In the shadow of a De Beers diamond mine, a remote indigenous community lurches from crisis to crisis, as their homeland transforms into a modern frontier. Rosie Koostachin delivers donations to families who live in uninsulated sheds, overgrown with toxic mold. She is determined to raise awareness, believing that if only Canadians knew, her hometown's dire situation would improve. Over five years, filmmaker Victoria Lean follows Attawapiskat's journey from obscurity and into the international spotlight twice - first when the Red Cross intervenes and again during the protest movement, Idle No More. Weaving together great distances, intimate scenes and archive images, the documentary chronicles the First Nation's fight for justice in the face of hardened indifference.
Similar titles
Reviews
This film shows the "missing voices" from mainstream news reporting and stark realities faced by many of our First Nations peoples and communities in Canada. Filmed over a five-year period, it also does a great job of showing the hollow promises and lip-service paid to communities like Attawapiskat by our governments and corporations. This should be required viewing for all Canadians--beginning in middle-school!
After The Last River rewrites "The Myth of Canada". Director and writer Victoria Lean has made a doco that covers a crucial piece of modern Canadian history. By visiting Attawapiskat over several years, she has given a human face to a reserve that continues to hit the headlines. It covers the flaws in the The Indian Act, reserve system, treaty interpretation, corporate partnerships, and how federal and provincial governments fail the citizens they are supposed to support and protect. The Death of Evidence is also a strong theme, as scientists (including the filmmaker's father) are ignored, and science is distorted to suit the suits. It's also the powerful story of a young filmmaker who has her own consciousness raised as she grapples with the realities of life on the Rez: mouldy walls, living in tents in minus 30, and Pampers $60 a packet! This is a telling the TRUTH and making an act of RECONCILIATION; one that leaves us with hope as we see the courage of Chief Teresa Spence, local politicians who really care, and Attawapiskat Youth who love their home and want to tell their stories.
I saw the film at Cinefest Sudbury in September 2015, attended by Vicki Lean, and brought the film and Vicki to Belleville Downtown DocFest in March 2016. This film informs and educates in a very powerful way and both screenings totally engaged the audience. The film is masterful in its portrayal of the Attawapiskat First Nations community existing in the shadow of the De Beers diamond mine, the injustices the people there are enduring over housing, water, schools and other basic human rights, the lack of resource sharing by the mine and mounting environmental concerns. It is beyond shocking that this is happening in Canada. The latest crisis and state of emergency being declared over the suicide epidemic in this community, is further proof of this injustice and the lack of support being provided by our government. After the Last River is a must-see for every Canadian.
I was fortunate enough to see 'After the Last River' at the Cinefest Sudbury Film Festival last fall. It is an eye-opener! A must see for all. I had so many misconceptions that were blown apart with this film. I am better informed today thanks to this film. The mining industry and government have a lot to answer for. See for yourself. Ask your local theater to run this film. I encourage everyone to go with an open mind. Just the facts, thank you. I wish the Aboriginal communities across this country get the assistance they need; legal and financial and medical and schooling and ... This film has stayed with me. To the point of me writing our government with my concerns, and suggestions on how to help.