Colonialism and Racism

The film excerpts in this theme show the devastating effects of European colonialist policies on Aboriginal peoples. They also show acts of racism in which Aboriginal peoples have been victimized in their relations with whites.

Excerpts

Dancing Around the Table, Part One

Forgotten Warriors

My Name Is Kahentiiosta

Ojigkwanong - Encounter with an Algonquin Sage

The Other Side of the Ledger: An Indian View of the Hudson's Bay Company

Our Nationhood

Riel Country

Uranium

1990, Director: Isacsson, Magnus

excerpt 1 3 min 12 s

Description
Questions

Help Preferences Fullscreen

Description When Elliott Lake Mines dewaters its plant, the contaminated radioactive water enters the Serpent River and runs past an Ojibway reserve 80 km downstream and the non-Aboriginal community. Homer Seguin, regional representative of the United Steelworkers, explains to Winona LaDuke, Native rights activist, the reason the Aboriginal reserve does not benefit from the government radium removal plant that decontaminates the white peoples’ community water. Gilbert Oskaboose presents his views about the effect of the contaminated water on the food chain.

Questions

1. What explanation is given for the government’s choice to treat the water used by the townspeople along Serpent River while leaving the water used by the Aboriginal community untreated?

2. Explain the cycle of contamination as told by Gilbert Oskaboose; how does he believe the contamination will spread to more populated areas?

View Entire Film

About This Film

Short Description

The film explores the consequences of uranium mining in Canada, particularly in areas inhabited by Aboriginal peoples where the practice violates their economic and spiritual lives. The film also questions the validity of the continuation of uranium mining.