Reel Causes presents ‘Indigeneity,’ a short film program curated by Chris Reed with a focus on climate health. Drawing inspiration from activists preceding us, we will discuss the boiling point between modern tech realities and Indigenous land traditions. Where does filmmaking lend itself to these actions?

You Are on Indian Land – directed by Michael Kanentakeron Mitchell (1969, 36 min)
This short documentary was one of the most influential and widely distributed productions made by the Indian Film Crew, the first all-Indigenous unit at the National Film Board. It documents a 1969 protest by the Kanien’kéhaka (Mohawk) of Akwesasne, a territory that straddles the Canada–U.S. border. When Canadian authorities prohibited the duty-free cross-border passage of personal purchases — a right established by the Jay Treaty of 1794 — Kanien’kéhaka protesters blocked the international bridge between Ontario and New York State.

Director Michael Kanentakeron Mitchell later became Grand Chief of Akwesasne. The film was formally credited to him in 2017. You Are on Indian Land screened extensively across the continent, helping to mobilize a new wave of Indigenous activism. It notably was shown at the 1970 occupation of Alcatraz.

Mobilize – directed by Caroline Monnet (2015, 3 min)                               This short film, crafted entirely out of NFB archival footage, takes us on an exhilarating journey from the Far North to the urban south, capturing the perpetual negotiation between the traditional and the modern by a people moving ever forward.

Inkwo For When the Starving Return – directed by Amanda Strong (2024, 18 min)
Two lifetimes from now the world hangs in the balance. Dove, a young, enigmatic, gender-shifting warrior, discovers the gifts and burdens of their Inkwo (medicine) to defend against an army of hungry, ferocious monsters. Dove’s courage, resilience and alliance with the Earth culminates in a battle against these flesh-consuming creatures, who become stronger with each body and soul they devour. Inkwo for When the Starving Return is a call to action to fight and protect against the forces of greed around us.

A visionary stop-motion animated adaptation of Tłı̨chǫ Dene storyteller Richard Van Camp’s original short story, brought to life by Michif/Métis director Amanda Strong and starring the voice talents of Paulina Alexis, Tantoo Cardinal and Art Napoleon.

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Tickets are $15.00 at the door and $10.00 in advance at: Indigeneity – Universe

This is a ticketed event, but Reel Causes offers sliding scale pricing. Contact them at info@reelcauses.org for a discount code.