*Nominated for an astounding eight Leo Awards and winner of two Gemini Awards!!!The Meech Lake Accord was intended to end the threat of Quebec independence from Canada. Under the auspices of Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, the accord would confer special status on Quebec in terms of their claims to nationhood and limited sovereignty within Canada ... BUT it didn't happen!
This is the story of how Elijah Harper, a reluctant provincial politician of native origin from Manitoba, killed the deal by saying NO! This video hits all the bases from Harper's early experiences with 'white' administrators and educators through his recruitment by NDP leader Howard Pauley and the influence of various native chiefs including Phil Fontaine. Dramatised portrayal of the various methods attempted to pressure Mr. Harper into changing his vote include coercion, threats, bribes and pleading. His reasons for refusing are explained in terms of the Accord's complete disregard for aboriginals' place in 'Canadian' history and governance. Was Elijah Harper a hero? To a lot of people he certainly was; to others not so much. This is a very revealing and provocative presentation of significant recent Canadian history.