M’CHIGEENG—The world of Indigenous storytelling through film just got a significant boost with the Weengushk Film Institute’s (WFI) graduating class of 2023.
“I am proud and privileged to stand before you here today,” said WFI founder Shirley Cheechoo, who cited her staff, knowledgekeepers and elders, “who make every day memorable.” Dr. Cheechoo’s list included WFI vice-chair Phyliss Ellis, master of ceremony for the event, Nano Debassige, Susan Abitong, Josh Wabuno, Joyce Degas and Sandra Mckay, and elders/knowledge-keepers Ross Armstrong, Craig Fox, Jimmy Panamick, Gord Wakgisigen and Ian Anderson.
This year’s graduating class included: Paul MacIntyre, Dexter Bowerman, Hunter Smith, Presley Meawasige, Serene Manitowabi and Gerard Armstrong.
“First and foremost, I am very, very proud of you guys,” said knowledge-keeper Craig Fox. “Teaching and sharing our culture with you has been very rewarding for myself—to see your growth throughout the year. It has been inspiring—nice to see.”
Mr. Fox noted that he learned a great deal from the students. “You challenged me,” he said. “Sometimes I didn’t know the answer and had to go and find the answer myself.”
“You all have a gift,” said Mr. Fox, noting that he has no doubt there will be great things coming from them. “You all have a very good heart, are willing to learn; that is so important.”
“It was an absolute blessing to come into work each day,” he said. “Keep on this path. Remember the teachings you have learned and keep them with you.”
“I would like to say to you today, people are afraid of individuality, people are afraid of brilliance when they don’t understand,” said Dr. Cheechoo in addressing the students. “I want to tell you how badly we need you, especially your individual voices. To give each one of you a chance to change the world—and maybe even save it. Collectively you will be stronger in whatever you choose to do. Everything in life is a choice, it is all up to you. You are different from all generations, you are the most powerful generation, because you have an amazing new technology at your fingertips that no other generation ever had. Get ready to make all the impossible possible. Be strong and follow your heart, your dream and especially your intuition, life is too short to be living someone else’s dream.”
Dr. Cheechoo cautioned the students that they will fail, “not just once, but probably often, but through that failure can come great successes”.
“The outcomes cannot be blamed on your parents, your teachers, the school, the government, it is all based on the choices you make,” she said. “I hope you will take the path to a better world. You only have one life, live it with dignity.”
Each of the graduates were called to receive their diplomas and say a few words.
“Thanks to each and every one of you who came out today,” said graduate Dexter Bowerman. “I have met some people I will cherish forever.” Mr. Bowerman noted in his remarks that before he came to WFI he was somewhat adrift and looking to find his footing in life. The land-based and cultural teachings have gone a long way toward steadying his stance on the road to living a good life.
Each of the students spoke in similar terms of their experiences at WFI. Two of the graduating students have films that premiered in the Weengushk International Film Festival.
The students had just returned from a cross-country tour where they visited several First Nations to learn about their traditions and culture, creating a firm base for their future storytelling efforts. Their impressions from those experiences will be featured in a future The Expositor story.
