With the help of moderator J.A. Süss, Elder Dr. Ellen Cook will speak to the damage done in northern communities from Manitoba Hydro’s dams and water diversion projects. Cook asks that viewers consider the actual relationship between people in the south who use hydro power and people in the north whose way of life continues to be washed away.
In the film “For Love of a River”, Cook notes that “the spirit of the rapids, Misipawistik, is still there. The dams will not be there forever. They will decay and fall, and the spirit of the rapids will re-emerge. The Singing Waters will return.”
Dr. Ellen Cook is a Cree teacher who teaches Cree teachers how to teach Cree. She is from Misipawistik, The Singing Waters, Grand Rapids, Misipawistik Cree Nation and grew up listening to the sounds of the rapids. She remembers the beauty and the gifts of this land every day. Her presentation will include elements of Cree translation, images from collaborative media, art-based community activism and photo projects, inviting viewers to hear recommendations for reconciliation.