INISKIM – Return of the Buffalo
Honouring National Day for Truth & Reconciliation 2025
Wakefield Writers Festival des Écrivains presents
INISKIM – Return of the Buffalo
Saturday, September 27, 2025 – 7:00 pm
Centre Wakefield La Pêche
Join us for a special evening to honour National Day of Truth & Reconciliation featuring INISKIM – Return of the Buffalo, a stunning documentary on the Niitsítapi-led buffalo restoration and cultural renewal. Blending rich storytelling with the artistry of life-size puppets, the film is “a cinematic wonder… an incredible opportunity to learn about Indigenous ways of knowing” — Leanne Allison.
The evening opens with a smudging ceremony and prayer by storyteller and knowledge keeper Louise Profeit-Leblanc, grounding us in respect, intention, and community.
Honoured guest, Gilbert Whiteduck, a trailblazer for Indigenous social justice and education during a long and distinguished career in public service, will offer remarks on the significance and importance of the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.
Following the film, enjoy and take part in a dynamic panel discussion with two of the core creative leaders Amethyst First Rider and Pete Balkwill (attending virtually), moderated by Gilbert Whiteduck. Then stay for an informal gathering with Sweet Clover Bannock and more from Kîsisam Patisserie — a warm space for conversation, reflection, and connection.
“The show was spiritually amazing… emotionally charged from start to finish.” — Dan Fox
“Mysterious, hopeful, and breathtakingly beautiful… honoured its viewers and celebrated its surroundings.” — Caitlind
“…incredible to see the amount of community collaboration between settler and Indigenous people in the making of this project..” — Kevin Jesuino
Screening in English with French subtitles. Tickets are $20.00.
We are deeply grateful to Mayor Guillaume Lamoureux, 100 Mile Arts Network, Biblio Wakefield Library, Cinema Wakefield and Theatre Wakefield for their support and contribution.
