Yuxweluptun: Man of Masks
This short documentary serves as a portrait of Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun, one of Canada's most important painters. We meet him at the Bisley Rifle Range in Surrey, England, where he's literally shooting the Indian Act in a performance piece called "An Indian Shooting the Indian Act." It's in protest of the ongoing effects of the Act's legislation on Indigenous people. We then follow him back to Canada, for interviews with the artist and a closer look at his work.
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This short documentary serves as a portrait of Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun, one of Canada's most important painters. We meet him at the Bisley Rifle Range in Surrey, England, where he's literally shooting the Indian Act in a performance piece called "An Indian Shooting the Indian Act." It's in protest of the ongoing effects of the Act's legislation on Indigenous people. We then follow him back to Canada, for interviews with the artist and a closer look at his work.
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directorDana Claxton
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producerSelwyn Jacob
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executive producerGraydon McCrea
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cameraDana ClaxtonDon ClaxtonStephen LeyPaul ManlyBrian Quock
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soundDon ClaxtonPaul ManlyGuy Willison
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editingShelly Hamer
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sound editingLisa DoyleKirby Jinnah
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re-recordingPaul SharpeIain Pattison
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musicRussell Wallace
This documentary can inspire research, discussion, projects and entry points for developing foundational knowledge in relation to West Coast art within a historical and contemporary context. How can art be used for social commentary and as a method to advocate for social justice? What is the Indian Act and what message does the artist convey by travelling to London to shoot it? How is art embedded into the culture of Cowichan/Syilx First Nations and/or other West Coast artists? Consider how the artist and his style merge traditional with present-day art. Reflect on the artist's statement that “if you don't understand my culture then you fear me... if you know and see my culture then you can relate to it.” How important is it to weave First Nations foundational knowledge into the education system? How is relationship to the land connected with spirituality? What does it mean to be caught and have balance between two worlds? How did the Indian Act contribute to the confiscation of West Coast art and attempted genocide?
