Indigenous Education at Niagara College is helping to raise the curtain on anti-Indigenous racism with a free film screening -and everyone is invited.

The College and the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre (PAC), with support from partner One Dish, One Mic, will present an outdoor screening of We Will Stand Up on October 3 at dusk (about 7 p.m.) at the Mann Raceway Plaza in St. Catharines.

The multi-award-winning documentary explores the death of a young Indigenous man Colten Boushie who, in 2016, died from a gunshot to the head after entering a rural property with his friends, and the emotionally-charged trial and acquittal which followed that caused outrage across Canada and raised questions about prejudice within the judicial system and anti-Indigenous racism. Award-winning filmmaker Tasha Hubbard follows the journey of Boushie’s family as they search for justice, taking their fight to the highest echelons of power and, ultimately, to the United Nations.

NC’s director of Student Services Lianne Gagnon noted that although the film addresses a difficult topic, it’s an important one.

“The purpose is to raise awareness about Indigenous culture and anti-Indigenous racism,” she said. “We are at a time in history where a light is being shone on racism and oppression, and by exposing it and giving it voice, we strive for a more inclusive and sensitive society where all peoples are equal.”

Gagnon noted that while Indigenous Education has been supporting students remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic, the outdoor filming allows the College an opportunity to gather safely as a community.

“Our goal in Indigenous Education is to support our Indigenous students in a number of different ways,” said Gagnon. “Not only do we assist them in succeeding academically, we also offer cultural connections and support to further facilitate their traditional ways of being, knowing, and doing.”

“The FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre is proud to present this important film in partnership with Indigenous Education at Niagara College, free for the community in a safe outdoor setting with an abundance of caution and strict health and safety protocols. We acknowledge our role in bringing communities together through the arts and our commitment to amplify the histories and current realties of Indigenous Peoples and racialized communities in Canada,” said Sara Palmieri, programming and marketing manager, FirstOntario PAC. “This is event is an opportunity for us to come together to bear witness to what happened to Colten Boushie and the collective movement to call out injustice, prejudice, and anti-Indigenous racism.”

One Dish, One Mic will emcee the event and provide a welcome at 6:30 p.m. On September 27, filmmaker Hubbard was interviewed by One Dish, One Mic on Newstalk 610 CKTB radio. The audio cut is available here.  

The event is free, and drop-in style; tickets are not required. The space will open 30 minutes prior to start time. While the screening will take place outdoors, masks are required for ages six and older until visitors are seated in their designated physically distanced pods (which each hold three adults, or two adults and two children). Guests may bring blankets and long chairs, (most seating will be on the grassy hill)and dress for the weather. Guests may bring their own concessions.

Visit the PAC’s event posting here.

We Will Stand Up film screening (98 minutes, PG)

Date:     Saturday, October 3 (weather permitting). In case of inclement weather, cancellation will be announced via  social media at 3 p.m.)

Time:     Welcome 6:30 p.m., screening to begin at dusk (approximately 7 p.m.)

Place:    Mann Raceway Plaza (behind First Ontario PAC, 250 St. Paul St., St. Catharines). An accessible entrance is available from Carlisle St.

Cost:      Free. No tickets needed. First come, first served. (100 people capacity).

Note:      Masks are required for ages six and older until visitors are seated in their designated pods.