Pass

Film documents illegal segregation imposed on Indigenous peoples

A free public screening Wednesday of the film The Pass System will explore a little-known instance of life under segregation in Canada.

For more than 60 years following the North-West Rebellion of 1885, the Canadian government denied many Indigenous peoples of the prairies the freedom to leave their reserves, although there was no basis in law for the policy.

The investigative documentary features stories of Cree, Saulteaux, Dene, Ojibwe and Blackfoot elders living under and resisting the pass system.

Director Alex Williams will be on hand for a discussion of the issues raised by his film following the screening, which is set for 6 p.m. November 2 in the Rose Room, Vanier Hall. The event is sponsored by the Aboriginal Education Centre and the departments of Communication, Media and Film; English; and Psychology.