Indigenous Women’s Voices Series: Teaching Freedom

synopsis

HPAC Announces “Teaching Freedom” Theme and Films for its Fourth-Annual Indigenous Women’s Voices Series

The day-long celebration on October 14th from 12pm-5pm features a cordage-making workshop followed by a film and lecture on the history and future of Indigenous education in the United States. A series of recent science fiction movies by Indigenous filmmakers will take place at HPAC Cinema prior to the event.

October 14th Event Highlights:

12:00pm Workshop: Eco Acres Presents: Stone Age Fibercraft, Tools and Techniques:

Fiber Art is quite literally the tie that binds all else together. Learn how ancient people processed plants and trees into string, cordage, rope, nets, weaving, mats, baskets, clothing & more. In this workshop participants will learn how to make cordage and different styles of rope. Various methods with natural materials will be explored, plus discussion on respectful harvesting ethics. Along with exhibits and samples, an instructional demonstration allows participants to try hands-on techniques. Experiencing differences in textures and types of materials makes this fun for learners of all ages.    Presented by Stephen Kraska and Janet Kroboth-Weber

3:00pm Film: Dawnland: Experience the critically acclaimed, Emmy® winning documentary film on stolen children and cultural survival.

4:30pm Lecture: Mother, visionary, land protector, master seamstress, artist Educator, artist, and community activist Kaweniiosta Jock examines the Akwesasne Freedom School, an institution that has been fostering full Mohawk immersion education since its inception in 1985.

Indigenous Sci Fi Film Series:

POSTPONED – September 14, 6pm: Rhymes for Young Ghouls (2013, dir. Jeff Barnaby)
In 1976, a Mi’gMaq teenager plots revenge against the sadistic Indian agent who imprisoned her in a residential school where abuse is common.
Winner: Best Director & Best Actor (American Indian Film Festival, 2014)

October 12, 6pm: Prey (2022, prod. Jhane Myers)
Naru, a skilled warrior of the Comanche Nation, fights to protect her tribe against one of the first highly-evolved Predators to land on Earth.
Nominee: Best Science Fiction/Fantasy Movie (Critics Choice Super Awards, 2023)

October 13, 6pm: Night Raiders (2021, dir. Danis Goulet)
A mother joins an underground band of vigilantes to try to rescue her daughter from a state-run institution.
Winner: TIFF Emerging Talent Award (Toronto International Film Festival, 2021)

The Indigenous Women’s Voices Series is made possible in part by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. The Indigenous Sci Fi Film Series is made possible with funding from a Sullivan County Arts & Heritage Grant, funded by the Sullivan County Legislature and administered by Delaware Valley Arts Alliance.

Cast

Consultants: Margaret D. Jacobs, Ph.D. , Anne Makepeace, Alanis Obomsawin (Abenaki)

Directed by

Adam Mazo, Ben Pender-Cudlip

Written by

Adam Mazo, N. Bruce Duthu, J.D. (Houma)