Kwe! Hello!

My name is Asha Bear. I have a strong background in crafting narratives across different formats, including film.

Asha Bear on set for CBC New Indigenous Voices presented by the National Screen Institute. Photo: Courtesy of the artist.

As a young person, I made YouTube videos with my friends. At the time, without even knowing it, I was creating the concept, directing, editing, and essentially producing and promoting our videos. In 2021, I returned to school to pursue a Film Certificate at the University of New Brunswick, which truly ignited and nurtured my passion for film, particularly in writing and directing. Since then, I have participated in CBC New Indigenous Voices program presented by the National Screen Institute in Winnipeg in August 2023, and I have worked on shows such as O’Dons, Race Against the Tide, and Spirit Talker.

Film Still from A Walk in My Moccasins. Photo: Courtesy of the artist.

Recently, I received an artsnb Equinox grant to support the script writing of my short-film titled Whispers Around the Fire. In this script, four Indigenous teenagers gather around a campfire over Labour Day weekend, roasting marshmallows and sharing haunting tales. The story follows the teenagers as they share Wolastoqey and Mi’kmaq legends such as those of Kiwolatmuhsis and Apotamkin. The Kiwolatomuhsis, or the “Little People”, are said to play tricks or help people depending on one’ perspective of them; growing up, I heard countless stories about the Kiwolatomuhsis. The Apotamkin, a mythical river-creature, is used by parents and Elders to ward children off the water. Although I never heard as many stories directly about the Apotamkin, I was always aware of it.

Whispers Around the Fire mimics experiences that I had as a teenager, hanging out with my friends around the fire, hearing scary stories from my peers and sharing Indigenous tales. Many of my scripts and stories that I share are inspired by personal experiences I had growing up; they are stories that are very meaningful to me. As a young person, I have always yearned for a proper representation with which to resonate in the media. I am honoured now to be able to share stories from my life. What matters most to me is to ensure accurate and respectful representation of Indigenous experiences, as many stories about Indigenous Peoples have been shaped and told by non-Indigenous creators, often perpetuating harmful stereotypes like that of the “Magical Indian” or the “Drunken Indian.” I believe it is essential to have stories that genuinely represent the Wolastoqey and Mi’kmaq Nations, moving beyond a one-size-fits-all approach, as to highlight our unique humour, love, and the diversity of people inhabiting this territory.

On set for Kiwolatomuhsis. Pictured from left to right: Brandon McIver, Tallas Munro, Darrius Pirie, and Asha Bear. Photo: Courtesy of the artist.

In 2023, I wrote, directed, and produced A Walk in My Moccasins, a short story also funded by artsnb. This storytells the inner conflicts experienced by a mother struggling with substance misuse, while her daughter is pregnant with her first grandbaby. The mother must choose to continue on the path she is on or to change direction for the next generation. Reflecting on the creation of this film, I feel touched by the incredible dedication of everyone involved. I am especially touched by the contributions from members of my own community, Neqotkuk, where the filming took place. Their contributions made this project so meaningful. For this project, an entire cast and crew from New Brunswick was involved, another aspect of this production that deeply touched me. For some of those involved, it was their first experience in filmmaking, and others I already had the pleasure of collaborating with on previous projects. Every person involved in this film is now connected in some way, and that is exactly what I hope to achieve with future projects like Whispers Around the Fire; I want to build a strong community and create something truly remarkable together.

Cast and crew from A Walk in My Moccasins. Back from Left to Right: Darrius Pirie, Drew Gilbert, Asha Bear, Leah Francis, Jocelyn Peter Paul, Krista Beardy, Natasha Barlow. Front from Left to Right: Brook Bear, Carr Sappier-Paul. Missing on the photo: Waseug Nicholas. Photo: Courtesy of the artist.

Watch A Walk in My Mocassins here: https://bearbeadwork.com/pages/filmography

What’s next for me, you ask? I am currently working on a TV series called Da-Rezzi, which follows several young Indigenous people. It highlights our stories, struggles and everyday life on the rez. This project aims to portray the full spectrum of our experiences, both the challenges and triumphs. Da-Rezzi is also generously funded by artsnb, and I cannot express enough gratitude for their support in nurturing my passion for film and writing. I hope that once I finish this script, I will be able to move forward with filming both stories!

If you’re interested in learning more or collaborating on future projects, I would love to connect with others who share a passion for film or are eager to get involved. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at: a.bear1@outlook.com

—

Asha Bear is a Wolastoqey and Mi’kmaq multidisciplinary artist from Neqotkuk (Tobique), currently living in Fredericton on Wolastoqey territory. A beader since 2014, she finds solace and cultural connection in this traditional craft.  Asha has facilitated workshops for youth and young adults, sharing her passion for art and empowering others to explore their creative potential. Her intricate beaded earrings have gained recognition, but she is also eager to explore other artistic mediums and showcase Indigenous art in various forms including in filmmaking, storytelling, script writing, drumming, and singing.

Asha on the set of Spirit Talker in British Columbia. Photo: Courtesy of the artist.