The Trial of Poundmaker is one of the documentary films in the National Film Board series, Chiefs. This series examines the lives of five First Nations leaders from Canadian history. Poundmaker (1842-1886) was a Cree leader accused by the Canadian government with participating in the Riel Rebellion of 1885. Filmmaker Gil Cardinal explores this leader's life and his subsequent trial in a Regina courtroom in 1886. Direct descendents Gordon, Tyrone and Jim Tootoosis are actors in this historical documentary narrated by Tom Jackson. This film sheds light on the historical inaccuracies surrounding Poundmaker and his role during the Riel Rebellion. Although he was a peace chief, Poundmaker was sentenced to three years in Stoney Mountain Penitentiary. After serving seven months, Poundmaker was released early and died months later at age 44. A VHS edition is also available.
