The city’s Aboriginal liaison unit is making a short four-part documentary series in the hopes that it will help eliminate cultural misunderstandings.
The film, which is being produced through Thunderstone Pictures, will look at introducing the Aboriginal community and individuals as well as addressing some issues and stereotypes associated with First Nations people.
City clerk John Hannam said they’ve been thinking about a project like this for some time but it wasn’t until earlier this year that the project started to move forward.
Hannam suspects the films will be broken up into different parts; one would focus on introducing the Aboriginal community while another film would look at the history.
The films would also showcase some of the Aboriginal businesses in the city. Hannam said people don’t realize how much Aboriginal businesses contribute to the city’s economy.
He said the film is necessary.
“There’s not a great understanding of the Aboriginal community in the broader community as much as we would like,” he said. “Understanding each other better breeds a better relationship. That’s our interest. We found having the tools to better understand one another helps build those relationships.”
The budget for the films is about $45,000. Hannam brought up the project at the Thunder Bay Police Services Board meeting on Tuesday. The board agreed to contribute $5,000 towards the film and planned to use it as a training video for police once it’s completed.
Hannam said they’re seeking sponsorship throughout the community and if anyone is interested they can contact him.
He added that they hope to move forward on production later this year.
Police Services Board chair Joe Virdiramo said it was a good project for the city to do.
“We also hope to use it for city council and for city employees,” Virdiramo said. “This is going to be culturally sensitive and we’re raising awareness. The best way to do this is through film.”
