The documentary ‘Ni-Naadamaadiz: Red Power Rising’ brings to light a pivotal moment in Indigenous activism, recounting the occupation of Anicinabe Park in Ontario.
TIFF Trailer: Historic Indigenous Uprising in Ontario Documented in ‘Ni-Naadamaadiz: Red Power Rising’
EXCLUSIVE: It’s been more than 50 years since a group of young Anishinabeg activists and the Ojibway Warriors Society staged a dramatic occupation of public space in Kenora, Ontario, to protest racism, police brutality, and the seizure of Indigenous land. That historic event, long forgotten, is stirringly brought back to the foreground in Ni-Naadamaadiz: Red Power Rising, set to make its world premiere on September 10 at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Documentary Overview
Makwa Creative Inc. announced that Serial Maven Studios has boarded the documentary as the international distributor ahead of the TIFF premiere. The feature, which focuses on a culture-shifting, youth-led, land-back occupation, is written and directed by award-winning Métis filmmaker Shane Belcourt (Tkaronto) and co-written and produced by Anishinaabe journalist and author Tanya Talaga (The Knowing), a member of Fort William First Nation.
We have your first look at Ni-Naadamaadiz: Red Power Rising in the trailer above.
Significant Historical Context
The occupation of Anicinabe Park, lasting nearly 40 days, was led by Louis Cameron, a survivor of the notorious Indian Residential School and a founder of the Ojibway Warriors Society. Members of the American Indian Movement also participated. The protest later shifted from Kenora to Ottawa as warriors from Cache Creek, B.C. joined in a Native Caravan heading to the Canadian capital. The uprising ended on Parliament Hill after police violently moved to terminate their peaceful demonstration. According to a film synopsis, “There is only eight minutes of footage from this occupation, but Ni-Naadamaadiz: Red Power Rising unearths the buried history of this moment.”
Director’s Perspective
“Growing up in a household steeped in Indigenous resistance and political leadership, Louis Cameron’s courage and clarity felt deeply familiar,” commented director Shane Belcourt. “His voice echoes a legacy that still speaks urgently to this moment. We had to tell this story—because at its heart, it’s about love. The fierce, unwavering love our leaders carry for our people.”
Producer’s Insight
Tanya Talaga, the film’s producer and co-writer, stated, “When I first heard the story of Anicinabe Park, I knew young people everywhere needed to know about this important stand taken by a fearless group of Anishinabeg. This was a story that was written out of history, but one that deserves to be told.”
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Distribution and Production
“Serial Maven Studios is thrilled to be appointed as the exclusive international distributor of this premium film,” said Serial Maven Studios CEO, Solange Attwood. “Shane Belcourt, Tanya Talaga, and the Makwa creative team provide uniquely authentic access and a rich archive, delivering best-in-class storytelling with global appeal in Ni-Naadamaadiz: Red Power Rising.”
The film is executive produced by Talaga and Stuart Coxe of Antica Productions. Original music and score for Ni-Naadamaadiz are composed by Kahnawà:ke Mohawk Territory musician Tom Wilson (Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, Junkhouse) and Thompson Wilson.
Future Availability
Ni-Naadamaadiz: Red Power Rising is produced in association with documentary Channel and APTN and made with support from the Indigenous Screen Office, Canada Council for the Arts, CMF Indigenous Fund, and Telefilm Canada. It will become available in English and Anishinabemowin versions on CBC platforms in 2026.
Watch the trailer for the documentary above.
