Still Our Country

Still Our Country is an introspective documentary meant to help audiences better understand Canadian Indigenous communities, specifically the Gwich'in Tribe of the remote Yukon Territory. Released in 2014, directed by Marie Clements, and produced by the National Film Board of Canada, the movie seeks to create a dialogue and give viewers an in-depth understanding of Indigenous cultures that have been in existence for thousands of years in North America.

The movie is characterized by an impressionistic visual and narrative style which, rather than conforming to a linear storytelling method, instead ebbs and flows much like the life of the river, around which the Gwich'in community prospers. The documentary aims to bring the audience closer to the simplistic yet profound existence of the Indigenous people whose lives are steeped in tradition, a deep connection with nature, and respect for community.

Thematically, Still Our Country revolves around Indigenous customs, emotion, landscape, and the unique way of life within the Gwich'in community. Unlike conventional documentaries, the film provides a holistic perspective towards understanding Indigenous communities, seeming more like an experiential journey that immerses the audience in the lifestyle of the Gwich’in people. The overarching theme seems to be resilience and strengthened communal bonds in the face of external difficulties.

The documentary is divided into several distinct chapters, each illuminating a different facet of Indigenous life. These sections emphasize lifestyle rituals, storytelling, dance performances, and interviews with tribal members of differing ages and perspectives. Each narrative thread showcases the deeply entrenched rich cultural heritage that continues to power the Gwich’in way of life. The film serves as a true-life portrait of the Gwich'in community's day-to-day experiences while underscoring the importance of cultural preservation, a shared sense of identity, and a compelling affinity towards the land and its resources.

The insightful documentary draws the viewers in with visually arresting sequences of the Yukon Territory. The raw and untouched beauty of the landscape is cleverly juxtaposed with the altered modern world setting of the Gwich’in people. This offers a rich backdrop to the narrative, adding a unique cinematic layer that underscores the tribe's deeply rooted connection to the land. While featuring the stunning landscapes of the Yukon Territory, the documentary also expertly conveys the immense cultural importance that this land holds for its Indigenous inhabitants.

The evocative direction by Marie Clements blends personal narratives with elements of poetry, song, and dance, resulting in a powerful sensory experience that serves to empathize with the Indigenous people’s cultural pride. Rich in metaphor and replete with silent reflections, this film strikes a balance between authentic accounts of struggle and a testament to the tribe's enduring spirit and unflinching resolve.

Perhaps what distinguishes Still Our Country from other documentaries based on Indigenous communities is its real depiction of life’s trials and triumphs. It does not merely focus on the philosophical or spiritual aspects but also documents the harsh realities faced by the community, such as environmentally destructive impacts of modernization, erosion of traditional values, and the struggle for self-sufficiency. It raises thought-provoking questions about cultural survival, tradition, and identity, which linger long after the film ends.

Still Our Country does an exceptional job of balancing the preservation of tradition with the necessity for adaptation. The Gwich’in people, like nature, evolve and ebb with the flow of time, their resilience becoming strikingly clear as the documentary unfolds. It is this balance between honoring the past and embracing the coming changes that makes this film a compelling watch.

In conclusion, Still Our Country is an immersive cinematic experience that takes viewers on a journey into the heart of the Gwich’in community. Examining the tribe's unique lifestyle, its struggles, inherent resilience, and its intrinsic bond with nature, provide a broader understanding of Canada's Indigenous identity. With its focus on cultural respect, the preservation of traditions, and the passing of wisdom from one generation to the next, this film is an evocative initiation into the life and time of the Gwich'in Tribe of Canada's remote Yukon Territory.