Friends and family are remembering an Indigenous filmmaker and actor described by her family as a trailblazer after she died at an Alberta rodeo.
Georgina Lightning was at the race track on Enoch Cree Nation, located on the west edge of Edmonton, on Saturday night when she was hit by a horse.
RCMP confirmed a woman died after a horse veered off the track and struck her. Lightning’s family confirmed the filmmaker was the victim.
“I am shattered in every way possible,” Crystle Lightning, Georgina’s daughter, said on Facebook late Saturday.
“I have lost my mother, my sons Kohkum, my matriarch, my role model, my confidant. That’s all I can say right now.
“I’m wrecked.”
Lightning was in a designated media area when the incident happened, police said. She died at the track.
In a statement, Enoch Cree Nation said the community was in mourning following the loss of one of its members during the evening’s Indian relay event at the Enoch Rodeo Grounds on Saturday.
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“Chief and Council extend our most sincere condolences to the family,” a statement from the office of Chief Cody Thomas. “Our community is grieving, and we are holding them in our thoughts and prayers.”
The nation also said it was working with authorities as they conduct their investigation.
Lightning was at the track for an upcoming documentary.
The 63-year-old filmmaker was a member of Samson First Nation, one of the communities that makes up Maskwacis about 100 kilometres south of Edmonton.
Janine Windolph, director of Indigenous Arts at the Banff Centre, said in a post on Facebook she was shocked to hear about Lightning’s death.
“She was an amazing talent, a matriarch and a supportive woman,” Windolph said. “No words… doesn’t feel real.
“Sending love and prayers to everyone who loved Georgina.”
Windolph recalled hosting Lightning for “Decolonizing the Narrative,” a conversation series held at the Banff Centre. She said Lightning was also a graduate of the Digital Constellations Residency: Production and Post-Production.
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Tributes have been pouring in on social media for Lightning.
“Heartbroken to hear this news,” said MLA Janis Irwin (NDP – Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood). “I wish I had the right words. Rest easy, 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 the business I knew something was broken and early in my journey I came upon the legend that was Georgina,” Podemski wrote. “This tragic and sudden loss has rocked the entire Indigenous arts and cinema community to its core.”
One of Lightning’s friends, Roberto Mukaro Borrero, called the filmmaker a “true soul 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 barriers, opened doors, and used the power of storytelling to speak truths that too many had tried to silence. Yet beyond all she accomplished, Georgie was simply a beautiful and genuine human being: loving, spirited, funny, fierce, and unforgettable.”
RCMP confirmed Alberta Occupational Health and Safety has taken over the investigation.
The relay races were planned to go ahead on Sunday, with a tribute to honour Lightning and her family.
pos. good riddance.
hit by buffalo. karma.
To Anonymous – thanks for noticing. There may be hope for you yet. Lol
@Glen U R stewpud No, “Caucasian” is not a scientifically valid race, though it is still used as a legal and social synonym for “white”, particularly on government and medical forms in the United States.
@Dee Ironside. Great example of a human being are we?
My sincere wish is that her family finds comfort and that the unthoughtful rude commenters receive Karma.
Let me guess, standing along side the track, encroaching further and further onto it trying see the ponys coming towards them.
I have observed the same suicidal behavior from closed course rally races in Europe.
I call it stupid spectator syndrome, or triple S.
But do not worry, like in Europe, it is self correcting.
My sympathy to her family.
Anonymous -‘ you are a racist!
Race horses themselves regularly suffer broken legs, necks, and backs during races and training. Many horses experience exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage, meaning they bleed from their lungs. Severely injured horses are often euthanized right on the track.
ANONYMOUS – SAYS YOU?? wanna bet?? Caucausians ARE white and are a race & matter!!
BYE BYE ADIOS
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@Glen: White is not a race
If she were White, there would be no mention of her race but LET it be other and THAT is all we hear. WOW!!