Returning to his roots

By Melissa Piche Times Contributor

That question lies at the heart of Siksikakowan (The Blackfoot Man), the latest film from director Sinakson Trevor Solway, who returns to his home community on Siksika Nation to explore Indigenous masculinity in a new and authentic light.

“The title reflects what we call ourselves within the Blackfoot language,” Solway explained. “I think it’s also the tone and style of the film – it’s a kind of art documentary, something I really wanted to create in that way.”

For Solway, representation is central to the project. 

“Indigenous people have been deprived of authentic representation,” he said. “By that I mean actual people from their communities telling their stories. Most were really excited about making a film together. I always give people the option to watch the film and provide feedback. That way they have peace of mind, they have a say in how they’re being portrayed.”

The director spoke candidly about how Indigenous men have historically been depicted in narrow and often harmful ways. 

“In the past, how we’ve been portrayed in cinema, TV, and the media is a very narrow scope of what it means to be a Native man,” he noted. “We’ve been stuck with that image of the Native mascot – the Chicago Blackhawks, the Washington Redskins, the Cleveland Indians. On one hand you have this warrior-savage stereotype. On the other, you have this noble Indian up on a mountain with feathers and spirit animals. Neither of those allow us to be seen as human beings.”

Instead, Siksikowan emphasizes humanity and complexity. 

“I wanted this film to show Native men as human beings having a human experience,” said Solway. “For me, being a Native man today means being authentic to who you are and your emotions. You’re allowed to be happy, you’re allowed to be sad, you’re allowed to be angry. Coming home to be your authentic self is how I see this film.”

Solway believes the timing is right for Indigenous voices in film. 

Some of the most memorable moments of Siksikakowan came unexpectedly. Solway recalled filming children by the river who began catching frogs. 

“It just opened up a world through the eyes of children on the prairie,” he said. “That small moment captured the feeling of summers out here, making your own fun. It really grounded the film.”

When asked what he hopes audiences take away, Solway was clear: “When you witness someone’s humanity and see them as a human being, you’re less likely to be racist or to hold narrow views of who they are. I want Native people to see themselves reflected, and I want others to see us as fully human.”

He added a message directly for Indigenous men: “I hope they feel seen and validated. I hope they understand that it’s okay to be your authentic self, to express your emotions, to say how you’re feeling. There’s room to be happy, to be sad, to have joy, and yes, to be angry too. I hope they get that message – that it’s okay to be who you are.”

Siksikakowan has won numerous awards including Audience Choice Feature Award at the Imaginative Film Festival, APTN Indigenous Spirit Award at the Gimli International Film Festival and Official Selection at the Calgary International Film Festival just to name a few. 

Sikisikakowan screens Sept. 24, which is sold out, and Sept 28 at the Chinook Theatre in Calgary, with Solway in attendance for the Sept. 24 screening to share the story that is both deeply personal and profoundly universal.