The Invisible Nation (2007)

In The Invisible Nation, filmmakers Richard Desjardins and Robert Monderie shed light on an often overlooked and marginalized group: the Algonquin people. These indigenous communities once lived in harmony with the vast territories they occupied, but their balance was disrupted when European settlers arrived in the 16th century. Gradually, their Aboriginal traditions were eroded, and their natural resources were exploited.

Today, only around 9,000 Algonquin remain, residing in approximately 10 communities. Despite their rich cultural heritage, they face immense challenges. Poverty and human rights abuses plague their lives, yet their plight often goes unnoticed. These Aboriginal people silently endure the threat to their very existence.

Desjardins and Monderie have taken it upon themselves to sound the alarm before it’s too late. Through their lens, they visit the last parcels of Algonquin land, giving these individuals a voice and revealing their unspoken despair. The filmmakers defy stereotypes and clichés, portraying the Algonquin not as invisible, but as resilient people with a turbulent history—one that demands acknowledgment and action.

The Invisible Nation serves as a powerful testament to the resilience, struggles, and resilience of the Algonquin people, urging viewers to recognize their existence and advocate for their rights. The film invites us to confront the uncomfortable truths and hidden despair faced by these indigenous communities, ultimately challenging us to see beyond the surface and acknowledge their humanity.