DVD: The Art of Being Métis - Through the Teachings of the Canoe

Details:

The Art Of Being Métis is a ten-part documentary (150 min) that tells of being Métis through the teachings of the traditional birch bark canoe. This includes the history, construct, use, as well as traditional harvesting, music, food and even healthful plants and medicines. Follow along and see a birch bark canoe envisioned, the materials harvested, all the stages of the build and finally launch. Each stage is filled with teachings about the land and the water, about taking what you need, not what you want, and respecting Mother Earth. This movie has been featured at the McMichael Art Gallery and The Montreal Indigenous Film Festival.

This documentary film follows Mahigan through all the facets of creating a traditional birch bark canoe. Much more than a how-to film, the viewer will be taken on a spiritual journey that contemplates the very close relationship the people of the Métis Nation and all indigenous peoples have, with Mother Earth. Mahigan will discuss the meaning of being Métis as well as what living a Métis lifestyle means. The viewer will also learn about the language, customs, culture, food and music of the Métis People. The Métis Nation is recognized by The United Nations.

Indigenous Peoples see themselves as an important part of nature, but not more or less important than any other creature in nature. A common respect for all living things and Mother Earth are central themes within indigenous cultures throughout the world. Indigenous peoples were the first conservationists and are leaders in earth stewardship today.

Mahigan shares many stories and teachings through the various parts of the creation of his birch bark canoe. From the selection and harvesting of the materials to the shaping of those materials into a finished canoe, viewers will learn about Métis and indigenous culture and perhaps even a little about themselves.

Divided into ten segments:
- The Blueprint for the Canoe...jiimaan (13:34 min.)
- Harvesting Birch Bark (11:03 min.)
- Harvesting Cedar (19:50 min.)
- Roots and Gum (21:24 min.)
- Finding Balance (11:24 min.)
- Challenging Times (16:41 min.)
- Back to Balance (20:47 min.)
- Patience (13:51 min.)
- The Art of the Canoe (15:38 min.)
- The Canoe is Born (10:22 min.) 

Educator Information
This edition includes PPR (Public Performance Rights) suitable for classrooms, organizations and theatres fundraisers and more.
 
Additional Information
DVD format, 2.01" x 2.94" | Feature-length documentary