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Chief Dan George
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Chief Dan George was born in 1899
in a community torn between the old ways and new. Tutored
in mission schools whose goal was to separate Indian children
from their roots, he worked as a longshoreman through the
bloody strikes of the 1920s, yet never surrendered his inborn
optimism, or his Indian soul.
Always an eloquent singer and speaker, it was not until the
1950s that Chief Dan George began his acting career.
He was approached by the CBC to portray 'Ol' Antoine' in the
series Caribou Country, and later starred in movies opposite
such legends as Dustin Hoffman, Glenn Ford, and Clint Eastwood.
This documentary includes clips from Dan George's movie with
Clint Eastwood, The Outlaw - Josey Wales. His great
achievement was transcending the stereotype of the sullen,
silent Indian. Chief Dan George brought self respect
and humour to his roles.
When he died in 1981, Canada lost an unforgettable performer,
who bridged the gap between the vanished world and a new native
pride. The story of this remarkable man is told in Today
Is a Good Day: Remembering Chief Dan George with footage and
interviews that paint a full, fascinating portrait of a very
special Canadian.
Original Air Date - March 29, 1999
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