Aux confluents de l’Akiawenhrahk
Kanata - L’héritage des enfants de l’Aataensic
(The Legacy of the Children of Aataensic)
Screening of René Sioui Labelle's documentary
Beaumont Cinema, Méduse, Quebec City, Onyionhwentsïo
November 22, 2023
In parallel with the preparation of the Workshop on Wendat Alliances, we wanted to share what we had learned about Wendat history in other ways. So we went to meet Ariane and Jason from Cinéma Beaumont to start working with them. For each public discussion held by the Alliance, there would be a screening evening.
For the first evening, at the suggestion of the Wendat members of the Kwatriho’tat Committee, we presented the film Kanata: L’héritage des enfants d’Aataensic. In this documentary, René Sioui Labelle traces the journey of his Wendat ancestors. He travels across the territory, collecting images and meeting people, most of whom are from Wendake. The film explores the relationship between human beings and their environment, the recognition and transmission of heritage, the defense of Indigenous rights, and a unique spirituality based on diplomacy and respect.
The film is available free of charge on the website of the National Film Board of Canada.
The screening was preceded by the reading of a note written by the director to the audience:
“Kwe Aweti
Good evening, everyone. Kanata was presented 25 years ago in the community of Wendake. Several of the film's participants were present, some of whom have since passed away.
I pay tribute to their valuable testimonies, which still today carry an aura of undeniable truth and a universal message for all our nations. I am pleased that the film is now continuing its work with a premiere in our Kanata, Stadacone, the stronghold of our great Chief Thonakonah, who was abducted along with nine of his relatives, including two of his sons, Domagaya and Taignoagny, in the spring of 1536 during a banquet held aboard Cartier's ship. They sadly died there without ever seeing their loved ones again. Their bodies are said to lie beneath the paving stones of an alleyway in Paris. This film belongs to you. It carries the words and experiences that should convey historical truth to preserve our political, cultural, and land heritage, which is still under threat.
Enjoy the viewing and discussion. Onenh”
After the screening, the audience discussed the reflections that the film had provoked. Although this sharing was rich on several levels, we realized the importance of providing more support for the discussions that the films provoke, in order to bring them to their full potential and to respect everyone's right to speak. This is a lesson to be remembered for our future activities.