Series 3

red girl rising

About the Film

Joyce Jonathan Crone—Mohawk matriarch, retired teacher, activist, Humanitarian—reaches forward into her community of Huntsville, Ontario, opening hearts and bridging gaps for Indigenous education.

Cinematographer

Sound

Lulu Wei

Rachel McLean

Editor

Pauline Decroix

Composer

Justin Delorme

Runtime

12 MIN

Kim Stadfeld, Faith Howe

Co-Directors, Co-Writers, Co-Producers

Producers

Rachel McLean, Lauren Grant

Laurels

download media kit

About the Directors

Kim Stadfeld

Kim Stadfeld (she/her), is an Anishinaabe artist (Ojibway/Métis/Icelandic) originally from Winnipeg currently living in Toronto. She is a proud member of the Brokenhead Ojibway Nation on Treaty 1 Territory. Kim is a bead work crafter, aspiring writer/producer and a video post production professional with over 25 years broadcast television experience. More recently, Kim expanded her voice as an artist at the 2020 Indigenous Storytellers and Spoken Word Artist Residency at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. In 2021, based on her work completed at the Banff Artist Residency, she wrote/ directed and produced her first short documentary called Kokum, with love. about her Ojibway grandmother Flora Bear.

Faith Howe

Haudenosaunee filmmaker, Faith Howe, landed behind the camera later in life after a career in marketing, fundraising, and education. Her first short Holiday Vengeance won Silver in the International Short category at South Georgian Film Festival. Her first pilot turned short, HotBox won People’s Choice at the Barrie Film Festival, her first animation Ode to Claire won a number of awards including Best Animation at Florida Shorts. The Nature of Healing, her award-winning first documentary, has been, and continues to be, an honouring and humbling journey, spending precious time with Survivors of the Mohawk Institute who courageously told their story. She is a descendant of Haudenosaunee ancestors of Six Nations of the Grand, Akwesasne, and Tyendinaga intertwined with Irish and Swedish setters.

Artist Statement

Faith Howe: There’s always a story behind the story. While there were many serendipitous moments leading to Red Girl Rising, it all began with a prayer Joyce had offered just weeks before we approached her. Kim and I, as emerging filmmakers, applied to Citizen Minutes through Hot Docs, eager to showcase Joyce Jonathan Crone’s incredible dedication to humanity. From our first hour-long phone call to 18 months of collaboration, I witnessed her unwavering passion—whether in her writing, radio show, events, or personal smudges. Joyce is a force of nature in a small package, proving that potential gaps exist only until someone builds a bridge. Her energy touched everyone involved, and we hope her inspiration splashes onto you too.

Kim Stadfeld: Red Girl Rising showcases the resilience, activism, and civic engagement of Haudenosaunee, Mohawk humanitarian Joyce Jonathan Crone. I first met Joyce at her Ribbon Skirt Making event in January 2023, celebrating Canada’s first Ribbon Skirt Day. Her passion, energy, and commitment to community education were instantly inspiring. The biggest challenge was choosing which of her many incredible projects to highlight. As Canada continues its journey of Truth and Reconciliation, I hope this film inspires action—Joyce is proof of what’s possible. I’m grateful to partner again with Hot Docs and appreciate their commitment to Indigenous narratives. Chi Migwetch to Creator for this opportunity. May Joyce’s spirit of compassion, faith, and justice inspire all who watch.