Hi-Ho Mistahey!

Hi-Ho Mistahey! is a profound and impactful documentary film from 2013, envisioned and brought to life by the remarkable Alanis Obomsawin. Known for her critically acclaimed portfolio of work that seamlessly blends Indigenous rights advocacy with filmmaking, Obomsawin's keen creative sense and avid drive for justice is at its full display in Hi-Ho Mistahey!

The documentary is centered on the educational opportunities available (or rather, the lack thereof) to the young Indigenous population of Northern Ontario, Canada. Specifically, the film zooms in on the Cree community of Attawapiskat and narrates a gut-wrenching tale of a remote community’s determined struggle for their rights to quality education. Through meticulous research, intimate interviews, and immersive storytelling, Obomsawin helps traverse the viewers through the heart of the First Nations’ educational conflict.

Obomsawin deftly introduces us to Shannen Koostachin, a young Cree activist who became a source of inspiration for thousands around the world through her campaign against the Canadian government. Shannen's Dream, the powerful advocacy movement led by her until her untimely death in 2010, becomes a critical pivot for the narrative of Hi-Ho Mistahey!. Shannen’s compelling storyline and the poignant narrative that surrounds it, spark a fervor that grips the viewers’ empathy, drawing them into an engaging dialogue about educational inequality. Moreover, the profound significance of the film’s title ("Hi-Ho Mistahey!" translates to "I love you very much" in Cree) sets an emotional motif for the film, adding depth to this compelling tale of struggle and resilience.

The documentary presents a stark portrait of the educational infrastructure within the community, illustrating the glaring disparity between the schools in Indigenous territories and the rest of the developed world. Obomsawin painstakingly documents the dilapidated structure that once served as a school building next to a toxic waste site, and the appalling conditions of makeshift portables in which children are expected to learn. Ergo, Hi-Ho Mistahey! doesn’t flinch from presenting the harsh realities of these living conditions, striking a daunting contrast to the idyllic depiction of the Northern Ontario wilderness that envelopes the isolation of the community.

However, the film is not all about despair and gloom. Obomsawin gracefully highlights the strength, resilience, and unity of the Cree people, their tireless fight for equal rights, and their unwavering faith in their culture and heritage. Hi-Ho Mistahey! charts the profound journey of indigenous activism, amplified by the powerful voices of the Cree community that echo throughout the United Nations as they campaign for quality education.

Through compelling visuals and poignant narratives, Obomsawin showcases the atavistic spirit and the social fabric of the Attawapiskat community. Be it in gathering around the drum in the bone-chilling cold, or youthful voices chanting out their dreams of an equal education, the director captures the essence of the community and its people. The film provides fascinating insights into their ancestral traditions, perspectives and the undying hopes that epitomize the human spirit.

Despite its contemplative tone, Hi-Ho Mistahey! is far from being a detached observational documentary. Obomsawin, in her unique storytelling style, infuses her personal engagement and deep-rooted concern for the Indigenous peoples into the film. With the finesse of a seasoned filmmaker, she links personal tales of struggle with broader political issues, imparting a powerfully humane experience of the systemic inequities faced by the indigenous communities.

Hi-Ho Mistahey! is a testament to the enduring spirit of Indigenous activism and their pursuit of justice. Obomsawin’s film is an important contribution to the dialogue about inequality in education, setting the stage for a necessary reconsideration of policies and attitudes alike.

In its heart, Hi-Ho Mistahey! is a call to action – a reminder that no child should be denied the right to education, and no community should be overlooked or marginalized. It tells us that it is possible to confront systematic neglect and discrimination, armed with resilience, unity, and the steadfast belief in one’s cause. Above all, it encourages us all to take inspiration from Shannen’s Dream and to believe in the power of change.