Reconciliation Through Art: A Special Screening of “WaaPaKe” by Jules Arita Koostachin sets the stage for Indigenous art event

Commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, over 30 Indigenous artists from across Canada are gathering for a free, daylong program entitled Reconciliation Through Art in Almonte, Ontario, this September 30.

In a poignant prelude to the Reconciliation Through Art event, acclaimed Cree filmmaker Jules Arita Koostachin is set to present a personal screening of her powerful documentary, WaaPaKe (Tomorrow), in Almonte, Ontario.

This exclusive event offers an intimate window into the deeply impactful and emotional subject of Indian Residential Schools (IRS) and the intergenerational trauma they have left behind. The screening will take place on September 29, 2024, at 2 p.m. at the Almonte United Church, providing the local community and attendees from beyond with a rare opportunity to engage directly with both the film and the filmmaker.

Released in 2023 by the National Film Board of Canada, WaaPaKe is a documentary that delves into the personal experiences of Koostachin’s own family from Attawapiskat, an Indigenous community in Northern Ontario. The film focuses on the reverberating effects of the Indian Residential School system on generations of Indigenous families and communities, but it does so through a lens of resilience, healing, and hope.

By exploring the pain of the past while also looking toward the future, WaaPaKe embodies a theme that lies at the core of both the film and the broader movement of Truth and Reconciliation in Canada: the potential for healing and regeneration.

Jules Arita Koostachin, based in Vancouver, is no stranger to tackling sensitive and profound subjects through her art. Her extensive experience working with Indigenous communities informs her work as an artist, advocate, and filmmaker. Through WaaPaKe, she brings attention to one of the darkest chapters in Canada’s history while simultaneously celebrating the strength and resilience of her people.

Koostachin’s film is especially relevant at a time when the conversation around Truth and Reconciliation and the movement of Every Child Matters has reached national and international prominence. By focusing on the trauma inflicted by the IRS system, WaaPaKe offers viewers a deeper understanding of how this history continues to shape the lives of Indigenous people today. The filmmaker’s unique approach lies not just in recounting the past but in emphasizing the hope and healing that can follow.

In addition to the screening, the award-winning Indigenous filmmaker will be present for a discussion and Q&A session after the film, providing attendees with an opportunity to gain further insights into her creative process, the making of WaaPaKe, and the broader implications of the film’s themes. This chance to interact with Koostachin will foster a deeper connection between the audience and the important work of Truth and Reconciliation, making the screening an even more powerful experience.

The screening is a precursor to the larger Reconciliation Through Art event, which will take place at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum in Almonte on September 30, 2024, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. This full-day event will include performances, workshops, and exhibits featuring Indigenous artists and knowledge keepers.

Together, these activities will highlight the importance of art in the process of healing and reconciliation, offering attendees the chance to engage with Indigenous culture meaningfully and work toward a future grounded in understanding and mutual respect.

For those unable to attend in person, a live-streaming option will be available via NationTalk.ca/rta, beginning at 10 a.m. and continuing until 8 p.m. on September 30.

NationTalk, Canada’s largest Indigenous-owned newswire and communication service, is partnering with the Reconciliation Through Art initiative to make key events accessible to a wider audience. Schools, universities, and individuals across Canada can tune in to hear the stories, performances, and wisdom shared throughout the day.

“On this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, it is a great opportunity for us, as Indigenous peoples, to tell our stories, share our knowledge, dispel myths, and take down barriers between us and mainstream society—and yes, between ourselves as well,” said Tony Belcourt, Chair of the volunteer committee hosting the event. “What better way to do that than through our artists, visual and performing, as well as our storytellers and knowledge keepers?”

Belcourt’s words underscore the importance of this event and the critical role that art plays in the reconciliation process. Through the creative voices of Indigenous artists, the event offers a space for reflection, healing, and dialogue—a necessary step toward understanding and coming to terms with Canada’s history.

As we approach this significant day, the Reconciliation Through Art event and the special screening of WaaPaKe serve as reminders of the enduring strength of Indigenous communities and the vital role that storytelling plays in the path to healing. Whether in person or online, this event is not to be missed.

For more information on the event and to view the complete schedule, visit reconciliationthroughart.ca.