Director Biography - Selah RayneSelah Rayne, from the scenic landscapes of northern Alberta, is a proud Mountain Cree, traces her ancestry back to the original people of Jasper. Beginning as a youth participant, she navigated her journey to becoming a former coordinator and presently holds the role of Creative Director at USAY. With a fervent passion for art, filmmaking, and tattooing as a side hobby, Selah meticulously oversees and manages all creative programs and events, leaving an indelible mark on the Indigenous community.
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Director Statement
Director’s Statement for "Sky Sisters: Episode 1, Justice System" In "Sky Sisters: Episode 1, Justice System," we embark on a profoundly personal and powerful journey alongside a team of Indigenous youth filmmakers as they explore the haunting stretch known as the Highway of Tears in Alberta,
Canada. This episode seeks to illuminate the critical issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), an epidemic that has left a stark void in Indigenous communities across the nation and beyond.
Our narrative is driven by the voices that know the pain and the struggle most intimately. We interview a variety of key figures: a former RCMP officer, an Elder, and most crucially, the mother of a murdered Indigenous woman. Through these conversations, we weave a tapestry of stories that not only shed light on the personal toll of this tragedy but also interrogate the systemic failures that perpetuate this cycle of violence.
The journey of our youth team is more than just a fact-finding mission—it is a pilgrimage of understanding and empathy. Each interview and every shared story is a step closer to the truth, revealing the deep-seated injustices that Indigenous communities face. The narrative we craft aims to push beyond the boundaries of traditional documentary filmmaking, incorporating creative visual storytelling and poignant narrative threads that resonate emotionally with our audience.
Our goal with "Sky Sisters" is not only to inform but to incite action. This first episode sets the groundwork for understanding the complexities of the justice system as it pertains to MMIWG. It’s about acknowledging the disparities, confronting the uncomfortable truths, and starting a conversation that can lead to real change. Through this film, we aspire to honor the memories of those lost and empower Indigenous voices, pushing for justice and
systemic reform.
This episode of "Sky Sisters" is an invitation to all—to listen, to understand, and to act. We stand in solidarity with the victims and their families and hope that our film acts as a catalyst for awareness and change. Join us in bearing witness to their stories and in taking a stand against the injustices that have remained in the shadows for far too long.
Canada. This episode seeks to illuminate the critical issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), an epidemic that has left a stark void in Indigenous communities across the nation and beyond.
Our narrative is driven by the voices that know the pain and the struggle most intimately. We interview a variety of key figures: a former RCMP officer, an Elder, and most crucially, the mother of a murdered Indigenous woman. Through these conversations, we weave a tapestry of stories that not only shed light on the personal toll of this tragedy but also interrogate the systemic failures that perpetuate this cycle of violence.
The journey of our youth team is more than just a fact-finding mission—it is a pilgrimage of understanding and empathy. Each interview and every shared story is a step closer to the truth, revealing the deep-seated injustices that Indigenous communities face. The narrative we craft aims to push beyond the boundaries of traditional documentary filmmaking, incorporating creative visual storytelling and poignant narrative threads that resonate emotionally with our audience.
Our goal with "Sky Sisters" is not only to inform but to incite action. This first episode sets the groundwork for understanding the complexities of the justice system as it pertains to MMIWG. It’s about acknowledging the disparities, confronting the uncomfortable truths, and starting a conversation that can lead to real change. Through this film, we aspire to honor the memories of those lost and empower Indigenous voices, pushing for justice and
systemic reform.
This episode of "Sky Sisters" is an invitation to all—to listen, to understand, and to act. We stand in solidarity with the victims and their families and hope that our film acts as a catalyst for awareness and change. Join us in bearing witness to their stories and in taking a stand against the injustices that have remained in the shadows for far too long.