Film by Alanis Obomsawin (Abenaki), 1993
Documentary, 119 minutes
To mark National Canadian Film Day, we’re placing the spotlight on renowned Indigenous filmmaker Alanis Obomsawin and the struggle for Indigenous rights and sovereignty in Canada.
A historic event marked the summer of 1990 in Oka, Quebec. Prompted by a dispute over the development of a golf course on the Kanien’kéhaka (Mohawk) traditional lands, a momentous confrontation took place among Mohawk protestors, the Quebec police, and the Canadian army.
Obomsawin spent 78 days with her camera and small crew behind the barricades capturing the evolving conflict for this landmark 1993 documentary. Since then, it has been viewed widely around the world and has won many awards and accolades.
This film contains scenes of violence. Viewer discretion is advised.
