On a misty morning in the fall of 1985, a small group of Haida people stood on a muddy logging road on Lyell Island—and refused to move. What followed was a landmark act of peaceful resistance that helped spark a nationwide reckoning around land, sovereignty and environmental justice. Drawing from over a hundred hours of electrifying archival footage, The Stand immerses us in the tension, courage and quiet humanity of that moment. Directed by Christopher Auchter (Now Is the Time), this riveting feature film honours the Elders, activists and supernatural spirits who helped shape a new future for the Haida Nation—and for all of Canada.
This action, along with the 1984 Meares Island blockade near Načiks | Tofino, brought the Indigenous Land Question into public consciousness and kicked off the growing movement to create Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCA).
Special guest speakers Tutakwisnapšiƛ (Joe Martin) & Seit-Cha (Terry Dorward). Joe and his family were leaders of the Meares Island blockade, and Joe has worked for decades to help establish and promote Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks. Terry is the West Coast IPCA Support Program Director for IISAAK OLAM Foundation. At an early age of 12, Terry participated in the 1984 marches and blockades that declared Wah-Nah-Jus/Hilth-Hoo-is (Meares Island) a Tribal Park. Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks continues to be upheld nationally and internationally as a successful IPCA.
Join us for a special evening, looking back at these historic events and how they led to very positive results for Indigenous rights and ancestral forest protection.
Everyone welcome. Admission by donation (suggested $12)
*This film is provided courtesy of the National Film Board of Canada.