This powerful film offers a unique exploration of Canadian history, showcasing two contrasting perspectives. One perspective highlights the traditional narrative taught in Canadian schools and reinforced by the government through immigration and refugee citizenship testing. The other perspective, shared through verified sources, offers a viewpoint of the history of Canada through the eyes of Indigenous Peoples.

This eye-opening experience will to broaden your understanding and appreciation of Indigenous history and perspectives. It is an opportunity to deepen our understanding of Canada’s diverse histories, and to engage in meaningful discussions about our shared past and future.

We look forward to seeing you there!

About The Ballantyne Project

Dwight Ballantyne is the driving force behind The Ballantyne Project: a youth-led initiative bridging the awareness gap between Indigenous communities and the rest of Canada while sparking social consciousness. Growing up in challenging circumstances in a northern First Nation in Saskatchewan for 21 years, Dwight’s relocation to BC in 2016 opened his eyes to the widespread lack of knowledge about life on First Nations reserves.  

Launched in 2019, The Ballantyne Project was driven by his wish to inspire Indigenous youth in remote First Nations to pursue dreams and share their stories. 
Through workshops, partnerships, campaigns and talks Derek and his team work tirelessly to create valuable experiences and educational opportunities that support Indigenous youth first.

About National Indigenous Peoples Day

For generations, many Indigenous groups and communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on June 21 or around that time of year because of the significance of the summer solstice as the longest day of the year.

National Aboriginal Day, now National Indigenous Peoples Day, was announced in 1996 by then Governor General of Canada, Roméo LeBlanc, through the Proclamation Declaring June 21 of Each Year as National Aboriginal Day. This was the result of consultations and statements of support for such a day made by various Indigenous groups:

• In 1982, the National Indian Brotherhood, now the Assembly of First Nations, called for the creation of National Aboriginal Solidarity Day.
• In 1995, the Sacred Assembly, a national conference of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people chaired by Elijah Harper, called for a national holiday to celebrate the contributions of Indigenous Peoples.
• Also in 1995, the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples recommended the designation of a National First Peoples Day.