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Kanehsatake: 270 Years of Resistance - Oka Crisis - Quebec - Canada (1990): An Inspiring

Story of Indigenous Resistance

Dakshi Nayyar

Justice Institute of British Columbia

SOCI-1100: Reconciling Colonial Practices in Public Safety

Instructor- John Delorme

October 12,2023
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Kanehsatake: 270 Years of Resistance is a 1993 documentary film created by Alanis Obomsawin

focusing on the 78-day confrontation in Oka, Quebec, that involve protesters from the Mohawk

tribe, police from Quebec, and the Canadian military in 1990 over the enlargement of a golf

course on Mohawk land. The film is recognized as a historic turning point in First Nations and

federal government relationships because it demonstrates the Canadian government's

infringements on civil and human rights. The film clearly illustrates the essence of this dispute,

portraying an assortment of sentiments, inequalities, and fierce determination. As I looked deeply

into this compelling story, I found myself immensely affected, truly disturbed, and ultimately

motivated by the Mohawk people's persistent determination.

The film highlights the long tradition of efforts to prevent the development of the golf

course, with relationships between colonies spanning back to the 1600s. The documentary

conveys a vivid picture of the community's centuries-long struggle against historical injustices.

The 270 years of resistance constitute an epic tale of violated treaties, cultural loss, and

confiscation of land that has influenced numerous communities of Indigenous people throughout.

The Oka Crisis, an important turning point in this story, serves as a harsh reminder of

colonialism's unbreakable grasp and the disastrous implications it caused on Aboriginal

communities and their livelihoods.

One of the documentary's outstanding characteristics is its capacity to bring humanity to

the conflict. Visitors are dragged into the depths of the war, where feelings are intense and the

consequences are life and death, using sensitive conversations, unedited film itself, and

heartbreaking testimony. The film demonstrates the Mohawk people's outstanding sense of

humiliation as their treasured ancestral homelands are destroyed in their name of financial
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development. It exposes the community's profound preconceptions and systemic discrimination,

resulting in an unavoidable and terrible clash.

In addition, the film acts as a call to action for introspective and cultural transformation.

It compels us to acknowledge painful realities about the past we all share and encourages us to

reconsider the unity of our consciousness. The film emphasizes the necessity of recognizing the

liberties enjoyed by Indigenous peoples, incorporating their ancestral legacy, and accepting a

more equitable and welcoming future.

The film also emphasizes the importance of community organizing and communal

harmony. The bravery demonstrated by the warriors of the Mohawks and their allies symbolizes

the power that can be obtained through unity and purpose. It is a symbol of hope for oppressed

people all around the world, showing that regardless of the face of great challenges, the quest of

equality and fairness is a worthwhile cause fighting for.

Lastly, "Kanehsatake: 270 Years of Resistance - Oka Crisis - Quebec - Canada (1990)"

constitutes more than just a chronological record; it is a live monument to the unbreakable spirit

of the human spirit in the face of misfortune. It encourages us to acknowledge our

preconceptions, recognize our errors of judgment, and aspire for a future in which every

individual's liberty and worth are preserved and honored, irrespective of their background in life.

The movie is a call to action, challenging us to be the creators of a future in which the principles

of experience are remembered and the screams of the downtrodden are ultimately heard.
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References

Canadian Film Encyclopedia - Kanehsatake: 270 years of Resistance. (n.d.).

https://cfe.tiff.net/canadianfilmencyclopedia/content/films/kanehsatake-270-years-of-

resistance

NFB. (2011, September 20). Kanehsatake: 270 years of resistance [Video]. YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yP3srFvhKs