Brad Langendoen

The documentary Custodians – A Story of Ancient Echoes follows the journey of a local community in Herschel, Saskatchewan during the summer of 2021 as they work to preserve and protect the pastureland, native grasslands, and important Indigenous artifacts found near the village. Upon discoveries of dinosaurs, marine fossils and significant Indigenous sites and petroglyphs on nearby farmland, an aging population of community volunteers come together to preserve the land and its stories including the Indigenous history, paleontology, and local ecology. “We have found a living library” says Métis Artist Jo Cooper who has spent the past 20 years in Herschel working alongside locals. The stories of the land and the echoes of the past form new friendships, unravel mysteries and model a potential for deep justice, reconciliation and healing between people and the land.

Reserve 107: A Path Forward presents a major update of the Young Chippewayan saga. This new documentary shares the on-going story of the Young Chippewayan band / Stoney Knoll First Nation as they work with Mennonites and Lutherans to right the wrongs of the past. Since the release of the original documentary in 2016, there have been some significant advances in the story, including visits to Ottawa, the development of the Stoney Knoll Interpretive Site, and repeated gatherings at this sacred meeting place. This 2025 sequel offers heart-filled inspiration and a thought-provoking model for other communities across Turtle Island / North America who want to pursue the hard work of truth-telling and reconciliation.