In this special edition of InFocus with host Melissa Ridgen, we hear the perspectives of community hosts and producers of the three part series, First Contact.
The show features six non-Indigenous Canadians with negative stereotypical views of Indigenous Peoples in Canada who are taken on a 28 day journey.
It’s an experience that opens their eyes to the daily reality and the beauty of Indigenous cultures.
First Contact had a number of community hosts on the three part series including Michael Champagne, James Favel and Bernadette Smith in Winnipeg who share their experience with Melissa on what it was like to open themselves up to the sometimes harsh views and beliefs of the show participants.
Two of the show’s producers also join us to speak about where the idea for the series came from, and the process they went through in bringing this series to life.
First Contact is produced by Animik See Digital Productions, Nüman Films and Indios Productions for APTN.
We are hoping to see the second special addition of infocus look at APTNs first contact; hearing the perspectives of community hosts.
Will there be another showings Pacific time.
Thank you.
Hi Tracey, here you go. https://aptnnews.ca/2018/09/14/special-edition-of-infocus-looks-at-aptns-first-contact/
We are hoping to see the second special addition of infocus look at APTNs first contact; hearing the perspectives of community hosts.
Will there be another showings Pacific time.
Thank you.
Hi Tracey, here you go. https://aptnnews.ca/2018/09/14/special-edition-of-infocus-looks-at-aptns-first-contact/
I loved this series and especially watching the shift in some participant’s mindset and I look forward to the next series. Canada needs this show, I mean it REALLY needs this show. However, I found that the InFocus’ Melissa Ridgen’s subjective stance during her ‘after the show’ interviews with the hosts, producers and participants was hard to watch / listen to. She is very interruptive, a poor public speaker and seemingly unprepared.
I loved this series and especially watching the shift in some participant’s mindset and I look forward to the next series. Canada needs this show, I mean it REALLY needs this show. However, I found that the InFocus’ Melissa Ridgen’s subjective stance during her ‘after the show’ interviews with the hosts, producers and participants was hard to watch / listen to. She is very interruptive, a poor public speaker and seemingly unprepared.
When watching “First Contact” InFocus interview yesterday with the participants in the program, Don made a statement which I have often heard from others which goes something like…. “well I got the strap too, it was what happened then at that time”. The difference being, and this is SIGNIFICANT, is that Don and others got the strap for something they DID…talked when they should have been listening, hitting someone, stealing something etc. Indigenous people, away at Residential School, got the strap for WHO THEY WERE. They were trying to “beat the Indian out of them”. In that way, there is shame attached for your very existence. Others did not have to feel shame about being Ukrainian or French or Irish. The strap was about the act they did. I’m not claiming that was the right way to handle it. But Indigenous people where made to feel their existence, their culture was shameful. It is that disregard and disgust for a culture that has left many Indigenous groups seeking to reclaim their lost identity.
When watching “First Contact” InFocus interview yesterday with the participants in the program, Don made a statement which I have often heard from others which goes something like…. “well I got the strap too, it was what happened then at that time”. The difference being, and this is SIGNIFICANT, is that Don and others got the strap for something they DID…talked when they should have been listening, hitting someone, stealing something etc. Indigenous people, away at Residential School, got the strap for WHO THEY WERE. They were trying to “beat the Indian out of them”. In that way, there is shame attached for your very existence. Others did not have to feel shame about being Ukrainian or French or Irish. The strap was about the act they did. I’m not claiming that was the right way to handle it. But Indigenous people where made to feel their existence, their culture was shameful. It is that disregard and disgust for a culture that has left many Indigenous groups seeking to reclaim their lost identity.
This is great …..we got to start somewhere ! More people need to step in our mocaccins . This is part of reconciliation . I believe this will encourage both indignious and nondignious . We need unity , a ways to go , but a start !
This is great …..we got to start somewhere ! More people need to step in our mocaccins . This is part of reconciliation . I believe this will encourage both indignious and nondignious . We need unity , a ways to go , but a start !
miracles happen as the law of the land and peoples understanding of peace will prevail. this expose in truth journalism and media is crucial now. many thanks, megwich. as i too have been the bear patrol and now veterans for missing women & children with water protection and my mentoring with shaman and commanding chief mi;k mac pattie l brassard (ex sgt US army, iraq freedom stargate team)
her grace, 13th klan mother :karen-:lucyk macdonald , white bear secwmepec t’kamloops, saskatoon kamp ( project incension and youtubes-facebook- pattie’s open data group)
miracles happen as the law of the land and peoples understanding of peace will prevail. this expose in truth journalism and media is crucial now. many thanks, megwich. as i too have been the bear patrol and now veterans for missing women & children with water protection and my mentoring with shaman and commanding chief mi;k mac pattie l brassard (ex sgt US army, iraq freedom stargate team)
her grace, 13th klan mother :karen-:lucyk macdonald , white bear secwmepec t’kamloops, saskatoon kamp ( project incension and youtubes-facebook- pattie’s open data group)