Aboriginal Tradition at Toronto International Film Festival

[a.heck@nfb.ca]

July 22, 2003

Aboriginal Tradition will be part of the National Film Board of Canada premieres at the 2003 Toronto International Film Festival.

( You can view photos of master carvers at work on the new G'psgolox Pole and photos of the pole. Visit the NFB's web site
http://www.nfb.ca/photogallery/totem.html )

The documentary Totem - The Return of the G'psgolox Pole, directed by Edmontonian Gil Cardinal will be seen at the 28th Toronto International Film Festival September 4 - 12, 2003 as part of the NFB's Perspective Canada programme.

Totem, by director Gil Cardinal, is the story of the efforts of the Haisla/Xanaksiyala people of Kitamaat, in the pristine Kitlope Valley watershed area in northern British Columbia, to recover a traditional mortuary pole, given without their permission more than 70 years ago to the Swedish government.

In telling the story of the repatriation of the pole, the film captures the spirit of the people's long battle to rejuvenate their culture, traditions and language. Cardinal filmed master carvers as they prepared two new poles - one to stand on the original site, the second as a gift to the Swedish Government for the return of the Kitlope totem.

"It's fundamentally a story about respect, of both the Haisla and of the Swedes, as they learn to respect each other through this process," said Cardinal.

Of Métis descent, Gil Cardinal is a director, writer and producer whose work often explores aboriginal themes. His documentaries include Our Home and Native Land, The Spirit Within, Foster Child and David With F.A.S.

In addition to directing episodes of the popular television series North of 60, The Rez and Mentors, he co-wrote and directed the mini-series Big Bear.

Most recently, he wrote and directed episodes of the series Chiefs.

The documentary film Totem was produced by Bonnie Thompson and Jerry Krepakevich.

Since its creation in 1939, the National Film Board of Canada has produced over 10,000 films and other audiovisual works, and won over 4000 awards - including 10 Oscars (R).

As Canada's public film producer, the NFB produces and distributes distinctive, culturally diverse, challenging and relevant audiovisual works that provide Canada and the world with a unique Canadian perspective.

To purchase NFB releases or for more information, visit www.nfb.ca or call 1-800-267-7710.

For further information: Micol Marotti, NFB Toronto, 416-954-1384, m.marotti@nfb.ca Angela Heck, NFB Vancouver, 604-666-1151, a.heck@nfb.ca