Alanis Obomsawin, CC GOQ, is a prominent Abenaki American-Canadian filmmaker, singer, artist, and activist who is primarily celebrated for her compelling documentary films. Born on August 31, 1932, in New Hampshire, United States, and predominantly raised in Quebec, Canada, Obomsawin has made significant contributions as a writer and director for numerous National Film Board of Canada documentaries, particularly focusing on issues concerning First Nations.
Obomsawin is also a valued member of Film Fatales, a community of independent women filmmakers who share their unique perspectives through the art of cinema.
She has expressed that the fundamental goal of her films is to provide a platform for her people to be heard. Whether addressing the recognition of their existence, discussing their values, survival, or beliefs, her work aims to emphasize the beauty of their cultural heritage and the importance of being Native in their respective countries.
One of her most renowned documentaries is "Kanehsatake: 270 Years of Resistance," which sheds light on the 1990 Oka Crisis in Quebec, making it a significant and enduring piece of her filmography.