Manataka American Indian Council
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Presents
FILMS OF THE FIRST NATIONS

Films By and About Indigenous People
Films for Universities, Colleges, Libraries and Schools
These selected films are available to the public on important subjects from Spirituality, Land Claims, and Traditional Music to Politics. These award-winning professional broadcast TV programs are some of the best in North America! Classroom rebroadcast rights included. Suitable for all ages
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- Quality Award Winning Films -
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Beat of the Drum
– Broadcast: BCTV The drum is the heartbeat of mother earth; to beat the drum is to match the heartbeat. As we sing our songs to the drum we "talk to the spirits". From rock and roll to electronic to traditional music. An upbeat, fast-paced program as four "high profile" Canadian First Nations musical performers and songwriters are profiled. A great fast moving program for all audiences - from 12 and up. 44 minutes $99.00 |
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Coming Soon! The Circle of
Life (The Medicine Wheel 2) –
in
production. A search for the ancient stone circles in Canada and
beyond. |
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First Nations Role Models
– Broadcast: BCTV A publisher, an educator, a Metis political leader and a fisherwoman / filmmaker are profiled in this unique examination of prominent First Nations people in Canada. As we travel from community to community we discover a variety of First Nations "communication" of philosophy and ideals. 24 minutes $99.00 |
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Indianer means native person in German. In Germany there is a group of people that hold Indian Powwows, that sing tradition Indian songs and that dance as traditional North American people. This is the greatest honor these people could show native people. That they believe in us so much they are willing to copy our culture and “be” us. This group of people in Germany is growing larger every year. This unique and very different program is suitable for anyone interested in just how our native culture is accepted and honored in Europe. 20 Minutes $99.00 |
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A day in the life of a traditional Amazon, Brazil Indian village. This one is great! Its like going back thousands of years to a normal day in the village – as the traditional native people prepare food, hunt, fish, build shelter from the rain. The color and the antics of the happy people as they just go through their lives. The program is rich with village culture and activities. From farming to school to traditional dance - colorful images and joyful emotions prevail as the villagers enjoy their community. The program is a must-see for all audiences to experience real life in a traditional Amazon Indian village. 40 minutes. $149.00 |
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Living In Two Worlds –
Broadcast: Knowledge Network |
![]() Making Treaties – Broadcast: Global TV
Award - Official Entry in the
American Indian Film Festival |
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The
Medicine Wheel
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Broadcast: BCTV An emotional story of First Nations spirituality told in the first person by a Cree woman from Manitoba. Visually moving segments highlight the Sweat Lodge and Pipe Ceremonies as she explores the timelessness and the meaning of the Wheel that may be at the center of native spirituality. The viewer learns, as our host learns, the significance of one's own personal spiritual journey through life and of brotherhood and sisterhood through the "teachings" within the Medicine Wheel. 24 minutes $99.00 |
![]() Native Women: Politics - Broadcast: Global TV
Award - Best Documentary, Native
American Journalists Association |
![]() The Residential Schools This inspiration and very emotionally moving program looks at the “other side” of the Residential Schools experience. As many First Nations “survivors” share their stories we come face to face with the fear, confusion and sometimes-hurtful experience that were the Residential Schools. Seen from a First Nations perspective we come to realize just what effect these schools have really had on First Nations people then and now! And we start to realize some of the healing that has begun as a result of finally facing the truth about these schools. A must see for all audiences. 24 minutes $99.00 |
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Reclaiming Our Children |
![]() Sleepdancer - Drama - Independent - (90 min.) Sleepdancer follows Derek Smith (Mark Wells), a half-Native American coroner's investigator, as he stumbles upon the mysterious Tommy Jordan (Rodrick Pocowatchit), a Native man whose father has just passed away. Tommy is vulnerable and doesn't speak. Through a series of letters, Derek unravels Tommy's story, and becomes infatuated with helping him while his own relationship crumbles. Sleepdancer is about love, loss and fractured Family. Great for all audiences. - 60 minutes $149.00 |
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Coming Soon! So Far From Home A moving story of two young native street-people searching for the meaning of their home.
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Coming Soon!
Totem Poles
A glorious
picturesque search for the meaning of the totem poles. |
![]() Vanishing Links - A personal and emotionally moving program about one woman's "return" to her spiritual roots and native identity. As this exciting story unfolds through the woman's direct experiences the viewer follows her journey and so travels deeper into her "emotional return". Woven together with riveting stories from Elders brought to life through stirring traditional art, dances, songs, and crafts. Vanishing Link explores the "link" to our elders and their native spirituality through the oral traditions while following a unique spiritual quest. The program is a must-see for all audiences and great for schools, libraries and classroom. 60 min. - may be viewed in two parts ($149.00) |
![]() Whose Land Is This? – Broadcast: Global TV
Award - American Indian Film Festival |
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