A Cree family with roots in the James Bay regions of northern Ontario and Quebec say they are happy to be able to show significant Indigenous representation in the last season of family quarrel canada.
The Wabano family was in Toronto last month to record in front of a live studio audience for season four of the show,
“We wanted to do this [to] show that there is room for Indigenous voices…for Indigenous promotion and awareness of the resilience of our people,” said Virginia Wabano of Mistissini, Quebec, who competes with her children Scott, Rick and Vicky, as well as her daughter -law Maroline.
The Wabanos have ties to the Cree community of Waskaganish, Quebec, and Moose Factory, Ontario, where Virginia grew up and raised her family.
Son Scott Wabano is an influencer and a rising star in the fashion world. Two-spirit wardrobe stylist, fashion designer, model and Popular TikToker who now lives in Toronto, Scott was recently named to The Globe and Mail’s Best Dressed of 2022 list.
“It’s important that we continue to show that Indigenous people are very strong and resilient people,” Virginia said, adding that the family wanted to do this to continue pushing the boundaries of Indigenous representation.
“A lot of times we don’t really see that representation in these types of games or in other areas like the fashion industry…like with my son Scott,” Virginia said.
Other Indigenous Representation
During the first three seasons of Canada Family Feud, seven indigenous families competed. For the fourth season, seven other Aboriginal families are in competition, including the Wabanos.
Scott coordinated the outfits the family wore during the tapings, which took place September 12 and 13 on CBC Toronto. The ribbon skirts were made by a Cree artisan Blacked Chelsea of the Moose Cree First Nation in Moose Factory, Ontario.
The family also wore beads by Kiana Oceana Nishinaabe woodland style artist from northwestern Ontario.
Scott made a call on social media for Toronto-area Indigenous people to join them for the tapings in September.
“Aunt Laughs in the Crowd”: Scott
“We would love to hear lots of Aunt laughter in the crowd,” they wrote.
family quarrel canada, like its American version, pits two families against each other to guess the most popular answers to poll questions. The show is hosted by actor and comedian Gerry Dee.
It was a natural fit for the Wabanos to participate because playing games is something they often do at family gatherings, Virginia said.
“We have always enjoyed watching family quarrel and we used to compete with each other when we were performing with the show,” she said.
For the application, the family had to pass a few interviews – both as a group and as individuals – and participate in a test game.
“It was great fun… We did it via Zoom and had to answer a lot of questions about ourselves, our family, our community and the activities we do as a family, fun things that happened in our lives. There are a lot of different things to question, says Virginie.
The Wabano family’s appearance on the show will air Monday, December 12 at 7:30 p.m. ET on CBC TV and CBC Gem.
Cree family shoots for ‘aunt laughs’ on Family Feud Canada – Reuters