12 year-old identical twins Tapwewin (Truth) and Pawaken (Totem) have never cut their hair. In Cree culture, and in many Indigenous communities across Turtle Island, hair represents our sacred connection to AsKi, the Earth. Growing the hair is a manifestation of the growth of spirit. Jules Koostachin, Tapwewin and Pawaken’s mom - and documentary filmmaker - learned of a sacred coming-of-age ceremony when she was in her early 20s. An Elder told her that when boys hit puberty, a ceremony around the cutting of hair is a right of passage that supports and uplifts youth as they transition into the next phase of their lives. After the ceremony, they’re encouraged to grow their hair out again. For Jules, it’s important that her children understand the importance of ceremony — even though at times, some of the teachings are fragmented. Her family was plagued by colonialism; Jules’ mother Rita is a residential school survivor, who was taken away from a lot of her culture. When Jules became a parent, she wanted to make sure her children had a strong sense of identity and culture, and know their customs and protocol. She strives to honour customary practices by integrating her own teachings with others. In the summer of 2018, the twins and their family were invited by the Koostachin family to travel from their home in Vancouver to the birthplace of Kokoom (Grandma) Rita: Lake River, north of Attawapiskat. This was no coincidence; the family believes they were called back to their ancestral lands for a reason. They are the next generation, representing resilience, rebirth and strength. They are bringing back what was taken from colonial violence. Sadly, the trip to Lake River fell through, but the family asked local Knowledge Keeper Adrian of another site near near Attawapiskat where they could perform the ceremony. Adrian (who is the leader singer of the band Midnight Shine) suggested a location with a serendipitous name: Twin Islands. And so the twins travelled to Twin Islands by boat, with their whole family by their side, to take part in this sacred ceremony.

Documentary | 25 min

Oshkikishikaw: A New Day

A Cree filmmaker reaches out to the strongest and smartest Indigenous women she knows to get their insight into “the change.” Through candid stories and much laughter, they delve into ideas of sexuality, ageing, spirituality, and healing around menopause.

Documentary | 18 min

KaYaMenTA: Sharing Truths About Menopause

Susan lives on a fine line between cultures and expressions. She is Kanien'kehá:ka (also known as Mohawk). She is an open lesbian. She is a United Church minister at the Grand River United Church. Despite balancing these diverse identities, Susan radiates peace and thoughtfulness. She is living out a new expression of faith in the somber face of the church’s abusive history toward Indigenous and queer individuals. Susan grew up on Six Nations territory, experiencing a joyful childhood that included the best parts of community, surrounded by family and friends. But she was also formed by her family’s trauma in the wake of residential schools. It wasn’t until she was in her 20s that Susan was able to see the complicated effects of oppression and internalized racism, and began to process what it all meant to her. Susan knew she was gay at the age of seven — she also knew that it wasn’t safe to tell anyone. But when her friends started dying of AIDS in the 1980s, Susan realized it was important for her to be out, visible and proud. Now, Susan has been nominated for Moderator of The United Church of Canada — the most senior elected position in the national church. In the lead up to the election, she reflects on how slowly the Church has moved in its reconciliation efforts with Indigenous people, as well as with queer people. It’s clear to Susan that the church can do a better job, and she feels called to be part of that movement. Susan accepts the nomination and steps into the spotlight as the council votes. As the church and Indigenous people continue to heal, Susan hopes that the teachings of love, compassion, respect and kindness will shape new generations of people to be good to one another. In one hand, she holds her Longhouse faith and Indigenous traditions. In the other, she holds a firm belief that there is goodness at the core of the Church. The point, she says, is to bring people closer together.

Documentary | 21 min

Devout and Out: Susan

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Oshkikishikaw: A New Day

KaYaMenTA: Sharing Truths About Menopause

Devout and Out: Susan