As a music enthusiast who has had the privilege to explore various genres and artists throughout my life, I can confidently say that Peter Gabriel‘s involvement in the documentary “New Blood” is not just a musical collaboration but a testament to his compassion and understanding of global issues. His decision to allow the use of his entire “New Blood” album for this project speaks volumes about his respect for indigenous peoples and their struggles.
Peter Gabriel is serving as an executive producer for the documentary titled “New Blood”, which delves into the past traumas and present struggles of Canada’s native communities.
As a gamer, I got hooked on the rhythm of tracks from New Blood, the ninth studio album of this iconic British rocker, while immersing myself in a unique live performance inspired by the real-life tale of Siksika First Nation’s Chief Vincent Yellow Old Woman. Later on, the talented Adam Solway crafted a compelling documentary for CBC, Canada’s public broadcasting service, capturing the essence of this dance show that united Alberta’s community in healing and reconciliation.
In a statement, Austin Ladouceur, the producer of the documentary, shared that they were fortunate enough to have Peter Gabriel agree to let us utilize his entire “New Blood” album in our project. He did so willingly, stating his deep admiration for indigenous communities. The album features some of his most iconic songs, reimagined with orchestral accompaniments, and we’re excited to incorporate tracks like “San Jacinto”, “In Your Eyes”, and “Wallflower” to enrich Chief Vincent’s narrative that extends beyond Strathmore High School.
The documentary titled “New Blood,” set to debut on Nov 22nd on CBC Gem within Canada, delves into the life and enduring impact of Chief Vincent Yellow Old Man and the New Blood Dance Show. This stage production was sparked by a poem depicting the Chief’s life and his struggles at an infamous residential school, which later led to his addiction during his younger years. However, he eventually rose to become the Chief of Siksika Nation.
The documentary titled “New Blood” delves into the aftermath of a nationwide discussion in Canada, sparked by the Catholic Church’s historical operation of residential schools for indigenous Canadians, which lasted until the 1990s and was financially supported by the Canadian government. This debate intensified following the unearthing of undetected gravesites across the country that held indigenous children who were forced to attend these former residential schools after being taken away from their families in an attempt to suppress their indigenous heritage.
The “New Blood” documentary was filmed in Calgary, Alberta and showcases Chief Vincent’s grandchildren along with the upcoming Blackfoot generation, who breathe life into his tale through a dance performance, dialogues with Blackfoot elders, and the music of Peter Gabriel. As director Solway explained in his statement, “It’s a narrative about our elders, our young ones, and our journey towards progress despite our past experiences in residential schools.
Being a young member of the Blackfoot tribe, I felt an immediate affinity for this tale and realized that my personal insights could contribute significantly. This narrative is deeply rooted in our Blackfoot legacy, and I feel incredibly privileged and humbled to play a role in sharing it,” he remarked.
The CBC documentary features newcomer Trinity Pretty Youngman, Vincent Yellow Old Woman, Hayden Yellow Old Woman, the first actor to portray his grandfather in the show and co-creators Deanne Bertsch and Eulalia Running Rabbit. The documentary also features Na’tehya Curly Rider and Mirabel Goodstriker, Vincent’s two granddaughters who currently perform in the show.
In collaboration with Solway, Ladouceur was both a co-author and editor of the work titled “New Blood“. Meanwhile, Josh Boak took on the role as the director of photography for this project, which was also filmed on the ancestral land of the Blackfoot Nation, specifically in the Siksika territory.
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2024-11-07 00:26