Kanehsatake: 270 Years of Resistance

Kanehsatake: 270 Years of Resistance is a 1993 Canadian documentary film directed by Alanis Obomsawin and featuring Jack Burning, Herbie Barnes, and various members of the Kanehsatake community. The film examines the historical and ongoing struggle of the Kanienkehaka (Mohawk) people who reside in Kanehsatake and their quest to protect their homelands. Although the documentary primarily focuses on the 78-day standoff of 1990 between the Mohawks, Quebec police, and the Canadian army, it skilfully unfolds 270 years of the Kanienkehaka's resistance against colonial and administrative oppression.

At the heart of the documentary is the 1990 Oka Crisis, a land dispute between the Mohawk community and the town of Oka, Quebec. The dispute began when the town decided to expand a golf course onto a sacred Mohawk burial ground. This decision ignited tensions and resulted in a police siege of the Mohawk reserve at Kanehsatake and a standoff lasting for several weeks. However, the 1990 Crisis is merely a backdrop for Obomsawin to explore the broader context of resistance and resilience, tracing Kanehsatake's chronicle of resistance back to the 17th century.

As the narrative progresses, viewers are led through more than two centuries of the struggle of the Kanienkehaka people. This includes the encroachment of their lands by French and British colonial powers during the colonization period, the disenfranchisement imposed by governments and administrative bodies over time, and the systemic racism and discrimination faced by native communities in Canada.

Obomsawin’s role, not only as the director but also as the narrator, lends authenticity, urgency and an indigenous perspective to the proceedings. Her deep, somber voice fills the spaces between interviews and archival footage, guiding viewers through each layer of historical context. Much of the material presented is rarely or never seen before, providing a unique, almost tactile understanding of the Mohawk’s struggle.

The film includes interviews with key figures of the Mohawk community like Jack Burning and Shirley Gabriel, as well as those involved in the 1990 standoff like policemen, soldiers, and government officials. Herbie Barnes provides a fanatic performance as one of the Mohawk warriors, offering an intense yet insightful view into the mindset of those at the frontline of the standoff.

Kanehsatake: 270 Years of Resistance does an incredible job of humanizing a side of the story that was largely marginalized in mainstream news coverage during the 1990 crisis. It gives the viewer a different perspective on the Oka Crisis, painting an affecting picture of a people’s strength, resilience and dedication to preserving their cultural heritage and rights despite numerous setbacks.

Importantly, Kanehsatake: 270 Years of Resistance increases the visibility of the Mohawk community, showcasing their firm determination and rebellion against the displacement and dispossession of their ancestral land. This documentary tells a deeply moving and inspiring story of resistance, giving the viewer a detailed and personal insight into the lives and struggles of the Mohawk people.

One of the film's most remarkable aspects is its ability to engage viewers by evoking empathy, respect and admiration for the Mohawk people. The film doesn’t shy away from the brutality and suffering endured by the Mohawks but instead, highlights it as a testament to their indomitable spirit. The overall tone of the film is one of reverence, honor, and celebration of these indigenous people’s enduring commitment to their land and identity, their power, resilience, and resistance in the face of injustice.

In conclusion, Kanehsatake: 270 Years of Resistance is a powerful piece of visual history that resonates with raw emotion and unfiltered intimacy. It's not just about a singular land dispute or a specific event of resistance, but a greater story of indigenous people standing strong amidst systemic oppression and historical atrocities. This film stands as a valuable testament to the historical and ongoing struggles of the Mohawk community, and indeed a reminder of the need for upholding and respecting indigenous rights. The events of the film may be specific to one community, but the themes of resistance, resilience and the fight for justice have universal relevance and appeal.