Nadia George – Along the Water’s Edge

By: Jamie Steinberg

Q) What are the recent projects that you have been working on? 

A) Currently we are in the works for more delights from “Camp Cowabunga,” this amazing zany kids show that has everything from puppets to educational components to serious laughter. It’s based in the 1980’s and I play the new camp counselor Lily. It’s really neat because they include parts of my Mi’kmaq culture to my character and I get to share that with the world. The first three episodes are available on YouTube and at the Camp Cowabunga website. COVID has put a hold on a lot of filming projects. I’ve spoken to a few directors who want to work on projects … but the details are still hush hush for now. [laughs]

Q) Please tell us the premise for Along the Water’s Edge. What made you want to be a part of the film? 

A) Along the Water’s Edge is a short film that addresses the water crises being faced by countless Indigenous communities across Canada. Set in the near future, the film explores the potential impacts these crises can have on Indigenous people’s living in these communities should the issues continue to be ignored. I wanted to be a part of the message. It’s so crucial that these changes need to be made.

Q) What advice did director Jon Elliott offer that you took to heart while filming? 

A) It was more a sharing of information that hit home. Learning about what is happening right on the land we were filming on (Six Nations of the Grand River). The way that this community still has to get clean water and how daily life is because of it. The film explores the water crises Indigenous communities.

Q) With such an intense theme, what were some of your favorite scenes to shoot?

A) I really loved the waterfall scene. It represents the mixed feelings around the fear of immersing yourself in the water and the freedom when you realize it is okay. I also loved the scene I was in because it shows the realities of what our Indigenous Communities are facing at this moment. You see my arm covered in sores from contaminated water and this has actually happened to our people. Attawapiskat is an example of that and it breaks my heart to know that people can so easily ignore this.

Q) What do you hope viewers take away from watching Along the Water’s Edge? 

A) I hope they get the urge to become stronger allies and they join us in this fight for true equity. Clean water is an essential part of life and everyone should have access to it. It’s easy to ignore when it doesn’t affect you, so I hope we can connect with people through this film and get them motivated to create change.

Q) You are a part of social media. What kind of fan feedback have you been receiving from viewers? 

A) In regards to the film, people are responding well. I get a lot of messages saying how powerful and beautifully done it was and I get messages asking how they can help; which is great because that is what we hoped the film would do. As for me, personally, my fans are uber supportive! I get messages all the time encouraging me to continue doing the work I do and also messages from followers who say how my journey has inspired them. And I take that to heart because that is all I’m trying to do …. inspire and empower!

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of you and the work you do? 

A) Wela’lioq (thank you to all). I want them to know how much their support means. Their kindness continues to propel me forward. Most of all I want them to know that anything is possible and to remember if it doesn’t go to plan, you just found a way it didn’t work so try differently but keep trying!