Terrence HOULE
The Metrosexual Indian
2006
video projection

The short film The Metrosexual Indian questions the identity of 21-century First Nations people and where they fit into the world after colonialism.

The film opens with the main character looking at himself, answering his cell phone and drinking his cappuccino; actions often associated with the Metrosexual, a relatively new word describing young heterosexual males who have an interest in fashion and personal looks, and are often perceived as gay.

In the context of First Nations people the role of the male has changed since colonization but ideas imposed on men as providers and woman as second-class citizens still permeate many Indigenous cultures. The connotation of Metrosexual in relation to Aboriginal males is often closely scrutinized in rural reservation life.

Many Natives are moving away from Reservations to cities to find jobs. They develop a contemporary identity, but city life is also a culture shock. At the same time pop culture is appropriating native themes such as the mukluks and other fashion.

My work imposes a violent end to the protagonist, in what could be considered a gay bashing by a 'Kitsch Indian Gang' dressed in novelty Native American party favors. The violence is something that signifies a reality faced by all indigenous people in the world. Racism, internal racism, stereotyping and prejudice still exist. Violence is a truth that all First Nations people face; it's a truth that we as a people have lived with since European colonization.

The work features a soundtrack by Shane Ghostkeeper, who also plays the main character. His music exudes the contemporary aspect that Aboriginal people are trying to attain. The song accentuates the Metrosexual character and I think puts him in a better context as a 21-century young urban man.

I like to offer my audience a chance to experience the truth about Canada's First Nations People. I offer a view point not always taken by Aboriginal Artists and try to invoke more in my audience, to allow them to understand the experience some Aboriginals go through. The experience of struggle, survival and perseverance of urban Native people are often untold and stereotypes can create boundaries that inhibit access to this information. I find making work that is about uncomfortable issues is a way to open up dialogue about the truth and deconstruct the hard questions and answers to the harsh reality we live in.