Télesh Métatash,
Queen of the woods
For most Innu, Télesh Métatash is a legend. Everyone who lives in Pessamit (a small village on the North Shore of Quebec) knows who she is even though they might have never met her.Téles his nicknamed Queen of the Woods, but who exactly is this incredible woman who lives in the forest, in the same way as her ancestors did?Télesh is the youngest of 11 children. Unlike her siblings, Télesh never received an education from the Jesuits. She spent all of her time with the adults, learning how to trap and hunt. Her life story revolves around her devotion to her family and a traditional way of life. Until now, Télesh has continued the way of life of her childhood and of her ancestors. She has become a living legend—people recognize her name across the North Shore and as far as Montreal. Now aged 85, this film is the story of the last Innu woman known to still be living an ancestral way of life, alone in the woods 365 days a year. From her tent deep in the forest, Télesh hunts, fishes and traps on her ancestral land.The time we spend with Télesh at her home explores the simplicity of her happiness. We are her guests. The film is an imprint of moments of her busy days, her hard work and the way she views life. We get to know the woman behind the legend and enjoy a truly unique experience in her company. Télesh reveals herself through her lifestyle, habits, talents, humour and solitude. We only stay with her a little while; yet long enough to fall in love with the legend that is the Queen of the Woods.
Watch Telesh Metatash,
Queen of the Woods now :
Movie Trailer
The last nomadic Innu, Télesh Métatash, lived her entire life in the woods on the North Shore.
Télesh Métatash, Queen of the woods, is an intimate movie that shares the knowledge and insights of this great woman.
" Today, after 15 years of work, I'm proud to present Télesh Métatash, la reine des bois. The film is presented in three languages, including French, English and Innu aimun. "
Schedule a screening
Télesh Métatash, Queen of the woods, can be presented in your organization, followed by a discussion with the director. The film is 48 minutes long, and the discussion lasts about 30 minutes. The film is available in French, English and Innu aimun. Please contact us for rates.
The story behind the scenes
Filmmaker, director, producer, visual and media arts teacher, I've always been drawn to the First Nations since I was a little girl. I made my first documentary film in 2001. An artistic and cultural exchange between my students and students from Pessamit high school. A large painted canvas will travel for a school year, and will be followed on camera. The film is entitled La toile magique.
Today, after 15 years of work, I'm proud to present Télesh Métatash, Queen of the woods.
The movie is presented in three languages: French, English and Innu aimun.
In the media
Le Manic
« Baie-Comeau – Quinze ans après le tournage de ses premières images, le film a été lancé, samedi, au sein de la communauté même de son héroïne à Pessamit. »
Charlotte Paquet, 8 mai 2019
Espace Autochtones
« Après plus de 15 ans de préparation, six ans de rencontres occasionnelles, 60 heures de tournage et un manque récurrent d'argent, Nikol Brunet a tenu sa promesse de réaliser un documentaire sur une femme hors de l'ordinaire surnommée la reine des bois.»
Anne-Marie Yvon, 20 mai 2019
La Fabrique Culturelle
«N’aie pas peur de l’ours qui rôde; il sait qu’on ne lui fera rien, les arbres lui ont dit», explique Télesh Métatash, grande dame innue de 85 ans, à Nikol Brunet, cinéaste qui l’a suivie chez elle, au cœur du Nitassinan.
Guillaume Thibault, 3 juin 2019
Testimonies (in french)