The independent documentary film that opened this year's Hot Docs Festival - "Bee Nation" - will be presented on an outdoor screen in Harrison Park on Friday, July 21, starting at 8:30 PM. The filmmaker Lana Šlezić will introduce the film and participate in a panel discussion after the presentation. As part of the City's annuual summer Music and Movies series,  music before the movie will be presented by the Madwayosh-jik Boys Drum Group from Saugeen First Nation. Admission is free.

"Bee Nation" follows the inspirational stories of six students competing in the first ever First Nations Provincial Spelling Bee in Canada, immersing its viewers in the personal journeys, highs and lows of each student as they strive to make it to the National Championships in Toronto. This uplifting film transcends stereotypes and is an intimate portrait of family life on Saskatchewan Reserves. It will have everyone cheering and supporting these students with a deeper understanding and reminder that all children deserve a bright future.

To start the evening, Chief Greg Nadjiwon of the Chippewas of Nawash First Nation will present a Territorial welcome to the Saugeen Ojibway Nation Territory. Senator Ralph Wolf Thistle of the Great Lakes Métis Council will present the opening prayer, followed by the Madwayosh-jik Boys Drum performance led by Dan Kimewon of Saugeen First Nation. Mr. Kimewon is a Drum Keeper and a language teacher devoted to protecting and passing on the Anishinaabeg language and traditions.

The post screening discussion will be led by Ningwakwe George, an Anishnawbe Kwe from the Saugeen First Nation and a visiting Elder at the Saugeen District Secondary School. She devoted her professional life to education and literacy within the Toronto Board of Education, and to Indigenous adult basic education literacy programming. She is joined by filmmaker Lana Šlezić, community development expert Nimkii Bneshiinh Kwe (Daphne Johnston) of Neyaashiinigmiing, and Ali Darnay, a youth from Garden River First Nation working with the Indspire Team. Indspire is a charity that invests in the education of Indigenous youth and is the National Impact Partner of the film "Bee Nation".

"Bee Nation" is the second in the Indigenous 150+ Series being presented in Owen Sound. Indigenous 150+ is a film and conversation series dedicated to putting Indigenous voices centre stage and using films as tools for reconciliation. For more information see www.Indigenous150PLUS.com.

(Photo- William Kaysaywaysemat III competing in the 2016 Spelling Bee of Canada competition  - still from Bee Nation)