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ABOUT

Littlesky follows the healing journey and resilience of the Kamloops community through music, honouring the legacy of local musician Rod 'Littlesky' Bandura. In the wake of the confirmation of Le Estcwicwéy̓ (‘The Missing’ - referring to over 200 Indigenous children's remains) at the Kamloops Indian Residential School in 2021, the "Music For The People" event has become a symbol of unity, cultural resilience, and hope. This gathering blends Indigenous drumming with a symphonic performance, fostering healing and connection in a community still processing deep generational trauma.

The documentary intertwines intimate moments from the event, heartfelt and revealing interviews, and Indigenous storytelling to explore the healing power of music, the preservation of cultural traditions, and the importance of language revitalisation in healing historical wounds. Littlesky highlights the significance of preserving endangered languages and traditions that are at risk of being lost, celebrating the enduring strength of Indigenous communities as we move towards healing together, rather than separately.

Music as Healing

Music in Littlesky is more than art—it is a sacred vessel for healing. The film shows how Indigenous communities use music and ceremony to address the deep wounds of colonisation and generational trauma, offering a path forward not only for themselves but for all who witness and walk along with their journey. Through the voices of Native artists and leaders, Littlesky emphasises the transformative power of collective healing and cultural preservation.

A Legacy LIVES ON

The sudden passing of Rod 'Littlesky' Bandura in early 2024 has heightened the urgency of the documentary's mission. As friends, family, Indigenous artists, and the broader community gather to honour Rod’s legacy, the film captures a poignant moment of reflection and renewal. The third annual "Music For The People" event symbolises resilience and determination, a commitment to keeping stories alive through music, culture, and language.

Revitalising Secwepemctsín

Rod & Margit at the Kamloops pow-wow grounds

A central focus of Littlesky is the revitalisation of Secwepemctsín, the Shuswap language, one of many Indigenous languages at risk of disappearing. Through interviews with residential school survivors and the last custodians of the language, the film highlights the vital connection between language and land. The effort to preserve the language goes beyond words—it is about safeguarding cultural identity and passing down wisdom to future generations, while healing the deep scars left by colonisation.

IMPACT

The impact of Littlesky extends far beyond music and language preservation. It delves into the importance of ceremony, cultural traditions, and Indigenous storytelling as a way to bridge the divide between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. By showcasing the healing power of music and the revival of endangered languages, the documentary serves as a platform for truth and reconciliation. It encourages viewers to confront painful histories, find unity through shared cultural practices, and work toward collective healing. The film offers a hopeful message: through music, language, and cultural expression, we can create a future where reconciliation is not just spoken, but lived.

CAST

ROD 'LITTLESKY' BANDURA

MUSICIAN
MARGIT BANDURA

ROD’S WIFE, MUSICIAN
RYAN DENEAULT

FOUNDER, ‘HEALING BETWEEN WORLDS’
BARBARA WHISKEYJACK

MISSING AND MURDERED WOMEN AND GIRLS COORDINATOR - IRSSS
JOHNNY BANDURA

ARTIST, ROD'S SON
CHIEF RHONDA LARRABEE

ROD’S SISTER & CHIEF OF QAYQAYT FIRST NATION IN BRITISH COLUMBIA
NORMAN RETASTKET

SURVIVOR, DRUM-MAKER.
GARLENE DODSON

SURVIVOR, ELDER, SECWEPEMCTSÍN SPEAKER & TEACHER
KENTHEN THOMAS

STORYTELLER
HENRY SMALL

MUSICIAN, ROD'S BEST FRIEND
JEREMY KNEESHAW

MUSICIAN
TIM KUPCHUK

KAMLOOPS LOCAL

GET INVOLVED

We are now seeking support to bring this documentary to life and highlight its essential themes for a wider audience. With post-production underway, we invite you to join our crowdfunding efforts. Your contribution will help us complete this meaningful project and ensure its distribution to a global audience, sparking vital conversations about resilience, reconciliation, and the shared human experience.

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The Team