John Ware's story is one Canadians, especially westerners, like to tell ourselves. It has been framed in a way that makes us feel less racist, especially in comparison to our neighbours to the south. Which is why Reclaimed is so fascinating. It manages to honour the real man while also deconstructing the myths, perhaps scratching below the surface of what life in the Canadian west was like for black people, a little more honestly than the legend of the black Alberta cowboy.
Foggo's exploration is a fascinating and entertaining. She makes the history and story so accessible and engaging. Through telling some of her own story as a Black Western Canadian, and tying that into the search for a more honest story about Ware, she brings to light a slice of life for Black Canadians, Black Calgarians, Black Albertans.
And the film also gives all of us a glimpse into our history. I learned a lot watching Reclaimed and there remains a lot to celebrate. Also a lot to learn from.
John Ware Reclaimed
Starring: Fred Whitfield
Writer/Director: Cheryl Foggo
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