Indigenous / First Nations Stories

This seminal film, written by Sherman Alexie, follows two Coeur d'Alene young men on a road trip to retrieve the ashes of one's father. It masterfully blends humor and pathos, exploring themes of friendship, family, and navigating life on and off the reservation with authenticity and heart.

This critically acclaimed series offers a humorous yet poignant look at four Indigenous teenagers in rural Oklahoma who dream of escaping to California. It's celebrated for its authentic portrayal of contemporary Indigenous youth culture, humor, and the complex realities of reservation life, featuring a predominantly Indigenous cast and crew.

A prequel to the 'Predator' franchise, this film centers on Naru, a skilled Comanche warrior protecting her tribe from a highly evolved alien hunter. It showcases Comanche culture, resilience, and a deep connection to the land, offering a powerful and action-packed narrative from an Indigenous perspective.

This profound film follows two Indigenous women, one recently a mother and the other a victim of abuse, who form an unexpected bond. It's a raw and intimate exploration of trauma, resilience, and the strength of community, highlighting the importance of connection and mutual support in navigating difficult experiences.

Set in the 1970s on a Mi'kmaq reservation, this visually striking film is a coming-of-age story about a young woman seeking revenge against the corrupt Indian agent who ruined her family. It confronts the brutal legacy of residential schools and systemic oppression with a unique blend of dark humor and powerful social commentary.

Directed by Alanis Obomsawin, this documentary examines the devastating impact of the Sixties Scoop and the subsequent efforts by Peguis First Nation in Manitoba to reclaim their children and cultural practices. It's a powerful testament to resilience, cultural revitalization, and the enduring strength of Indigenous families and communities.

This epic film is the first feature film written, directed, and produced in the Inuktitut language. Based on an ancient Inuit legend, it tells a powerful story of love, betrayal, and survival, offering a deeply spiritual and visually stunning journey into Inuit culture and mythology.

While a documentary about the famed animator, this film delves into Miyazaki's deep respect for nature and his Japanese heritage, often drawing parallels to Indigenous worldviews. His films frequently feature protagonists who champion the environment and resist destructive modernization, echoing themes of land and identity.

This crime thriller is set on the Wind River Indian Reservation and deals with the harsh realities faced by its inhabitants, including poverty and violence. While helmed by a non-Indigenous director, it brings attention to issues of justice and the challenges faced by Indigenous communities, featuring Native American actors in key roles.

This stylish Western reimagines the stories of legendary Black outlaws, but also prominently features Cherokee and Seminole figures like Nat Love and Bill Pickett. It highlights the often-overlooked contributions and presence of Indigenous peoples in the historical American West, offering a fresh perspective on frontier narratives.

This New Zealand film offers a gritty and unflinching look at the life of a young Māori man caught up in the world of gangs. It explores themes of identity, belonging, and the cycle of violence, providing a raw and compelling insight into the struggles faced by some Indigenous youth navigating difficult social environments.

This film is a coming-of-age story set in contemporary Peru, focusing on a young boy from the Quechua indigenous community who grapples with tradition and modernity. It delves into the spiritual world, family obligations, and the search for identity in a rapidly changing society.