Our Grandmother the Inlet is a poetic, hybrid documentary short—under 10 minutes—co-directed by Indigenous filmmaker Kayah George and Jaime Leigh Gianopoulos. The film explores the deep bond between Kayah, a young Tsleil-Waututh woman, and her grandmother Ta7a, daughter of Chief Dan George. Through intimate conversations and lush imagery, it reveals their ancestral relationship with the Burrard Inlet, regarded by the Tsleil-Waututh Nation as both their "oldest grandmother" and the birthplace of creation. [boldly.ca]

The film sensitively addresses:

• The critical role of water and land in preserving Indigenous identity and cultural teachings;
• Mental health challenges experienced by Indigenous youth in the face of industrial encroachment;
• The gentle reclamation of cultural connections—healing through story, place, and ancestral wisdom. [boldly.ca]

Visually rich and emotionally resonant, this short documentary is a powerful educational tool for classrooms. It invites students to:

• Reflect on the importance of Indigenous perspectives in environmental stewardship;
• Explore intergenerational connections and storytelling as methods of cultural preservation;
• Discuss the impact of colonial industries on community well‑being and the environment.

Suitable for students across upper elementary to high school, Our Grandmother the Inlet is ideal for units in Social Studies, Environmental Science, and Indigenous Studies. It sparks thoughtful conversations about land rights, environmental ethics, cultural memory, and mental health through an accessible and heartfelt lens.

Here are three options for SD36 viewing:

Interview and Film 45 min. recorded September 2025

Film (original) 8:45 min. contains one F-Bomb

Film (clean) 8:45 min. one F-Bomb bleeped out

Passwords available in the January 13th Weekly Memo, Teacher Librarian team, Digital Resource Team, and ILT/IGA team

Filming privileges have been purchased for classroom and school use.