Métis writer, director, cinematographer and songwriter Shane Belcourt is a two-time CSA-nominated director, with award-winning narrative and documentary works in both film and TV. In this episode, Shane finds inspiration by looking back on interviews he did with celebrated Métis author Maria Campbell, as well as with his father, acclaimed Métis Rights leader Tony Belcourt. Maria and Tony discuss the origins of the Rights movement in the 1960’s and the lessons gleaned from it. We see from a Métis perspective, the ever-present focus on the land in shaping identity and in providing a place for the community, something still being sought today. Tony notes, “Getting recognition of our rights and getting our land back, as far as I’m concerned that’s still the goal.”

Shane interviews Maria and Tony as a way to retain Métis stories and political thought, while looking for ways to teach that to the next generation through his art. The episode explores Indigenous rights, the struggle to be recognized and asks what are the best ways to go about getting those things. It’s been a struggle and resistance for hundreds of years that continues today.