The NFB is committed to respecting your privacy

We use cookies to ensure that our site works efficiently, as well as for advertising purposes.

If you do not wish to have your information used in this way, you can modify your browser settings before continuing your visit.

Learn more
Skip to content Accessibility
New release
Coming 
None

Sisters & Brothers

2015 3 min
Leaving soon

In a pounding critique of Canada's colonial history, this short film draws parallels between the annihilation of the bison in the 1890s and the devastation inflicted on the Indigenous population by the residential school system. This film is part of Souvenir, a series of four films addressing Indigenous identity and representation by reworking material in the NFB's archives.

This content is not available for free viewing in your location.
Your rental expires on
None
You've already purchased this film.
Download it from My purchases.
Not available
Share
Sisters & Brothers

Extras

Details

In a pounding critique of Canada's colonial history, this short film draws parallels between the annihilation of the bison in the 1890s and the devastation inflicted on the Indigenous population by the residential school system.

This film is part of Souvenir, a series of four films addressing Indigenous identity and representation by reworking material in the NFB's archives.

  • director
    Kent Monkman
  • producer
    Anita Lee
  • executive producer
    Anita Lee
  • editor
    Jamie Chirico
  • associate producer
    Kate Vollum
  • song - performer
    A Tribe Called Red
  • song - writer
    Dan General
    Ian Fern Campeau
    Ehren Thomas
  • production supervisor
    Mark Wilson
  • technical lead
    Marcus Matyas
  • assistant editor
    Tiffany Beaudin
    Zoya Rezaie
  • studio administrator
    Stefanie Brantner
  • production coordinator
    Jennifer Bertling
    Andrew Martin-Smith
  • producer's assistant
    Serena Lee
  • marketing manager
    Melissa Wheeler
  • publicist
    Jennifer Mair
  • head credits
    Sébastien Aubin
  • title design
    Sébastien Aubin
  • online editor
    Laura Aqui
  • post picture facility
    Fearless Films
  • stock footage
    Ragnhild Milewski
    Fred Savard
    Josée Riopel
  • technical services
    Antonia Gueorguieva
    Jean Coulombe
    Aldo La Ricca
    Pascal Vincent
    William Holley

Enjoy the NFB experience on your favourite device

Education

Ages 14 to 18
School subjects

This short film emphasizes the correlation between the genocide against Indigenous Peoples’ cultural ways of knowing, being and doing, and the annihilation of the buffalo on the plains. Research the historical significance of the buffalo in relation to Indigenous Peoples’ way of life. Research the purpose of the intentional slaughter of buffalo on the plains. Research starvation tactics as a form of colonization and control. Research actions and initiatives that society can take to repair the damage of attempted genocide. What are the long-term effects on the health and well-being of Indigenous Peoples in terms of diet and food choices and sources? How does this knowledge reflect the ethics of those who implemented the destruction of the buffalo? Why is this knowledge of Canadian history important for all citizens to be aware of?

Sisters & Brothers
Purchase options
Licence information
Already paid to see this film?
Licencing information

Home licence (worldwide); Classroom licence (Canada only)

You may download this film for private, personal or classroom use only. Public screenings and institutional (non-educational institutions) uses are not permitted. Download films in standard or high definition. (Please note that bonus materials are not available for DTO films.) You can copy each file up to 5 (five) times, onto various devices. DTO films cannot be hosted on a streaming server. To add DTO films to an institutional or educational streaming server, please contact a sales agent to discuss pricing.

Institutional licence

The institutional price includes the rights to screen this film in institutional settings and in free public screenings.