See First Trailer for ‘Ni-Naadamaadiz: Red Power Rising’ Documentary on 1974 Indigenous Occupation of Anicinabe Park

Métis filmmaker Shane Belcourt sheds light on the lost story of the 1974 indigenous occupation of Anicinabe Park in his new documentary, Ni-Naadamaadiz: Red Power Rising.

The film, which premiered at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival, heavily centers around Louie Cameron, leader of the Ojibway Warriors Society and the face of the occupation. His actions branded him an outlaw, leading him to the steps of Parliament Hill to demand change. Despite the immense impact of this historic event, only eight minutes of footage were recorded at Anicinabe Park and are seen in the film. The film features Cameron’s son, Tyler Cameron, as he recounts memories of his father.

It follows the thirty eight days in which over one hundred people occupied a campground in Kenora, Ontario to protest against the mistreatment of indigenous people. The event took place in 1974, a time in which the indigenous community in Kenora was subject to relentless abuse, exclusion from housing, denial of services such as medical care, among numerous other injustices.

With police brutality on the rise and a total lack of government support, the film underscores the significance of resilience and solidarity within communities. Belcourt, alongside cowriter and producer Tanya Talaga, creates a compelling narrative of this often forgotten chapter of history. By bringing Louie Cameron and his unwavering determination to the screen, the film is a reminder that the struggle for equality persists and that the work is far from finished.

In an interview with The Social, Talaga says “It’s been fifty years and their memories are still there and they stood up for what they believed in. Ni-Naadamaadiz. It means stand together.”

Serial Maven Studios has boarded Ni-Naadamaadiz: Red Power Rising as international distributor.

Watch the first look teaser trailer for Ni-Naadamaadiz: Red Power Rising above.