Communities of Strathmore and Siksika nation, in Canada, came together earlier in the year to create a piece of theatre to honour residential school survivors and celebrate indigenous culture. The story was inspired by the life of chief Vincent Yellow Old Woman of Siksika Nation and was set to the music of Peter’s New Blood album.
A new documentary, called New Blood, is being streamed on CBC Gem from today (22 November), celebrating the life and legacy of Chief Vincent Yellow Old Woman and the New Blood Dance Show. As Vincent recounts his experiences in residential school, struggling with addiction as a young man, and becoming Chief of Siksika Nation, his grandchildren bring his stories to life through dance, theatre, and music.
The documentary was produced in association with CBC and is directed by Adam Solway, who says; “My approach as a Blackfoot filmmaker is to be 100% authentic to myself and my community. What drew me to New Blood was its beautiful story rooted in my community of Siksika Nation. It’s a story about our elders, our youth, and how we’re trying to move forward against what we experienced in residential school.”
Find out more about the New Blood Dance Show here