Education 530

Mensink J., Middlemiss F., Phillips M., Ringheim C.

University of Calgary
 We chose to critically analyze, the Canadian television series 8th Fire featured on CBC

network, specifically episode six “Whose Land is it Anyways?” The tv series “draws from an

Anishinaabe prophecy that declares now is the time for Aboriginal peoples and the settler

community to come together and build the '8TH Fire' of justice and harmony” (8th Fire, 2018).

The specific episode we chose outlines how different tribes in various provinces across Alberta

have been effected by the Indian Act. The show exhibits mostly Indigenous perspectives,

including host Wab Kinew. 8th Fire presents a realistic portrayal of the events and consequences

following the Indian Act, both the negative and positive. Prosperous communities, such as the

Osoyoos and Cree tribes, created their own self-sufficient communities. The resource depicts

historically accurate events, such as the James Bay agreement revealing actual footage of the

signing of the document, dates, places and final conclusion of the agreements. In opposition, are

tribes which barely have the means to support their own residence, education or even resources.

By not only showing British Columbia and Ontario points of view, but as well Manitoba and

Nunavut, we as viewers are exposed to the multifaceted array of different tribes occupying

Canada.

The producers of the show, although both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, have

proficient backgrounds in Indigenous education or journalism. We believe through this docs-

series the production team was very particular in what they portrayed, which can be found

throughout the series. The team deliberately chose, in this particular episode, not to include

stereotypical portrayals - it has a balanced view of both the negative and positive aspects. There

is the use of language and culture in appropriate uses, but also address stereotypical beliefs and

counter that, through evidence.