Renowned Cree actor, radio pioneer, and cinematographer Buckley Petawabano, a trailblazer in Indigenous representation in Canadian media, passed away on October 19 at the age of 77. Petawabano, celebrated for his visionary contributions to Cree storytelling and communications, played a pivotal role in shaping Indigenous broadcasting in Canada across various mediums like film, television, theatre, and radio. His impactful work inspired a new generation of Cree artists and media professionals to share their narratives authentically.
According to Dale Cooper, director of the Cree Native Arts and Crafts Association, Petawabano was not only an actor but also a leader, filmmaker, and storyteller. Cooper highlighted Petawabano’s significant contribution in proposing Indigenous broadcasting to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), which led to the establishment of the Cree Radio Network, now known as the James Bay Cree Communications Society (JBCCS), serving the Eeyou Istchee region in northern Quebec since 1981. Cooper emphasized the enduring importance of telecommunications and radio in Cree communication today.
Petawabano, one of the pioneering Eenou actors (traditional name for James Bay Cree) on Canadian television, starred in notable shows like “Adventures in Rainbow Country” in the early 1970s and “Cold Journey” in the late 1970s, bringing Cree voices and perspectives to a national audience. Cooper praised Petawabano’s legacy for his instrumental role in showcasing Cree representation in the media, underscoring its significance.
Former Grand Chief Matthew Coon Come acknowledged Petawabano’s groundbreaking work in Canadian television, highlighting his pivotal role in increasing Indigenous representation on screen when it was scarce. Coon Come described Petawabano as not just a screen presence but also a respected community member known for his quiet strength, humility, and purpose, which inspired many others within the Cree Nation.
Petawabano, a survivor of residential schools, channeled his experiences into cultural storytelling and advocacy, with his life story serving as inspiration for the film “Cold’s Journey.” Cooper noted Petawabano’s substantial contributions to the Cree creative industries and emphasized that his impact will always be remembered.
In recognition of his lifelong dedication, the Cree Native Arts and Crafts Association honored Petawabano with the prestigious Cree Legend Award in 2013, later establishing the Buckley Petawabano Award in his honor. This recognition not only celebrated Petawabano’s influence but also aimed to inspire future generations of Cree storytellers and media creators to continue his legacy.
Cooper expressed that Petawabano’s contributions were pivotal in paving the way for others in the media industry, emphasizing his legendary status and the enduring impact he left on Indigenous representation in Canadian media.