A DIFFERENT BATTLE FOR THE INDIGENOUS

It’s a neverending war between those in power and indigenous people. Even when treaties are signed to preseve the rights and culture of the indigenous, down the line they are broken. In this day and age, not even thought of. Much of our focus lately has been what has happened to indigenous cultures in the province of Ontario. Is it that much different on the west coast in the province of British Columbia? The film Wochiigii lo: End of the Peace from director Heather Hatch made its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. The film starts with the important quote of “as long as the sun shines, the grass grows and the rivers flow”. The line heads the century old Treaty 8 between the government and the indigenous people.

The documentary focuses on BC Hydro’s Site C dam project on the Peace River in BC. There was no need for the dam to be built. The province did not need more energy at the present time and the immediate future. Environmental analysts believe that would cause much harm to the quality of water to the surrounding area. This would cause the animals to not be edible, look for better pastures or simply go extinct. The Peace River cuts across the province. Its surrounds the land of the West Moberly and Prophet River First Nations. They are concerned for their well being and their future. The dam will force their people to look for another place to inhabit as it would flood their houses. Not to mention many generations of their culture just banished.

There is much discussion of residential schools and the burial of children. Names of universities are changing as well as street names because they were the predators of the children. But this is not the only manner that the Canadian government fails us. These dams and pipelines the government want to build are hopeful money makers and job creators.

Although, someone has to suffer and pay the price and indigenous people are the primary targets. The ones who are in power like the Crown Corporations, political parties and the federal government do not see Indigneous people as a concern but rather being in the way. Knowing that the court system will always be on their side, it is a battle that bands like the West Moberly and Prophe River First Nations should just surrender to. But their spirit never dies as shown in this film and that overrides everything.

Director Heather Hatch shows a more determined and inspirational side of indigenous people. Chief Roland Wilson and Diane Able spearhead this battle against the building of Site C and the sovereignty of their people. They are fighting to the finish and to their last breath. As they should as this type of colonization is not only damaging this community but many others as well. The amount of corruption that happens in political parties in British Columbia should not be overlooked. Even when Christy Clark was the premiere, there was much going on behind the scenes. As stated in this film, never trust someone in politics with a hard hat on.