Order of Canada promotion for Alanis Obomsawin

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When you think of Alanis Obomsawin, what comes to mind? Singer, songwriter, performer, storyteller, director or producer of films? Activist or women's advocate maybe? Probably the Order of Canada is not near the top of your list.

Born in New Hampshire and raised in Quebec, a member of the Abenaki Nation, Obomsawin was appointed to the Order of Canada in 1983. But she is probably better known for her documentary film-making career that began with Christmas in Moose Factory in 1967.

Now with more than 20 documentaries to her credit, all framing Indian Country issues in a social consciousness-raising way that few forget, Obomsawin got the most attention with her 1993 film Kanehsatake: 270 Years of Resistance. In all, she made four documentaries reflecting on the 1990 Mohawk standoff against the Canadian military in Kanehsatake. It won her 18 international awards.

This month Obomsawin was recognized again for her achievements in film, when Governor General Adrienne Clarkson elevated her within the Order of Canada from Member to Officer status. On Jan. 14, Clarkson announced the appointment of five Companions (C.C.), 29 Officers (O.C.) and 62 Members (C.M.), the appointments to be in effect from Oct. 18, 2001. It is Canada's highest honor for lifetime achievement and excellence in the various fields of endeavor within Canadian society.

The ceremony will be held Feb. 22 in Quebec City. Obomsawin's 32-year-old daughter Kisos is driving from her home in Vancouver to attend.

Obomsawin can't identify any one piece of work as her greatest achievement to date.

"I can't think of one thing as such. For me, I would say that the best thing when I think of my work is the fact that my films and all I've done is used in universities and schools for education.

"That was my first fight from the very beginning, to fight for changes in the educational system concerning our people, and I wanted to see our history being taught and to try and do our own programs and get it in there as part of the curriculum. So for me, that's my biggest victory."

She's working on two projects now, films about Restigouche and Burnt Church. She is aiming for the spring release of Burnt Church.

In her spare time-"There's not that much time that I don't work"- she does etchings for relaxation.

From her home in downtown Montreal, Obomsawin said about the new appointment, "It's a large honor. You do a lot of work; you don't think of these things. And all of a sudden people recognize you officially. It's a very moving experience; it's not something that you expect."