Documentary examines the life and murder of Mi’kmaw activist

Yvonne Russo, an award-winning director and producer and member of the Sicangu Lakota Tribal Nation in South Dakota, delved deep into the life of Annie Mae Pictou Aquash when directing and producing the compelling four-part documentary, “Vow of Silence: the Assassination of Annie Mae.”

Aquash, a mother of two from Sipekne’katik First Nation, was a prominent member of the American Indian Movement (AIM) advocating for the civil rights of Indigenous peoples in Canada and the United States. She played a significant role in the 71-day armed standoff at Wounded Knee in 1973, which propelled the movement to the forefront of Indigenous activism.

Tragically, Aquash was executed in 1975, sparking suspicions of FBI involvement due to their counterintelligence operations within AIM. Two AIM members, Arlo Looking Cloud and John Graham, were eventually charged and convicted of her murder. The trials revealed a disturbing theory that high-ranking AIM members believed Aquash to be an FBI informant, leading to her untimely demise.

For Russo, the story of Aquash’s life and death was well-known growing up, as the AIM movement was a source of pride within Indigenous communities. When the opportunity to create a documentary on Aquash arose in 2018, Russo knew it was a story that needed to be told on a larger scale to honor her legacy and seek justice for her and her family.

Russo and her team meticulously gathered archival footage and conducted interviews with AIM members, friends, and family, including Aquash’s daughter, Denise Pictou Maloney. They also made a poignant trip to Nova Scotia, Aquash’s homeland, to immerse themselves in her world and capture the essence of her life.

One memorable moment during filming occurred near the Shubenacadie Residential School, where a woman who Aquash had cared for in Boston presented Denise with a beaded headband made by Aquash herself. This touching gesture brought Denise to tears, underscoring the deep connections Aquash fostered throughout her life.

The four episodes of “Vow of Silence” premiered on Hulu in the U.S. and will be available on Disney+ in Canada. Russo hopes that Aquash’s spirit and resilience will resonate with viewers, inspiring them to advocate for justice in Indigenous communities and honor Aquash’s legacy as a warrior woman who fought tirelessly for self-determination and Indigenous rights.

As the documentary sheds light on ongoing injustices in Indigenous communities, Russo urges viewers to unite and stand strong in the face of adversity, just as Aquash did. By preserving her memory and calling out injustices, we can honor Aquash’s legacy and continue her fight for a better future for Indigenous peoples.

Support is available for anyone affected by the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous people through a national hotline and government health support services. By coming together and amplifying the voices of those who have been silenced, we can honor the legacy of trailblazers like Annie Mae Pictou Aquash and work towards a more just and equitable future for all Indigenous communities.