CBC's stereotype shattering documentary "8TH FIRE" changed one of its producers

"During the research phase of this project, I met an elder who said that by the end, I would be deeply affected by what I would learn. She was absolutely right."

—Ryszard Hunka, CBC Television Producer

The 4-part 8TH Fire series premieres on CBC-TV Thursday January 12 at 9 pm and the 4-part Trailbreakers series premieres on CBC Radio One on January 12 at 1 pm.

8TH FIRE is a provocative, high-energy journey through Aboriginal country showing you why we need to fix Canada's 500 year-old relationship with Indigenous peoples; a relationship mired in colonialism, conflict and denial.

With its energetic pace and stunning HD landscapes, 8TH FIRE propels you past prejudice, stereotypes and misunderstandings, to encounters with an impressive new generation of Aboriginal Canadians who are reclaiming both their culture and their confidence.

SCENE recently caught up with Ryszard Hunka, the non-native producer of "Indigenous in the City," which is part one of the four-part 8TH FIRE series, to ask what he learned while working on the documentary.

Why did you want to work on this documentary?
I grew up in Winnipeg, which has one of Canada's larger urban aboriginal populations. Yet, I wasn't taught anything about aboriginal history or culture throughout all of my school years. Currently there is very little exposure to the richness and diversity of aboriginal people and cultures in mainstream media. If you want to learn about the experience of aboriginal people in Canada, you have to go looking for it. When you make a documentary, you immerse yourself in your subject matter, so this was a perfect opportunity to learn about my neighbours, dispel the stereotypes, and share that richness with the public.

What did you learn about the Aboriginal community that you didn't know before?
During the research phase of this project, I met an elder who said that by the end, I would be deeply affected by what I would learn. She was absolutely right. This project opened my eyes to how tough it is to be aboriginal in Canada. I was shocked by the depth and enduring impact of the trauma of colonialism, and inspired by the resilience, pride, and humour of the people in facing the challenges of persistent racism. 

I also learned about the aboriginal worldview. It has given me a framework to appreciate the importance of our connection to the land and all life. I often spend time in nature, and always feel rejuvenated by the experience. Now I know why.

How do you think a project like this will impact both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians?
I hope it will tear down some barriers and bring the two communities closer together.
I spent a lot of time attending performances and events by aboriginal performers, and often I was one of only a handful of non-aboriginal people in the audience witnessing some amazing talent. Maybe a project like this will encourage the average Canadian to meet and hang out with their aboriginal neighbors and bridge the divide. And go see some of those great performers! There's nothing more energetic and exciting than a Winnipeg's Most concert!

Has working on this project changed you at all?
I have a much better understanding of our shared history. The stereotypes I grew up with living in Winnipeg have been completely shattered. I now attend sweat lodges, and I listen to Winnipeg's Most in my car!

As a non-Aboriginal person, what was the most challenging part of working on this documentary?
As a documentary filmmaker it is my job to enter a world and share the truth of that world through the eyes of the people. The most challenging thing was to take such a complicated and sensitive topic, and an impossibly huge range of experience and stories, and distill it into a meaningful and entertaining one-hour program. Because of the importance of the subject matter, you feel a huge responsibility to get it right. I believe we did, and I hope everyone who watches it will be inspired by it.