I snuck into Vancouver on the kîmôc to see the premiere of Tristin Greyeyes’s documentary of the story of our beloved Freda Ahenakew. With “Cree approach” in the title, it seemed only appropriate. I had missed the family screening at Muskeg Lake a couple of years ago, so it was an honour to represent the large extended family that Freda had collected over the years, well beyond her own original 12. The theatre was small, but packed.
I was lucky to be joined in Vancouver by my friend and colleague Professor Rose-Marie Déchaine of UBC who has also invested a good deal of her career in work with the Cree language. I got a photo with the director, got to see myself on screen, and even learned, later in the day that Tristin had been awarded GEMFest’s Best Feature Film award (the PR should catch up soon!)
The best part for me may have watching a story unfold that I know so well, and seeing all those images of people, places and books with which I have such a deep personal connection through Freda herself. So today, for International Women’s Day, I celebrate the living legacy of the late Freda Ahenakew, a trail blazer not only in Cree literacy and language reclamation, but also in gathering the life stories of women – in their own words – that had previously been neglected. Our world is better today because of the ways her work and her love live on, and Tristin’s documentary – that clearly shows us why and how – is set to share her legacy more broadly than ever.
Post script – in Tristin’s own words (followed by a few of her images):
“A Cree Approach” had a sold out world premiere and we even won an award for best feature film. I am honoured for everyone who showed up in person, and for those who expressed their support and love online
I want to give a big shout out to all of you who had anything to do with this documentary at any point, it’s been a long journey— I couldn’t have done it without you. Being recognized by your community is incredibly humbling 
I can’t remember who told me this but it remains so true and relevant, “every rejection is redirection”. (Jeez this could have been the speech). Kinanaskomitin @gemsvancouver and of course our funders, my family and sister @headbangerkait 
April 24th 
330 
North Delta Centre for the Arts#indigenous #GEMFEST2026 #gemfest #WomenInFilm #SupportIndieFilm
One Response
Arden,
Wonderful ! I am so happy you got to experience the film firsthand. I look forward to seeing this film myself. I also thank you for all the work you do with such love and grace. Lovely photo of you both !