TRAILER | ABOUT | PARTICIPANTS | NEWS | DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT
“My Elders taught me that we must celebrate the fact that we have survived the terrible atrocities committed against us by the immigrant cultures. We know that we have a powerful contribution to make to the human family. There is a prophecy that says, after our people have been practically annihilated, our culture, still alive, will guide the world to reconnect with our Mother, the Earth.
"This responsibility is particularly clear to us architects because we need to heal imminently the present imbalance created by the built environment and the horrendous damage done to our planet Earth. Not only is it necessary to heal, we need a new approach, especially to those who have been subjected to policies of abuse and exploitation the world over, and in particular in Turtle Island. This is why we truly welcome Ron Chapman’s film From Earth to Sky. He is giving clear witness to our voices and our personal journeys dedicated to creating a better world for all human families, no matter what.”
- Douglas Cardinal, architect and elder
From Earth to Sky documentary Trailer
About the documentary
From Earth To Sky is a unique and inspiring story of a proud and accomplished collective of Indigenous architects, driving a movement as climate change threatens the planet. They are world leaders in aesthetic, form, sustainability and ultimately protecting mother earth. Their stories have never been more important.
From Earth To Sky follows 7 diverse Indigenous architects from North America as they express the vitality of Indigenous architecture through the process, design, and build. The first woman architect in North America, Tammy Eagle Bull, Wanda Dalla Costa, Alfred Waugh, Brian Porter, Daniel Glenn, Patrick Stewart & Douglas Cardinal, the first Indigenous architect in North America. They all define their individuality through their artistry, and bond in their philosophy and principles of protecting the planet. They are diverse in gender, age and artistic approach, yet they find common ground in their Indigenous identity. Each architect has harrowing tales of dysfunction, poverty, violence and assimilation, but they all overcame adversity to become the top in their field. They exemplify success.
The narrative is a beautiful blend of common ground and conflicting points of view, and through the characters’ personal and professional stories, the film articulates Indigenous architecture and its relevance in today’s world. An international movement ignites as they visit New Zealand to collaborate with Maori and Indigenous architects and designers from around the world.
The film culminates as they travel to the Venice Biennale of Architecture, to present for the first time in history Indigenous Architecture from North America in a spectacular installation and event of unprecedented importance and are honoured on the world stage of architecture.
Together these Indigenous architects are changing the world, influencing humanity to consider the built environment having impact on our planet and guiding us to the possibility of a sustainable future.
A stunning force of nature, From Earth To Sky, is a riveting journey through the point of view of Indigenous architects, who envision a bright and prosperous future for the world.
Media Inquiries: ingrid@gat.ca
From Earth to Sky Film Interviewees
Audiences are invited to follow these seven diverse North American artists as they bring to life the vitality of Indigenous architecture, from design to construction: Tammy Eagle Bull the first woman architect in North America (Oglala Lakota Nation, South Dakota), Wanda Dalla Costa (Saddle Lake First Nation, Alberta), Alfred Waugh (Chipweyan of the Fond Du Lac Band, Denesuline Nation, Saskatchewan), Brian Porter (Oneida Nation, Six Nations of the Grand River, Ontario), Daniel Glenn (Crow Tribe), Patrick Stewart (Killerwhale House of Daaxan, Nisga Nation, British Columbia), and Douglas Cardinal the first Indigenous architect in North America (Siksika, Blackfoot, Calgary).
News
Press Releases
Media Mentions
Early Edition Special: Indigenous People's Day | CBC, The Early Edition
Turtle Island Indigenous architects feature in new TVO documentary | Canadian Architect
Screenings and celebrations to recognize National Indigenous Peoples Day | Taproot Edmonton
The Power of Indigenous Architecture | The Agenda with Steve Paikin
TVO documentary 'From Earth to Sky' brings awareness to Indigenous architecture | CTV News
Film spotlighting Canadian Indigenous architects to air on TVO | Building
How First Nations architects give us a more sustainable world | CanadaTalks SiriusXM 167
A spotlight shines on Indigenous architecture in new documentary | Edmonton Journal
Director's Statement
Meeting iconic architect Douglas Cardinal in the fall of 2017, along with 18 other Indigenous architects from Turtle Island who were collaborating on an installation for the Venice Biennale, was an inspiring experience,” says director Ron Chapman. Diverse and unique, the conversations I had with these talented architects sparked the fire for a film to document their illustrious contributions. And it has been an honour to observe, listen and lens seven of these extraordinary professionals and feature their experiences in From Earth to Sky. The celebrated landmark buildings they have created for their community, as well as national and international audiences, are a testament to their commitment to embrace mother earth.
- Ron Chapman, Director
“It’s fantastic. It’s gorgeous."
— Steve Paikin, The Agenda