Canada 15,000 | Alethea Arnaquq-Baril | Walrus Talks

Summary

Filmmaker Alethea Arnaquq-Baril addresses the discomfort of celebrating Canada 150, highlighting the erasure of Indigenous history. She calls for a reimagining of Canada's governance, advocating for Indigenous sovereignty and a shift from a colonial mindset. Arnaquq-Baril proposes the Governor General be an Indigenous representative, symbolizing a meaningful reconciliation and a long-term, sustainable approach to nation-building.

Takeaways

• 🎥 Alethea Arnaquq-Baril is an Inuk filmmaker who uses her work to address Indigenous issues.
• 🇨🇦 She feels uncomfortable being used to promote Canada 150 due to its erasure of Indigenous history.
• 🏆 Many Inuit identify as proud Canadians, but also seek to reclaim sovereignty over their land and culture.
• 🗣️ Arnaquq-Baril challenges the Canada 150 narrative, suggesting it perpetuates racism and dispossession.
• 🏛️ She calls for a reimagining of Canada's governance, including a break from the British monarchy.
• 🌳 Arnaquq-Baril emphasizes the importance of Indigenous perspectives in discussions about Canada's future.
• 🌐 She proposes that the Governor General of Canada be an Indigenous representative to acknowledge Indigenous history.
• 💡 The filmmaker advocates for a shift to thousand-year business plans, reflecting Indigenous values of long-term sustainability.
• 🌟 Arnaquq-Baril's film 'Angry Inuk' has been screened worldwide, sparking conversations about Indigenous rights.
• 👏 The speech concludes with a call to action for a more inclusive and historically accurate celebration of Canada's history.

Q & A

Who is Alethea Arnaquq-Baril and what is her profession?

Alethea Arnaquq-Baril is an Inuk filmmaker and documentary filmmaker, born and raised in Iqaluit.

What is the title of Alethea Arnaquq-Baril's recent film?

Her recent film is titled 'Angry Inuk'.

How does Alethea feel about being used to promote Canada 150?

Alethea feels uncomfortable being used to promote Canada 150 as an Indigenous artist, as it sometimes conflicts with her efforts to reclaim sovereignty.

What does the ITK logo represent?

The ITK (Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami) logo represents four Inuit holding hands symbolizing the four Inuit regions in Canada, with the negative space forming a maple leaf.

Why does Alethea feel that celebrating Canada 150 is inappropriate?

Alethea believes celebrating Canada 150 is inappropriate because it asks her to deny 14,000 years of Indigenous history and perpetuates racism and dispossession.

What does Alethea suggest should be added to the Canada 150 logo?

Alethea suggests adding zeros to the Canada 150 logo to reflect the true 15,000 years of Indigenous history.

What is one of the key themes of Canada 150 that Alethea addresses?

One of the key themes of Canada 150 that Alethea addresses is reconciliation, which she believes should not be about fitting into a definition of Canada but about meaningful acknowledgment and change.

Why does Alethea find it odd to ask people to sing 'Oh Canada' at Canada 150 events?

Alethea finds it odd to ask people to sing 'Oh Canada' at Canada 150 events because it seems un-Canadian and more akin to American practices.

What does Alethea criticize about Canada's investment in nation-building?

Alethea criticizes Canada for investing in nation-building infrastructure in most parts of the country but not in Nunavut and many native regions.

What change does Alethea propose regarding Canada's relationship with the British monarchy?

Alethea proposes that Canada should get rid of its legal and symbolic relationship with the British monarchy, which she sees as a colonial hangover, and instead have the Governor General be an Indigenous representative.

How does Alethea suggest Canada should operate in terms of development and economy?

Alethea suggests that Canada should operate with a long view, using thousand-year business plans instead of the current five-year plans.