On Oct. 30, St. Thomas University’s Student Union (STUSU) brought Halloween thrills and meaningful discussions together with the screening of Blood Quantum, a Mi’kmaq-directed zombie thriller that stands out for its cultural depth.
Set on a Mi’kmaq reserve, the film follows Indigenous survivors who, unlike outsiders, are immune to a zombie epidemic — a striking reversal of the historical epidemics settlers brought to Indigenous communities.
Directed by Jeff Barnaby, the movie explores themes of resilience, history and survival, making it an impactful choice to share with students.
STUSU President Ellie Namit organized the screening with a dual purpose, to provide Halloween excitement while also educating students on Indigenous issues. STU Dean of Social Sciences, André Loiselle, also attended the screening and gave a short lecture on the movie’s history before it started.
“The timing works with Halloween because it’s a zombie film,” he said. “But the film’s themes also connect deeply to Indigenous history.”
Loiselle said he sees Blood Quantum as an engaging way to introduce students to Indigenous perspectives through a familiar genre.
“The goal is for students to appreciate how Blood Quantum uses the zombie genre to explore Indigenous themes, while also adding something fresh to horror,” said Loiselle.
By talking about the history of zombie cinema and Barnaby’s unique approach, Loiselle hopes to deepen students’ understanding of the film.
Following the screening, the Chancellor of STU, Graydon Nicholas, Loiselle and STUSU’s Indigenous representative, Tanner Augustine, hosted an educational panel. They offered insights into the film’s representation of Indigenous culture and identity.
Nicholas discussed the historical context, while Augustine shared his thoughts on the film’s cultural portrayal.
Augustine noted that Blood Quantum is unique for its authenticity, featuring Indigenous actors and being set on a Mi’kmaq reserve, though most actors aren’t Mi’kmaq themselves.
“It highlights the diversity within Indigenous cultures; it’s not a single story,” said Augustine.
Augustine hopes this event will spark a genuine curiosity among students, encouraging them to explore Indigenous issues beyond what’s shown on screen.
For him, seeing Indigenous languages and perspectives represented in film is a powerful step toward understanding Indigenous culture.
Loiselle emphasized the importance of events like this in creating meaningful connections to Indigenous culture.
“These events offer immersive, enjoyable ways to experience Indigenous culture.”
The Blood Quantum screening and discussion align with STU’s ongoing efforts to engage students in understanding reconciliation and cultural diversity.
“Rather than lecturing about reconciliation, this film brings it to life,” said Loiselle. “It’s an entertaining yet deeply political film that makes students think.”
Through this blend of cultural engagement and Halloween thrill, STUSU hopes to make the event both memorable and impactful. They encourage students to reflect on the complex history and identity explored in Blood Quantum.
By highlighting the power of film to build bridges, STUSU’s event underscores how storytelling and entertainment can foster understanding and appreciation for Indigenous resilience.
