Totem: What They Carve

This documentary showcases the Haida people’s unique way of communicating through art forms such as carving, painting, and weaving. These artistic expressions serve as a means of communication within their community and for future generations.
One of the most misunderstood aspects of Haida culture is their totem poles. These poles serve as a way to honor both living and deceased individuals, as well as shame totems. Unfortunately, missionaries and outsiders have often misinterpreted these totems, leading to misconceptions about their cultural significance.
The Haida people’s distinctive art style, which had been exposed to European influences for over 150 years, was nearly wiped out. However, thanks to the efforts of the younger generation, this unique art form is now experiencing a renaissance and thriving once again. This documentary sheds light on the importance of preserving cultural traditions and passing them down to future generations.

Workshop Info

In this professional development course, educators received comprehensive support to engage students in documentary filmmaking. Participants learned how to utilize primary sources from the Library of Congress and incorporated local resources such as Elder interviews, artifacts, photos, and documents. This training equipped teachers with the tools to create enriching, historically grounded educational experiences through the art of documentary filmmaking.

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Land Acknowledgement

This video was filmed on Haida Land. Learn more about land acknowledgements at native-land.ca.