'The Pretendians'
Media in Canada tackles an issue that many in U.S. won't
Heads up Canadians! And, possibly, others with VPNs. A new documentary titled “The Pretendians” is debuting next week.
As the title implies, “The Pretendians” explores a major issue. Why are so many people pretending to be Indian?
“In Canada names like esteemed novelist Joseph Boyden, acclaimed film director Michelle Latimer, and former University of Saskatchewan Health Expert Carrie Bourassa have all been front page news for one reason: each has been alleged to be a ‘Pretend Indian,’” a news release announces, citing some of Pretendians that have been exposed by media up north.
“In other words, someone who claims distant indigenous identity but upon deeper scrutiny has been accused of stealing jobs and opportunities from real natives,” the release continues.
The documentary features award-winning playwright, novelist, journalist and filmmaker Drew Hayden Taylor, who resides on the Curve Lake First Nation, the Anishinaabe community in Ontario where he was born. In the photo posted above, he is seen with investigative journalist Francesca Fionda, who recently uncovered widespread fraud in the “Native” art market in British Columbia.
Alas, “The Pretendians” can only be seen in Canada. It will be screened on Friday, September 30, at 9pm (9:30 NT) on The Passionate Eye on CBC and on the CBC Gem streaming service — with no repeats planned at this time, according to the news release.
So if you want to see how all of this unfolds, you’re gonna have to fire up those VPNs and set your server to somewhere north of the 49th parallel. Happy viewing!