Local News

WVC at Omak students present “Older Than the Crown” film screening March 5

Feb 25, 2020

There will be a screening of the film, “Older Than the Crown” at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2020 at the Omak Mirage Theatre. The screening is presented by the Associated Students of Wenatchee Valley College Omak Red Road Association. Admission is one non-perishable unexpired food item for the local food bank.

Prior to the film, there will be a panel featuring Colville tribal member Rick Desautel, historian Richard Hart and film director Derrick LaMere, with a time for questions and answers afterward.

The 30-minute film “Older Than the Crown” follows the trial of Sinixt tribal member and retired Fish And Wildlife Officer Rick Desautel, who was charged in 2010 with hunting as a non-resident and without a license in Canada, which he did not need per tribal law. Rick harvested an elk on the ancestral land of the Sinixt people near Vallican, British Columbia. To the Sinixt, hunting on their ancestral land is a right gifted to them by Creator, but the practice was made illegal in 1897. In 1956, to pave the way for hydro-electric development, the Canadian government unjustly declared the Sinixt people extinct in Canada, despite knowing that a large number of the Sinixt were living on the Colville Indian Reservation. The Desautel hunting case has allowed the Sinixt people to bring attention to their history of unjust treatment by the Canadian government.

“This documentary is a tribute to the strength and resilience of generations of our people who struggled against overwhelming colonial forces and fought for our very survival,” said Rodney Cawston, chairman of the Colville Confederated Tribes. “Having at least part of our story finally told is very gratifying. For well over 150 years, the Sinixt have sacrificed and lost so much. Rick Desautel honors all of our ancestors and this film is for them.”

“Older Than the Crown” is directed by Derrick LaMere. LaMere, Shelly Boyd and Meghan Francis are producers. The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation is the executive producer. This is a War Pony Pictures Production and copyright by the Colville Tribes of the Colville Reservation.