FRACTURED LAND, the documentary
A modern Indigenous warrior. A Goliath industry. A new way forward.
Follow along as filmmakers Fiona Rayher and Damien Gillis explore Canada's Carbon Corridor through the eyes of Caleb Behn, a young Indigenous law student fighting to protect his land and people from the ravages of neocolonialism.
Watch the trailer, learn more: FracturedLand.com.
Follow/join/share: Twitter, Facebook and Vimeo
Help us tell Caleb's story!
We've been following Caleb for two years, helping tell his story of a land and worldview under attack. Now, we’re raising funds to complete the film while building a coalition to support the work of Caleb and other Indigenous leaders. Learn how you can contribute - and discover tempting rewards! - at our crowdfunding page!
IndieGoGo.com/FracturedLand
Find a snapshot of our fundraising progress below:
Fractured Land follows Caleb Behn, whom The Globe and Mail calls “one of B.C.’s bright, emerging native political leaders,” as he explores the complex issues surrounding development in the northeast gas patch.
By supporting our crowdsourced fundraising drive, you can experience the traditional teachings of First Nations culture, from drummaking to foraging – traditions threatened by industrial operations, such as natural gas fracking, pipelines, dams and mining.
Fractured Land spoke with Alice Guss (Tsawaysia Spukwus) who has over 15 years experience hosting Squamish Nation drummaking workshops, like the one we’re offering to funders at the $300 level.
What is the role of the drum in Squamish culture and ceremony?
What can those who donate to the Fractured Land crowdfunding campaign and reserve a spot at the drummaking workshop?
Alice: To begin, I do protocol. We sit in a welcome circle, which represents the sacred circle, and share a Squamish song. An eagle feather is passed around, and I ask everyone to introduce themselves and explain who they are, where they are from and what their roots are. I then offer instructions on how to make the drums – and sing, drum and tell stories while everyone is working. At the end, we close with a song and everyone shares their experience.
People walk away feeling empowered and amazed. The creator has given them a gift of being in the sacred circle and at the workshop. This workshop is a transformational experience; the skin of the drum is made from deerskin and the frame and rim from maple trees or cedar. At each workshop, we transform a gift from the earth into another gift. Each workshop is different as I go with the vibe of the group – I go with the flow and that is what makes each workshop unique.
What energy you put into the drum is the outcome of what it will be. If, for example, you are frustrated when making the drum, you let it go. You put it down and go for a walk, because you have to have positive energy to put into the drum. We are receiving the teachings and the deer and the tree; at the same time, we are going through our body and we will give it back. It is one circle, there is no beginning and no end.
What was it that inspired you to connect with this tradition of Squamish culture?
Alice: In 1994, I went on my first canoe journey – a five-week journey – from North Vancouver to Squamish and from Gibson all the way to Victoria. It was just us and the canoe and the water. When we visited different villages and got permission to come ashore from Chiefs and Elders and feast, we did a lot of drumming and singing. It was during this journey that I really connected with the culture.
Hoy chew a, Tsawaysia! We appreciate your work and passion. Thank you for sharing your skills, knowledge and wisdom with the Fractured Land project!
Find Tsawaysia Spukwus (Alice Guss) at:
Tsawaysia@hotmail.com | 604-897-1421
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