joganosh (ᔖᑲᓈᐦᔥ)
  1. (noun) Misspelling of zhaaganaash. Sometimes a pejorative term to denote Caucasian, or more recently, any non-native people.

GUESTS AND ADVENTURES WANTED!

Are you First Nations, Inuit, or Metis and want to be a guest in this documentary, or are someone with questions about the project?  Let's communicate!

GUESTS

THE SPIEL, THE PITCH, THE CONCEPT:

Anishinaabe, Haida, Tlingit, Metis, Cree, Dene, Inuit, Salish, Mi'kmaq, Mohawk, Onondaga...

They are our neighbours, co-workers, family, and friends yet the average Canadian knows very little about indigenous culture, history, and stories.  "Talking With Joganosh" follows chunky white film maker Jayson Stewart as he learns all he can about Canada's first peoples and, ultimately, about his own place in the world.

In recognition of Canada's 150th anniversary, Stewart will travel across the country, meeting up with people in their home communities, asking "what do you want Canadians to know about being indigenous?" and experiencing life through a lens most Canadians have little exposure to.

The documentary is part travelogue, part self-dare, part cultural expose, and part goofy adventure, but also 100% with reconciliation in mind.

There is a legitimate concern that a project like this will polarize people, will set up an "us vs them" mentality, but all efforts will be made to be honest and respectful and engaging.  Yes, parts of the film will be humourous and light and goofy (ever see this chunky white guy doing any kind of dance justice?), but other parts will be emotional, honest, and difficult.  As we begin to decolonize our country, as indigenous people are empowered and as Canadians of European ancestry first acknowledge their history and then work to rectify the errors of the past, that's what we need most.  As a nation of nations, we need to be honest with each other, learn from each other, and recognize the mistakes of the past and present without forgetting that we have a fantastic future together.

AUDIENCE:

The primary intended audience are Canadians who know little to nothing about the over 1.4 million people in Canada who have indigenous heritage.

The secondary audience include anyone who has a pre-existing interest in indigenous issues, indigenous culture, Canadian history, travel, politics, and/or social justice issues.

PURPOSE:

  • to open the doors of communication between Canadians and the cultural nations that have existed here since time immemorial.
  • to educate non-native Canadians about our neighbours and friends and about our roles as allies
  • to celebrate the lives of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit people
  • to learn about my neighbours, friends, family and colleagues

PLANNED GUESTS AND ADVENTURES (SO FAR):

Berry picking with Anishinabe-kwe elder and language teacher Jean Debassige in Hanmer, Ontario
Hiking to sacred ceremonial grounds with young Anishinabek people from Birch Island First Nations.
Traditional dance and cooking lessons by a cultural ambassador from Sheguiandah First Nations, but filmed on Victoria Island in Ottawa, Ontario.  
Chatting with Canadian Air Farce's Craig Lauzon.