After the Last River

After The Last River rewrites "The Myth of Canada". Director and writer Victoria Lean has made a doco that covers a crucial piece of modern Canadian history. By visiting Attawapiskat over several years, she has given a human face to a reserve that continues to hit the headlines. It covers the flaws in the The Indian Act, reserve system, treaty interpretation, corporate partnerships, and how federal and provincial governments fail the citizens they are supposed to support and protect. The Death of Evidence is also a strong theme, as scientists (including the filmmaker's father) are ignored, and science is distorted to suit the suits. It's also the powerful story of a young filmmaker who has her own consciousness raised as she grapples with the realities of life on the Rez: mouldy walls, living in tents in minus 30, and Pampers $60 a packet! This is a telling the TRUTH and making an act of RECONCILIATION; one that leaves us with hope as we see the courage of Chief Teresa Spence, local politicians who really care, and Attawapiskat Youth who love their home and want to tell their stories.