An Awakening of Indigenous Knowledge
In an extraordinary display of resilience, a group of Elders out on the land address the importance of Indigenous knowledge. These residential school survivors shine a light on a future where this traditional knowledge system may be called upon to assist humanity. Filmed in the fields and forests of First Nations lands across Saskatchewan, Waniska was envisioned and directed by the Elders’ Council of the First Nations University of Canada with participation from students.
The First Nations University has several Elders who lecture in the classroom and share their knowledge through traditional activities on campus and at camps on the lands of Saskatchewan. The Elders are integral to every part of the university and help students (both Indigenous and non-Indigenous) in maintaining or developing connections to culture. The Elders also help staff incorporate traditional knowledge, teachings, and concepts into their classrooms and online course development.
Together, these same Elders directed and wrote “Waniska” which speaks to the awakening of Indigenous knowledge.
Check out the additional bonus videos available for each of the Elders below.
Florence is a residential school survivor who comes from the traditional lands of Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, Saskatchewan. She makes her directorial debut with ‘Waniska: An Awakening of Indigenous Knowledge’. As a member of the Elders’ Council at the First Nations University of Canada, Florence has brought traditional knowledge, teachings, and guidance to students and staff members. Her role in incorporating Indigenous teachings within the classroom and connecting students with their culture was integral in the development of the film, ‘Waniska’.
Video Extras:
Bonus Video Content with Florence
Rose is a residential school survivor who comes from the traditional lands of Thunderchild First Nation, Saskatchewan. She makes her directorial debut with ‘Waniska: An Awakening of Indigenous Knowledge’. As a member of the Elders’ Council at the First Nations University of Canada, Rose has brought traditional knowledge, teachings, and guidance to students and staff members. Her role in incorporating Indigenous teachings within the classroom and connecting students with their culture was integral in the development of the film, ‘Waniska’.
Video Extras:
Bonus Video Content with Rose
Willie is a residential school survivor who comes from the traditional lands of Sturgeon Lake First Nation, Saskatchewan. He makes his directorial debut with ‘Waniska: An Awakening of Indigenous Knowledge’. As a member of the Elders’ Council at the First Nations University of Canada, Willie has brought traditional knowledge, teachings, and guidance to students and staff members. His role in incorporating Indigenous teachings within the classroom and connecting students with their culture was integral in the development of the film, ‘Waniska’.
Video Extras:
Bonus Video Content with Willie
Preston is a residential school survivor who comes from the traditional lands of Beardy’s & Okemasis’ First Nation, Saskatchewan. He makes his directorial debut with ‘Waniska: An Awakening of Indigenous Knowledge’. As a member of the Elders’ Council at the First Nations University of Canada, Preston has brought traditional knowledge, teachings, and guidance to students and staff members. His role in incorporating Indigenous teachings within the classroom and connecting students with their culture was integral in the development of the film, ‘Waniska’.
Video Extras:
Bonus Video Content with Preston
Gilbert is a residential school survivor who comes from the traditional lands of Yellow Quill First Nation, Saskatchewan. He makes his directorial debut with ‘Waniska: An Awakening of Indigenous Knowledge’. As a member of the Elders’ Council at the First Nations University of Canada, Gilbert has brought traditional knowledge, teachings, and guidance to students and staff members. His role in incorporating Indigenous teachings within the classroom and connecting students with their culture was integral in the development of the film, ‘Waniska’.
Video Extras:
Bonus Video Content with Gilbert
Mary is a residential school survivor who comes from the traditional lands of Pelican Lake First Nation, Saskatchewan. She makes her directorial debut with ‘Waniska: An Awakening of Indigenous Knowledge’. As a member of the Elders’ Council at the First Nations University of Canada, Mary has brought traditional knowledge, teachings, and guidance to students and staff members. Her role in incorporating Indigenous teachings within the classroom and connecting students with their culture was integral in the development of the film, ‘Waniska’.
Video Extras:
Bonus Video Content with Mary Lee
Margaret is a residential school survivor who comes from the traditional lands of La Plonge First Nation, Saskatchewan. She makes her directorial debut with ‘Waniska: An Awakening of Indigenous Knowledge’. As a member of the Elders’ Council at the First Nations University of Canada, Margaret has brought traditional knowledge, teachings, and guidance to students and staff members. Her role in incorporating Indigenous teachings within the classroom and connecting students with their culture was integral in the development of the film, ‘Waniska’.
Video Extras:
Bonus Video Content with Margaret
Recently retired, Grace formerly worked for the First Nations University of Canada as the Director of Student Success Services. She was also instrumental in the formation of the Elders’ Council and has worked diligently on the formation of the traditional campus, helped to collaborate and share resources with the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) and helped begin a mentor program in Prince Albert, Saskatoon, and Regina. She oversaw Elder services for all three campuses and helped unify Elders with students. During her summer months, she was a key team member with 4 Seasons of Reconciliation as she accompanied the team on-location in Saskatchewan and Alberta during the production of “Waniska I” and Douglas Cardinal’s biographical documentary. Grace McLeod will continue to work with Kehte-Ayak, NCCIE and 4 Seasons of Reconciliation for Phase 2.
4 Seasons of Reconciliation is a multi-media online publishing site that promotes a renewed relationship between Indigenous Peoples and Canadians, through transformative multi-media learning portals. This educational initiative, developed for secondary, post-secondary and the workplace incorporates teacher guides, slideshows, videos and award-winning films through its online learning portals.
As an ally-settler, Andree Cazabon made a personal and professional 10-year commitment to reconciliation in 2007. She works under the vision, guidance and direction of Indigenous Peoples in all her projects. With the collaboration and guidance of First Nations University of Canada and NCCIE, this 4-part series on reconciliation is a continuation of her commitment.
As a Gemini nominee, Andrée Cazabon’s films have amassed over 1 million viewers on CBC-Newsworld, TVA, Canal D, Radio-Canada, and CBC Television. A member of the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television and Documentary Organization of Canada, she is the founder and CEO of Productions Cazabon, an award-winning bilingual film and television production company based in Toronto, Canada, with a satellite office in Regina, Saskatchewan. 2019 marks the twelfth year of her professional and personal commitment to reconciliation since her film, ‘3rd World Canada’. Rideau Hall acknowledged her service to reconciliation by awarding her the Meritorious Service Decorations – Civil Division. Andrée Cazabon is a fifth-generation francophone from the Ottawa region.
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