You Are on Indian Land
Released in 1969, this short documentary was one of the most influential and widely distributed productions made by the Indian Film Crew (IFC), the first all-Indigenous unit at the NFB. It documents a 1969 protest by the Kanien’kéhaka (Mohawk) of Akwesasne, a territory that straddles the Canada–U.S. border. When Canadian authorities prohibited the duty-free cross-border passage of personal purchases—a right established by the Jay Treaty of 1794—Kanien’kéhaka protesters blocked the international bridge between Ontario and New York State. Director Michael Kanentakeron Mitchell later became Grand Chief of Akwesasne. The film was formally credited to him in 2017. You Are on …
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Released in 1969, this short documentary was one of the most influential and widely distributed productions made by the Indian Film Crew (IFC), the first all-Indigenous unit at the NFB. It documents a 1969 protest by the Kanien’kéhaka (Mohawk) of Akwesasne, a territory that straddles the Canada–U.S. border. When Canadian authorities prohibited the duty-free cross-border passage of personal purchases—a right established by the Jay Treaty of 1794—Kanien’kéhaka protesters blocked the international bridge between Ontario and New York State. Director Michael Kanentakeron Mitchell later became Grand Chief of Akwesasne. The film was formally credited to him in 2017. You Are on Indian Land screened extensively across the continent, helping to mobilize a new wave of Indigenous activism. It notably was shown at the 1970 occupation of Alcatraz.
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directorMichael Kanentakeron Mitchell
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location directorMort Ransen
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producerGeorge C. Stoney
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photographyTony Ianzelo
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soundHans Oomes
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editingKathleen Shannon
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associate editorNoel StarBlanket
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re-recordingGeorge CrollJean-Pierre Joutel
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participationKahn Tineta HornErnest BenedictMichael Kanentakeron Mitchell
Study
the 1794 Jay Treaty referred to in the film. Do you think the government
should respect the treaty? Identify reasons for the protest at St-Régis;
evaluate its effectiveness. Document actions taken by the Mohawks prior to the
protest – why were they unsuccessful? Define the term “civil disobedience”;
cite other examples of its use. When/why would it be appropriate for citizens
to protest in this way? List/research other lawful ways to assert one’s rights.
