The Lake Winnipeg Project is a four-part documentary series that calls attention to stories of ingenuity and resilience among the Anishinaabe, Cree and Métis communities of Matheson Island, Poplar River First Nation, Fisher River Cree Nation and Camp Morningstar, at a time when many external forces are imposing change. The series highlights their responses to various challenges and factors such as a shifting climate, industrial encroachment, government policy, and the COVID-19 pandemic, among others. Anishinaabe/Cree director Kevin Settee takes an “own-voices” approach to storytelling that gives Lake Winnipeg communities and peoples the opportunity to tell their own stories, in their own voices, and to speak to the challenges and successes experienced within their communities.

The series includes four films: Matheson Island, Poplar River, Camp Morningstar and Fisher River.

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SERIES SYNOPSIS 

The Lake Winnipeg Project is a four-part documentary series that calls attention to stories of ingenuity and resilience in four diverse communities surrounding Lake Winnipeg, at a time when many external forces are imposing change. Lake Winnipeg’s shores are home to many vibrant Indigenous communities, including the Anishinaabe, Cree and Métis communities of Matheson Island, Poplar River First Nation, Fisher River Cree Nation and Camp Morningstar.

Detailed in this series are stories highlighting the continuation of intergenerational practices, transmission of Indigenous knowledge, protection of land and water, and community responses to factors such as government policy, industrial encroachment, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

On the eastern shores of Lake Winnipeg, Poplar River First Nation and Camp Morningstar have special connections to the lands and waters surrounding their communities. For members of Poplar River, these special connections are fostered through the intergenerational transmission of ancestral knowledge and stewardship of surrounding lands and waters. For organizers and supporters of Camp Morningstar, these connections are defended against industrial encroachment through the occupation of traditional territory and assembly of a peaceful camp guided by ceremony.

Fisher River Cree Nation and Matheson Island are Cree and Métis communities located on the western shores of Lake Winnipeg. Many people from Fisher River and Matheson Island depend on commercial fishing for their livelihood—a practice that has sustained their communities and families for generations. Members of Fisher River Cree Nation provide support and care for one another, such as through the distribution of fish on a community and inter-community level. For the Whiteway family of Matheson Island, fishing is essential to their way of life and has been practised for generations.

Anishinaabe/Cree director Kevin Settee takes an “own-voices” approach to storytelling that gives Lake Winnipeg communities and peoples the opportunity to tell their own stories, in their own voices, and to speak to the challenges and successes experienced within their communities.

SERIES TWO-LINER

The Lake Winnipeg Project is a four-part documentary series that calls attention to stories of ingenuity and resilience in four diverse communities surrounding Lake Winnipeg, at a time when many external forces are imposing change. Anishinaabe/Cree director Kevin Settee takes an “own-voices” approach to storytelling that gives Lake Winnipeg communities and peoples the opportunity to tell their own stories and speak to the challenges and successes they experience.

SERIES ONE-LINER

The Lake Winnipeg Project is a four-part documentary series that calls attention to stories of ingenuity and resilience in four diverse communities surrounding Lake Winnipeg, at a time when many external forces are imposing change.

Official Selection
LA Skins Fest, Los Angeles, USA (2021)

The community of Matheson Island is composed of hard-working and self-sustaining people who carry intergenerational knowledge about land and water, with a special connection to Lake Winnipeg. For the Whiteway family, this connection is fostered through commercial fishing. This film tells the story of the Whiteways of Matheson Island, who for generations have depended on commercial fishing as a means of survival and livelihood. The Whiteways share their devotion to their fishing lifestyle and the fulfillment and freedom it provides, as well as various challenges that arise due to factors such as health, government policy and the threatened future of the fishing industry.

MATHESON ISLAND TWO-LINER

This film tells the story of the Whiteways of Matheson Island, who for generations have depended on commercial fishing as a means of survival and livelihood. The Whiteways share their devotion to their fishing lifestyle and the fulfillment and freedom it provides, as well as various challenges that arise due to factors such as health, government policy and the threatened future of the fishing industry.

MATHESON ISLAND ONE-LINER

This film shares the story of the Whiteways of Matheson Island, their devotion to a fishing lifestyle and the various challenges they experience, including issues related to health, government policy and the threatened future of the fishing industry.

MATHESON ISLAND

Written and Directed by
Kevin Settee

Featuring
Ronnie Whiteway
Melvin Whiteway
Robert Whiteway
Virginia Whiteway

Producer
Alicia Smith

Executive Producer
David Christensen

Picture Editor
Scott Parker

Director of Photography
Scott Parker

Filmmaking Mentor
Scott Parker

Production Assistant
Jaydon Flett

Location Sound Recordist
Jaydon Flett

Transcription
Patricia Garry

Title Design & Motion Graphics
James Monkman

Sound Design
Anita Lubosch

Colourist
Tony Wytinck

Sound Mix
Bruce Little

Online Editor
Bruce Little

Studio Operations Manager
Darin Clausen

Studio Administrator
Bree Beach
Devon Supeene

Production Supervisor
Esther Viragh

Production Coordinator
Faye Yoneda

Senior Production Coordinator
April Dunsmore

Associate Producer in Development
Katy Slimmon
Coty Savard

Associate Producer in Production
Devon Supeene

Legal Counsel
Peter Kallianiotis

Marketing Manager
Kelly Fox

Lake Winnipeg Project Social Media Manager
Kevin Settee

Community Filmmaking Workshop Facilitators
Scott Parker and Kevin Settee

Community Filmmaking Workshop
Matheson Island School
Kevin Dyck
Heather Higgs

Thank You

MATHESON ISLAND
Ronnie Whiteway
Melvin Whiteway
Robert Whiteway
Virginia Whiteway
Jaydon Flett
Michael Carlson
Janessa Faye
Rita Stephanson
Captain Dave Stephanson
Debrah Ladouceur
Heather Higgs
Suzanne Bruce
Kevin Bruce
Joy Collins
Katy Collins
Jonathan Favel
Terry Bennett
Wanda Mowatt

Chris Mowatt

Shannon Flett

Thank You
My Grandparents Dorothy Settee and Lawrence Settee
Priscila Tayna Ferreira Da Silva, Sol Ferreira Settee and Ogimaabinens Settee
Helen Robinson-Settee, Charles Settee, Craig Settee, Uncle Jim Settee

To my kids, I hope and pray you always remember who you are, and where you come from.

A production of The National Film Board of Canada – North West Studio

@2021 The National Film Board of Canada

In 2018, the traditional territory of Poplar River First Nation, Bloodvein First Nation, Little Grand Rapids First Nation and Pauingassi First Nation was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The communities collectively named it Pimachiowin Aki — “the land that gives life.” This film explores the special connection that Poplar River First Nation has to the lands and waters surrounding their community, such as the sacred site of Weaver Lake. Poplar River community members Sophia Rabliauskas and Clint Bittern share their perspectives on the importance and intergenerational responsibility of protecting the lands and waters in their territory for generations to come.

POPLAR RIVER TWO-LINER

This film explores the special connection that Poplar River First Nation has to the lands and waters surrounding their community. Poplar River community members Sophia Rabliauskas and Clint Bittern share their perspectives on the importance and intergenerational responsibility of protecting the lands and waters in their territory for generations to come.

POPLAR RIVER ONE-LINER

This film explores Poplar River First Nation’s intergenerational responsibility of protecting the lands and waters in their territory for generations to come.

POPLAR RIVER

Written and Directed by
Kevin Settee

Featuring
Sophia Rabliauskas
Clint Bittern
Waylon Bittern
Frank Menow
Roger Douglas
Bradley Bushie
William Fontaine Jr

Producer
Alicia Smith

Executive Producer
David Christensen

Picture Editor
Scott Parker

Director of Photography
Scott Parker

Filmmaking Mentor
Scott Parker

Production Assistant
Sophia Rabliauskas

Location Sound Recordist
Scott Parker

Transcription
Patricia Garry

Title Design & Motion Graphics
James Monkman

Sound Design
Anita Lubosch

Dialogue Editor
Paul Morrow

Community Advisors
Sophia Rabliauskas
Ray Rabliauskas
Eddie Hudson
Noel Bruce
Able Bruce

Community Consultation Meeting Catering
Virginia and Robin Batenchuk

Poplar River Accommodations
Sagatay Lodge

Weaver Lake Accommodations
Guy Douglas’ Camp

Colourist
Tony Wytinck

Sound Mix
Bruce Little

Online Editor
Bruce Little

Studio Operations Manager
Darin Clausen

Studio Administrator
Bree Beach
Devon Supeene

Production Supervisor
Esther Viragh

Production Coordinator
Faye Yoneda

Senior Production Coordinator
April Dunsmore

Associate Producer in Development
Katy Slimmon
Coty Savard

Associate Producer in Production
Devon Supeene

Legal Counsel
Peter Kallianiotis

Marketing Manager
Kelly Fox

Lake Winnipeg Project Social Media Manager
Kevin Settee

Community Filmmaking Workshop Facilitators
Scott Parker and Kevin Settee

Community Filmmaking Workshop Facilitators
Poplar River School
Justin Berens

Thank You
POPLAR RIVER FIRST NATION
Ray Rabliauskas
Sophia Rabliauskas
Eddie Hudson
Paul  Rabliauskas
Abel Bruce
Noel Bruce
Aiden Hindmarch
Norway and Casandra Rabliauskas
Debra Sinclair
Chief Vera Mitchell
Counselor Guy Douglas
Counselor Langford Mason
Counselor Darcy Bruce
Albert Bittern
Virginia and Robin Batenchuk
Willard Bittern
Mary Bruce
Gertie and Harold Bruce
Brad Bushie
Justin Berens
Cindy and Russel Bruce
Clint Bittern
William Fontaine Jr
Waylon and Amber Bittern
Frank Menow
Roger Douglas
Michael Berens
Trent Franklin
Travis Berens
Laura Hudson
Autumn Bruce
Harvey Budd
Charley Nanowin
Edna Green
Poplar River Radio Station

Thank You

Priscila Tayna Ferreira Da Silva, Sol Ferreira Settee and Ogimaabinens Settee

Helen Robinson-Settee, Charles Settee, Craig Settee

To my kids, I hope and pray you always remember who you are, and where you come from.

A production of The National Film Board of Canada – North West Studio

@2021 The National Film Board of Canada

Camp Morningstar, a sacred camp established on Hollow Water First Nation on the east side of Lake Winnipeg, was erected in response to the proposal of a silica sand mine project by Canadian Premium Sand (CPS). Community members took action to educate communities over flawed consultation processes, environmental impacts, and effects on wildlife and humans. In February 2020, CPS suspended all silica sand operations. Despite this victory, and as expected by Camp Morningstar organizers, CPS announced they would resume operations one year later. This film highlights the perspectives of organizers and supporters of Camp Morningstar, including the historical and spiritual connections to the territory they are protecting, the role of ceremony and spirituality, and the power of collective action.

CAMP MORNINGSTAR TWO-LINER

This film shares the story of Camp Morningstar, a sacred camp established on the east side of Lake Winnipeg that was erected in response to the proposal of a silica sand mine. The film explores Camp Morningstar’s historical and spiritual connections to territory, the role of ceremony and spirituality, and the power of collective action.

CAMP MORNINGSTAR ONE-LINER

This film shares the story of Camp Morningstar, a sacred camp established on the east side of Lake Winnipeg that was erected in response to the proposal of a silica sand mine project.

CAMP MORNINGSTAR

Written and Directed by
Kevin Settee

Featuring
Lisa Raven
Sarah Bruyere
Ivy Canard
Aldeen Starr Mason
Mary Jane McCarron
Ashley Smith
Dreyson Smith
Kelvin Ramsey
Marcel Hardisty
Daniel Hardisty
Dalton Hardisty
Julius Hardisty

Producer
Alicia Smith

Executive Producer
David Christensen

Picture Editor
Scott Parker

Director of Photography
Scott Parker

Filmmaking Mentor
Scott Parker

Title Design & Motion Graphics
James Monkman

Sound Design
Anita Lubosch

Dialogue Editor
Paul Morrow

Location Sound Recordist
Scott Parker

Production Assistant
Dreyson Smith

Stills Photography
Jonathan Ventura

Transcription
Patricia Garry

Colourist
Tony Wytinck

Sound Mix
Bruce Little

Online Editor
Bruce Little

Studio Operations Manager
Darin Clausen

Studio Administrator
Bree Beach
Devon Supeene

Production Supervisor
Esther Viragh

Production Coordinator
Faye Yoneda

Senior Production Coordinator
April Dunsmore

Associate Producer in Development
Katy Slimmon
Coty Savard

Associate Producer in Production
Devon Supeene

Legal Counsel
Peter Kallianiotis

Marketing Manager
Kelly Fox

Lake Winnipeg Project Social Media Manager
Kevin Settee

Thank You
CAMP MORNINGSTAR
Reg Simard
Lisa Raven
Sarah Bruyere
Ivy Canard
Aldeen Starr Mason
Mary Jane McCarron
Ashley Smith
Sierra Smith
Kelvin Ramsey
Marcel Hardisty
Daniel Hardisty
Dalton Hardisty
Julius Hardisty
Dreyson Smith
Lance Wood
Marilyn Sinclair
Don Sullivan
The Red Shadow Singers

Thank You
Priscila Tayna Ferreira Da Silva, Sol Ferreira Settee and Ogimaabinens Settee
Helen Robinson-Settee, Charles Settee, Craig Settee

To my kids, I hope and pray you always remember who you are, and where you come from.

A production of The National Film Board of Canada – North West Studio

@2021 The National Film Board of Canada

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic drastically affected the health and social and economic well-being of populations on a global scale. This film narrows in on stories of generosity and perseverance in Fisher River Cree Nation, a First Nations community located on the west side of Lake Winnipeg, and their responses to pandemic challenges. Such responses included Fisher River’s decision to purchase and distribute surplus fish to Indigenous communities across Manitoba, Saskatchewan and the North, allowing over 1,500 Indigenous commercial fishers to continue fishing during the pandemic. The film also calls attention to the stories of community members Sharon McKay and Kailey Arthurson, mothers who experienced unique challenges of their own due to the pandemic while continuing to provide support and care to their families and communities.

FISHER RIVER TWO-LINER

This film narrows in on stories of generosity and perseverance in Fisher River Cree Nation in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Stories include the purchase and distribution of fish on a community and intra-community level, as well as stories of mothers who experienced unique challenges of their own while continuing to provide support and care to their families and communities.

FISHER RIVER ONE-LINER

This film narrows in on stories of generosity and perseverance by the people and community of Fisher River Cree Nation, as well as their responses to challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

FISHER RIVER

Written and Directed by
Kevin Settee

Featuring
Kailey Arthurson
Marcie Sinclair
Nipí Pimatisíwin Arthurson
William Whiteway
Sharon Lynn Mckay

Producer
Alicia Smith

Executive Producer
David Christensen

Picture Editor
Jordan Molaro

Director of Photography
Kevin Settee

Production Assistant
Faye Murdock

Location Sound Recordist
Kevin Settee

Transcription
Patricia Garry

Title Design & Motion Graphics
James Monkman

Sound Design
Anita Lubosch

Dialogue Editor
Paul Morrow

Colourist
Tony Wytinck

Sound Mix
Bruce Little

Online Editor
Bruce Little

Studio Operations Manager
Darin Clausen

Studio Administrator
Bree Beach
Devon Supeene

Production Supervisor
Esther Viragh

Production Coordinator
Faye Yoneda

Senior Production Coordinator
April Dunsmore

Associate Producer in Development
Katy Slimmon
Coty Savard

Associate Producer in Production
Devon Supeene

Legal Counsel
Peter Kallianiotis

Marketing Manager
Kelly Fox 

Lake Winnipeg Project Social Media Manager
Kevin Settee

Thank You
FISHER RIVER CREE NATION
Richard Robinson
Pauline Robinson
Elder Josie Bear
Faye Murdock
Ronnie Sinclair
Gloria Crate
Peanut
Chief David Crate
Councillor Vince Crate
Councillor Darrell Thaddeus
Councillor Josh Sinclair
Councillor Carl Cochrane
Amy Crate
Kailey Arthurson
Marcie Sinclair
Nipí Pimatisíwin Arthurson
William Whiteway
Sharon Lynn Mckay

Thank You

Priscila Tayna Ferreira Da Silva, Sol Ferreira Settee and Ogimaabinens Settee

Helen Robinson-Settee, Charles Settee, Craig Settee

To my kids, I hope and pray you always remember who you are, and where you come from.

A production of The National Film Board of Canada – North West Studio

@2021 The National Film Board of Canada