Tom Jackson Travels to Attawapiskat

Legendary Cree singer, musician, actor and activist Tom Jackson visited the northern community of Attawapiskat as the last stop of his 2011 Christmas tour. He brought a camera crew with him, including Algonquin filmmaker Caroline Monnet, and here is the short, moving documentary they created about their visit.

Late last year Canadian media focused on the poor living conditions in Attawapiskat as community leaders and the Federal Government clashed. Tom Jackson decided to bring his music to the embattled community, to meet the people living there and to talk with Chief Theresa Spence. He shares facts on Canada's treatment of Indigenous people and his thoughts on the present circumstances as well as his hopes for the future.

"We as human beings must make change. We all need to bring awareness to the living conditions of the people of Attawapiskat. We can no longer let children grow up in unacceptable conditions or deny them the best opportunities available. Unfortunately the story of Attawapiskat echoes that of many First Nation communities in our home and Native land. It is unacceptable that we have 3rd world conditions in a country as rich and proud as Canada. I pray that there is a will and a determination to change for the better."

Watch Attawapiskat now: