On Tuesday, September 13 at 6pm, join Massy Arts, Massy Books, and Dr. June Scudeler for “We Are The Best Survivors”, an in-person conversation on Indigenous Horror in literature, film, and art.

Scudeler says:

nêhiyaw actor Michael Greyeyes asserts, “Who would be the best survivor in an actual apocalypse? Us. We actually lived through the apocalypse: the colonial settler state is another kind of apocalypse for us.” Although it may be surprising that Indigenous horror is having a moment right now, Indigenous writers and filmmakers use horror to draw people in to highlight the on-going effects of colonialism.

By using Indigenous ways of knowing like the Métis rougarou, a werewolf-like creature or setting an alien invasion film in Pangnirtung, Nunavut, horror is being Indigenized. At the event, Scudeler and attendees will explore some common horror tropes (the Final Girl, the Indian Burial Ground, and the wendigo) to appreciate how Indigenous artists are making the genre their own.

This event is free (although donations are welcome) + open to all of our community, and registration is mandatory. The gallery is wheelchair accessible and a gender-neutral washroom is on-site.

Covid Protocols: For all in-person events, attendees must provide proof of vaccination, wear a mask (N95 masks are encouraged and recommended as they offer the best protection), and consent to having their temperature checked at the front door. We ask that if you are showing any symptoms, that you stay home. Thank you kindly.

Donations from this event will go to the 2-Spirit Collective, an organization that provides support, resources, and programming for Indigenous youth, ages 15 to 30, who identify as 2-spirit or LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, gender non-conforming, along with many other identities), and for those who are questioning their sexual or gender identities.

Please be sure to register for this event.

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The Host

Dr. June Scudeler (Métis, she/her) is Assistant Professor in the Department of Indigenous Studies, cross-appointed with the Department of Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies at Simon Fraser University.

She received her PhD in English at UBC in 2016. Her research encompasses queer Indigenous studies, literature, film, and art. She is currently delving into Indigenous horror, particularly the Métis rougarou, a creature who is a mixture of French werewolf or loup garou, and Cree and Anishinaabe shapeshifters.

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