Arctic Song – directed by Germaine Arnattaujuq , Neil Christopher & Louise Flaherty (2021, 6 min, animation)

In this six-minute short, Inuit artist, storyteller and co-director Germaine Arnattaujuq (Arnaktauyok) depicts Inuit creation stories in all their glory. Arctic Song tells stories of how the land, sea and sky came to be in beautifully rendered animation. Telling traditional Inuit tales from the Iglulik region of Nunavut through song, the film revitalizes ancient knowledge and shares it with future generations.

Stories are in our Bones – directed by Janine Windolph (2019, 11 min, documentary)

Filmmaker Janine Windolph takes her young sons fishing with their kokum (grandmother), a residential school survivor who retains a deep knowledge and memory of the land. The act of reconnecting with their homeland is a cultural and familial healing journey for the boys, who are growing up in the city. It’s also a powerful form of resistance for the women.

The Mountain of SGaana - Christopher Auchter (2017, 10 min, animation)

In The Mountain of SGaana, Haida filmmaker Christopher Auchter spins a magical tale of a young man who is stolen away to the spirit world, and the young woman who rescues him. The film brilliantly combines traditional animation with formal elements of Haida art and is based on a story inspired by an old Haida fable.

Sisters and Brothers – directed by Kent Monkman (2015, 4 min, documentary)

A pounding critique of Canada’s colonial history draws parallels between the annihilation of the bison and the devastation inflicted by the residential school system. The powwow-step rhythms of Tribe Called Red’s “The Road” drive home the legacy of loss and pain inflicted by more than a century of abuse and neglect. Sisters & Brothers mourns the preventable deaths of thousands of Indigenous children in residential schools while honouring the resiliency of Canada’s First Peoples. Made as part of ‘Souvenir,’ a four-film series addressing Indigenous identity and representation by reframing NFB archival imagery in a new light.

Vistas: Walk-in-the-Forest – directed by Diane Obomsawin (2009, 3 min, animation)

Diane Obomsawin's whimsical animated short follows medicine man Walk-in-the-forest on a walk in the woods that leads to the discovery of an intriguing secret world. Part of “Vistas,” a series of short films on nationhood from 13 Indigenous filmmakers from Halifax to Vancouver. A collaborative project between the NFB and APTN.

Vistas: Button Blanket – directed by Zoe L. Hopkins & Dora Hopkins (2009, 3 min, documentary)

This short impressionist documentary looks at the creation of a Button Blanket by integrating the performance of a traditional dance with the art of the West Coast Heiltsuk Nation. Part of “Vistas,” a series of short films on nationhood from 13 Indigenous filmmakers from Halifax to Vancouver. A collaborative project between the NFB and APTN.

First Stories: His Guidance (Okiskinotahewewin) – directed by Duane Linklater (2007, 6 min, documentary)

This short film tells the story of Rocky Morin, a drummer who first felt the pull of the drum almost 15 years ago and hasn't looked back since. It's a powerful reminder of the need to maintain a strong connection to one's roots. “First Stories” is an emerging filmmaker program for Indigenous youth which produced 3 separate collections of short films from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.

First Stories: ati-wîcahsin (It's Getting Easier) – directed by Tessa Desnomie (2007, 6 min, documentary)

In this short film, filmmaker Tessa Desnomie celebrates the life and times of her grandmother, Jane Merasty. Born and raised on the trapline, this Woodlands Cree woman has witnessed significant changes throughout her vigorous 80 years. “First Stories” is an emerging filmmaker program for Indigenous youth which produced 3 separate collections of short films from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.

Vistas: Little Thunder – directed by Nance Ackerman & Alan Syliboy (2009, 3 min, animation)

This animated short, inspired by the Mi'kmaq legend "The Stone Canoe" explores Indigenous humour. We follow Little Thunder as he reluctantly leaves his family and sets out on a cross-country canoe trip to become a man. Part of “Vistas,” a series of short films on nationhood from 13 Indigenous filmmakers from Halifax to Vancouver. A collaborative project between the NFB and APTN.

Long ago, simple words held great power. We now have night and day because of two words spoken by a raven and a rabbit.