Headdress: A filmmaker recreates her great-grandfather’s portrait | Short Docs

Summary

In this reflective video, filmmaker J.J. Neepin from the Fox Lake Cree Nation and Nadya Kwandibens from Animakee Wa Zhing First Nation explore the significance of the headdress in indigenous culture. They discuss its symbolism of leadership and responsibility, expressing mixed feelings about wearing it due to its weighty cultural importance. J.J. shares her journey of self-education and the importance of understanding and respecting the headdress, not just as a symbol, but as a commitment to one's heritage. The video aims to start a conversation about cultural appropriation and the need for deeper understanding and respect for indigenous traditions.

Takeaways

• 🎥 The video features J.J. Neepin, a filmmaker from Winnipeg and a member of the Fox Lake Cree Nation, who discusses her mixed feelings about wearing a headdress, indicating both excitement and fear.
• 👑 J.J. views the headdress as a symbol of leadership, something that must be earned and not casually worn, reflecting her respect for its significance.
• 📸 Nadya Kwandibens, from Animakee Wa Zhing First Nation, emphasizes the headdress's importance and the responsibility it carries, cautioning against its misuse as a mere accessory.
• 🚫 The script highlights the disrespect shown when non-indigenous people wear a headdress without understanding its cultural weight and symbolic meaning.
• 🤔 J.J. admits her initial ignorance about the headdress's significance and her journey towards educating herself about her culture and traditions.
• 👨‍👧‍👦 J.J.'s lineage includes chiefs, which she feels a responsibility to uphold, and this influences her decision to recreate her great-grandfather's portrait wearing a headdress.
• 🤝 J.J. and Nadya's conversation underscores the importance of learning and understanding cultural symbols, as well as the need for respectful dialogue about them.
• 🎭 The act of wearing the headdress is portrayed as a powerful and weighty experience, both physically and metaphorically, for J.J.
• 🔄 The script calls for a balance between remembering old ways and thinking in new ways, suggesting a respect for tradition alongside innovation.
• 🗣️ J.J. expresses a desire to start a conversation about the headdress, believing that education and calm explanation can lead to understanding and positive change.
• 🌟 The video concludes with a hopeful note, with J.J. feeling guided and purposeful in her actions, aiming to inspire good outcomes from her project.

Q & A

Who is J.J. Neepin and what is her cultural background?

J.J. Neepin is a filmmaker based in Winnipeg and she is part of the Fox Lake Cree Nation. She comes from a lineage of leaders, with both her great-grandfather and father having been Chiefs.

What does J.J. Neepin consider the headdress to symbolize?

For J.J. Neepin, the headdress is a symbol of leadership and something that is earned. It signifies a collective effort where others have to put it on your head, indicating respect and recognition within the community.

How does J.J. Neepin describe her feelings about recreating her great-grandfather's portrait with a headdress?

J.J. Neepin expresses mixed feelings, describing a combination of excitement and fear, which she refers to as a 'proud-scared combo'.

What is Nadya Kwandibens' perspective on the headdress?

Nadya Kwandibens views the headdress as something not to be taken lightly and not to be used as a casual accessory, such as at a festival like Coachella. She emphasizes the responsibility it carries towards one's nation and fellow community members.

How does Nadya Kwandibens describe the significance of wearing a headdress?

Nadya Kwandibens explains that the headdress carries significant cultural meaning and is a symbol of responsibility. It is not merely an item of clothing but a representation of one's commitment to their nation and people.

What is J.J. Neepin's initial reaction to non-indigenous people wearing a headdress?

Initially, J.J. Neepin did not find it offensive because she was not well-educated about her culture and traditions. However, after educating herself, she recognizes the disrespectful nature of such actions.

How did J.J. Neepin's perspective on non-indigenous people wearing a headdress change over time?

J.J. Neepin's perspective changed as she began to educate herself about her culture and traditions. She now sees the act as disrespectful and has a deeper understanding of the weight and symbolism of the headdress.

What does J.J. Neepin believe is the importance of discussing the significance of the headdress?

J.J. Neepin believes it is crucial to start conversations about the headdress to educate people about its cultural importance and to explain why it should not be treated as a mere prop.

How does J.J. Neepin feel when she physically wears the headdress?

When J.J. Neepin wears the headdress, she feels both the physical and metaphorical weight on her neck and shoulders, symbolizing the responsibility that comes with wearing it.

What is the significance of the recreated portrait for J.J. Neepin?

The recreated portrait is significant for J.J. Neepin as it connects her to her lineage of leaders and serves as a reminder of the responsibility and legacy she hopes to uphold.

How does Nadya Kwandibens view the process of recreating the portrait with the headdress?

Nadya Kwandibens finds the process powerful and believes it is important to think in new ways while remembering old ways, suggesting a balance between tradition and innovation.