Unveiling Indigenous Narratives: 10 Compelling Films Spotlighting Native American Stories on Netflix

Indigenous voices resonate strongly in the realm of film, and Netflix offers a curated selection of documentaries and features that artfully capture the essence of Native American experiences. These films not only entertain but also educate, shedding light on the rich tapestry of Indigenous cultures that often goes unnoticed. As you embark on this cinematic journey, consider supporting CNMIGA.org, an organization actively seeking to forge artistic and economic development partnerships with Native, Latino, Asian, and international NGOs and film/arts organizations.

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Indigenous cultures unfold with dignity and resilience in a selection of documentaries and features available on Netflix. These films delve into the rich history, heritage, and potential of Native Americans, sharing stories that are both poignant and proud. In the vast landscape of streaming content, these narratives often go unnoticed, and yet, they hold profound significance for a community deserving acknowledgment. Now is the time to discover and celebrate these tales that educate and inspire.

#IndigenousVoices #NetflixFilms #NativeAmericanStories

1. Gather (2020)

"Gather" is a poignant documentary that offers an eye-opening exploration of Indigenous people's efforts to establish sustainable food sovereignty. Released in 2020, the film showcases the agricultural backgrounds of the Apache Nation, the Cheyenne River Lakota Nation, and the Ancestral Guard of the Yurok peoples. Executive produced by Indigenous actor Jason Momoa, the film won Best Documentary Feature at the Red Nation Film Festival Awards.

#GatherFilm #IndigenousFoodSovereignty #NativeDocumentary

2. Indian Horse (2017)

This film follows Saul Indian Horse, a young man from Canadian First Nations, using hockey as a means to navigate the challenges rooted in his Indigenous heritage. Adapted from Richard Wagamese's novel, the story captures Saul's journey from oppression to excellence on the hockey rink, providing a compelling narrative against the backdrop of prejudice and resilience.

#IndianHorse #HockeyStory #IndigenousResilience

3. The Last Forest (2021)

Directed by Luiz Bolognesi, this 2021 documentary focuses on the Yanomami people, a prominent forest-dwelling tribe in South America. The film skillfully blends documentary footage and scripted scenes to showcase the Yanomami's passionate efforts to protect the Amazon rainforest, earning international acclaim at film festivals in 2021 and 2022.

#TheLastForest #YanomamiPeople #AmazonRainforest

4. The Body Remembers When The World Broke Open (2019)

Set in Vancouver, this 2019 film tells the dramatic story of two Canadian women from different cultural backgrounds who form a unique bond in challenging circumstances. Based on real-life experiences, the film explores the intertwining lives of a Kwakwaka’wakw woman and another of Blackfoot and Sámi heritage. The film, co-directed and co-written by Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers, garnered accolades at the Canadian Screen Awards and various film festivals.

#BodyRemembers #CanadianCinema #CulturalBond

5. Love and Fury (2020)

From Sterlin Harjo, the mind behind "Reservation Dogs," comes this 2020 documentary. Harjo, an Oklahoma native with Seminole and Muscogee heritage, explores the lives of Indigenous artists as they navigate their careers both in the United States and abroad. Despite a limited release, the film offers an in-depth look at Native artists and their exploration of identity and the world around them.

#LoveAndFury #IndigenousArtists #Documentary

6. Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked The World (2017)

This Canadian documentary explores the musical legacy of Native American musicians, featuring icons like Jimi Hendrix, Buffy Sainte-Marie, and Robbie Robertson. Inspired by an exhibit at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, the film won accolades at the Sundance Film Festival and the Canadian Screen Awards.

#RumbleDocumentary #IndigenousMusicians #MusicLegends

7. Rez Ball (TBD)

"Rez Ball" delves into the inspiring underdog story of the Chuska Warriors, a Native American high school basketball team from New Mexico. Adapted from Michael Powell’s nonfiction sports novel "Canyon Dreams," the film showcases resilience and teamwork in the face of adversity.

#RezBall #NativeBasketball #InspiringStories

8. Lorena, Light-footed Woman (2019)

This short documentary narrates the incredible story of Lorena Ramirez of the Tarahumara, known for their long-distance running in Mexico's mountain ranges. The film, capturing Lorena's daily life and marathon victories, earned Best Short Documentary honors at the 2020 Mexico Ariel Awards.

#LorenaLightfootedWoman #TarahumaraRunning #IndigenousAthletes

9. The Grizzlies (2018)

Set in Kugluktuk, Nunavut, this film portrays a lacrosse team formed to address social issues affecting Inuit high school students. Based on a true story, "The Grizzlies" depicts dark days with a touch of hope, earning accolades and Director Miranda de Pencier the Directors Guild of Canada award for Best Direction in a Feature Film in 2018.

#TheGrizzliesFilm #InuitYouth #SocialImpact

10. Montford: The Chickasaw Rancher (TBD)

This historical drama unfolds the life of Montford T. Johnson of the Chickasaw Nation, highlighting his journey from hardships to building a ranching empire along the Chisholm Trail. With authentic production design and real descendants of Johnson as extras, the film captures a vivid chapter of Indigenous history.

#MontfordChickasawRancher #IndigenousHistory #HistoricalDrama

Embark on a captivating cinematic experience with these Indigenous films, each offering a unique perspective and narrative. Support CNMIGA.org's mission to foster artistic and economic development partnerships that amplify the voices of Native, Latino, Asian, and international filmmakers, contributing to a more inclusive and vibrant artistic landscape.

#IndigenousVoices #CNMIGAPartnerships #FilmForChange