The Eeyou of Eeyou Istchee
A documentary series
"We were always led to believe that we didn’t have any rights. We were just squatters on the land. First of all, of course you believed it, and later you start to think: Why are we just squatters? We’ve been here thousands of years…" (Robert Kanatewat).
The documentary The Eeyou of Eeyou Istchee will portray the history of the Eeyouch from earliest times to the present in a series of four episodes. The series will speak to the social, political, economic, and spiritual life of the Eeyouch. The central theme will be the relationship to Eeyou Istchee.
The story will be woven together from a multitude of Eeyou voices, not always agreeing with each other, but each telling what he or she knows. The goal is to create an educational resource for future generations that shows where the Eeyouch have come from; what they have experienced, fought for, and accomplished; what lessons they have learned; and what advice they have for the next generations.
The final documentaries will be subtitled.
Episode One – Ntoho Istchee, Amisk Istchee
This episode covers early history to 1970 through the memories of people living today, supported by readings of significant passages from historical documents, archival photos and footage, visual art, maps, and historically appropriate music.
Episode Two – Mistamisk Ehbej-Cheewet-Oskotamchesiw
This episode covers the period from the first announcement of Bourassa’s Project of the Century to the signing of the JBNQA. The emphasis is on the young leaders who were asked by community elders to lead the fight.
Episode Three – Asserting Eeyou Rights
While massive development projects steam ahead, Eeyou communities are facing major health, housing and sanitation problems. Unemployment is high. In the midst of this, the Eeyou leadership is establishing new institutions (Health Board, School Board, Cree Regional Authority) and developing programs that will lead to greater autonomy. This episode covers 25 years of struggle between the Eeyouch and the Federal and Provincial governments (and their crown corporations), with the Eeyouch winning some battles and losing others as they hone their skills as strategists and negotiators.
Episode Four – Negotiating Nation to Nation
The 21st century is a time of building new relations with Canada and Québec. At the same time, this episode takes viewers into the offices, homes, and recreational centres in Eeyou communities to see and hear how life has changed (or not changed) under the JBNQA. The series ends with political leaders and community elders outlining future challenges and offering words of guidance to the next generations.
