Red Girl Rising @Hot Docs 2025

Ever since Citizen Minutes came to life at Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Film Festival, it has been a treat for audiences to take in the stories of Canadians making a positive impact in their communities. This year, director Faith Howe and Kim Stadfield have brought Joyce Jonathan Crone to life on the silver screen in Red Girl Rising. Crone is a retired teacher, humanitarian, Mohawk matriarch and activist who has made a strong impact in the community of Huntsville.

You’ve got to give credit where credit is due because Joyce Jonathan Crone is an inspiring force to be reckoned with. While her people and family have historically been traumatized in residential schools and in the current social construct, Crone has continued to fight for social justice and the right to be heard. Furthermore, she bridges the gap between indigenous people and other communities through positive education. Crone continues to speak to the children at school and serves as part of the indigenous advisory committee to the OPP.

Crone is known for spearheading the Orange Ribbon campaign, where every child matters. She went door to door to every business, hoping they would be part of that campaign and take in the Orange Ribbon. Most businesses were tentative at first, but now the whole city of Huntsville celebrates this nationwide event that happens every year on September 30th. It is because of Joyce Jonathan Crone, otherwise known as the Orange Ribbon lady, that we have this National Truth and Reconciliation Day.

All the work that she does for this campaign takes a lot of courage, strength and discipline. She could easily feel ashamed. embarrassed or victimized, but rather, she puts all of her heart into what she does. Whether she is leading a protest or talking on the radio, Crone shows up and fights to the finish. There is nobody quite like her.

This is the reason why Faith Howe and Kim Stadfield put this informative biopic on a female hero of the indigenous community. It’s the getting up and showing up for your people, and pressing for change in a non-violent manner. This process has won the hearts of many, not only in Huntsville but all of Canada.

To do it at her age also speaks volumes. She has put her foot down to say that enough is enough when it comes to the unjust treatment of her people. FERNTV only wishes that the whole country of Canada had known sooner of the past treatment of indigenous students in residential schools. Better late than never, as they say, but much has been lost in Crone’s history. This can never be replaced.

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