LIttlesky:

A legacy of community resilience

“Littlesky” follows Rod and Margit Bandura putting on their show, ‘Music For the People’ at the pow-wow grounds beside the Kamloops Indian Residential School. Their show is a bastion for hope and healing in a community that has been finding ways of coming together since the confirmation of 200 bodies of indigenous children in unmarked graves at the site of the school; this initial confirmation led the search which has now found the suspected sites of up to 3,000 children across the country. 

Bringing together a string symphony in combination with a six-piece native drumming group, the show is a wild success and brings together people in the city of Kamloops. The documentary combines this story with the recounts of other locals with connections to the residential school addressing topics of shame, substance abuse, pride, belonging, and the healing powers of music and nature.

World Press Photo Contest Winner 2022, 'Kamloops Residential School', Amber Bracken. For the New York Times

However, the tragic passing of Rod ‘Littlesky’ Bandura in January 2024 means that the future of ‘Music For The People’ is uncertain. The documentary shifts focus to the emerging musical talent of indigenous artists across Canada to continue Little Sky’s legacy by coming together for a third annual ‘Music For The People’ event. Through the lens of Native Story, the documentary reflects on climate change, cultural resilience, and the pursuit of a harmonious existence.

The documentary production is proud to be continuing the fundraising efforts of ‘Music For The People’ by contributing a portion of profits to their chosen cause, the Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS). IRSSS provides important support services for those affected by the Indian Residential Schools across Canada. Learn more about them on their website here.

Rod & Margit

CAST

  • ROD 'LITTLESKY' BANDURA

    MUSICIAN

  • CHIEF RHONDA LARRABEE

    ROD’S SISTER & CHIEF OF QAYQAYT FIRST NATION IN BRITISH COLUMBIA

  • MARGIT BANDURA

    ROD’S WIFE, MUSICIAN

  • RYAN DENEAULT

    FOUNDER, ‘BETWEEN TWO WORLDS’

  • BARBARA WHISKEYJACK

    MISSING AND MURDERED WOMEN AND GIRLS COORDINATOR - IRSSS

  • KENTHEN THOMAS

    STORYTELLER

  • TIM KUPCHUK

    KAMLOOPS LOCAL

The Team

  • Benjamin Webster

    Director, writer, & producer.

  • Gabriel Archie

    Gabriel Archie

    Writer

  • TAM DUONG

    Director of photography & editor.

  • Shay Paul

    Art director & visual artist

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