Educational Media Reviews Online

Premiered at the Aboriginal Voice Festival in June 1999, this short documentary film captures a unique and transitional life-style of 13 year-old Robert Grandjambe, Jr. The camera follows him into the woods to capture the hunting and trapping experiences of an indigenous boy who lives with his family in northern Alberta, Canada.

Robert traverses the two cultures with ease, but he seems to prefer the traditional lifestyle of the hunter/trapper and fur trader to the modern world. He is shown snowmobiling into the woods, setting traps, and collecting his bounty. He skins weasel, martin, mink and squirrels for their pelts, some of which he is well paid. His father and mother both support his choice to follow in the footsteps of the old ways. They help train and teach him, and are pleased to pass on their cultural heritage.

The viewer sees the tedious and repetitious skills needed to make an animal's skin salable. Robert is industrious and a perfectionist. He wants to do his best always, whether he is in the classroom or the real world outdoors. He audibly relates his feelings about his life, his skills, and his future.

This contemporary film is simple in its delivery, and most any 10- to 15-year old child would be able to see how the native Indian people of Canada live with a respect for nature and a life different from themselves. This program would enhance any multi-cultural learning module in the middle school years. It shows the traditions of one of the aboriginal Canadian cultures and vocational choices for the next generation.

The music soundtrack is especially well done. The dobro and harmonica add just the right Native American atmosphere. At times the audio is muffled, and it is difficult to hear the conversations. But if you can adjust your ear to his voice, you will be delighted to have 'met' this special youth. Recommended.