Bawaadan Collective presents the film series, Dasgegahdôha’! featuring three contemporary retellings of Hodinöhsö:ni’ stories told in the Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫʼ (Cayuga) language: Corn Husk Doll, How the Medicine Came to the People, and Hato:’. Developed through community collaboration with Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫʼ speakers and learners from Six Nations of the Grand River, these films are designed as accessible and engaging language resources, fostering community storytelling practices.

Corn Husk Doll tells the story of a young, beautiful girl who neglects her community responsibilities. Despite warnings from the animals, she becomes distracted by her own reflection and slowly begins to turn into a corn husk doll with no face. This story reminds us to be humble, and to fulfill our responsibilities to our families, clan, and community.

Hato:’ is a story about the transition of seasons and the passage of time from winter to spring. Hato:’—Old Man Winter—reluctantly faces the change as he is fierce and prefers the cold. Driven out by Spring, there is a battle between light and dark, cold and warmth, but the balance of both is essential.

How the Medicine Came to the People teaches us not to judge a book by its cover. An ailing man seeks help from a community that turns him away due to his appearance. Once he is welcomed into a home and given care, he reciprocates by sharing his knowledge of medicinal plants.

In addition to the screening, a panel discussion will be moderated by Alex Jacobs-Blum with Bawaadan Collective and the community collaborators. They will discuss the phases of production development, from scriptwriting to costume design to filming, and the importance of language revitalization.

Please note: the films are told in the Cayuga language and do not include subtitles or English translations.
(45 mins. Runtime)

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