**Nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up**
**Definition**
*Nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up* is a 2019 Canadian documentary film directed by Tasha Hubbard that explores the circumstances surrounding the death of Colten Boushie, a young Indigenous man from the Red Pheasant First Nation in Saskatchewan, and the subsequent trial of his accused killer. The film examines issues of systemic racism, Indigenous rights, and justice in Canada.
—
# Nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up
## Introduction
*Nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up* is a critically acclaimed Canadian documentary directed by Tasha Hubbard, released in 2019. The film centers on the tragic death of Colten Boushie, a 22-year-old Cree man from the Red Pheasant First Nation, who was fatally shot on a farm near Biggar, Saskatchewan, in 2016. The documentary provides an in-depth look at the events leading up to Boushie’s death, the trial of the accused shooter Gerald Stanley, and the broader social and political context of Indigenous peoples’ experiences with the Canadian justice system. Through personal interviews, courtroom footage, and community perspectives, the film highlights systemic issues of racism, colonialism, and the ongoing struggle for Indigenous rights and recognition in Canada.
## Background
### The Death of Colten Boushie
On August 9, 2016, Colten Boushie and several friends drove onto the farm of Gerald Stanley, a white farmer, near Biggar, Saskatchewan. The group had reportedly driven onto the property seeking help after their vehicle became stuck in a ditch. During the encounter, Stanley shot Boushie in the head, resulting in his death. Stanley claimed the shooting was accidental, stating that the gun discharged while he was trying to scare the group away.
### The Trial and Verdict
Gerald Stanley was charged with second-degree murder. The trial, held in 2018, attracted national and international attention due to its implications for Indigenous justice in Canada. The jury acquitted Stanley of all charges, a verdict that sparked widespread outrage and protests across the country. The decision was criticized for perceived racial bias and highlighted longstanding concerns about the treatment of Indigenous peoples within the Canadian legal system.
## Film Synopsis
### Narrative Structure
*Nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up* combines courtroom footage, interviews with Boushie’s family and community members, and commentary from legal experts and activists. The film is structured to provide a chronological account of the events, from the shooting to the trial and its aftermath, while also contextualizing the broader issues of systemic racism and colonial legacies.
### Themes
The documentary explores several interrelated themes:
– **Systemic Racism and Justice:** The film critiques the Canadian justice system’s handling of Indigenous cases, emphasizing disparities in legal outcomes and the marginalization of Indigenous voices.
– **Colonialism and Historical Trauma:** It situates Boushie’s death within the broader history of colonial violence and dispossession experienced by Indigenous peoples in Canada.
– **Community and Resilience:** The film highlights the strength and resilience of Boushie’s family and community as they seek justice and healing.
– **Media Representation:** It examines how media coverage of the case influenced public perception and discourse around Indigenous issues.
## Production
### Director and Creative Team
Tasha Hubbard, an Indigenous filmmaker of Cree and Métis descent, directed the film. Hubbard is known for her work focusing on Indigenous stories and social justice issues. Her personal connection to the subject matter and her experience as a documentary filmmaker informed the film’s sensitive and nuanced approach.
### Filming and Research
The production involved extensive research, including interviews with Boushie’s family, community members, legal experts, and activists. The filmmakers also obtained access to courtroom footage and legal documents to provide an accurate and comprehensive portrayal of the trial.
### Funding and Support
The film was produced with support from various Canadian arts and film organizations dedicated to promoting Indigenous voices and stories. It was distributed by the National Film Board of Canada, which has a history of supporting socially relevant documentaries.
## Reception
### Critical Acclaim
*Nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up* received widespread critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling, emotional depth, and incisive social commentary. Critics praised Hubbard’s ability to humanize the victims and provide a platform for Indigenous perspectives often marginalized in mainstream media.
### Awards and Recognition
The film won several awards, including the Best Canadian Feature Documentary at the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival in 2019. It was also nominated for and received accolades at other film festivals and award ceremonies, further cementing its status as an important work in Canadian documentary cinema.
### Impact and Legacy
The documentary contributed to ongoing national conversations about Indigenous rights, systemic racism, and justice reform in Canada. It has been used as an educational tool in academic and community settings to foster dialogue and awareness about Indigenous experiences and the need for systemic change.
## Broader Context
### Indigenous Peoples and the Canadian Justice System
The film’s subject matter reflects broader issues faced by Indigenous peoples in Canada, including disproportionate rates of incarceration, systemic discrimination, and challenges in accessing justice. These issues are rooted in historical and ongoing colonial policies, including residential schools, forced relocations, and cultural suppression.
### Public and Political Response
The acquittal of Gerald Stanley and the subsequent public outcry led to calls for reforms in the justice system, including changes to jury selection processes and increased cultural competency training for legal professionals. The case also galvanized Indigenous activism and solidarity movements across Canada.
### Media and Public Discourse
Media coverage of the Boushie case and the film itself sparked debates about race, privilege, and representation in Canadian society. The documentary challenged dominant narratives and encouraged viewers to critically examine their own perceptions and biases.
## Conclusion
*Nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up* is a significant documentary that sheds light on a tragic event and its wider implications for Indigenous justice in Canada. Through its compelling narrative and thoughtful analysis, the film invites reflection on systemic inequalities and the ongoing struggle for recognition and reconciliation. It stands as a testament to the resilience of Indigenous communities and the urgent need for societal change.
—
**Meta Description:**
*Nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up* is a 2019 Canadian documentary by Tasha Hubbard that explores the death of Colten Boushie and the systemic issues of Indigenous justice in Canada. The film highlights themes of racism, colonialism, and resilience.