Urban.Indigenous.Proud is a film project partnership between the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres and the National Film Board of Canada. Taking a community-driven approach, the OFIFC and the NFB produced five short documentaries by Indigenous filmmakers who set out to explore urban Indigenous culture and lived experiences in five Friendship Centre communities.
This short film offers a snap-shot of life in Fort Frances, Ontario, as some of its community members prepare to gather in a special place that will bond their hearts and minds. By engaging in ceremony and celebrating their language, culture and land, the people are creating “Zaagi’idiwin”—a symbol of their truth, their story and their own reconciliation, which is community-defined, beautiful and inspiring.
Ages 12 to 18
Arts Education - Music
Indigenous Studies - Arts
Indigenous Studies - Identity/Society
This documentary can inspire research, discussion, projects and entry points for further learning about First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in urban contexts. What does “Zaagi’idiwin” mean and what language does it derive from? Why is it necessary to produce and promote films that document youth engaging in cultural activities in a positive, uplifting light? How can this film activate the dismantling of negative stereotypes projected on First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples?