Dancing Around the Table, Part Two

Summary: Dancing Around the Table, Part Two charts the battle to enshrine Indigenous rights in the Canadian Constitution, capturing a key moment in Canada's history from the perspective of Indigenous negotiators. The 1985 conference, chaired by Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, was the fourth and final meeting to determine an amendment to Indigenous rights as defined in the Constitution. The provincial premiers again refused to reach an agreement with the First Nations, Métis and Inuit leaders, even though the majority of Canadians supported the inclusion of Indigenous rights to self-government. Director Maurice Bulbulian captures the pride and determination of Indigenous leaders and community members who refuse to back down on this historic opportunity to enshrine their rights, and the arrogance of the First Ministers who are fighting to keep power within the federal and provincial governments. The film takes us to Indigenous communities where ceremony and traditional practices affirm the connection to the Earth and its animals, and are the source of the strength and resilience shown by the Indigenous people around the table.