This expanding Walk of Honour has been created the Dreamspeakers Festival Society as a tribute to those Aboriginal artists who have blazed trails in the film industry. It is intended to be a lasting legacy to recognize their efforts and hard work at bringing a new understanding to the varied cultures, traditions, languages and artistic expressions of Aboriginal People in Canada.

The Dreamspeakers Festival Society supports and educates the public about Aboriginal culture, art and heritage. It is a resource for Aboriginal filmmakers, directors, scriptwriters, cameramen, technicians, actors, musicians, storytellers, artists and craftspeople. The society is also a resource bank – a way to get in touch with Aboriginal filmmakers, performers and artists. And through Dreamspeakers, Aboriginal people receive training in arts, culture and festival operations.

When the first Dene filmmaker returned home to Canada’s Northwest Territories, his people had no words for his new art. They called it “Dreamtalking”. Edmonton, Alberta becomes the site of an international gathering of our own Dreamtalkers – filmmakers, performers and artists. Indigenous people from around the globe gather to share their common bond, a linkage with a natural world whose harmonies and rhythms are being forgotten by those who came later. Dreamspeakers Film Festival provides a venue for Dreamtalkers and offers a unique exploration into Aboriginal cultures from all parts of the globe.

Beaver Hills House Park was named from the Cree translation of the name “Amiskwaskahegan” also used to refer to Fort Edmonton Park.

Source: Dreamspeakers Festival Society – Dreamspeakers Film Festival

Photo Credit: Dreamspeakers Festival Society