nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up examines racism in the prairies

“This is about kids’ future,” said Tasha Hubbard, a Cree documentary filmmaker and mother.

Hubbard is touring a new film with the hope that it will help make Canada a safer place for Indigenous kids.

“That's what we all want, right?”

Director Tasha Hubbard standing in a field in rural Saskatchewan. (Jon Montes)

Her film nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up — the Cree title is pronounced NEE-pa-wista-MAA-sowin — is about the controversial death of Colten Boushie in 2016.

The 22-year-old man from Red Pheasant First Nation in rural Saskatchewan died from a gunshot wound to the head.

He and some friends drove onto a farmer’s property in an SUV and attempted to start an ATV sparking a conflict between them and the farming family.

A selfie taken by the late Colten Boushie, in a vehicle with his mom, from nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up. (Downstream/NFB)

The farmer, Gerald Stanley, testified at his trial that Boushie was shot when a gun Stanley was holding went off accidentally while he was trying protect his family.

Stanley, 56, was charged with second-degree murder — meaning it wasn’t planned in advance — but was found not guilty.

The verdict caused protests because some people felt that the justice system had failed Colten Boushie and his family.

One of the criticisms was that the jury — the group of people who decide if someone is guilty or not guilty — appeared not to include any Indigenous people.

A memorial for Boushie outside of the courthouse in North Battleford, Sask. (Liam Richards/CP)

After the trial, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, “There are systemic issues with our justice system that we must address.”

“I just felt so terrible for the family that a tragedy happened that didn't have to happen,” Hubbard told CBC Kids News.

"It would have been just as easy for Gerald Stanley to go for a phone, and we wouldn't be here.”

The award-winning film follows Boushie’s family during this time and includes Hubbard’s own experience as an Indigenous mother from Saskatchewan raised by a white farming family.

Why stereotypes hurt

Hubbard’s film also looks at the impact of colonialism and anti-Indigenous racism in the Prairies.

“A lot of people have learned stereotypes about Indigenous people [and think] that there's something wrong with Indigenous people,” Hubbard said.

(Stereotypes are when people believe something about a person based on things such as their race, culture or gender.)

“It's a lie. It's harmful, and it's a strongly rooted story.”

Hubbard’s son and nephew in a scene from nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up. (George Hupka)

Hubbard says this is especially troubling for kids as it affects self-esteem and mental health.

“The tragic and sad part is it can make Indigenous children feel not welcome,” she said. “It can make them feel that they're not as important [and] not valued, and it's the exact opposite.”

Hubbard featured her son and nephew in the documentary because they “are both really curious and open children who want to learn about the history and want to know the truth.

“And I'm hoping the audience sort of sees themselves as learners, too, because a lot of times they haven't had the chance to learn this.”