Movie Night at the Museum - Cold Journey

On Wednesday March 20, Aanischaaukamikw Cree Cultural Institute hosted another Movie Night showing “Cold Journey” starring Eeyou Istchee’s own Buckley Petawabano. Mr. Petawabano was kind enough to record a message that was played before the start of the film. He spoke of his time making the film and the work that came, such as the TV series “Rainbow Country”. ACCI would like to thank Mr. Petawabano for taking the time to record such a heartfelt and meaningful message.  

“Cold Journey” is a story about a young boy trying to fit into two very different worlds. His family remains on the reserve and survives by hunting, trapping and fishing. The main character struggles between the lifestyle and traditions of a young Native man and the residential school system imposed by the government. Similarly, while being drawn to a traditional lifestyle, Buckley was required to attend a residential school himself and so was able to relate to the main character of the movie. 

Even with such a serious topic, there were moments that had those in attendance laughing. In one scene, the main character shoots a gun in the house of the family he boarded with, highlighting cultural differences in a humorous way with the line, “Indians don’t have loaded guns in the house”. The driving skills displayed after the main character “borrowed” a skidoo from the skidoo shop were exceptionally exciting and brought some chuckles from the audience.  

ACCI was happy to present this film just before Mr. Buckley Petawabano was officially recognized for all the years of service to Eeyou Istchee at the Cree Native Arts and Crafts (CNACA) Festival. Not only is Mr. Petwabano an actor and a cinematographer, but he was also instrumental in the creation of the James Bay Cree Communications Society. Mr. Petawabano was given the Cree Legend Award by CNACA at their awards ceremony on Saturday March 16, 2013. As a deserving recipient of this award, Mr. Petawabano was given a standing ovation as he was recognized by his fellow artists. ACCI would like to congratulate Mr. Petawabano on this well-deserved honour.

The First Movie Night at the Museum

On Wednesday February 20, 2013 Aanischaaukamikw Cree Cultural Institute held its first Movie Night at the Museum.  We were proud to present the documentary “The Cree Hunters of Mistassini” to an enthusiastic crowd.  The film follows the lives of 3 families as they set up their winter camp.  This film was made in the early 1970’s and was released in 1974.  “The Cree hunters of Mistassini” won the award for best documentary over 30 minutes at the Canadian Film Awards. 

There was a great deal of laughter from the audience and all guests were pleased with what they had seen in the film.   We had a special guest with us for the evening; Eddie Jolly, a local Ouje-Bougoumou resident, featured in the film. Mr. Jolly spoke about his experiences on living in the bush and having a film crew around during the making of this film.  One thing for certain is that by the time all guests went home, there had been a great deal of discussion on living a traditional way of life.

Our plan at ACCI is to show a film or documentary once every three weeks that in some way celebrates an aspect of Cree life, whether it is hunting, music, culture in general or even films with Cree actors.  There are a lot of great stories to be told and shared.

For those that missed the evening you can click on this link and watch this wonderful documentary.

People from Ouje-Bougoumou,  Mistissini, and the region.

Eddie Jolly from Mistissini/Ouje-Bougoumou. Mr. Jolly was featured in the documentary.

The next Movie Night is March 13, 2013 at 7 p.m. (tbc).