Who Were the Ones?
This short film was created by a group of Indigenous filmmakers at the NFB in 1972 and is essentially a song by Willie Dunn sung by Bob Charlie and illustrated by John Fadden: "Who were the ones who bid you welcome and took you by the hand, inviting you here by our campfires, as brothers we might stand?" The song expresses bitter memories of the past, of trust repaid by treachery, and of friendship debased by exploitation upon the arrival of European colonists.
This short film was created by a group of Indigenous filmmakers at the NFB in 1972 and is essentially a song by Willie Dunn sung by Bob Charlie and illustrated by John Fadden: "Who were the ones who bid you welcome and took you by the hand, inviting you here by our campfires, as brothers we might stand?"
The song expresses bitter memories of the past, of trust repaid by treachery, and of friendship debased by exploitation upon the arrival of European colonists.
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directorMichael Kanentakeron Mitchell
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producerDenis Gillson
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executive producerDavid Bairstow
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animation cameraCameron Gaul
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editingDennis SawyerF. Whitman Trecartin
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re-recordingJean-Pierre Joutel
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animationJohn Fadden
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musicWillie Dunn
Warning: Images of starvation. This documentary can inspire research, discussion, projects and entry points for developing foundational knowledge in relation to the shaping of Canada through a First Nations lens. This video combines music and lyrics with paintings that reflect a history of colonization. Consider the lyrics in the song and how they can inform an understanding of the shaping of Canada that may contrast with others' view of the same subject. Is it important to learn First Nations’ understandings of history and events that have led to the shaping of Canada? How can learning about history through First Nations truth telling support reconciliation? Is it important to learn about leaders like Tecumseh from First Nations accounts? How can music and art combined be used to educate and inspire social justice?
More educational content
Who Were the Ones?, Michael Kanentakeron Mitchell, provided by the National Film Board of Canada