Watch Hi-Ho Mistahey!

Hi-Ho Mistahey! is a 2013 Canadian documentary film directed by Alanis Obomsawin. The film deals with the issue of education for indigenous children in Canada and tells the story of a group of indigenous students in Northern Ontario who fought for their right to have a proper school built in their community. The film begins by introducing the viewer to the Attawapiskat First Nation, a small community located in Northern Ontario. This community, like many others in Canada, has a history of being mistreated and marginalized by the government. In particular, the community has been struggling to provide a proper education for its children.

The film then focuses on the story of Shannen Koostachin, a young indigenous girl who began advocating for a better education for indigenous children at the age of 13. She started a campaign called "Shannen's Dream," which aimed to raise awareness about the poor state of indigenous education in Canada and to push the government to take action.

The film uses archival footage, interviews with Shannen's family and friends, and interviews with government officials and educators to tell the story of Shannen's campaign. The viewer learns about the obstacles Shannen faced, including resistance from government officials who were unwilling to prioritize funding for indigenous education.

Despite the challenges, Shannen's campaign gained momentum and eventually led to a national movement advocating for better education for indigenous children. The film shows how the issue of indigenous education gained widespread attention in Canada and how indigenous communities across the country banded together to demand action.

Throughout the film, Obomsawin weaves in interviews with educators and experts who provide context for the issue of indigenous education in Canada. They discuss the historical and systemic factors that have contributed to the poor state of indigenous education, including the legacy of residential schools and ongoing inequities in funding.

The film ends with a sense of hope that change is possible. The viewer sees the impact of Shannen's campaign, including the construction of a new school in Attawapiskat and a commitment from the government to improve indigenous education across the country.

Overall, Hi-Ho Mistahey! is a powerful documentary that shines a light on the issue of indigenous education in Canada. Through the story of Shannen Koostachin and her campaign for "Shannen's Dream," the film shows the challenges that indigenous communities face in fighting for their rights and the resilience and determination that is required to effect change. The film is a testament to the power of grassroots organizing and the importance of advocating for the rights of marginalized communities.

Hi-Ho Mistahey! is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.