Gitanyow Nation’s Powerful Message of Environmental Protection Amidst Climate Crisis and Industrial Threats
Gitanyow Lax’yip, March 26, 2024: Gitanyow Nation’s fight to protect their traditional territory against industry, climate change, and colonization is vividly captured in Farhan Umedaly’s award-winning short film, ‘HA NII TOKXW: Our Food Table’ featuring Dr. David Suzuki.
The 40-minute documentary will take center stage at the opening night of the inaugural Coast Mountain Film Festival on Friday, March 29th, as part of ‘Environmental Night,’ a curated selection of four films that celebrate the beauty and resilience of nature while advocating for crucial conservation efforts.
“The timing of this presentation couldn’t be more important,” says Joel Starlund/Sk’a’nism Tsa ‘Win’Giit, Executive Director of the Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs.
“Intense wildfires are predicted for this summer, and Indigenous communities are on the front lines. As Gitanyow’s glaciers melt and watersheds dry from climate change, LNG development looms over our territory, threatening our food security and way of life.”
Following the screening, an engaging question and answer session with the filmmaker and Starlund promises to ignite meaningful discussions on environmental stewardship.
Notably, Dr. Suzuki will be in attendance to underscore the critical message conveyed by the film.
“I believe that the greatest potential gift we have is coming from people that have been pounded so heavily,” remarked Suzuki in the documentary.
“We’ve had genocidal practices, we’re trying to get rid of their culture, residential schools. All of those things have been to destroy the culture, the only example or model we have for living sustainably.”
Event Details:
Friday, March 29, 2024
7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Grosvenor Theatre – Kay Meek Arts Centre 1700 Mathers Avenue, West Vancouver, BC