play_circle Play Video
Scroll down for Film Reviews ↓↓↓
Snkmíp Dig Deeper
Documentary Film | Feature-length
Produced by the Autonomous Sinixt and
the Valhalla Foundation for Ecology
“This ecological restoration success story makes for a powerful film. Snk'mip Dig Deeper is a rare example of collaboration between a non-governmental organization and our Indigenous Sinixt Nation. Sinixt Matriarch Marilyn James has done an impressive job of building allyship between Autonomous Sinixt and settler allies. It did my heart good to see the comprehensive work to ecologically repair Snk'mip in a most creative way, digging out compacted settler-colonial nature destruction to restore the land — destruction done by occupiers on Sinixt təmxʷúlaʔxʷ [territory]. The film demonstrates our Sinixt ancestors' legacy of cultural restoration fulfilled, and it supports our resistance to cultural cannibalism and cultural erasure.”
“This documentary is amazing. It shows a love of the land and how caring for it reveals a deep spirituality. The narration is moving, weaving together the many strands of commitment, expertise and community, plus dogged strength and optimism, that led to the renewal of a wetland. This settler conservation organization's respectful collaboration with the land's First People was truly inspiring: a model for reconciliation with both the land and its rightful caretakers.”
“A truly inspirational film about reclaiming, restoring, and rewilding an incredible wetland. I was moved to tears seeing the remote-camera images of wildlife moving back in after the restoration work was done. I loved the way the complexity of restoration is woven in with the challenges from the community — and how the colonial history is unflinchingly woven in. The Indigenous stewards of the land, including Marilyn James, Taress Alexis, and Al Richardson, are absolutely brilliant. Snk'mip Dig Deeper will be an inspiration to those doing similar projects and will inspire others to think about doing their own.”
“An important story well told, thought-provoking, insightful, and educational. The message of understanding what lies beneath the surface, making repairs, collaboration, integration, the language of the land, reciprocity, our responsibilities. These teachings are so badly needed in these times.”
“A powerful documentary that explains the best practices of wetland restoration in an easy to understand, richly illustrated way. Snk'mip Dig Deeper also draws important parallels between how we treat the land and how colonial culture treats Indigenous Peoples. This film is insightful, entertaining and ultimately uplifting.”
“Snk'mip Dig Deeper is a beautiful and multi-faceted film exploring all the levels involved in restoration of the land and reclamation of its history […]. Backed by a complex and sensitive original musical score and with impressive production values throughout, the film is a testament to the love and conviction that has gone into this land for millennia, culminating in the Snk'mip Marsh Sanctuary at the head of Slocan Lake. The film is bound to stir up some controversy, which may well be part of its intent.”
“A powerful film with a beautiful message, and a beautiful testament to the Sinixt. The aerial shots are awesome, I'm in awe of the amount of back-breaking work done: what a gift to future generations! The editing is seamless and the matching music is perfection. I've lived here my whole life and I, too, did not know that site was a Sinixt village! Sinixt matriarch Marilyn James has a powerful voice in this film: the 'very bloody truth' so needs to be told, and told, and told, in clear definitive language. The truth about stolen land and shady colonial behavior. Every person in Canada needs to see this film.”
“Four years in the making, this documentary presents a masterclass in community resolve and collaboration -– not only in recovering a sensitive wetland after decades of commercial abuse but, in the process, unearthing a shocking discovery of major cultural significance. Congrats to first-time directors Marilyn James and Lorna Visser for making what is poised to be a film-festival favourite.”
“Snk’mip Dig Deeper is about one conservation group’s effort to come into right relationship with Autonomous Sinixt, the Indigenous People who are the rightful stewards of this təmxʷúlaʔxʷ. The film explains some of what happened to Sinixt People, how we lost our rights, how settler invaders took our land, how we continue to fulfill our responsibilities to the land regardless. Fundamental to building respect and trust, in a collaboration like doing this film, is that the truth has to be exposed. Indigenous Peoples have been speaking the truth for a long time, but the truth-telling also has to come from settler folks. It's settler culture's responsibility to own up to the truth, and you’ll see that in Snk’mip Dig Deeper. We’re not pretending everything is okay now because we're doing 'reconciliation'. It has to go a lot deeper than that — settlers as a whole have a lot more work to do. That’s why I directed this film, why it was important to me as an Indigenous person to make Snk’mip Dig Deeper: to educate people.”
