NFB Collection
French Man, Native Son
199726 min 45 secFilm: Documentary
Direction: Monika Ille
Production: Gilles PéloquinColette Blanchard
When 16-year-old Jean-Luc Battuz met Lonnie and Theresa Selam's family on the Yakima Reservation in Washington State, he immediately felt he was where he belonged. Over a decade later they would adopt him as their son, and he would move to British Columbia in order to live near them. Though he is white and European, Jean-Luc's affinity with the spiritual values of North American Native cultures drew him into a relationship with the Selam family. French Man, Native Son recounts the unique exchange between Jean-Luc, now 28, and his adoptive parents. He will always retain his original heritage, even while actively participating in the life, responsibilities, and traditions of the family who have welcomed him into their lives.
Availability
Other versions
Subject categories
- Families > Adoption and Foster CareIndigenous Families
- Cultural Diversity and Multiculturalism > Immigration Experience and Social AdjustmentIndigenous intercultural relations
- Indigenous Peoples outside Canada > United States
- Foreign Countries > United States
- Social Issues > Young Adults
- Worldview, Belief, Spirituality Philosophy & Ideology > Ceremonies, Rites, Traditions
- Roles & Relationships > Family Life & Parenting Indigenous Identity
- Indigenous Peoples of North America (General) > Yakima
Credits
- director
- Monika Ille
- associate producer
- Gilles Péloquin
- producer
- Colette Blanchard
- camera
- René Sioui Labelle
- sound
- Philippe Scultéty
- editing
- Suzanne Allard
- sound editing
- Robert Poirier
- re-recording
- Shelley Craig
- music recording
- Louis Hone
- music re-recording
- Louis Hone
- music
- Martin Savaria
- André Gauthier
- participation
- Jean-Luc Battuz
- Lonnie, Sr. Selam
- Theresa Selam
- Tracy Selam
- Loren Selam
- Shelian Selam