What was the film about?
This film was about how the First Nations in Restigouche had thier salmon fishing limited and almost taken away by the Quebec Police. Samon fishing was an important source of food and income to the first nations at this time.
What time period was the film set?
The film was set in 1981 in June.
What story was the film sharing?
Had you heard of the incidents refered to in the film previous to watching it?
I have not heard of this particular incident that is referred to in this film, other than something maybe similar at Burnt Church years back.
What did you know of the incidents before watching this film?
I always knew that there were stories about first nations being taken advantage of and being treated unfairly especially through the justice system, but havent exactly had the particular times and dates along with specific events.
Who were the main characters in the film that stood out for you and why?
The main characters in this film would be the First Nations people due to the fact how many of them were interviewed of their experiences with the Quebec Police and the Chief Alphonse Metalic of the reserve. Cheif Alphonse Metallic to me is shown as one of the people that did know that his people had a right to fish salmon and knew he had to try to prove it to the provincial government. Another character would be the Minster of fisheries, Lucien Lassard. His main arguement was that the First Nations people had to comply with provincial law although they were informed that there was a federal agreement in place that allowed first nations to fish.
How do you feel about these incidents and the response from government and miliatary to issues raised by First Nations?
For every video i begin to watch i do feel like the government would like to think that they have this power over everyone that they like to demonstrate on a constant basis. The first nations never gave up into letting the government know that they do know what is happening around them and that they would not give up into showing them that as First Nations they have a rightful place in this country and no matter what they do they can't change it.
How did you feel after watching the film?
After watching this film i feel that this was the incident where the government thought they had the expected outcome, especially when they brought their own judge and how the cases that were presented were not listened to and were set aside. There were photos and witnesses and still the judge put the blame on the First nation people.
Have First Nations' achieved any of the rights discussed during the film?
Yes, the first nations not only proved that they had these rights that the provincial government tried to limit and then denied to them but the people that were charged were later found not guilty after an appeal.
Overall what did you think about the film?
I thought the film was once again educational to me and at the timeframe that took place i feel like i would love to watch more videos on how the mikmaq people demonstrated their way of life at the time. Today, it seems i hear less and less of the mikmaq language and felt that i would like to hear more and see more of the mikmaq language and other traditions or just ways of life in the past.
Would you recommend this film to others? If so why? If not, why not?
yes i would highly recommend everyone to watch this film so they will learn about the troubles that First Nations faced and how they overcome them.
