Reserve benefits greatly from Big Bear film

Page 13

Film-making is the stuff that dreams are made of for most Native kids these days, unless of course, you happen to be living on the Pasqua Reserve in Saskatchewan.

And for community members and some of the lucky youth chosen to play extras in a major television film production of Big Bear, life will never be quite the same. They've spent months on a huge movie set, dressed up in period costume, working in front of cameras with some of the most famous Aboriginal stars in the industry today.

But dreams do turn into reality and you end up with a whole new 'take' on the film industry when a big production lands on your doorstep.

"The whole reserve has been affected by the experience", said Neil Pasqua, the on-site community co-ordinator for the Big Bear film.

"The Big Bear production has definitely put Pasqua on the map," he added.

Things got very exciting when famous actors Gordon Tootoosis and Tantoo Cardinal were on deck along with a big cast, technical crew and state-of-the-art direction by Canada's own Gil Cardinal.

And even more so when a band of renegade warriors galloped on horseback, with warpaint, eagle feathers and waist length hair blowing in the wind.

But there's much more than romance and history involved when a big production does land on your doorstep, explained Neil.

There 's an increase in jobs and revenue from land rentals, visible improvements are made like new roads, upgraded facilities and the restoration of historic buildings.

"The economic impact of Big Bear has been significant with over 50 people employed in different capacities from set building to horse wrangling," said Neil.

"The community is very comfortable with what's been going on. They know the major players and there's been a high level of respect and positive response."

"Pasqua is very tight knit community and you can't do anything on a reserve without everybody knowing about it, so as far as security goes, we've had no worries," said Neil.

With 800 band members on reserve and about 800 more off, interest has run high and the whole community has been extremely keen to see what's going on behind the scenes.

Neil said the area's rustic setting works well for a 19th century period piece like Big Bear.

He indicated that the film production has had a considerable impact on the career aspirations of up and coming young actors in the community, surrounding area and province.

Participants have the necessary accreditation and confidence to seek employment in other productions.

Chief Todd Peigen and the band council are discussing ways to develop a permanent Location File to register with SASK FILM, and be able to offer the reserve for future productions.

"The work has been fun and invigorating for the community, with more than a thousand 'extra work days' under our belts, and things look good here at Pasqua for future possibilities in the film industry," said Neil.