'Everything We're Doing Here is for the Youth': Actor Adam Beach at First-Ever Elsipogtog Comic-Con

Adam Beach — the Anishinaabe actor best known for his starring role in the 1998 film Smoke Signals — visited Elsipogtog over the weekend to attend Elsi-Con.

The event marked the first-ever comic convention to take place at any First Nation in Atlantic Canada, according to organizers. “Everything we're doing here is for the youth,” Beach said, pausing from signing autographs to speak with reporters.

Having a comic-con in a Mi'kmaq community, he explained, “enables us to connect with the younger generation, and also the older generation like myself.” For Beach, who has been a lifelong fan of comic books, attending Elsi-Con was not only exciting but also meaningful, as it highlighted the importance of community engagement and cultural representation. He added that the event measured up to other comic-cons he has attended over the years.

Elsi-Con featured a wide range of attractions, including vendors, a cosplay competition with a top prize of $1,000, and a series of wrestling matches, drawing attendees of all ages and interests. The convention provided a platform for creativity, storytelling, and connection within the community.

Beach also revealed to reporters that he is collaborating with New Brunswick author Jason Lawson — who was also in attendance — to adapt Lawson’s 2024 novel into a feature film. The thriller, titled Jim Charles' Gold, follows an Indigenous guide and tracker who discovers gold in the Wabanaki wilderness. According to a summary of the book: “Soon, the woods were swarming with men who were willing to stop at nothing to learn Jim's secret, including murdering him and his entire family.”

In addition to discussing his upcoming project, Beach shared advice for young people interested in pursuing filmmaking and acting. He emphasized the importance of breaking stereotypes and creating authentic representation for Indigenous communities. “We are more than what people see us as,” he said. “We're not just cowboys and Indians.”

Beach’s presence at Elsi-Con underscored a broader message: events like this can inspire youth, celebrate Indigenous culture, and create opportunities for mentorship and creative expression. By connecting with fans and sharing his own experiences, Beach demonstrated how storytelling — whether through film, literature, or comic books — can empower communities and challenge perceptions.