Native Americans on film have been primarily from the perspective of other cultures and by non-Native or Indigenous actors, however there are many films in recent memory that have not only highlighted actual Native American issues but have been created for and by Indigenous actors and creators, highlighting their own story from their unique perspective. The following films from our collection showcase this unique viewpoint.
Fiction
Arnold rescued Thomas from a fire when he was a child. Thomas thinks of Arnold as a hero, while Arnold's son Victor resents his father's alcoholism, violence and abandonment of his family. Uneasy rivals and friends, Thomas and Victor spend their days killing time on a Coeur d'Alene reservation in Idaho and arguing about their cultural identities. When Arnold dies, the duo set out on a cross-country journey to Phoenix to retrieve Arnold's ashes. Watch the trailer here.
An epic film made by and about the Inuit peoples of the Canadian arctic, telling a story of a crime that ruptures the trust within a closely knit group, and how justice is achieved and healing begins. Director Zacharias Kunuk and his writer, Paul Apak Angilin, collected oral versions of an Inuit legend from several elders, collated them into a story, submitted the story to the elders for suggestions and then filmed it as a collaborative expression. Watch the trailer here.
Red Crow Mi'kmaq reservation, 1976: By government decree, every Indian child under the age of 16 must attend residential school. In the kingdom of the Crow, that means imprisonment at St. Dymphna's. That means being at the mercy of "Popper", the sadistic Indian agent who runs the school. When 15 year old Aila sells enough dope to pay her way out of the school and her money is stolen, her only options are to run or fight… and Mi’gMaq don’t run. Watch the trailer here.
On a beautiful, desolate Navajo reservation in New Mexico, three young people – a college-bound devout Christian; a rebellious and angry father-to-be; and a promiscuous trans-woman – search for love and acceptance. As the three find their lives becoming more complicated and their troubles growing, their paths intersect. Watch the trailer here.
Based on a book with the same name by Richard Wagamese, this film follows the life of Native Canadian Saul Indian Horse as he survives residential school and life amongst the racism of the 1970s. A talented hockey player, Saul must find his own path as he battles stereotypes and alcoholism. Watch the trailer here.
Based on the life of famous Chickasaw Actress Mary Frances Thompson, we watch as Te Ata set her sights on Broadway and what she thought was her life's dream. Audition after audition she was rejected and began to wonder if she was cut out for the bright lights. As time goes on and she perseveres, she becomes the famed Te Ata, a woman who will traverse cultural barriers to become of the greatest Native American performers of all time. Watch the trailer here.
Older Than America (2008) Not Rated
A woman's haunting visions reveal a Catholic priest's sinister plot to silence her mother from speaking the truth about the atrocities that took place at her Native American boarding school. A contemporary drama of suspense, this movie delves into the lasting impact of the cultural genocide and loss of identity that occurred at these institutions across the United States and Canada. Watch the trailer here.
Non-Fiction
Travelling through the heartland of America, Cree filmmaker Neil Diamond looks at the myth of ‘the Injun’ has influenced the world’s understanding – and misunderstanding – of Native America. Film includes interviews with Native American actors Adam Beach, Graham Greene and filmmakers Jim Jarmusch and Clint Eastwood, amongst others. Watch the trailer here.
This May Be The Last Time (2017) Rated PG
This documentary traces the heartfelt journey of award-winning filmmaker Sterlin Harjo as he interweaves the tale of a mysterious death in 1962 with the rich history of the powerful hymns that have united Native American communities in time of worship, joy, tragedy, and hope. This illuminating document takes us on an epic tour as we travel with the power of music. Watch the trailer here.
The film traces poet John Trudell's life from his childhood in Omaha, Nebraska, through his role as one of leaders of the Occupation of Alcatraz and Radio Free Alcatraz in 1969, to serving as Chairman of the American Indian Movement from 1973-1979. It also covers his rebirth as a poet after his wife died in a house fire suspected as arson. Watch the trailer here.
This revelatory documentary brings to light the profound and overlooked influence of Indigenous people on popular music in North America. The films focuses on music icons like Link Wray, Jimi Hendrix, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Taboo (The Black Eyed Peas), Charley Patton, Mildred Bailey, Jesse Ed Davis, Robbie Robertson, and Randy Castillo. Watch the trailer here.
We Shall Remain (2009) Not Rated
In this five-part, seven and a half hour long docuseries by PBS, we explore the history of Native Americans spanning the 17th century to the 20th century. These documentaries tell the story of the Native Americans' perspective, upending two-dimensional stereotypes of American Indians as simply ferocious warriors or peaceable lovers of the land. Watch the trailer here.
A transgender Hawaiian school teacher inspires a girl to follow her desires and lead the school's male hula troupe despite the teacher being unable to find a committed relationship and companionship in her own life. Watch the trailer here.