Indigenous Truth and Decolonization
The Survivor Spirit, Documentary and Illustration
Through this documentary and accompanying illustration, Settlement Service Providers are invited to continue their Indigenous Truth and Decolonization learning journey.
Exploring the ‘Survivor Spirit’ concept, viewers will gain a deeper understanding of the interconnected concepts of intergenerational trauma and intergenerational resilience. They will consider the shared challenges and experiences that connect Indigenous communities and newcomers. The video and documentary are designed to support frontline Service Providers in understanding these themes and engaging newcomers in this work.
Documentary
The documentary was created in collaboration with Indigenous leaders, Elder Glida Morgan, from Tla’amin Nation, Elder Mary Point, a member of the Musqueam Indian Band, and Norm Leech, from the T’it’q’et community of the St’at’imc nation. The project was also created in partnership with Adriana Contreras, an artist and graphic recorder, who also has lived experience as an immigrant in Canada. AMSSA would like to extend a great and most genuine thanks to Elder Glida, Elder Mary, Norm, and Adriana for sharing their time and expertise.
The video was filmed at Skwachàys Lodge Indigenous Hotel and Gallery in Vancouver. Skwachàys Lodge as a unique Indigenous social enterprise that combines a hotel and visual arts; it supports on-site housing and studio space for 24 Indigenous artists. We would like to acknowledge two artists whose work was displayed at Skwachàys Lodge and featured in the documentary, Mike Alexander and Alano Edzerza.
Accompanying Graphic Art Illustration (click on the image to view a larger version that can be downloaded)
Additional Resources
If you would like to continue your learning journey, we recommend that you view the below resources.
- United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
- Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action
If you have any questions or comments, please contact Rebecca at rferguson@amssa.org
We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Municipal Affairs
