Films examine women as artists, warriors

REVIEW

Hands of History

National Film Board

Here is a refreshing invitation to the realm of Native art as defined

by four Native artists -- two from Alberta and two from British

Columbia. It's a welcome shift from the usual non-Native perspective of

exactly what comprises Native art.

Both Jane Ash Poitras and Joane Cardinal-Schubert speak in unison of

how Native society never fails to compartmentalize, to fit everything

into a tiny box and time frame, as it never had the space nor

opportunity to ever shift or change.

Director Loretta Todd has truly done right in this film, which serves

as a tribute to the power, spirit and philosophies of four of western

Canada's foremost Aboriginal female artists, women who have no

reservation about speaking their minds or baring their souls.

By centering on women, Todd has opened doors and exposed what far too

many writers and film makers have for too long kept hidden and out of

reach. The end product really is a delightful understanding and

appreciation for the accomplished efforts of this foursome.

Ash Poitras, a Cree born at Ft. Chipewyan, Alta., but raised in the

eastern states, is noted for her painting and collage works, and is

heavily into spiritual dialoguing through her art. Her collages, which

incorporate old photographs and news clippings, have become something of

a signature of this lady, who rapidly gained international stature and

commands substantial fees for her work.

Joane Cardinal-Schubert is a Blood Indian from southern Alberta who

respects and employs various traditional art elements of her

forefathers. Like Ash Poitras, this artist has a unique and highly

identifiable style.

Doreen Jensen, as Gitxsan carver and producer of button blankets,

jewelry and prints, was a founding member of the famous Ksan Village,

which has turned out many of the world's best Indian artists. In her

effort to perpetuate Indian art and culture, she has totally immersed

herself in her vocation. She abhors the idea of Indian culture locked

up in museums because, as she says, "it is not dead." Jensen quickly

recognized that "our artifacts were there but our voice wasn't."

The fourth artist, Rena Point Bolton, is a Stol:lo (Salish) basket

weaver who works mainly with routs and bark. She has become a valuable

instructor, passing on culture to many communities which had lost

theirs.

Hands of History, produced by Margaret Pettigrew, is a fine portrayal

of four women who are not only the carriers and keepers of the culture,

but are also reclaiming and thrusting women's Aboriginal art to the

forefront.