Autry

     From the American Revolution to World Wars I and II to present day Iraq and Afghanistan, Native Americans have a long tradition of participation in the United States military. American military leaders recognized their courage, determination, and fighting spirit as early as the 18th century.  DEFENDING THE HOMELAND: NATIVE AMERICANS IN THE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES: is a documentary that brings their stories to life.  California's Pala Band of Mission Indians and the Pauma Band of Luiseno Indians have an especially illustrious history of military service.  DEFENDING THE HOMELAND showcases their emotional battles both overseas as warriors and here at home as veterans. 

“Spirit Warriors” chronicles the history, service, sacrifice and dedication of the Navajo veteran from World War I to Iraq. The Native American has been the first to volunteer and fight for their country, their land and their people in every major conflict since World War I. “Spirit Warriors” is the story of Americans who weren’t even recognized as citizens until they joined the US military and shed their blood on foreign soil. Like so many other American veterans, the Navajo veteran suffers from PTSD and neglect from a government that often refuses their benefits and barely acknowledges their service and sacrifice. Yet the Navajo remain true and loyal patriots.

     This 15-minute short documentary honors and features several members of the Santa Ynez Chumash Tribe who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces from WWII to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Through interviews, historical photos and film footage, viewers get to experience a little of what life can be like during military service.  Veterans also share what it was like to return home after service and provide advice to young people who ,might be thinking about enlisting.  Finally, the film confirms the sacrifice made by Native people in service to their country.

     Lois, a headstrong woman and soon-to-be champion grandmother, is anxious to share her good news with the volunteers of her monthly Support-Our-Troops bake sale. But when an Arab mother joins them, Lois's pride and definition of patriotism are challenged.

     Mikomiing is an Anishinaabe word for 'on the frozen water' a term often used when a commercial fisherman has gone out to check his nets. This documentary follows a day in the life of a fisherman in the First Nation community of Little Saskatchewan, Manitoba.

Is the word “Indian” a label for Canadian Aboriginals to reject or reclaim? In this short documentary, David Wilson hits the streets of Winnipeg to find out if people self-identify as “Indians” and why they do.

     Troubled teen, MARY, is returning to her home reserve from the nearby town where she works. While taking a short cut across a deserted part of the reserve, her car breaks down near the dreaded Indian residential school. While on the phone to her mother, residential school survivor CLAIRE, warns her to stay away from the school. Mary ignores the warning. She sees Father Kelly’s car and is drawn to the school with the hope of catching a ride to the village. Once near the school, the sound of a baby’s cry entices her into the building. She is quickly swept into a world beyond her reality, where she sees the past and for the first time understands the grief that torments her mother.

Buried Voices, a documentary directed and filmed by Michelle Steinberg and produced by Corrina Gould, details the struggle of Ohlone and Miwok people to protect one of their most sacred places, now known as Brushy Peak in Livermore, California. The video recounts how the East Bay Regional Park District (EBPRD) blatantly ignores the concerns of local Indigenous peoples, instead plowing ahead with the development of a public recreation area atop the site of multiple tribes’ origin stories. Weaving together interviews with Native individuals and a top official within the park district, this video inspires participation in the growing campaign to hold EBPRD accountable for the desecration and, more broadly, explores the importance of having Indigenous voices guide land stewardship.

Chebon wants to collaborate with one of his favorite writers to make an awesome film in this comedic story about patience, redemption and the lessons of working with a Rugged Guy.

     Joseph's Father is a traditional, yet contemporary Indian.  Their recent move to a big city provides for challenges that most kids in the big city learn at a much younger age.  Joseph's Father wants his son to push himself and not get comfortable with being stable.  It takes a budding romance to push Joseph into overcoming his fears.