As part of its year-round programming around Indigenous Voices of Today: Knowledge, Trauma, Resilience, and to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Museum presents the film Atikamekw Suns by Chloé Leriche.
Atikamekw Suns
Manawan, 1977. A vehicle drives into a river outside an Indigenous community. Two white Quebecers survive, but five Atikamekw lose their lives. The police conclude it was an accident, but for the victims’ families, many questions remain unanswered. A historical and poetic story with a choral structure, Atikamekw Suns is freely inspired by the dreams, impressions, and memories of the victims’ loved ones. Truth and fiction come together in a moving film about grief, injustice and memory.
The screening will be followed by a conversation with Mariette Niquay-Ottawa, an elder from the Manawan community.
Mariette Niquay-Ottawa
Born in 1952, Mariette Niquay lived on the land with her parents Emma Dubé and Josaphat Niquay, and her grandmother Philomène Boucher-Niquay. She has retained her language and culture despite 10 years in residential schools. In 1969, she married Gérard Ottawa. Both worked in education for several years. The couple had three daughters: Eva, Anice and Andicha and also adopted two others, Lisette Niquay and Chantal Niquay. Mariette has appeared in two films by Chloé Leriche: Before the Streets and Atikamekw Suns. She has also voiced an animated film.
She still teaches Atikamekw language, culture, history and geography at Manawan high school.
Information
- Free activity, in French, on Friday, September 27, 2024, from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Space is limited, registration required - Length: 140 minutes
- Location: J. Armand Bombardier Theatre at the Museum
