The indigenous communities across the globe have always been treated terribly, with no move to improve the situations they were forced into. While many countries like to pretend this doesn’t include them, this just isn’t so. Nahua-Canadian actress Nadia George is advocating to educate and inform the world about the indigenous water crisis happening in Canada (lack of water for indigenous populations in the US is a huge problem too). With COVID raging through the planet, this scarcity of water is a complete nightmare to an already very sensitive population. Nadia helps to spread the word about this water issue in the short film “Alongside the Water’s Edge”, which is a lyrical film that addresses the water crisis being faced by countless indigenous communities across Canada, before COVID. Please read our exclusive interview below to learn more about Nadia George.

Where are you based
I am based in Toronto, Ontario.

Rarely do we ever hear or talk about Canadian indigenous tribes. In the US, our history classes usually focus on indigenous tribes within American and Central American territories — Cherokees, Seminole, Iroquois, etc. Can you talk about your experience growing up? Do you think your indigenous experiences are similar or different to that of US populations?
I grew up not knowing much about my indigenous roots until around the age of 12; even then it was only brief discussions. I was not exposed to my culture until about 14 when my dad started teaching me about our ancestry and the importance of gaining stronger ties to it. I honestly cannot say whether they are the same or different. Each of us as individuals has a different path that we walk. If I was to take a guess, I would guess that the similarities come from the cultural genocide our people faced. Having our families torn apart, not being allowed to speak the language, relocations, adoptions, I think we are healing together. That is why I believe it is important that we unite together as indigenous people from all across Turtle Island.

Do you remember the first moment in film, television, or theatre that left a deep impression on you? What inspired you to get into film?
The inspiration came from two moments. My first was watching a young girl play Annie in a community theatre production. I remember thinking “I want to do that” and, so, at the age of nine, I did my first community play and was hooked. In regards to film, I remember seeing Benny and June in the theatre when I was 12, and being completely moved by Johnny Depp’s performance. I thought the idea of being in another world was interesting, and didn’t realize, at that age, that movies were not real. I had a really hard childhood… so the thought of being able to live a different life made me hopeful.

Can you tell us a little bit about your new short film "Along the Water's Edge"?
The film itself is focused on the ongoing toxic water crisis of our Indigenous nations. It also highlights what can happen if we don’t address the seriousness of this issue. We've already seen our people dying and being infected with viruses because of it. No one should have to live with toxic or unsafe water.

There seems to be a water crisis for indigenous populations across Canada and the US. Can you tell us a little bit about why this is?
Currently, there are a large number of Indigenous communities all over Turtle Island (North America) living with toxic and unsafe water. I’m not an expert in this field, but there are many reasons for this. One of the main reasons can be correlated to the forced relocation of our peoples onto lands that were non-conducive to a healthy living environment for anyone. Another reason is that Indigenous people have always been an afterthought to colonialists, and this systemic racism continues to be embedded in the discourses about Indigenous Peoples today. It has also been known that when water systems are built on Reservations, there are times where limited training is provided on the how to’s of maintaining the water plants. The way I see it, is that, our people continue to get band-aid solutions from the government, and little to no follow up or support happens afterwards; hence my statement about still being an afterthought. Addressing the water issue wouldn’t even be a question if this was a city like Toronto, or New York. In 2019, it was said that there are still 55 Canadian Indigenous Reserves living with toxic water. That has now increased to over 61 as of February 2020. Facts are Facts. It is not getting better but getting worse! If we look at the current state of our Navajo Relatives who are dealing with the COVID crisis, approximately 15% of their homes do not even have running water!

We like to say that the USA and Canada are First World Countries. I challenge that statement… The truth is that PARTS of the USA and Canada have first world living conditions!

This water crisis is especially difficult during COVID. Have the native populations in Canada been hit as hard as some of the ones in the US? How is your community staying safe during this time?
Much like our Southern Brothers and Sisters, our communities have been deeply affected by the Covid pandemic. This is not just about water, but all aspects of how Covid impacts individuals. Lack of mental health supports and health practitioners, and the current travel bans which prevent helping individuals like myself to enter vulnerable communities, etc., have greatly impacted our people. The suicide rates speak for themselves.

At this time, we are doing our best to check in on family members, and people we support. We have released information on social media platforms about where you can call for Covid assistance. PSA have been released across the country to help spread awareness. I personally was honoured to help create one for Influencers Motiv8 Can. It was exclusively indigenous individuals sharing their message on why it is important to keep our communities and elders safe.

Can you tell us about your work as an Indigenous Rights and Youth Advocate? Why is this cause important to you?
These causes are close to my heart. Having been affected by the lack of healthy role models and lack of accurate Indigenous representation in my young life encourages me to create the pathways I didn’t have for our youth.

Currently, I sit on the Board for the Child Welfare Political Action committee of Canada as an Advisor. One of my closest childhood friends founded The Child Welfare PAC three years ago. I joined in the same year it was created because I believe in creating better outcomes for our youth. I also like my friend and founder, have lived the experience with the Child Welfare System, and I see the system continuing to struggle to ensure youth succeed after care.

As for the Indigenous rights peace, I believe we have a right to be proud of our culture, to learn about it, and to share it. Being disconnected from my own Indigenous culture as a young child made it awkward to re-engage and I was unsure of where I fit in. I never want any indigenous child to feel that way, so being able to help promote empowerment of culture and healing was right up my alley.

Your work with organizations such as The Child Welfare Political Action Committee of Canada aims to help youth aging out of care. What does this mean and how is this being handled during COVID times?
The Child Welfare PAC is a federally incorporated not-for-profit that advocates for a progressive child welfare system and focuses on creating evidence-based policymaking, aimed at improving youth life outcomes. We do not engage in the front line work. Our work is in changing the policymaking so it is conducive to creating better futures for youth aging out of care. With that being said, the policy changes we are lobbying for are moving slower now with Covid safety protocols in place, but we try and maintain contact with the community leaders and keep pushing forward. Each year, we hold a lobby day at Queens Park, where we get to sit and speak one on one with the ministers and MPPs. Now, with Covid, we have to find different ways to connect. We hope that by the time our annual lobby day is held, that we can still do some of these meetings.

You also work with MotiV8 Canada. Can you tell us a little bit about this organization and why mental health and wellbeing in indigenous communities is so important?
Yes, I’m proud to say I am a Wellness ambassador for the organization Influencers Motiv8 Can. I joined the organization as an Ambassador in November of 2019, when I was approached by a follower on my Instagram who had worked with the Organization before. I was humbled that she thought of me, and I was eager to join the team. During our tour, we facilitated Wellness Film Workshops and Art Workshops, encouraging the youth to take the lead using cameras and sound equipment, writing stories, and painting, letting them explore their creativity in a safe and supportive environment. In both communities of Sachs Harbour and Aklavik, they facilitated on-camera documentation of the Elders and Youth sharing knowledge and traditions. This is an important part of the healing process for our people. With the high rates of depression, substance use, suicide and lack in quality of life, just to name a few, we need to let our communities know they matter, and they are loved and powerful. I love the work that MotiV8 Canada does, and was honored to join the team for their Northwest Territories Tour.

How do you feel the mental health of indigenous communities are doing with shelter in place?
I can see and feel that times are difficult for our people, but I also know how strong and resilient we are. We have been through so much. Covid will not stop us… We will continue to Warrior on!!

How do you stay creative while sheltering in place? What advice do you have for others to stay creative?
I try to spend more time in nature. It helps to inspire me. I also have been taking acting classes, and that allows me to practice getting out of my comfort zone and out of my own head. I suggest people seek what brings them joy, what they are passionate about, even if it is just reading about it. Engage with the people you love, who want to see you succeed. Not all of us are fortunate to have those people, so in that case I would say reach out for support. There is no shame in needing support. We all need community.

How are you staying positive during these times?
I surround myself with friends and family, I engage in hobbies and activities that interest me, and I challenge myself to find a way to better myself each day. I also give myself the gift of kindness, the gift of knowing it’s okay to not be okay all the time.

What is your motto in life?
“Your future self is excited to meet you”

To me, this is about not giving up, and knowing you are stronger than you think. I wish I could have told myself that when I was younger. It may have saved me a lot of pain, but I'm honoured that the Creator has guided me on a path where I can share that with others.

To learn more about Nadia George, please follow her via the below platforms:
Nadiageorge.com
Instagram: @nadiageorgeofficial
Facebook: @nadiageorgeofficial
Twitter: @nadiagofficial (but just started using it (laughs))

As for my films and productions:
Along the Waters Edge can be found on youtube and Vimeo
Camp Cowabunga, which is a Kids Show can be located on youtube as well or on CampCowabunga.com

Nadia George Sheds Light on The Indigenous Water Crisis