We'koqma'q Mi'kmaq School Oral History Project

In collaboration with the We’koqma’q Mi’kmaq School, we designed a series of filmmaking workshops for grade 7 and grade 9 students. The main purpose of these workshops was to introduce participants to film camera gear while engaging them in hands-on filmmaking projects within their community.

Over three days, we worked with the grade 7 students in a more flexible setting so they could get the chance to familiarize themselves with the equipment on their own terms. Students had full access to our DSLR cameras and were encouraged to film whatever they wanted within the school environment. They were able to capture what they love most about their school and community by interviewing each other and their teachers. For this workshop, the students also filmed a medicine walk and a community Powwow, showcasing significant aspects of their culture.

For the grade 9 students, we facilitated a week-long, more advanced workshop. In addition to training them with professional equipment, we introduced them to the RED Komodo X camera, giving them an opportunity to experiment with high-end filmmaking equipment. During this time, the students filmed the Elder’s Tea event at their school.

Additionally, we collaborated with other We’koqma’q community members to produce a short documentary. This project involved interviewing an Elder couple from the community, adding a deeper layer to the work done by the grade 9 students. Currently, all footage from these projects is in the editing stage and is set to screen in We’koqma’q during the summer of 2025.