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CM . . . .
Volume VII Number 6 . . . . November 17, 2000
Few situations are more tragic for a family than the untimely death of a child. Years later, Annie
Smith-St. Georges and her husband, Robert, continue to feel the impact of the suicide of their
son, Yanik, in 1990. Subsequent to the tragedy, Annie sought to make sense of the situation and
to find direction in life. The daughter of an Algonquin trapper, Annie found strength in the
teachings and traditions of her culture, a strength which culminated in the dream-vision of a glass
teepee which would house a National Aboriginal Arts and Performance Centre, to be built in
Ottawa, and a place which would memorialize her son and other young Natives who struggled,
sometimes unsuccessfully, with their identity and sense of purpose. Kwekanamad tells the story
of Annie, her family, and their quest to fulfill this dream. In the video, we see that strong family
ties manage to keep them together, that traditional teachings provide a measure of healing, and
that many Natives, both young and old, struggle to assert their sense of pride in their culture and a
sense of dignity about their heritage. Certainly, as the sub-title indicates, "the wind is changing."
and there is greater acceptance and understanding of aboriginal culture, but, for Annie and her
family, the dream of a building to honor Yanik remains unfulfilled. Kwekanamad is a powerful
story. Annie and her husband speak frankly of the reality of a pain that never totally relents, and
the viewer cannot help but admire their courage in seeking a positive outcome for this family
tragedy. And the video's contents certainly provide insight into the value that traditional beliefs
have for contemporary Aboriginals. Still, I think that the video has very limited curricular
application; senior high classes in Native studies might find it offers valuable insights into the
continuing strength of the culture, and it certainly begs the question of why suicide continues to
be such a problem amongst young Natives, even in families which appear to be functional and
loving. Preview before deciding whether the film can be used effectively in your collection.
Recommended with reservations.
Joanne Peters is a teacher-librarian at Kelvin High School in Winnipeg, MB.
To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.
Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association.
Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice
is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without
permission.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THIS ISSUE - November 17, 2000.
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