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Deep Dive: My Indian Name (2022)

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My Indian Name
My Indian Name is a Canadian documentary directed by Abraham Côté, released in 2022. The film examines the history of personal names in First Nations communities in Canada, focusing on how traditional indigenous names were often taken away from First Nations peoples. It also covers contemporary efforts to reclaim these names, highlighting the cultural significance of personal identity in these communities. Côté, an Algonquin/Anishinabeg filmmaker from Kitigan Zibi, Quebec, shares his own family's experience with name changes. His traditional surname, Pizindewatch, meaning 'listener,' was altered by a French priest to Écouté, eventually becoming the more common surname Côté. The film premiered on APTN in September 2022 and was screened at the 2023 Asinabka Film and Media Arts Festival, receiving a nomination for the Donald Brittain Award at the 11th Canadian Screen Awards in 2023.

Why Watch

  • •Meet filmmaker Abraham Côté from Kitigan Zibi, Quebec.
  • •Find out about the significance of indigenous names.
  • •See the 2023 Asinabka Film and Media Arts Festival screening.

Did You Know

•The film premiered on APTN in September 2022.
•Abraham Côté's family name was changed from Pizindewatch to Côté.
•The film was nominated for the Donald Brittain Award in 2023.

Perfect For

Indigenous identityCanadian historyDocumentary film enthusiasts