ABOUT MÉTIS CROSSING
Métis Crossing is Alberta's first major Métis cultural destination. The historical Métis settlement has a 40-room boutique lodge, a 688-acre wildlife park and bison regeneration program, a Cultural Gathering Centre, local performers and artisans, a café and dining hall serving authentic Indigenous cuisine, and boutique Sky Watching Dome accommodations offering a night under the expansive night sky.
Métis Crossing plays a critical role within the Métis community to provide jobs, facilitate intergenerational cultural sharing, and build pride.
Learn more about Métis Crossing
ABOUT MANY GUNS RANCH
Surrounded by the beautiful badlands located on the Siksika Nation, the Many Guns Ranch is owned and operated by Blackfoot historian Jeanette Many Guns.
Many Guns Ranch is owned and operated by Blackfoot historian Jeanette Many Guns. When you visit, you'll be immersed in Blackfoot worldviews - listen to the language where it was intended for use (on the land) and experience the foods of the people.
Learn more about Many Guns Ranch
MEET THE INDIGENOUS TRAINEES THAT WORKED ON THE PROJECT
This project was a proud collaboration between Travel Alberta and many community members from a diversity of backgrounds and experiences.
In addition to the Indigenous storytellers and crew members who played a pivotal role in bringing this story to life, we were thrilled to welcome two talented Indigenous trainees to our project team for this video. Their unique perspectives and cultural connection to the themes of the story brought fresh and authentic voices to this work.
Dakona (Kona) Rabbit
Dakona (Kona) Rabbit is from Goodstoney First Nations and is a former film student at Morley High School and Chinook College. He is currently enrolled in the film writing program at SAIT.
According to Dakona, “I want to tell stories about the way that I grew up on the reserves. My dream is to write a feature film." His experience includes VFX for Disney's Prey and art department for the feature film, Rent a Groom. "My experience so far on this project has been great. It's all about making connections in this industry."
Gerald Little Light
Gerald Little Light is from Siksika Nation and is a graduate of the film program at Old Sun College.Gerald is passionate about film making across many genres, including short films, comedy, and horror.
I learn better on the job and through hands-on experience like this. I want to work on movie sets, and I want to build my experience to work with more production companies. I’ve enjoyed working with a range of people, including Native Peoples.
CREDITS
Story by Joseph Urie
Adapted & directed by Jesse McRae Foster
Featuring: Joseph Urie - Jasper Tour Company and Métis Crossing
Jeanette Many Guns - Many Guns Ranch and Adventures
Blackfoot translation & voice over: Lavina Many Guns
Producers: Krista Ouellette and Nik Chung – Park Productions
Director of photography & editor: Danny Gariepy
Key grips: Daniel Tillotson and Cody Wells
Trainees: Dakona Rabbit and Gerald Little Light
Sound design: 6 Degrees Music & Sound
A special thanks to Métis Crossing and the Peoples of Siksika Nation.