(Ottawa, ON) – December 20, 2023 – On this week’s episode of Roots and Hoots, host Gordon Spence is pleased to be joined by Kelly Saxberg. Kelly is of mixed European heritage, whose ancestor is for whom the ballad ‘The Lament of Cadieux’ is named. Kelly is a mother of three and lives with her husband in Thunder Bay. The artistic and creative spirit runs in the family, and Kelly often collaborates with her husband and children on projects. Kelly Saxberg has a lengthy career in film, having worked on over 100 projects. In this interview, Kelly talks with Gordon about her journey into film and some of the important projects she has worked on that amplify Indigenous voices and experiences.

When Kelly was growing up, her father was a radio DJ who later became a teacher of broadcasting at the local high school, thus beginning Kelly’s hands-on learning journey. Kelly’s first job in film was with the National Film Board of Canada, training as an assistant editor on the film, “Daughters of the Country” which depicts the lives of Métis Women through centuries of time. In this interview, Kelly shares about the natural flow of her collaboration process and how ideas and conversations turn into projects.

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Kelly’s work through her film and production company ShebaFilms have an academic focus that sheds light on important social, cultural and environmental efforts taking place in communities across Turtle Island, and the world. In 2022 she worked with the late Tommy Yellowhead on the documentary entitled “Journey To Our Homeland” which garnered much praise and several nominations. She has also recently partnered with producer and co-director Navalik Tologanak on a film about writer Sheila Burnford and artist Susan Ross entitled “A Tale of Two Qallunaat”.

On the topic of Reconciliation, Kelly shares that it is done in partnership and all Canadians must take part. Kelly discusses her recent collaborations with Inuinnaq community and cultural leader Navalik Tologanak. Kelly recounts the privilege and honor she felt when accompanying Navalik to the Pope’s apology to Inuit Survivors of the Residential School System (RSS) in Nunavut. Kelly reminds listeners that the RSS is not ancient history, but happened in our lifetime. We must always honour and remember, and Kelly’s contributions in filmmaking are tools by which all Canadians can learn from. (Show Notes to projects Kelly discusses can be found in the podcast episode description)

The LHF is a national, Indigenous-led, charitable organization that has been working to promote healing and Reconciliation in Canada for over 23 years. The LHF’s goal is to educate and raise awareness about the history and existing intergenerational impacts of the Residential and Day School Systems and subsequent Child Welfare System on Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) Survivors, their descendants, and their communities to promote hope and healing in Canada. The LHF works to encourage Canadians to address discrimination and injustice in order to contribute to the equity, dignity, and respectful treatment of Indigenous Peoples and to foster Reconciliation.

The LHF has close to 30 educational exhibitions that promote awareness of Indigenous history that are free to borrow and is working on making exhibitions available online. LHF also has curriculum for K-12 and for adults, along with Activity Guides, Workshops and Training, 2 Podcast series, all aimed at educating Canadians about Indigenous history and the shared history of Residential and Day Schools, the Child Welfare System, and other colonial acts of oppression. The LHF works to develop empathy and understanding so as to eliminate ongoing racism against Indigenous Peoples.

For media inquiries:
Teresa Edwards, B.A. JD.
Executive Director and In-House Legal Counsel
Legacy of Hope Foundation
Phone: 613-237-4806 Ext. 303 info@legacyofhope.ca