Mashkawi-Manidoo Bimaadiziwin (Spirit to Soar)

Mashkawi-Manidoo Bimaadiziwin documents the stories of the seven First Nations teenagers who died or went missing while in high school in Thunder Bay, Ontario centring the voices of the families and communities. Alongside the stories of family and community, evidence of the systemic racism in Thunder Bay is revealed. The film is inspired by Tanya Talaga’s book Seven Fallen Feathers.

Directors: Michelle Derosier (Anishinaabe), Tanya Talaga (Anishinaabe)
Producer: Tanya Talaga (Anishinaabe)
Canada | 2021 | 45 min
English/Ojibway w English subtitles | Documentary Medium Length

Availability: Worldwide
Content Warnings: Triggering historical trauma (Residential schools, Indian Act, 60s Scoop, MMIWG2S)

Michelle Derosier is Anishinaabe from Migisi Sahgaigan First Nation in Treaty Three Territory in Northwestern Ontario. She is a mother, grandmother, artist, activist, and filmmaker.

Tanya Talaga is an author, public speaker, producer, director, journalist, and storyteller. Her mother’s family is from Fort William First Nation and her father was Polish-Canadian.