“Who do you want to be when you grow up?”
A documentaryThe Native Culture plays a big part in the family dynamic of Indigenous people. Throughout history the culture has been under attack, much like the people and the land. The residential schools had an extremely negative effect on families and the generations that came after those, who survived. The abuse inflicted at the boarding schools taught these kids violence and to be ashamed of their culture. Drugs and alcohol became the norm to cope. Neglect, domestic violence and substance abuse, has led to the large number of Natives being incarcerated. This film brings these issue to life with the people who are trying to change the system and bring people back to the culture.
Chief (Colville Tribe) has been incarcerated for over 35 years. He met a Tribal Spiritual Leader, Francis Cullooyah (Kalispel Tribe) who showed him he could decide who he wanted to be. He started learning about his culture and became so immersed that he was able to teach others and lead them to the red road instead of being part of the iron house life. After reconnecting with a friend this documentary came to life. Brenda (director) and Chief grew up on the Yakama reservation but have lead very different lives. Teaming up on this documentary has lead to a podcast of the same name that hopes to reach more Native people and to be of service helping with the missing and telling the Native American stories of those forgotten.