In Anishinaabemowin, the word for movie theatre is mazinaatesijigan, which comes from the root for the word pictograph, mazinapikiniganan.
The Aron Theatre Co-op in Campbellford, Ontario (Williams Treaty territory), has established an Indigenous Circle to shape new Indigenous and reconciliation-focused programming at the theatre, and to help grow the Indigenous arts and culture community in Williams Treaty territory.
The group began meeting in September 2022. Founding members included Charlie Davis; Marsha Smoke; Hayden King and Skye Anderson with support from Heidi Schaeffer.
Aron Indigenous Circle Members:
Indigenous community members are invited to apply to join the Aron Indigenous Circle via this Google Form:
Apply here: https://forms.gle/g65WorHKrdKehamr8
For more information about the Aron Indigenous Circle contact: katie@arontheatre.com
The Aron Theatre Co-op
The Aron Theatre Co-op is a not-for-profit business owned and controlled by its 750 members. Co-op members participate actively in organizing and successfully running artistic and cultural events. The Aron operates with a triple bottom line, ensuring financial viability, community responsibility, and environmental stewardship.
Charlie DavisAaniin (hello)! Charlie Davis here from the newly formed Indigenous Circle at the Aron Theatre! Born and raised just up the road in Alderville First Nation, I visited Campbellford throughout my youth, usually competing in soccer or basketball tournaments. However, over the past year, the Aron has been a primary destination in your town due to its welcoming and unique atmosphere. Your theatre offers a beautiful cinematic experience and the teamwork undertaken to renovate the Aron is astounding to see!
I have always been fascinated by film ever since my first trip to the Cobourg theatre as a 5-year-old to watch The Lion King. Film continues to be a huge part of my life, especially when viewed on the big screen. In recent years there has been a noticeable influx of mainstream indigenous film and television. More freedom is provided to native actors, writers, and directors in Hollywood to tell their story. As an indigenous person who grew up on a First Nation this makes the films more relatable and believable. I have no doubt that there are local indigenous filmmakers who have talent and ambition in these areas and are only in need of an avenue to express it.
Although our Circle has only had a few meetings, there are plenty of great ideas being tossed around and we are excited to see how those evolve in the new year! Many thanks to the Aron for the opportunity to grow this Indigenous Circle and utilize the theatre as our base of operations.
Chi-Miigwetch (BIG thank you)
Hayden KingHayden is Anishinaabe from Beausoleil First Nation (with roots at Alderville First Nation). Hayden is the Executive Director at Yellowhead Institute, the co-founder of Ogimaa Mikana, an editorial board member of Zaagigin, and has been involved in Indigenous art and film for over a decade. Hayden lives with his family in Warkworth.
Heidi Schaeffer Heidi is a settler from Hungarian and Lithuanian ancestors. She moved with her young family to a reforested farm north of Campbellford in 1997. Heidi is the founder of Advancing Change Together (ACT). ACT supports groups, organizations, networks, and initiatives to work better together for equity-focused social and ecological change. Heidi provides support to the Aron Indigenous Circle and helps lead community engagement initiatives at the Aron Theatre Co-op.
Katie BeaverKatie is of Ojibwe and Irish descent. She grew up in Alderville First Nation. After high school, Katie completed a social work diploma on Vancouver Island. She then went on to take a joint degree in Communication and Community Studies on Cape Breton Island. Katie has worked at the Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre in Peterborough for 8 years and is currently a Healthy Living Program Coordinator. She loves the Friendship Centre and her role in helping the community. She also enjoys backcountry camping, biking, hiking and potlucks with friends.
Timothy SmokeTimothy Smoke is a Michisaagig-Anishinaabe from Alderville First Nation and is a Cultural Resource Advisor for Dnaagdawenmaag Binnoojiiyag Child and Family. As an active film enthusiast, he is excited to be apart of the Aron Indigenous Circle. Seeing indigenous storytelling through a cinematic lens brings to light a heart and truth that all Canadians should experience.
