The APTN series First Contact is generating a lot of buzz online for its content about six Canadians with negative views about Indigenous peoples.
The producers take the participants to different communities where they meet families and see how people live in, at times, remote areas.
Much of the feedback from the show on social media has been positive.
But the praise is far from universal.
I am not a native, but growing up I lived near a reserve and went to school with indegious. Never once did I think about their native culture or language. They were just the poor kids in the class, and no, they were not invited to birthday partys of the white kids. Was the “white” community racist…probably we were, I am sure. There were a few that would have been invited to my parental home, because they would help with cleaning or they raised cattle or played baseball, so they were friends of my father. As an adult I have come be embarrassed with the attitude of my youth and many times wonder why we did not learn in school about residential schools and that children where take from their families or why did my children not study this in their education. Finally, last year my granddaughter took a course in University about residential schools. In my adult years I have read many books about residential schools and have met more very fine indegious people and have come to realize the system was wrong. I have participated in Blanket cereromy, which enlightened me. Watching the First Contact confirmed this with me!
But I wonder about the filming of the program…..like how were these 6 people chosen. Was there a dialogue for them to follow. From my own experience, older Canadians have a more determined mind-set, so I maybe understand why Don & Ross did not have a change of mind from their experience with program. There has been conversation about the Indian Act needing to changed, so is it happening? What was share about the Act was enlightening, but I thought more cound have been shared with the 6 people.
I would hope this series can be shared on other Canadain televise networks and even in classrooms. Thanks to all who made this possible.
I am not a native, but growing up I lived near a reserve and went to school with indegious. Never once did I think about their native culture or language. They were just the poor kids in the class, and no, they were not invited to birthday partys of the white kids. Was the “white” community racist…probably we were, I am sure. There were a few that would have been invited to my parental home, because they would help with cleaning or they raised cattle or played baseball, so they were friends of my father. As an adult I have come be embarrassed with the attitude of my youth and many times wonder why we did not learn in school about residential schools and that children where take from their families or why did my children not study this in their education. Finally, last year my granddaughter took a course in University about residential schools. In my adult years I have read many books about residential schools and have met more very fine indegious people and have come to realize the system was wrong. I have participated in Blanket cereromy, which enlightened me. Watching the First Contact confirmed this with me!
But I wonder about the filming of the program…..like how were these 6 people chosen. Was there a dialogue for them to follow. From my own experience, older Canadians have a more determined mind-set, so I maybe understand why Don & Ross did not have a change of mind from their experience with program. There has been conversation about the Indian Act needing to changed, so is it happening? What was share about the Act was enlightening, but I thought more cound have been shared with the 6 people.
I would hope this series can be shared on other Canadain televise networks and even in classrooms. Thanks to all who made this possible.
My TV was skipping so I did not get to view the whole series due to the 1-2 minute regular skips. My heart has always gone out to natives. They got a rough deal (blankets with smallpox , tricks by the government , inability back in the day to negotiate due to different belief systems ( they had no concept of land ownership as well as many other beliefs that were detrimental to their benefit ) ,still have to fight poverty ( the Inuit not being able to sell an adequate number of skins ), poorly built homes cost plenty to live in due to bills ( even low rentals for white people are poorly built and many bills are twice as much as a home twice the size that is properly built ), residential schools that not only broke up families but with this children grew up not knowing parenting skills , shaved heads , not being able to speak their language without punishment , the loss of their traditions , etc, etc , etc.
I could go on for hours.
Good read but depressing read – ” In The Absence Of The Sacred – The Failure of Technology and Survival of the First Nations ” by Jerry Manders. I have read various other books as well but did not have the opportunity to take any Native Studies at University as I became disabled.
Grateful for the series and hoping my TV is fixed so I can watch each show again as I was only able to see about 15-20 minutes of the hour.
My TV was skipping so I did not get to view the whole series due to the 1-2 minute regular skips. My heart has always gone out to natives. They got a rough deal (blankets with smallpox , tricks by the government , inability back in the day to negotiate due to different belief systems ( they had no concept of land ownership as well as many other beliefs that were detrimental to their benefit ) ,still have to fight poverty ( the Inuit not being able to sell an adequate number of skins ), poorly built homes cost plenty to live in due to bills ( even low rentals for white people are poorly built and many bills are twice as much as a home twice the size that is properly built ), residential schools that not only broke up families but with this children grew up not knowing parenting skills , shaved heads , not being able to speak their language without punishment , the loss of their traditions , etc, etc , etc.
I could go on for hours.
Good read but depressing read – ” In The Absence Of The Sacred – The Failure of Technology and Survival of the First Nations ” by Jerry Manders. I have read various other books as well but did not have the opportunity to take any Native Studies at University as I became disabled.
Grateful for the series and hoping my TV is fixed so I can watch each show again as I was only able to see about 15-20 minutes of the hour.
Excellent show. One opinion I wish would have been expressed is that the indigenous people are actually a richess for Canada and not a blight on our society.
Excellent show. One opinion I wish would have been expressed is that the indigenous people are actually a richess for Canada and not a blight on our society.
can you share the on line link to First Contact please?
can you share the on line link to First Contact please?
There were 5 members of my family attended residential school. My mother, 2 of my aunts which one passed away while attending the school. 2 of brothers attending and slowly regain their language and culture. All have passed away except for one. They have tried to regain their language and culture. Those 2 guys, Don and Ross can go any indigenous coommunity and they will stories about native struggles.
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I was absolutely impressed with First Contact! It hurt hearing their initial opinions on the trailer, however, very necessary for Canadians to hear and see. So much stereotypical views toward Indigenous people. I was moved, I was impacted on a positive level and I feel that Canada will become a much better country after all of this. Thanks to the wonderful cast of Canadians that got to know us. You have my respect!
There were 5 members of my family attended residential school. My mother, 2 of my aunts which one passed away while attending the school. 2 of brothers attending and slowly regain their language and culture. All have passed away except for one. They have tried to regain their language and culture. Those 2 guys, Don and Ross can go any indigenous coommunity and they will stories about native struggles.
.
I was absolutely impressed with First Contact! It hurt hearing their initial opinions on the trailer, however, very necessary for Canadians to hear and see. So much stereotypical views toward Indigenous people. I was moved, I was impacted on a positive level and I feel that Canada will become a much better country after all of this. Thanks to the wonderful cast of Canadians that got to know us. You have my respect!
I pvr’d this fantastic presentation! This was a powerful representation of how it happens in the bigger picture of Canada’s struggle to embrace Indigenous peoples. I had tears, laughter, and immense joy for this brave production. This is powerful enough to use as a teaching tool in the justice systems, Corrections, and our schools and University’s. I lift my hands up in gratitude.
I pvr’d this fantastic presentation! This was a powerful representation of how it happens in the bigger picture of Canada’s struggle to embrace Indigenous peoples. I had tears, laughter, and immense joy for this brave production. This is powerful enough to use as a teaching tool in the justice systems, Corrections, and our schools and University’s. I lift my hands up in gratitude.
loved it, they should come to St Marys First Nation in Fredericton NB
This whole nation is Treaty Territory. We All Are Treaty People.
It was a good show,,to bad,of the guy who was beet up by his dad maybe than he could of got some understanding of native culture before 1400 or so. today most well educated white have a better understanding of native culture and are learning how great this nation is and appreciate their knowledge they give.
It was a good show,,to bad,of the guy who was beet up by his dad maybe than he could of got some understanding of native culture before 1400 or so. today most well educated white have a better understanding of native culture and are learning how great this nation is and appreciate their knowledge they give.
loved it, they should come to St Marys First Nation in Fredericton NB
This whole nation is Treaty Territory. We All Are Treaty People.
Such a worthwhile show and so important. Please continue trying to educate Canadians. We have been so mislead. Would love to see more and more seasons!
Hello, I’m part native (Cree) and was adopted. I found the series very interesting from the standpoint that I went through the name calling growing up from people that had no realization of what it was like to be treated like that. I’ve always been proud of my native roots and do to the changes in the Indian Act, am in the process of applying for Native Status, although it’s not easy, being adopted. Keep up the great programming APTN, enjoy watching you channel. 🙂 Glen Nelson
It was a good show,,to bad,of the guy who was beet up by his dad maybe than he could of got some understanding of native culture before 1400 or so. today most well educated white have a better understanding of native culture and are learning how great this nation is and appreciate their knowledge they give.
It was a good show,,to bad,of the guy who was beet up by his dad maybe than he could of got some understanding of native culture before 1400 or so. today most well educated white have a better understanding of native culture and are learning how great this nation is and appreciate their knowledge they give.
Such a worthwhile show and so important. Please continue trying to educate Canadians. We have been so mislead. Would love to see more and more seasons!
Hello, I’m part native (Cree) and was adopted. I found the series very interesting from the standpoint that I went through the name calling growing up from people that had no realization of what it was like to be treated like that. I’ve always been proud of my native roots and do to the changes in the Indian Act, am in the process of applying for Native Status, although it’s not easy, being adopted. Keep up the great programming APTN, enjoy watching you channel. 🙂 Glen Nelson
I am the generation after residetial school. I look indigenous. I was the only “indian” in school a majority of my life. I attended day school at st marys. Was lectured everyday by sister mary. I dont remember what she was angry about all the time. But my mom took me out of there and put me in public school. I was teased because i was indian. I Learned to sit still, be silent, and do my work. Even in college. Only indian in class, couldnt have a opinion that wasnt “white”. So i believe i hated my own skin. My intenal racism faught against my culture. Because all i knew was drunken indian, sugar daddies, incest, mental, physical, and emotional abuse. So i thought go to school. Be white. Live white. Worked along side many whites but was never accepted or included. And when something went wrong i was always first to go. I been “the token indian” in school, friends, and jobs. Raised my children off reserve and never learned my culture until later in life. I am 51 yrs old. And from watching this show, i am embaressed to realize and admit my own views of what indians are. I been running away all my life. Empty soul, empty heart. Even though i worked and provided for many. Lived a healthy life style. Something was always missing. It wasnt until very recent that i started to really learn my culture with new eyes without the garbage that i believed indigenous were. Nowadays we HAVE a choice. And i never wanted it because i had these views too. And i am indigenous! But through spiritual people who actually care about our indigenous children, the m.m.i.w, the environment, the broken, etc,… i realize that my culture is whats missing. I couldnt fill the emptiness with, money, drugs, alcohal, school, clean living, etc,… and i am embarassed that i didnt or couldnt give this gift of culture to my kids. I want to be whole again. I want to have purpose other than contributing to this monetary system that has left our earth in turmoil. And its people without a heart. All our relations.
Ur very brave! Same here, I am Nisenan/Washo/Navajo and was born n raised in CA which was sooooo racist towards Natives that I adopted negative beliefs about my heritage just to survive. Many blessings to both of us! Hago’neh.
Megwech..All My Relations. Thank you for telling your story. I am grateful to read it and proud of you for sharing it. I am mixed. African, Tsa le gi (Cherokee), English and Irish). My heart is indigenous…African and Indian. I have walked in the dreamtime with another First Nations dreamwalker. In vision I have seen some things. I know the power of Indigenous blood . I am grateful. I hear that your journey has been a hard one. I thank you for finding your way back to The People. Megwech.
That made me tear up… I’m happy you are finding your way home…
I believe more networks need to air this n that it should be on going
I agree!!!
I do agree they should show it MORE.. it seems to me that the old guy is racist..but I love what THEY SEE..they should go north..
We you replay the Infocus about the cast from First Contact? We DVr the shows and did not know about the after show special. Great insight thank you from #PrinceRupert
Hi Vince, thank you for writing to us. First Contact and InFocus will be posted online Monday.
I am the generation after residetial school. I look indigenous. I was the only “indian” in school a majority of my life. I attended day school at st marys. Was lectured everyday by sister mary. I dont remember what she was angry about all the time. But my mom took me out of there and put me in public school. I was teased because i was indian. I Learned to sit still, be silent, and do my work. Even in college. Only indian in class, couldnt have a opinion that wasnt “white”. So i believe i hated my own skin. My intenal racism faught against my culture. Because all i knew was drunken indian, sugar daddies, incest, mental, physical, and emotional abuse. So i thought go to school. Be white. Live white. Worked along side many whites but was never accepted or included. And when something went wrong i was always first to go. I been “the token indian” in school, friends, and jobs. Raised my children off reserve and never learned my culture until later in life. I am 51 yrs old. And from watching this show, i am embaressed to realize and admit my own views of what indians are. I been running away all my life. Empty soul, empty heart. Even though i worked and provided for many. Lived a healthy life style. Something was always missing. It wasnt until very recent that i started to really learn my culture with new eyes without the garbage that i believed indigenous were. Nowadays we HAVE a choice. And i never wanted it because i had these views too. And i am indigenous! But through spiritual people who actually care about our indigenous children, the m.m.i.w, the environment, the broken, etc,… i realize that my culture is whats missing. I couldnt fill the emptiness with, money, drugs, alcohal, school, clean living, etc,… and i am embarassed that i didnt or couldnt give this gift of culture to my kids. I want to be whole again. I want to have purpose other than contributing to this monetary system that has left our earth in turmoil. And its people without a heart. All our relations.
Ur very brave! Same here, I am Nisenan/Washo/Navajo and was born n raised in CA which was sooooo racist towards Natives that I adopted negative beliefs about my heritage just to survive. Many blessings to both of us! Hago’neh.
Megwech..All My Relations. Thank you for telling your story. I am grateful to read it and proud of you for sharing it. I am mixed. African, Tsa le gi (Cherokee), English and Irish). My heart is indigenous…African and Indian. I have walked in the dreamtime with another First Nations dreamwalker. In vision I have seen some things. I know the power of Indigenous blood . I am grateful. I hear that your journey has been a hard one. I thank you for finding your way back to The People. Megwech.
That made me tear up… I’m happy you are finding your way home…
I believe more networks need to air this n that it should be on going
I agree!!!
I do agree they should show it MORE.. it seems to me that the old guy is racist..but I love what THEY SEE..they should go north..
Why are the six people who were on the show First Contact. Attacking each other after the show..The women gave the older man a hard time..Why?? He is entitled to his opinion..Just like the women were…I thought they were rude..
Those 2 guys, Don and Ross never change thier minds agter going to 1st hand experience of indigenous culture and their way of life. This not the 50’s or 60’s, wake up giys.
I think the older man who said he was beaten as a child and said he didn’t learn anything has some sort of emotional block or a deep underlying fear of losing control and that’s why he couldn’t trust that what was being said was real. Well that’s my opinion. I wonder if the producers of the show will do follow-up with the participants to make sure that none of them are somehow emotionally damaged by their experience. I think it was very brave of them to take part in this program. I am happy that the younger people did have some of their thinking changed.
There are a lot of feelings that surface while watching these episodes of six non aboriginal people going out to first nations residences, just to UNDERSTAND what WE as first nations people and our past generations went through at the Residential Schools, the rippling effect of these traumatic atrocities our parents, grandparents, were put through….
We you replay the Infocus about the cast from First Contact? We DVr the shows and did not know about the after show special. Great insight thank you from #PrinceRupert
Hi Vince, thank you for writing to us. First Contact and InFocus will be posted online Monday.
Why are the six people who were on the show First Contact. Attacking each other after the show..The women gave the older man a hard time..Why?? He is entitled to his opinion..Just like the women were…I thought they were rude..
Those 2 guys, Don and Ross never change thier minds agter going to 1st hand experience of indigenous culture and their way of life. This not the 50’s or 60’s, wake up giys.
I think the older man who said he was beaten as a child and said he didn’t learn anything has some sort of emotional block or a deep underlying fear of losing control and that’s why he couldn’t trust that what was being said was real. Well that’s my opinion. I wonder if the producers of the show will do follow-up with the participants to make sure that none of them are somehow emotionally damaged by their experience. I think it was very brave of them to take part in this program. I am happy that the younger people did have some of their thinking changed.
There are a lot of feelings that surface while watching these episodes of six non aboriginal people going out to first nations residences, just to UNDERSTAND what WE as first nations people and our past generations went through at the Residential Schools, the rippling effect of these traumatic atrocities our parents, grandparents, were put through….