Video transcript: Weaving Our Stories Terry Young

Video length: 5:34

The scene opens with a black screen with the words “Weaving Our Stories Terry Young” written in white.

Text displays: “Terry Young is a pipe carrier, keeper of Wolastoqey songs. He shapes ash baskets with the wisdom of his ancestors. As a Knowledge Keeper, he welcomes new Canadians at citizenship ceremonies, sharing the richness of his culture and the spirit of inclusion”

We see a background of dried ash under the text.

The scene transitions, and we see a set of hands. The top of the hands have tattoos. The fingers are weaving the base of a basket. We see the scene shift from the base of the basket to hands weaving the upper edge of the basket. The sides of the basket are now taking shape. A close-up of the basket is seen, showing the pattern along the side. The scene once again transitions to show the 2 hands continuing to weave the basket, almost nearing the end of the ash. Terry’s left hand, with a ring of his 4th finger and a bracelet on his wrist, is shown taking apart the ash in preparation for the basket.

Narrator: I am from a little, small community just outside of Fredericton, formerly called Kingsclear.

We see a close-up of the side of a finished ash basket, showing the weaving work and design along the side.

Narrator: My father is from Eskasoni, and Eskasoni is a Mi’kmaq community.

We see Terry Young walking toward us, on a bridge, both hands in his jacket pockets. There is greenery on the right side of him. Near the bottom left, the words “Terry Young” are seen written in white. As the camera zooms in, we see Terry wearing a multicoloured button-down shirt with a red shirt underneath and the different coloured trees directly behind him. The scene shifts to show Terry standing on a bridge, looking out in front of him. The sun is shining down through a tree behind him as his arms are resting on the metal barrier fence in front of him. There is water and what appears to be a waterfall directly underneath him. We still see Terry leaning on the metal barrier in front as 2 individuals walk behind him.

Narrator: I spent my summers at my aunts’ and uncles’ house, in Eskasoni.

The scene transitions to Terry looking off into the distance in front of him. The sun is gleaming down through a tree directly behind Terry. The sky is blue, with clouds. The trees are different fall colours, and a tall building is seen in the distance. The trees sway ever so slightly.

Narrator: In my language we say,

The scene transitions to show a woman and a man walking together. The woman is holding a leash, walking a dark-coloured dog away from us. The dog is in between her and the man. To the left side of the couple is a woman pushing a blue stroller. She is wearing a green jacket and black toque. The river is seen off in the distance, and there are coloured leaves on the ground, on both the grass and the pavement.

Narrator: “Wetapeqsultiyeq,” or it means “where we come from.”

We see 2 ducks floating along the water beside each other. There is greenery all along the water.

Narrator: It’s the place that makes us, our common beginning place.

We see half of Terry’s calves and his shoes as he walks in the fall leaves on the grass. He is wearing black and blue running shoes and blue jeans. As Terry walks, the leaves are ruffling underneath.

Narrator: And that’s what family is for me.

We see Terry’s back. He has his dark-coloured hair tied back in a braid. The braid is lying against his back as he walks away from us. Trees surround him as the sun beams through the trees.

Narrator: Growing up in a close-knit community,

We see a photo of Terry as a child. The photo shoes Terry with short brown hair; hair covers his forehead and ends around his eyebrows. He is smiling and wearing a red and blue shirt. We can only see from his shoulders upward. There are numerous items on the left, next to the photo.

Narrator: it really has given me a strong understanding

We see another photo of Terry as a young child. He has light coloured hair and is smiling in this photo. We see Terry from the neck up as he glances over his right shoulder toward the camera.

Narrator: and caring for my people, has given me a good connection to give them support and love. So I take those values with me

We see Terry walking among the trees and a close-up view of his right hand, which has a silver ring on the 4th finger. His hand ever so gently brushes a tree as he walks past it.

Narrator: everywhere I go. I don’t just pick and choose with them.

We see Terry walking toward us, looking off into the distance. The trees are in the background as the sun shines down between the leaves.

Narrator: They’re part of my everyday being.

The scene transitions to a view of the bright blue sky overhead. The fall leaves are swaying ever so slightly up above. We then see a close-up of the fall leaves as the sun peeks through, shining brightly.

Narrator: There are challenges growing up, especially being a

The scene transitions to Terry squinting, as if to focus on something out in front of him. The bright sun is shining on his face, and trees can be seen in the distance.

Narrator: gay kid in rural New Brunswick,

Terry is walking in a park, his hands in his jacket pockets, toward a bench off to the right side. Another bench is seen farther away. There are numerous green trees in the background and many fall leaves on the grass.

Narrator: where kids can be cruel,

Terry sits down on the bench in the park. His right hand is placed on the bench and his left hand on his lap as he looks off in the distance.

Narrator: kids can be mean, kids can be happy as well. So it was… it was a mix of both.

We see a close-up of the side of Terry’s face as he looks off in the distance. Green trees and the sun can be seen behind.

Narrator: But it is challenging because with the bullying

We see a close-up of Terry’s hands while his right hand spins the ring on his left hand’s 4th finger.

Narrator: that goes with it, it caused me to want to… to be better than that, but to be somebody good and to be somebody kind.

We see a close-up of Terry’s face; initially Terry has his eyes closed, as if he is reflecting. As his eyes open, he glances off in the distance as a smile begins to appear on his face. The shadows of the trees are seen on his face.

The scene transitions to an overhead view of the city of Montréal, where we see numerous large buildings, water and the horizon. The sun is rising.

The scene then transitions to a close-up of a red stop light and a pedestrian light showing a hand and a “0” underneath. The traffic light changes to green and the pedestrian light to the walking symbol. Fall trees are in the background.

We see high-rise buildings on either side and a light post to the left. We are glancing upward to the top of the buildings, above which there is a blue sky.

The scene then transitions to a blue sign with the word “Métro” and a downward arrow in white. We can see the fall trees in the background; some of the branches are bare.

Narrator: I moved to Montréal

We then see a blue, white and yellow transit bus driving toward us; it displays the route “104 Cavendish.” In the background are some bright yellow trees with a building directly behind them. We then see a grey, white and blue pigeon pecking at the ground, with numerous other pigeons surrounding it.

Narrator: 18 years ago,

We see an individual, from the knees down, with blue jeans and black shoes, carrying a red bag, walking along the pavement. There are rainbow colours painted on the ground.

Narrator: and I moved to Montréal

We see Terry walking up to Justin, who is wearing a white floral jacket, with a red and black cap. Behind them is a structure with numerous rainbow flags hanging from it. The rainbow painting on the ground can be seen going down the road. There are stores on either side.

Narrator: because I felt like I had to try something new. I had to get out of… of the… the small-town living.

Terry and Justin walk toward each other, smiling, happy to see each other, then they kiss on the lips and hug.

Narrator: I had to… to try to get to a place where it was different.

Terry and his partner are walking arm in arm down the sidewalk across from the metro station. A man is seen walking behind the couple.

Narrator: Because living in Montréal allows for anybody to be whatever they want.

We see Terry and his partner walking hand in hand down the street. We see from the bottom of their jackets to the middle of their thighs; the focus is on their intertwined hands.

Narrator: And that’s given me tremendous opportunities to excel and to grow and to succeed.

Terry and Justin walk toward us hand in hand. As they walk past us, we see 3 other individuals behind them, 2 in a red jacket and 1 in a black one. Numerous other people can be seen on the street.

Narrator: When I’m invited to a citizenship ceremony as a Knowledge Keeper

The scene transitions to Terry on stage with a microphone directly in front of him as he performs at a citizenship ceremony as a Knowledge Keeper. He is wearing a bright blue floral shirt with a red shirt underneath. A red curtain is seen in the background.

Narrator: and as a Knowledge Holder,

We see Terry looking on from the side of a stage as a man in blue jeans and a grey patterned shirt sings into a microphone and plays on an acoustic guitar.

Narrator: I always go into it with the understanding

We see a citizenship judge on stage speaking into a microphone and stage lights above her.

Narrator: that I’m welcoming people and that I’m giving people

Terry is looking in front, toward the citizenship judge, who is speaking to the audience. She is raising her right hand for the citizenship oath as the audience also raises their right hand. The stage lights above the crowd are shining toward the citizenship judge and Terry.

Narrator: love.

We see a group of people, some with Canadian flags, all with their right hand raised, looking toward us. We can see their focus is toward the stage. Some of the individuals are also holding copies of the oath.

Narrator: Canada, his heirs and successors.

We see the same group of people taking the oath of citizenship. The scene transitions to a side view of Terry looking off toward the audience; we can vaguely see the judge in the background.

Narrator: I want to impart onto these new Canadians

We see the clerk, the citizenship judge, Terry and another individual shaking the hand of a person wearing a bright orange shirt. Terry has cards in his left hand, and the person is holding her citizenship certificate in her left hand.

Narrator: that I am, that Indigenous people are here, and I get to be the 1st person to welcome them here to the land of our people.

We see a man with glasses and a suit walk toward the citizenship judge, shaking her hand, receiving his citizenship certificate, and moving to Terry to shake his hand. Terry hands him a card.

Narrator: I see that as a very respectful and… and powerful

We see a man wearing a brown turtleneck and jeans smiling and shaking Terry’s hand as he holds his certificate in his left hand. We can see the audience applauding directly behind him.

Narrator: opportunity for me to… to participate in.

We see a view of the audience, all focused on what is happening on stage. We can see a man wearing a white shirt and tie; a woman directly beside him wearing a black jacket, a white shirt and glasses; a woman with medium length hair directly behind them wearing a red sweater and white shirt; and numerous other individuals surrounding them.

Narrator: And now, it's my honour to introduce my friend and the First Nation representative who will open our ceremony.

The citizenship judge is standing on stage in front of a glass podium and a microphone, and is speaking in French to the audience. There are provincial and territorial flags alongside the Canadian flag on the stage. Terry is seen sitting in front of the Canadian flag; he is looking toward the judge with a smile on his face. The scene cuts to 2 women in the crowd listening to the speaker. One wearing a brown button-down shirt and a head scarf, and a second in a black blazer wearing glasses.

Narrator: Terry Young's message at a citizenship ceremony is an inclusive one,

We see the citizenship judge speaking at the glass podium into a microphone while Terry and the clerk sit at a table directly behind her. We see the flags. The words “Rania Sfeir, Canadian Citizenship Judge” are written in the bottom right corner of the screen.

Narrator: inviting us to respect others, to respect Canada's diversity.

We see a view of Terry, from the middle of his chest upward, at the microphone, speaking to the audience. It transitions quickly to another scene where we see a full view of Terry on stage, behind the glass podium, with the clerk seated at the table directly behind him. Terry continues to speak to the audience.

Narrator: As humans, we are all related. We’re all brothers and sisters. We’re all connected.

We see Terry speaking to the audience with an arrangement of feathers resting on his left arm and shoulder.

Narrator: It's very touching, what he's saying.

We see a frontal view of a few members of the audience, specifically a man wearing a button-down shirt and glasses as well as a blonde woman behind his right shoulder listening to the speaker on stage.

Narrator: It's very touching, the way he delivers his message,

We see a side view of the face of a man in the audience as he grins while clapping his hands. A Canadian flag can be seen in one of his hands. Numerous other individuals are seen around him, clapping their hands.

Narrator: and you feel that he's inviting everyone to be part of this diversity

We see the judge and clerk on stage smiling alongside Terry, who shakes the hand of another woman who just received her citizenship certificate.

Narrator: where First Nation values and experiences

We see a view, from behind the people on stage, of the audience as they make their way on stage to receive their citizenship certificate. A man stands before Terry, shaking his hand with a smile.

Narrator: are essential to the national identity.

We see Terry seated beside the clerk on stage. Terry raises his arms to clap for the audience.

Narrator: I think it’s wonderful that Terry participates in these citizenship ceremonies. And I think

The scene transitions to Terry and his husband, Justin, now walking through a park. They walk hand in hand under an arch wrapped in vines. There is a person seated on the park bench in the distance behind them. The words “Justin Mahoney, Terry’s husband” are written on the screen in white text.

Narrator: Terry is the best person to do that, to be honest, because he has such a great,

We see Terry and Justin speaking to each other in the park. At one point Justin points to something out in front of him. As Terry turns to look in that direction, he begins to point to it himself.

Narrator: diverse experience and knowledge

We see a close-up view of Terry’s hands holding four needles from a white pine tree.

Narrator: of all kinds of cultures. This is something that comes from the heart.

We see Terry bring the pine needles close to his nose to smell them. He then moves them away from his face. We see 2 silver rings on Terry’s hands, 1 on his left hand and 1 on his right. Green trees are seen directly behind Terry.

Narrator: So to me, it makes sense.

We see Terry speaking to Justin as his right hand is turning in a circular motion. Both Justin and Terry are looking up toward the sky. Green trees surround them in the background.

Narrator: He wants to be the people that welcomes them, these new citizens.

We see Terry and Justin, now hand in hand, walking away from us down the path in the park. Justin’s head is moving from side to side. A black fence is seen to the left side of the couple.

The scene transitions to a close-up view of numerous pieces of ash used for basket weaving. It transitions again to 2 tools lying on the table. The tools are made of wood, with a metal piece nailed to the side. The scene again quickly transitions to the handle of a basket that has been woven with a design around the handle.

Narrator: Someday when my spirit leaves from here,

We see a close-up view of a basket woven together with a design around the top.

Narrator: I won’t be ashamed of who I am because I’ll have done good.

We see Terry showing an individual the beginning of how a basket is made. He lays the bottom pieces on the table, which is turquoise, and begins to weave the materials together. We see how Terry uses the smaller pieces to make the base of the basket, holding the side pieces together.

Narrator: “Posonutehke”: he or she makes baskets. And it’s talking about the act of putting the basket together.

Terry is standing in front of a group of people, explaining the process of making baskets. They are in a room with numerous desks, chairs and materials for basket making. A shelving unit can be seen against the back wall. The scene transitions to Terry sitting at one of the tables, showing the group how to weave the basket together.

Narrator: Something I’ve often thought about when I’ve made baskets is “how does

We see a view of the sides of the basket now being woven together and the shape of the basket coming together.

Narrator: it tie to my community?” Not just my family, but my community at large.

We see an example of a completed woven basket. We see it from the side view as well as from the top.

The scene transitions to a tool being used to pull the ash. The ash is being pulled away from the person as the tool is being pulled toward them.

Narrator: When I’m making baskets, you always have to start with the base

We see a man holding up a basket that is being woven together. He is looking at the basket as he places another piece of ash through the side. A safety clip is seen on the opposite side of the man holding the woven pieces together.

Narrator: to go from the bottom and work your way up.

We see Terry holding the flat pieces of ash being prepared to be woven into the basket. He pulls the pieces of ash straight out in front of him.

Narrator: And I guess I could equate that to a community coming together,

We see Terry’s 2 hands weaving together the sides of the basket. A bracelet can be seen on his left wrist and a tattoo on his outer right wrist.

Narrator: and those pieces of the ash, as we’re weaving them, they come in different colours,

We see a close-up of Terry’s face from the side as the camera shifts the view to Terry weaving the sides of the basket. Terry is wearing a blue with yellow stripes. He is holding a weaving tool in his right hand.

Narrator: the ash might be a little bit darker, it might be a little bit lighter,

We see the sides of the basket being dipped into a bowl of water. We begin to see the different colours of the ash; some of the pieces on the basket are darker and some are lighter.

Narrator: it might be heavier,

We see a close-up view of Terry’s face as he glances down toward his basket.

Narrator: but it brings to it uniqueness.

The camera shifts down from his face to the basket being woven in Terry’s hands.

Narrator: The weaving allows to say that when we’re tying each other into our baskets,

We see Terry with another man. Terry is standing and straightening out the ash pieces that are being prepared to be used to make a basket. A man is seated to the right of Terry with his back to us; he is wearing a blue-green shirt and a black toque.

Narrator: we all bring that strength.

We see Terry weaving together some more of the ash into the sides of his basket. We see his silver ring on his left hand and a glimpse of his right hand working on the other side of the basket.

Narrator: We each bring a part of it that says, “I’m unique and I’m different.”

We see a close-up of Terry’s face, grinning widely as he looks up from the table and over to the left side.

The scene transitions to a table with 3 completed ash baskets; 2 are on the larger side and 1 is a smaller basket. Each has a different design and shows the different colours of the ash.

On a black background, we see the department’s logo, a small Canadian flag with the text “Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada – Immigration Réfugiés et Citoyenneté Canada.” We see the Canada wordmark.