The Ballad of Crowfoot
Synopsis
Released in 1968 and often referred to as Canada’s first music video, The Ballad of Crowfoot was directed by Willie Dunn, a Mi’kmaq/Scottish folk singer and activist who was part of the historic Indian Film Crew, the first all-Indigenous production unit at the NFB. The film is a powerful look at colonial betrayals, told through a striking montage of archival images and a ballad composed by Dunn himself about the legendary 19th-century Siksika (Blackfoot) chief who negotiated Treaty 7 on behalf of the Blackfoot Confederacy. The IFC’s inaugural release, Crowfoot was the first Indigenous-directed film to be made at the NFB.
Release History & Theatrical Window
Source: IMDB (Chicago)
Festival / Special Debut
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Willie Dunn
- Screenplay & Story
- Willie Dunn
- Original Score
- Willie Dunn
- Original Title
- The Ballad of Crowfoot
- Country of Origin
- Canada
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 10m
- Production Studios
- ONF | NFB, Challenge for Change / Société Nouvelle
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Willie Dunn
Willie Dunn
Willie Dunn
Barrie Howells
Department Leadership Roster
Willie Dunn
Writer
Barrie Howells
Producer
Willie Dunn
Director
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
Parental Guidance Suggested.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Ballad of Crowfoot.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring The Ballad of Crowfoot.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Ballad of Crowfoot
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Ballad of Crowfoot about?
Released in 1968 and often referred to as Canada’s first music video, The Ballad of Crowfoot was directed by Willie Dunn, a Mi’kmaq/Scottish folk singer and activist who was part of the historic Indian Film Crew, the first all-Indigenous production unit at the NFB. The film is a powerful look at colonial betrayals, told through a striking montage of archival images and a ballad composed by Dunn himself about the legendary 19th-century Siksika (Blackfoot) chief who negotiated Treaty 7 on behalf of the Blackfoot Confederacy. The IFC’s inaugural release, Crowfoot was the first Indigenous-directed film to be made at the NFB.
Who directed The Ballad of Crowfoot?
The Ballad of Crowfoot was directed by Willie Dunn.
Who stars in The Ballad of Crowfoot?
The principal cast of The Ballad of Crowfoot includes Not specified.
When was The Ballad of Crowfoot released and how long is it?
The Ballad of Crowfoot was released in 1968 with a total runtime of 10m.
Who composed the musical score for The Ballad of Crowfoot?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Ballad of Crowfoot was composed by Willie Dunn.
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Ballad of Crowfoot?
The Ballad of Crowfoot holds official age classifications: CA: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested.).