The Loon’s Necklace
Posted on July 19th, 2009 by admin
“The Loon’s Necklace is a short that tells the story of how the loon got its distinctive band around its neck. It is the story of Kelora, a once proud medicine man who is now neglected in his feeble old age and blindness. Having saved his tribe from many dangers, Kelora seeks out his totem, the Loon, and asks to have his sight restored. The Loon gives him back his sight and in return Kelora places his necklace of magic shells around the neck of the bird. The film helped launch Crawley Films and is certainly one of the most successful “sponsored films” ever made. The sponsor, by the way was Imperial Oil and the film was seen for years in classrooms across Canada. It was Judith Crawley’s idea to use West Coast First Nations ceremonial masks to illustrate the legend. The Loon’s Necklace won film of the year at the first Canadian Film Awards. It was identified as a “culturally significant film” by the AV Preservation Trust in 2001.” (from northernstars.ca)
Duration : 0:9:55
[youtube DfUmSFVncPk]
July 19th, 2009 at 5:24 am
For me it was 55 …
For me it was 55 years ago. It left such an indelible impression; one of those stories I shared with the girl friend who is still my wife. When she was about 6, I took my daughter to my university’s film center to see it in 16mm! About 10 years ago, I chanced upon a children’s book of the story that I cherish. The beauty & grace, the powerful masks, the wholeness of Human & Nature still move me to tears. I & my 10-year old self are so grateful to be able to experience it again. Thank you.
July 19th, 2009 at 5:24 am
You are welcome!
You are welcome!
July 19th, 2009 at 5:24 am
Oh that’s awesome! …
Oh that’s awesome! I saw this once when I was in first grade (23 years ago!) and it struck me so that I never forgot it. I forgot most of the story, but I always told people what I did remember about it. I never thought I’d ever actually see it again. Thank you so much for posting this!!
July 19th, 2009 at 5:24 am
found that even the …
found that even the VHS version wasn’t available anymore. Does this mean even Canadian school kids are missing out on this piece of history (film-wise and native)? Tragic, if true.
Marilyn
July 19th, 2009 at 5:24 am
It sure feels good …
It sure feels good having someone acknowledge the difficulty factor! Good eye!
I found it for sale through Brittanica about ten years ago as a VHS. It was expensive ($60US) but I didn’t care–I wanted it and wanted to know if it was as big a deal as I remembered–it was.
When I went back to see if I could get a DVD, I
(continued below)
July 19th, 2009 at 5:24 am
my god, how were …
my god, how were able to find this? Even NFB doesn’t show this anymore.
July 19th, 2009 at 5:24 am
Those masks were …
Those masks were amazing, so otherworldly! Great post.
July 19th, 2009 at 5:24 am
this is lovely. a …
this is lovely. a story i remember being told as a child growing up in minnesota.
July 19th, 2009 at 5:24 am
We need more of …
We need more of this kinda stuff on youtube
July 19th, 2009 at 5:24 am
First Nations …
First Nations folklore.
July 19th, 2009 at 5:24 am
A great …
A great presentation of some interesting native american folklore.