Trained to tell the story

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A new session offered at the Gulf Island Film and Television School (GIFTS) on Galiano Island will be geared to the interests of Aboriginal people. The school decided to proceed with the pilot project because of the media's popularity with young people, though it will be open to all Aboriginal people of all ages.

Media training is key to cultural revival, said Wreford Miller, office manager of the Gulf Island Film and Television Studio (GIFTS).

"It's a new medium that meshes very well with the oral traditions that First Nations communities value so much, and it's such a key part of cultural identity."

GIFTS is focused on developing independent producers and takes an anti-Hollywood approach, Miller said. Media comes from a centralized source, usually Los Angeles, so it doesn't reflect who we are. It reflects who is making it, said Miller.

"It's an ability to tell a story in a very compact and compelling way, and it's also a very compelling way to tell a story that is local. Almost everyone that comes here says that when they leave."

He said the media becomes very appealing when you realize that you can represent yourself and your community and find something a little more honest. The program is suited for people involved in local works of art, local stories, and for producers with small budgets.

"Media is a way for the youth to take part, and a way of reaching a larger audience. It ensures a place for the Aboriginal youth in a popular culture that dominates the continent. It gives them power to express themselves."

Miller said the curriculum is adapted to First Nations' needs by bringing in people who will act as hosts and engage in talking circles. Aboriginal mentors will be consulted in order to make special amendments to the regular curriculum.

"The curriculum is very packed because you make a movie in six days," Miller said. "There's not a lot of time to do anything beyond media production. "

"We found that our curriculum worked very well for First Nations people. It's very hands-on and practical-oriented. The focus is on telling a good story, so we pay a lot of attention to the visual story telling. So a lot of the stories being told have the documentary focus."

Stacey Shaak, a mentor with the program, said media is important for cultural revival because "the camera acts like a mirror. When people are telling their story for the first time, this learning environment allows them to reflect their immediate reality and share it with a great number of people. And we are very confronted with the eye when we are looking at what we are doing with respect with producing traditional stories and documenting history and heritage. The potential there is very obvious. As far as just looking at yourself and telling your story, it really connects you with your identity."

GIFTS is a private post secondary educational institution. The session will run March 11 to 17. The cost is $595, plus $245 for room and board. Costs also include transportation on the island. For more information phone 250-539-5729, or email gifts@gulfislands.com.