The films “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” received praise in their messages on feminism and history, but some Indigenous viewers have noticed the lack of representation, and misrepresentation, of Native people in them. ICT’s McKenzie Allen-Charmley interviewed Diné filmmaker, artist, and activist Klee Benally.
A historian says the moment for Indigenous productions in Hollywood might have peaked. ICT’s Mark Trahant spoke with Liza Black, a historian and the author of “Picturing Indians. Native Americans in Film, 1941-1960.”
The Pathways Indigenous Arts Festival was held at Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino on Pojoaque Pueblo lands. This was the third year of the festival sponsored by the Poeh Cultural Center. featuring artists, filmmakers, musicians, and more. Karl Duncan is its executive director.
Performer Raye Zaragoza has released her debut album “Hold That Spirit.” She is on tour performing throughout the country. Aside from that, she will also be performing in an upcoming “Peter Pan” musical, playing the role of Tiger Lily.
For the first time law enforcement in Alaska has compiled a list of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives. The Missing Alaska Natives and American Indians report shows 199 relatives went missing in the state between April and June.
The Cherokee tribe is investing in a long-term strategy for narrative storytelling. Cherokee Nation Businesses recently upgraded and rebranded its content hub as Cherokee Film. By continuing to share stories, Jennifer Loren, the senior director of Cherokee Film, Said she hopes to “create lasting change that will help diversify the stories we see in mainstream media.”
The Native Coalition of Colorado along with other Indigenous plant medicine activists are protesting the Psychedelic Science 2023 Conference because of their focus on plant medicines. The groups maintain that decriminalization of some psychedelics could encourage greed and the reckless handling and abuse of said medicines.
In Iowa, two sisters are taking action to increase diversity in a local election. Winnebago citizens Trisha Rivers and Jessica Lopez-Walker are vying for seats on the Sioux City school board.
There are currently five open seats and the general election is on Nov. 7.