Watch Is the Crown at War with Us?

Is the Crown at War with Us? is a documentary film released in 2002 that explores the struggles of the Mohawk people of Kahnawake, a reserve located near Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The film is directed by Alanis Obomsawin, a renowned Abenaki filmmaker and member of the National Film Board of Canada. The documentary is framed around the events of the summer of 1990, when a stand-off between the Mohawk people and the Canadian government occurred, known as the Oka Crisis. The crisis began when the mayor of the Montreal suburb of Oka announced plans to expand a golf course onto Mohawk land, including a burial ground. The Mohawk people, who had occupied the land since 1717, responded by setting up a blockade to prevent the construction.

The Canadian government responded with force, bringing in the Canadian Army and the Quebec Provincial Police to break down the barricade. The stand-off lasted 78 days, and while no lives were lost, it was a tense and dangerous time for all involved.

Through interviews with members of the Kahnawake community, Is the Crown at War with Us? provides insight into the deep historical roots of the Mohawk people's conflict with the Canadian government. From the colonial era to the present day, the Mohawk people have had to fight to maintain their sovereignty over their land. The film also provides a detailed analysis of the Oka crisis, including the political decisions made by both the Mohawk community and the Canadian government that led to the escalation of the conflict.

One of the strengths of the documentary is its emphasis on the voices of the Mohawk people. The film provides a platform for community members to share their perspectives on the Oka Crisis and their ongoing struggle for self-determination. The documentary also highlights the role of women in the Mohawk community, who played a vital role in organizing and supporting the blockade.

In addition to examining the conflict itself, Is the Crown at War with Us? also delves into broader issues of Indigenous rights and sovereignty. The film explores the impact of colonialism on Indigenous peoples and the ongoing struggle for recognition of Indigenous land rights in Canada.

The cinematography of the film is visually striking, utilizing evocative shots of the natural landscape surrounding Kahnawake as well as archival footage of the Oka Crisis. The film's soundtrack features traditional Mohawk music, adding to the emotional impact of the film's narrative.

Overall, Is the Crown at War with Us? is an insightful and thought-provoking documentary that provides a powerful examination of the ongoing struggle for Indigenous sovereignty in Canada. The film's focus on the voices of the Mohawk community gives it a unique perspective on the Oka Crisis, and its analysis of broader issues of Indigenous rights and sovereignty make it a valuable contribution to the conversation around these important topics.

Is the Crown at War with Us? is a 2003 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.1.