| Legends: The Story of Siwash Rock is an adaptation by filmmaker Annie Frazier Henry from a traditional legend about the appearance of the Siwash Rock, a well-known Vancouver landmark. Actor Dakota House portrays a young man, Andrew, whose girlfriend, Kelsey, becomes pregnant. Left without employment and the life-threatening illness of his girlfriend, Andrew prepares for his child's birth in a traditional manner by a cleansing. Taking the traditional cultural values to heart, Andrew cleanses his body and spirit in a traditional ceremony. On the night of his son's birth, the youth swims out to sea and encounters the canoe of legend. Instead of being turned to a rock as the legend states, Andrew returns cleansed and he affirms his role as a father. The traditional legend of Siwash Rock is interspersed throughout the contemporary drama. Told by Squamish Elder, Lawrence Baker, the legend confirms the lasting strength of traditional cultural values. An interesting attempt to make cultural values and traditions relevant to contemporary Aboriginal urban society. A DVD edition is also available. |
