Indigenous filmmaker Georgina Lightning mourns her family and friends: ‘Devastated’

Friends and family are remembering an Indigenous filmmaker and actor described by his family as a trailblazer after he died at an Alberta rodeo.

Georgina Lightning was at the Enoch Park race track on Saturday evening when she was hit by a horse.

RCMP confirmed that a woman died after a horse went off the road and hit her. Lightning’s family confirmed that the filmmaker was the victim.

“I’m devastated,” Crystle Lightning, Georgina’s daughter, said on Facebook Saturday night. “I have lost my mother, my children Kohkum, my matriarch, my role model, my confidant. That is all I can say right now. I am devastated.”

Lightning was in a media-designated area when the incident occurred, police said. He died on the track.

Enoch Cree Nation said in a statement that the community is mourning the loss of one of its members at that night’s Indian relay event at the Enoch Rodeo Grounds on Saturday.

“The Chief and Council extend our most sincere condolences to the family,” a statement from Chief Cody Thomas’ office said. “Our community is grieving, and we keep it in our thoughts and prayers.”

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The country also said it was cooperating with authorities as they conducted their investigation.

Lightning is on track for an upcoming documentary.

The 63-year-old filmmaker is a member of the Samson First Nation, about 100 kilometers south of Edmonton.

Janine Windolph, director of Indigenous Arts at the Banff Centre, said in a Facebook post that she was shocked to hear about Lightning’s death.

“She was an incredible talent, a matriarch and a supportive woman,” Windolph said. “There are no words… it doesn’t feel real. Sending love and prayers to everyone who loves Georgina.”

Windolph recalls hosting the Lightning for “Decolonizing the Narrative,” a series of conversations held at the Banff Centre. He said Lightning is also a graduate of Digital Constellation Residency: Production and Post Production.

Tributes have poured in on social media for the Lightning.

“Sad to hear this news,” said MLA Janis Irwin (NDP – Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood). “I hope I got the words right. Don’t worry, Georgina.”

Jennifer Podemski, a writer, showrunner, producer, director and member of the Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation, said on Instagram that Lightning was her first role model.

“When I got into this business, I knew something was broken and early in my journey I discovered the legend that is Georgina,” Podemski wrote. “This tragic and sudden loss has shaken the entire Indigenous arts and cinema community.”

One of Lightning’s friends, Roberto Mukaro Borrero, called the filmmaker a “true sister.”

He said they met in 2015 and immediately connected.

“Georgie was a shining star—a brilliant and courageous Cree storyteller, filmmaker, actor, producer, mentor, and tireless advocate for Indigenous Peoples,” Borrero wrote. “She broke down barriers, opened doors and used the power of storytelling to convey truths that many people tried to silence. But beyond all her accomplishments, Georgie was simply a beautiful and genuine human being: loving, passionate, funny, fierce and unforgettable.”

The RCMP confirmed that Alberta Occupational Health and Safety has taken over the investigation.

The relay race is planned to continue on Sunday, with a tribute honoring Lightning and his family.

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