Martha Stiegman is a passionate and engaged community-media and documentary filmmaker. Currently based in Toronto, her work has screened in festivals around the world from Tunisia and New Zealand to Brazil. Her first documentary, In the Same Boat? (2007) explores alliances between Mi’kmaq and non-native fishing communities in her home province of Nova Scotia. Seeking Netukulimk (2013) is a lyrical exploration of the traditional laws that govern fishing in the Mi’kmaq world, and some of the political battles that have been fought to defend them. Her latest work, Honour Your Word (2013), is an intimate portrait of life behind the barricades for the Algonquins of Barriere Lake, an inspiring First Nation whose dignity and courage contrast sharply with the political injustice they face.

Indigenous struggles and non-native solidarity have been the focus of Martha’s film work, community-arts practice and academic research for more than eight years. She holds a joint doctorate in Communications Studies and Political Science from Concordia University, examining Mi’kmaq Treaty Rights and is a current Postdoctoral fellow with the Atlantic Aboriginal Health Research Program.

Artist Code: 929