Over the summer, we will be screening two documentaries. Read on to discover what the films are about.

July

Jordan River Anderson, The Messenger

12 July 12, 2022    6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. PDT | Zoom   Free

Please join us on Tuesday, July 12th to watch Abenaki director, Alanis Obomsawin’s latest film about Jordan River Anderson and his legacy.

Canada Day (July 1st) has long been a symbol of national pride. However, the system of government that was created on the very first Canada Day was paved by persistent and deliberate violations towards Indigenous people.

This continues on today, which is why for Canada Day, we are focusing on the discriminatory and racist practices that are still happening towards Indigenous peoples and Canada’s journey to reconciliation.

From the National Film Board’s description of the film:

In her latest film, celebrated Abenaki director Alanis Obomsawin tells the story of Jordan River Anderson, and how as a result of his short life, thousands of First Nations and Inuit children today receive the same standard of social, health and education services as the rest of the Canadian population.

Because of Jordan’s Indian status, a dispute arose between the governments of Canada and Manitoba over who was responsible for his care, and Jordan did not receive the appropriate home-based assistance that would have allowed him to end his life in his own community.

Jordan’s Principle was passed into law by the House of Commons, and the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal issued a ruling guaranteeing the same standard of service, yet many First Nations and Inuit children were still denied access. It took sustained commitment and the issuance of several mandatory orders for justice to be done.

Please register in advance to join us to watch this film together via Zoom. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

August

Someone Like Me

August 4, 2022 6:00 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. PDT | Zoom   Free

Please join us on Thursday, August 4th to watch this incredible film documenting Drake, a gay asylum seeker from Uganda and his arrival in Vancouver.

To coincide with Pride celebrations in BC, CHF BC is screening the documentary Someone Like Me by Sean Horlor & Steve J. Adams.

From the National Film Board’s description of the film:

Someone Like Me follows the parallel journeys of Drake, a gay asylum seeker from Uganda, and a group of strangers from Vancouver’s queer community who are tasked with supporting his resettlement in Canada.

Together, they embark on a year-long quest for personal freedom, revealing how in a world where one must constantly fight for the right to exist, survival itself becomes a victory.

TRIGGER WARNING: This film contains scenes depicting homophobia and violence, which may be disturbing to some viewers.

Please register in advance to join us to watch this film together via Zoom. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.