Encountering a Blend of Two Realms: Matimekush's Cross-Cultural Gathering
A Far-Off Town, Unconventional Friendships Form: An Documentary Dive into Cross-Cultural Education
Journey to the little-known village of Schefferville, nestled 700 kilometers north of Sept-Îles, and witness the extraordinary friendships blossoming between Innu children and immigrant teachers in the heart of the harsh Canadian wilderness. In his feature-length documentary Matimekush, filmmaker Guillaume Sylvestre paints a vivid picture of this remarkable intercultural exchange.
Sylvestre's adventures began a few years back when he was working on another project in this desolate town. Overwhelmed by the Innu community's resilience, he stumbled upon a scene that left him bewildered: an exotic mix of African teachers and local Innu youth engaged in impromptu games of hockey, conversations spanning Arabic and Innu dialects. This bizarre yet captivating scenario piqued Sylvestre's curiosity, and he soon discovered that nearly every educator at the town's Kanatamat School hailed from Africa or North Africa[1].
Intrigued by the improbable connections forming between these diverse cultures, Sylvestre built bridges with the teachers and members of the community. "This collision of worlds may seem far-fetched, but witnessing the parallels that bind them left me spellbound," he admitted during an interview with Le Devoir.
The Time It Takes to Connect
Over a dozen visits to the school, Sylvestre documented the trials and triumphs of the staff and students during an entire school year. Watch as new teachers navigate the challenges, learn about Innu culture, and evolve alongside their students. Observe as they struggle with frequent absences, tardiness, insults, and a lack of motivation. "These kids often carry the weight of abandonment," shared Sylvestre. "When a new teacher steps foot in their world, they test you. They want to push you to your limits."
In stark contrast to most non-Indigenous educators, immigrant teachers tend to stay, according to Sylvestre, because they find common ground with the Innu—a shared belief in communitarianism, animism, and a keen awareness of the colonial past[4]. "Here, amidst the cold and barren landscapes, lies the magic that transcends generations," he mused.
Exchanges in Exile
Matimekush delves deep into discussions about the trials faced by various cultures, from colonialism to systemic oppression. Bonds form in both the classroom and the great outdoors, particularly during a winter expedition into the heart of the wilderness. In the coziness of their tent, students and teachers can freely converse and share their personal stories. The Innu youth relish their roles as hunters, traders, and cooks, while the teachers watch, astounded and moved by the laughter and camaraderie swirling around them.
Far from a critique of the education system, Sylvestre maintained that Matimekush serves as a reflection on the school's effectiveness. "It's not about correcting wrongs, but rather celebrating the victories and learning from our setbacks," he stated. "The school—a mix of modern and traditional ideas—can serve as a bridge in a world that is so desperately divided."
One breath-taking scene, a powerful moment for Sylvestre, was his encounter with Conrad, an Innu cultural expert. "He's an incredible individual, both humble and wise," said Sylvestre. "Conrad exemplifies the resilience of the Innu, embracing tradition while sharing their stories with empathy and grace."
Matimekush premieres on May 2 in Montreal and Quebec.
Bonus Content
Crafting your Own Adventures in Museums
Visit museums, experiment, and learn the stories of the First Nations. Your imagination is the limit, especially during school holidays!
Entertaining Storytelling
Watch Matimekush on Tele-Quebec, ICI Tou.tv Extra, Crave, and Netflix.
Michel Jean: The Voice of Silence
Discover international recognition for this gifted writer, as his name appears in the 2025 edition of the Robert Illustrated Dictionary.
Virtual Learning
Click here to watch a captivating interview with Guillaume Sylvestre about his filmmaking journey and the creation of Matimekush.
- The environment in Schefferville, with its harsh Canadian wilderness, serves as a unique backdrop for an extraordinary intercultural exchange.
- Sylvestre's documentary, Matimekush, showcases the visceral connections formed between African teachers and indigenous Innu children, taking viewers on a journey through their shared lifestyle and experiences.
- In the film, intimate discussions about the snowbank-covered landscape, relationships, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, and other aspects of life unfold, providing a perspective authentic to the Innu culture.
- Personal-growth opportunities abound for both students and teachers as they navigate challenges together, learning from each other and growing aiming for career-development goals.
- Pets play an intrinsic role in the Innu community, adding a touch of warmth to the chilling weather that blankets the rural town.
- Traveling to the heart of the Canadian wilderness, the teachers partake in traditional activities, like hunting and trading, which adds an exotic twist to their fashion-and-beauty routines.
- As the documentary explores the teaching-and-learning process, it addresses controversial topics such as colonialism, systemic oppression, and the effects these issues have on education.
- The documentary also highlights the educational institution as a space where various cultures can coexist harmoniously, showcasing its ability to foster relationships that transcend geographical and cultural boundaries.
- Matimekush offers insight into the extraordinary relationships forged in Schefferville, challenging conventional notions of friendships and offering a testament to the power of cross-cultural education.
