon
  • stills photographer
    Chris Friesen
  • film poster design
    Sébastien Aubin
  • transcription
    Sharon Murphy
    Patricia Garry
  • strategic advisor
    Etoile Stewart

Education

Ages 16 to 18

Notes

A documentary that can be used to prompt class discussions, action initiatives and debates about social justice in an Indigenous context. How is the justice system’s undermining of the issue of missing Indigenous people reflective of the current and historical treatment and disregard for Indigenous lives? Is it necessary for Indigenous people and allies to form grassroots groups that advocate for fair and just treatment? What actions can be taken to lift up people and create a more ethical and just society? What can you do to combat violence and racism against Indigenous peoples in Canada? Why do racism, prejudice and discrimination against Indigenous peoples persist in Canada?

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this river
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