Kanehsatake: 270 Years of Resistance - Lecture Notes

Overview

• Title: Kanehsatake: 270 Years of Resistance
• Director: Alanis Obomsawin
• Year Released: 1993
• Duration: 1 hour 59 minutes
• Subject: Armed standoff in 1990 over land rights in Oka, Quebec.
• Awards: Over a dozen international awards, including Best Canadian Feature at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Historical Context

• Event: Dispute over a proposed golf course on Kanien'kehá:ka (Mohawk) lands.
• Location: Oka, Quebec.
• Date: July 1990.
• Confrontation: Between Mohawk protestors, Quebec police, and the Canadian army.
• Duration of Filming: 78 days behind Mohawk lines.

Significance

• Impact: Garnered international attention and became a crucial part of Canadian consciousness regarding Indigenous issues.
• Recognition: Acknowledged as a watershed film in First Peoples cinema.
• Themes: Focus on Indigenous rights, national security, and the conflict between governmental and Indigenous claims to land.

Film Details

• Content Advisory: Contains scenes of violence; viewer discretion advised.
• Format Availability: Available in digital and DVD formats.
• Licensing: Home, classroom, and institutional licenses available.

Educational Context

• Target Audience: Ages 14 to 17.
• Relevant Subjects:
  • Civics/Citizenship and Human Rights
  • Geography focusing on Indigenous territories
  • History and Politics of Indigenous peoples
• Discussion Points:
  • Indigenous land protection
  • Governmental response and military involvement
  • Fair representation and biases in media portrayal of Native issues.

Key Contributors

• Main Crew:
  • Director, Writer, Researcher, Narrator: Alanis Obomsawin
  • Editor: Yurij Luhovy
  • Cinematographers: Roger Rochat, Jean-Claude Labrecque, Philippe Amiguet, among others.
  • Music Composers: Claude Vendette, Francis Grandmont
  • Producer: Wolf Koenig, Alanis Obomsawin

Additional Resources

• Related Films by Alanis Obomsawin:
  • "My Name Is Kahentiiosta" (1995)
  • "Spudwrench - Kahnawake Man" (1997)
  • "Incident at Restigouche" (1984)
• Exploration of Indigenous Cinema: Recognized as an essential part of Canadian film heritage and Indigenous storytelling.

Viewing and Purchase Options

• Watch Online: Options for renting and purchasing available on the NFB platform.
• Download Options: Available for personal and educational use.
• Device Access: Compatible with various devices including Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, and Android TV.

Discussion & Reflection

• Consider how the film challenges views on Native issues in Canada.
• Reflect on the portrayal of all parties involved in the documentary.

These notes summarize the key aspects and educational significance of the film "Kanehsatake: 270 Years of Resistance," directed by Alanis Obomsawin, highlighting its impact on Indigenous cinema and Canadian historical discourse.