A Story and A Recipe

Created by Cassandra Cross

In a short film, a young lady from Kwakwaka’wakw nation tells her story as she learns to make smoked salmon for the first time. This film highlights aspects indigenous people face in the post-colonial world. From intergenerational trauma to food sovereignty, join us to hear and see how some of us endured the challenges and beauty of being indigenous, and the resiliency our culture will continue to have in order to protect our values and beliefs.  If you want to learn more about how we make our delicious food in an urban environment you’ve also came to the right place.  Recipe for the smoked-peppered salmon came from the filmmaker’s family who reside in the Haida Nation territories.

Haawaa and Gilakas’a

Thank you for watching our collaboration.

Cassandra Cross (Kaas)

Director and Editor from the Haida Nation

and

Linda James (Tlalipinga)

Speaker from the Kwakwaka’wakw Nation

About the Artist

INDIGENOUS FILMMAKER, SCREENWRITER, PHOTOGRAPHER, MUSIC COMPOSER

Cassandra “Kaas” Cross is a First Nations female artist with over 6 years experience working in the film industry as a Director, Editor, Photographer, Cinematographer, and Music Composer. 

Cassandra has previously produced promo videos, music videos and assisted with the creation of other people's content. She is currently in the post-production stage of her documentary “Mental Hellth”, where her and her co-producer bring to light the struggles of marginalized men and the effects their mental states have on themselves and their community. She has also completed a short doc called “Mural Life” and another short doc called “Dance With Me” for Telus Storyhive. 

Cassandra holds a Degree in the Arts and is also a certified drone operator. In 2020 Cassandra is now looking to enhance her experience through training and professional development that will assist in progressing her career forward as a professional artist.