Free documentary series to feature nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up

Case involving fatal shooting raised questions about racism in legal system

The next film in the It’s Time to Read documentary series captures a family’s fight for justice following the fatal 2016 shooting of a young Cree man, Colten Boushie, in Saskatchewan.

nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up will be shown on Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. at the Keyano Recital Theatre.

The case captured international attention, raising questions about racism embedded within Canada’s legal system and propelling Colten’s family to national and international stages in their pursuit of justice.

The documentary, directed by Tasha Hubbard, weaves a profound narrative encompassing the filmmaker’s own adoption, the stark history of colonialism on the Prairies, and a vision of a future where Indigenous children can live safely on their homelands.

A discussion with Stephanie Harpe, residential school survivor, advocate for Murdered, Missing and Exploited Indigenous Peoples, and award-winning singer/songwriter, will follow the screening.

Doors open to the recital theatre 15 minutes before the film begins. Please note, the documentaries contain mature themes.

All are welcome for this free event, offered through the It’s Time to Read book club, a collaboration between the municipality and the Wood Buffalo Regional Library. It’s Time to Read features the works and voices of Indigenous authors to increase understanding and awareness of Indigenous culture, history, and current issues.

About Stephanie Harpe

A proud member of the Fort McKay First Nation, Stephanie is the former Community Outreach Coordinator for the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women (IAAW). Some of her work at IAAW included hosting their Murdered, Missing and Exploited Indigenous People’s Support Group, as well as being their National Representative for Aboriginalalert.ca.

Stephanie’s life experiences have shaped her humanitarian work: she herself is a survivor of the Residential School System and survived an attempted murder attack. She is a proud daughter of Ruby Anne McDonald, who was tragically murdered and is the niece of Historical Chief Dorothy McDonald of Fort McKay First Nation.

Please note the showing of Treaty Talk – Sharing the River of Life that was scheduled for Sept. 6, has been postponed to a later date.