Beginning in 1934, the United States celebrated Christopher Columbus' "discovery" of America, but the origins of the holiday, created by racial and religious politicking, have caused Americans to question why the explorer is honored while the Indigenous people who had been living on this land prior to his arrival are not.
As a result, many cities and states now recognize the former Columbus Day – the second Monday of October – as Indigenous Peoples' Day in order to rethink our perspective behind American holidays while celebrating Native American history and culture, paying tribute to Indigenous peoples and their contributions to our nation.
This Indigenous Peoples' Day, watch films about Native peoples and their unique experiences – exploring stories of life on and off the reservation, the healing powers of Native communities and the fight to preserve tribal lands.
NEW Scha'nexw Elhtal'nexw Salmon People: Preserving a Way of Life | Local, USA
Premiering November 4: Despite wildfire smoke and a depleting fishery, Lummi families fish for sockeye salmon. The film, which explores the deep spiritual and cultural connection between the Lummi and salmon, lifts values of respect, gratitude and sharing as they are passed onto the next generation. Through the Scha'nexw Elhtal'nexw, the "Salmon People," we learn that protecting salmon and this lifeway is a full-time job.
NEW Firelighters: Fire Is Medicine | Local, USA
Premiering November 18: For centuries, most landscapes in North America were shaped by fire between lightning strikes and Indigenous burns. Indigenous people had deep knowledge of the art of using fire, and still do today. FIRELIGHTERS: FIRE IS MEDICINE follows the work of women leaders from the Yurok and Karuk Tribes who are building resources to share indigenous practices and create policies to take back indigenous burning rights.
Generations Stolen | Local, USA
Available on PBS Passport, Prime Video and Apple TV+
As the Supreme Court rules on the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, Native American communities grapple with the lingering fallout resulting from a history of government policies aimed at stripping them of traditions and assimilating them into white culture. For decades, Native children were forcibly separated from their families – today, communities are working to overcome generations of trauma. A co-production with Retro Report. Watch a Meet the Makers converstion with filmmaker Sarah Weiser.
In Their Element | Local, USA
Available on PBS Passport
IN THEIR ELEMENT spotlights Indigenous leaders rising up to meet the challenge of the climate crisis. The film features four communities across the United States, each working to protect a different natural resource: earth, air, fire, and water. For people whose existence is inseparable from their native land, climate change is not a tale of the future – it is the present.
On Sacred Ground | Stories from the Stage
Available now online & on the PBS app
For Indigenous Americans, the idea of the sacred is connected to the land and traditional ways of seeing. Kevin Abourezk rallies his Native community to oppose a massive housing development on tribal land; Colleen New Holy's close relationship with her mother provides a front-row view of the judgement heaped on traditional healing; and Valery Killscrow-Copeland takes us on a hike...that’s interrupted by Bigfoot!
Sacred Circle | Stories from the Stage
Available now online & on the PBS app
As a symbol of life’s cyclical nature, the circle is important for many Native Americans. Rebekka Schlichting remembers and honors her aunt - the keeper of the connection between her people and culture; Charlie Perry, who has light skin and hair, works to be accepted by his fellow Potawatomi tribe members; and having struggled in life after going to prison at the age of 17, Levelle Wells finds a path to meaning, healing, and helping his Indigenous community.
The Blessing | America ReFramed
Available on PBS Passport
Lawrence, a Navajo coal miner and single father, struggles with his part in the irreversible destruction of his tribe's sacred mountain in order to provide for his family. Meanwhile, his daughter Caitlin searches for her inner identity amidst the expectations of her traditional father. Winner of the Native American Journalists Association's Best TV Coverage of Native America 2021.
Good Kind of Trouble | Stories from the Stage
Available online and on the Facebook, YouTube & PBS apps
In an episode inspired by the late John Lewis' pride in creating "good trouble" and standing up against unfairness, Maulian Dana fights to ban "Indian" mascots in Maine schools.
New Mexico | States of America
Available online, on YouTube & on the PBS app
Floyd Ashley is a retired educator who has spent his life dedicated to the Navajo people. During his years as an activist, teacher and community leader, Floyd has seen his share of struggles and dualities experienced by the Navajo Nation in the Land of Enchantment in New Mexico.
Circle of Life | Decolonizing Mental Health
Available online, on YouTube & on the PBS app
Drs. Dan and Rebecca Crawford Foster’s psychology practice discards Western psychology, embracing Native beliefs in the relational circle to help people heal so they can continue to be part of a joyful community bond that transcends generations.
Modern Warrior | Decolonizing Mental Health
Available online, on YouTube & on the PBS app
Dr. Rebecca Crawford Foster was concerned about what she would lose if she left her reservation to pursue higher education, but in fact, her elders encouraged her to go and seek that different wisdom, and bring it back to the reservation.
Shelby Rowe | Decolonizing Mental Health
Available online, on YouTube & on the PBS app
Shelby Rowe was 5 years old when her grandmother asked her to hide her Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood. Like her, many Native youth grow up trying to pass as white which, as Rowe knows as a suicide prevention advocate, has adverse effects on their mental health.
RETURNING HOME THROUGH TOGETHERNESS: HEALING FROM HISTORICAL TRAUMA
In recognition of Native American and Alaska Native Heritage Month, join Sandy White Hawk (Sicangu Lakota), Anitra Warrior (Ponca Tribe of Oklahoma) and BLOOD MEMORY director Drew Nicholas for a panel discussion exploring the effects of historical trauma endured by the Native American community in boarding schools and through adoption and repatriation with excerpts from America ReFramed films. Moderated by journalist and media critic Jenni Monet (Laguna Pueblo) and presented in partnership by WORLD Channel, America ReFramed and Vision Maker Media.
Tribal Sovereignty and Home: Celebrating Native American Heritage
A panel of Native activists discuss the Native foster care system, the environment, racial injustice, tribal sovereignty, women empowerment and native leadership, as well as what is happening in Indian country. Moderated by investigative journalist Jenni Monet (Laguna Pueblo).
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