The Cinematheque

Free Admission

“Alanis is the matriarch of Indigenous cinema. The Grand Dame of documentaries … She is one of the most important filmmakers to ever work in what is currently called Canada. Her work has transformed a nation’s understanding of itself and she has inspired generations of Indigenous people to pursue telling our stories.”

Jesse Wente, founding director of the Indigenous Screen Office

The surname of iconic Abenaki filmmaker Alanis Obomsawin means ​“pathfinder.” In her prolific career, the documentarian has made over fifty films (and counting) with the National Film Board of Canada, three of which are included in this program of recent work. The Spirit of the Tŝilhqot’in People Is Hovering Over the Supreme Court concerns the six communities that make up the Tŝilhqot’in Nation and their fight for the rightful title of their land. The Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health, led by Allison Fisher, is spotlighted in Wabano: The Light of the Day, showing how the Ottawa health clinic supports its Indigenous population. Honour to Senator Murray Sinclair speaks to Sinclair’s time as chief commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commision (TRC) and his commitment to raising awareness of Canada’s past in order to move forward. Spirit and Wabano, previously available only in the NFB box set A Legacy, here receive their Vancouver theatrical premieres.

The Spirit of the Tŝilhqot’in People Is Hovering Over the Supreme Court
Canada 2023
18 min. DCP

Wabano: The Light of the Day
Canada 2022
31 min. DCP

Honour to Senator Murray Sinclair
Canada 2021
29 min. DCP

Please note: Unclaimed tickets for complimentary screenings at The Cinematheque will be released 15 minutes before showtime. Please arrive early to guarantee your seat.