This report covers 10 screenings and discussions of The Klabona Keepers film. The campaign Impact goals included:
To inspire the next generation of Tahltan youth
To connect with other Nations around land stewardship
To galvanize solidarity and understanding from non-indigenous audiences of the sacrifices of Indigenous land defence.
To celebrate the Klabona Keeper elders and their families
The tour was run by Story Money Impact with financial support from the BC Arts Council, Beyond Boarding & Inspirit Foundation. Thank you to the funders for making these events possible.
We would also like to thank the countless volunteers that helped make these powerful events possible. Most of all we would like to thank the Klabona Keepers for the courage in sharing their story and their continued strength and commitment to use their voices to change the world.
TESTIMONIALS FROM SPEAKERS
Rita Louie
“I just can’t get over how we was treated. Especially the speech from the Kitselas Elder and her singing in Terrace. I will never forget this. Being praised like this, it filled my heart with joy ♥️…What the Klabona Keeps film means to me. The film is so powerful and emotional. Especially when our Elders got arrested, our strength made us stronger to believe in ourselves.Together we fought for the land of beauty and we continue to use our voice to this day.
Mikaela Rae
“Seeing and speaking with this amazing documentary, I had felt so many emotions, but most of all grateful. I’m so grateful to be sharing our story and experience of protecting our land. I’d love to keep up the educating and answering questions about our home, I’m very passionate about it. Sharing our stories with the world is an amazing thing and I hope it inspires others to share their stories too.”
Bertha Louie
”I’m so blessed to have our fight documented. It was a difficult fight. We even had our community members and families not agree with us. But we fighted for our rights and what we really love in the Klabona area. So doing this film means so much to us. To show our future generation and our grandkids what we done do. To show them how hard we fought for the land”
Jeeneek Louie
“It was great! Like my dad Chief Louie Louie said you can’t watch a good movie without crying. Needless to say I cried a few times. Good Doc! You made me proud to be from Iskut and my family. I was always proud but now i’m a little prouder for sure! Thank you for pushing and giving me to do the film openings in our language”
Robert Jakesta
“the Klabona Keepers film means a great deal to me. Watching it fills me with so much joy and pride, witnessing my people take their power back, find their voice and defeat both company’s and the government who wants to destroy our land for greed. Watching my mom (Rhoda Quock), my dad (Peter Jakesta) and my grandma (Jenny Quock) along with all my elders standup in the face of adversity to conquer against such odds is truly inspiring and nothing short of incredible! It’s given me the strength to overcome my fear of using my voice. Never did I ever thought I’d be speaking in front of 500+ people getting mad applause for the things I have to say. Having my voice be heard and being able give inspirations to people through out Canada has always been a dream of mine that i’'m living now thanks to the hard work of my people the Klabona Keepers and my brother Tamo of Beyond Boarding. It really forced me out of comfort zoned allowed me to find my voice by speaking on my experiences on the blockade and in life which in turn I hope to inspire others to find theirs.”
Rhoda Quock
“The Klabona Keepers film means so much to me and our people, the world can finally see and hear our story of the triumphs and challenges in gettin the Tl’abona protected! Not there just yet but hoping the film can gain us more support to push the government to make it a fully, permanent protection area. The fall tours was amazing, the one that stood out the most and also was an emotional one, was where we presented to the Tsleil-Waututh Nation as they are protecting their land form the Trans Mountain pipeline! That is one of the many reason that we wanted to get our story out, we wanted to show other nations who face the same struggles that there is hope!”
Caden Jakesta
“All these screening meant a lot to me, I got to meet a lot new people and got to see my elders which always brings me joy and happiness. It also helped me find my voice and to continue to carry on with what my parents and elders started. My experience was unbelievable. I got to see people I never seen in awhile, I got to travel and I got to speak in front of big audience. The impact the film had on me. The film helped me believe I can do whatever I put my mind to.”
Erma Bourquin
“ So this is healing for me.I’m almost 70 years old. It’s exactly this month I started school here in Telegraph and I was told not speak in my language. I was told not to speak like that. I was a child. I want you to all know I kept the language. I can still speak Tahltan and i’m happy and proud it wasn’t taken away from me. and I know that’s what kept me strong when we were in the struggle. And I wanted to thank the people who hosted us in this beautiful place thank you for hosting this beautiful film. I’m proud to say i’m a protector of the land. This really is healing for me. Thank you for doing this for us”
Brendon Ducharme
“I’d like to thank all the people who documented the struggle of the Klabona Keepers and the families who protected our territories. The effort put into protecting our territories and putting this film together create a connection to the unspoken. If it wasn't for you, we wouldn’t have a tangible piece of our history that we can go back and watch. We can watch our ancestors. Our history has been recorded and documented and now it’s easy to gain experience and inspiration. To the next generation I hope you continue that fight. It comforts me knowing. My gratitude lies with the Klabona Keepers and the team who put together such an impactful documentary.”
ISKUT SCREENINGS
With a projector screen, popcorn maker, and a whole lot of home cooked moose meat, pizza and pies, the launch of the Klabona Keepers film in the village of Iskut was a great success. The community hall was transformed into a theatre, packing in over 100 people on the first night, 38 for a private school screening, and 42 for a Saturday matinee. The film was also live-streamed, with 258 online views. Friends and family travelled from as far away as Dease Lake, Telegraph Creek, Terrace and Vancouver to be there. Mēduh to all who attended and helped out!
“Klabona keepers ❤️ I love this film! My grandparents are Klabona Keepers and my aunties and uncles. I’m so proud of them for the things they done for our territory. I’ve always wanted a documentary of what they done and did. Huge thank you for everything you do for this community and making this film!”
“Amazing!!! What an experience to watch this film. Words cannot describe how amazing this is, to acknowledge the Elders that fought hard for the land. I am Jerry and Mary Quock’s granddaughter and I am proud of where I come from. Huge thank you to Jasper and Tamo, Thank you so much for the hard work for the film. Thank you both so much for all that you do for the community. Very thankful for you two. Medu Cho! ”
“It was so awesome! I really enjoyed the movie and good food and people! Thank you for all the work you put into this, making it possible!”
“Meduh!! The Film was very emotional n rewarding! Love it!!”
“Mēduh Cho for making such an incredible movie 😊 Thank you does not feel like enough words for you and the Klabona Keepers. We’re indebted to you all for the rest of our lives, I kept crying thinking about the movie and all the time and efforts. You are all truely amazing and thankful I was there at this screening”
“I found the film to be very moving and it brought back a lot of memories of the fight for Klabona. Our community is not against development but we just want to see it done right. We want to make sure our area and resources will live on to serve future generations.”
“Thank you for everything you did for our community, the Klabona Keepers & the movie you made, forever grateful. It was such an awesome movie, I was fighting back tears the whole way through”
“Words cannot descibe how amazing it was. I love it so much. I lost count how many times I cried, to see the elders we lost. To see how beautiful our territory is. Thank you so much Tamo & Jasper. You guys did an awesome job. ”
“The cinematography was truely *breathtaking*, and the content heartwarming/heartbreaking. I was really deep in trauma and grief but the footage helped me smile and sleep well. Our cultures and families and territories are sooooo precious and magnificent. As we heal from genocide it takes a dedicated ally to remind us of what we have, and what we will lose if we don’t heal and fight for it.”
“I loved this film. I almost cried so many times, such a beautiful movie about our elders”
“I really loved the film. It is so moving and really tells the story of the fight for Klabona. Thank you so much for all your work on this ❤️ and everything you do for and with our community”
DEASE LAKE SCREENINGS
There were two screenings in Dease Lake, one of the communities in Tahltan territory. Nine community members from Iskut were able to attend these events, one of which was at the Dease Lake Community Hall, and the other of which was at the school and was packed with students and teachers. Both screenings were followed by several elders and youth from Iskut sharing stories about what the film meant to them. These post-screening discussions were very emotional, as speakers spoke about how special it was to show the film to the very youth and people for which they were fighting.
After the school screening, many of the youth were engaged and asking questions such as "How long were the blockades," and "Why did you do it?" After the screening, youth offered gifts of wild caribou and moose meat to the elders as a thank you for coming into the school.
Later that same day was the second screening which had dinner catered by local caterer, Nympha, which brought out about 85 people (a quarter of the population of Dease Lake). This was a lively screening, and the audience was incredibly engaged throughout the film. After the film, Dease Lake expressed how powerful it was to watch this film, and expressed their gratitude to the Klabona Keepers. This ended up being very healing, as the two communities did not always see eye to eye during the fight for Klabona.
“I would like to say what happened at the school today was truly special. We were honored to host the Klabona Keepers Screening at the school this afternoon. Not only did we view the screening but we were blessed with the presence of some of the Klabona Keepers as well.
This film was enjoyed by the whole school and the students were more than happy to take part in it. I cannot express how much I appreciated the Klabona Keepers Elders for joining us today as well as Tamo Campos for setting up and sharing the story he filmed. It was a tremendously moving film and I recommend everyone to view it if possible. On behalf of Dease Lake School we presented the Elders with packaged meat prepared by the students on Tahltan Day.”
“Thank you Klabona Keepers for standing up. This is a beautiful film. We need to keep standing up to. I’ve been involved with similar fights here in Dease Lake and I this night really reminds me of those times. How important it is to keep fighting”
“This movie was incredible. Thank you so much. I raise my hands to the Klabona Keeper elders. Your strength inspires me. ”
“Being amondst the elders watching this screening of the Klabona Keepers, it really was heartfelt. It was really an honour to sit amongst them. I only knew parts of it. I was a young mother then and I didn’t see the whole story. Now with adult children and seeing the impacts, the real devastation between family units due to industry, due to them being amongst our people. The impacts on animals. The way we look at life now is not the same. I remember my dad going trapping. It wasn’t just a hobby it was a way of being. We have forgotten our way of being and this showing really really made me emotional. I sat there. With tears thinking about my dad when he was up in the Klappan doing coal mining. The asbestos mine in the Cassiar. Then Shell coming in. There was so much throughout my whole life. How do you say in a few words what it meant to you. So few elders and Tahltan people stood up to this. You shouldn’t be able to count on two sets of hands. the people who stood up. You can’t ask for a few words when so much needs to be heard and said. I just honour my elders. I stand with them I just raise my hands to you all. Nedischa (I love you) and thank you for fighting for our land. ”
Telegraph Creek Screening
Elders Jim, Bertha, Erma, Rita, Wayne drove the windy snowy road from Iskut to Telegraph. Telegraph Creek has a population of roughly 84 people and is one of the three Tahltan communities in the territory. Many of the elders who traveled from Iskut lived on the other bank of the Stikine river from Telegraph when they were young so it was a real special event to showcase the film in the school. The film was projected onto the gym tarp and a few elders and community members from Telegraph came to enjoy the film with the students. After the film played, the youth offered the elders home made jams to thank them for their work. Beautiful words were shared by some of the Telegraph Creek community members about how inspiring this film was.
“I just cried. It’s the first time i’ve seen this film. I always wanted to see it. I wanted to say to the Klabona Keepers a big thanks. Me and my husband drove a long ways to come sing. I got real emotional. I almost had to walk out. It’s healing for me and for everyone. It’s hard work. I want to thank Tamo and Jasper and people who come here. Thank you all Meduh””
“Thank you for driving so far to be with us. I know our students really enjoy it. It was really an impactful event and thank you to all the community members who came out. ”
“Meduh to the Klabona Keepers for coming to our school. This documentary is so beautiful and I loved how it portrayed your strength, and your love for the land and your resilience. It shows what our ancestors fought for. And I really appreciate what you done. You left a big legacy behind. Meduh.”
“I didn’t realize that this could happen to our land. There were parts that made me feel sad but i’m very happy that you guys did what you did. Thank you”
“I liked it a lot. I’m happy that we have our territory and i’m happy that our elders fought. Thank you”
Terrace Screenings
Terrace is the closest city to Iskut and is downstream from the Sacred Headwaters. Fifteen Klabona Keepers and their families made the 800km trip south to attend and speak at the two screenings at the R.E.M. Lee theatre.
The first screening was in partnership with Caledonia Secondary. Over 565 kids and their teachers attended. The energy was electric and the Q&A was moderated by Tahltan Circle of Life founder, Lisa Lawley. She helped relay questions from the audience and facilitated a post-screening discussion with a panel of Tahltan youth who grew up during the Klabona Keepers blockades. With amazing questions from the youth, the conversation focused on spirituality, connection to the land, how to stay inspired, and the legacy on their lives. One of the most powerful parts of the events was when a teacher asked if “the youth were in support of burning machinery and private property for their cause” to which Lisa responded “No one is advocating the destruction of property, but every single day they destroy the land. That is the destruction of our property, our history and our lives."
Later that day, there was a public screening. Many Tahltans who lived in the Terrace area attended, as well as local environmental groups, politicians, organizers and Indigenous families. The evening was opened by a smudge table set up by the local community to cleanse the energy for the event. Sharon Bryant and Beverly McDames from Kitsumkalum opened the event with a beautiful welcome, and after the screening, the Kitsumkalum dance group shared a series of beautiful songs to honour the Klabona Keepers. Following that, Lisa facilitated a conversation with audience questions. They discussed what is next for the Klabona Keepers, why the land means so much, how their story of recovery was inspiring, and how healing the film is. It is also important to provide a big thank you to all the coordinators including Carrie Doody for her amazing support for this screening and the local Tahltan youth who helped run the tables and took care of photos and video.
“I thought the film was fantastic. It dispelled some myths of activism and was a great jumping point for a number of social and environmental justice discussion topics. ”
“Klabona Keepers helps describe the battle between industry and environmental protection through the lens of First Nations stewardship. A definite must for teachers of Social Studies 10.”
“I learnt the idea that one generation’s actions directly affects the next’s lives.”
“The idea that the land is for their grandchildren and decedents. It should not be sacrificed for temporary money and enjoyment of just one generation. The fact that the elders see beyond what have in the present and wisely look into the future is very engaging and mind changing.”
“Hearing directly from the Tahltan community felt powerful. From scenes of them hunting to admiring the waters, I was able to get a direct insight into their lifestyle and their connection to the land. I think this made their side of the story regarding Shell and Fortune mines even more impactful, as I understood what was at stake. Thematically, I found the community’s references to their ancestors very engaging. It allowed me to understand their culture and values.”
“So glad to see the elders there to see the positive response from our students. The elders have made this happen, their strength and courage. As mentioned in the Q & A session, this land is for the future generations, all our youth should see this and be inspired to get involved. Having grown up in the area fishing and hunting, it is important to respect and preserve the land for future generations.”
“This helps enormously fulfill many of the Learning Outcomes for your course while at the same time opening the doors for much discussion with students. It is a lovely, informative and motivational film.”
“It was very powerful to depict three different generations at the blockades. It illustrated how this wasn’t just a one-time struggle, but generational, which also then strengthened the call to action made by the film as the audience can clearly see that the struggle isn’t even close to being over. The scene with the younger boy crying was particularly powerful.”
“I think the theme of preserving the land for future generations, in honour of past elders was engaging to me as a viewer. The fact that everyone feels so strongly about their land, and how much they are willing to sacrifice is really inspiring. It is also really eye opening because it made me realize the environmental impact these mining and fuel companies have.”
“”When one protestor said that the government were taking indigenous children away from their land, and now they are taking the land away from the children. From residential schools to the resource extractions on indigenous reserves, I think it really shows the injustice that indigenous people face in Canada.””
Tsleil-Waututh Screening
Tsleil-Waututh is in the midst of an over decade long fight against the TransMountain Pipeline. The event was organized to draw inspiration from the Klabona Keepers fight for the Sacred Headwaters and to build relationships between the Nations. The community screening was hosted by the Siʔáḿθɘt School and Tsleil-Waututh Nation Sacred Trust. The screening started with three beautiful songs from the Tsleil-Waututh youth: two drumming songs and one recently composed by youth about their fight against the pipeline for the inlet. Klabona Keepers John Nole, Rhoda Quock, Erma Bouquin, Jim Bourquin, Caden Jakesta, and Robert Jakesta spoke about the challenges of standing up for the land. They spoke about internal politics, community division and the divide-and-conquer strategies of the government. They also spoke to themes of intergenerational hope, believing in yourself, and a deep care for the land. After their speeches, Tsleil-Waututh Councilor Charlene Aleck spoke about their local fight and how significant it was to watch this film and hear from the speakers. A lunch was shared afterwards where folks could mingle and connect. Before leaving, the microphone was passed around to the entire group so that everyone could speak about what it meant to watch the film and meet the Klabona Keepers.
“Being on a blockade. It takes some kind of special person to do that. It takes that bravery that courage and that love. The willingness to hold all of that and do what you did. I have nothing but good feelings for this. You never budged from your truth on your land. What a beautiful way to be. To have your story now and be sharing it with others in communities.
I knew I was going to cry watching this film. Thinking about our elders who have passed on who used to harvest from the land here in Tsleil-Waututh. We used to get 90 percent of our diet from the inlet. The health of the inlet goes hand in hand with ours.This film has given me a lot of hope as we continue our fight against TMX. The obstacles are huge. With Sacred Trust we are stopping them. We’ve had 18 insurance companies drop out of projects related to fossil fuels on our territory. So today it gives me hope. Because sometimes our people say the are just going to push it through anyways so we might as well get a deal. But after watching this to be reminded that we can be unstoppable. Thank you for using your voice. Especially the youth who spoke, your bravery fills this room. What you stand for can move this whole building. It gives us hope. and I hope all the youth that watch this it instils that same response”
