EMA's November Green Streaming Guide: Celebrating Native American Heritage Month
As an expression of acknowledgment, we have compiled a unique streaming guide that not only entertains but also educates to honor and celebrate Native American Heritage Month. Bringing to light films, series, and documentaries that amplify Native American storytellers' voices, we invite you to explore diverse narratives, compelling histories, and vibrant traditions.
As we immerse ourselves in this cinematic odyssey, we invite you to reflect upon the enduring legacy of Native American communities. These stories are not just tales from the past but living, breathing testaments to the resilience, creativity, and wisdom of indigenous peoples. Through the lens of filmmakers, actors, and creators of indigenous descent, we can gain profound insights into cultures that have thrived for centuries.
Our EMA Green November Streaming Guide is more than a list of recommended titles; it's a celebration of authenticity, a tribute to the enduring spirit of Native American heritage. Each film and series included here serves as a bridge, connecting us to the diverse traditions and contemporary lives of indigenous peoples. These five films and series tell Native stories by Native filmmakers.
Without a Whisper (2011)
Director: Katsitsionni Fox
Mohawk Clan Mother Louise Herne and Professor Sally Roesch Wagner unite to challenge the conventional narrative of the women's rights movement in the United States. Together, they unveil the obscured influence of Haudenosaunee Women on this pivotal movement, unraveling the hidden history. Delve into the untold tale of how Indigenous women played a significant role in inspiring the early suffragists' struggle for freedom and equality.
Watch on PBS.
The Mayors of Shiprock (2017)
Director: Ramona Emerson
In the close-knit town of Shiprock, New Mexico, a gathering occurs every Monday where a cohort of young Navajo leaders convenes to strategize on community initiatives. For more than seven years, the Northern Dine Youth Committee (NDYC) has dedicated its time to empowering young individuals, enabling them to contribute to their community's progress actively. Amidst their efforts to instigate positive transformations, NDYC members also navigate personal aspirations, familial responsibilities, and opportunities beyond Shiprock. Despite their deep affection for their community, they find themselves weighing choices concerning their paths beyond the reservation.
Watch on Amazon Video
Ohiyesa: The Soul of an Indian (2018)
Director: Syd Beane
In this documentary, viewers accompany Kate Beane, a young Dakota woman, on a profound exploration of her renowned ancestor, Charles Eastman (Ohiyesa). This film combines biography and personal journey as Kate retraces Eastman's remarkable life as a Dakota boy to his education at Dartmouth College, his medical career, and his advocacy for Native American rights, among other roles.
Watch on Amazon Video.
Words From a Bear (2019)
Director: Jeffery Palmer
Words from a Bear delves into the intriguing life and intricate thoughts of Navarro Scott Momaday, a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer revered as one of Native America's most prominent poets and prose authors. This documentary visually encapsulates the core of Momaday's literary works, connecting every written word to his distinctive American journey, symbolizing ancestry, locale, and the richness of oral history.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video
Reservation Dogs (2021)
Director: Sterlin Harjo
The series follows the lives of four Indigenous teenagers in rural Oklahoma, in a small town in the Muscogee Nation, where they spend their days "committing crime and fighting it." The two-time Emmy-nominated show leads with humor, something not often seen in Hollywood's depictions of Native Americans, and stars a talented cast. Reservation Dogs Season Two earned our EMA Green Seal for Sustainable Production.
Hollywood Must Support Indigenous Stories and Art
EMA recognizes the significance of heritage and awareness months in fostering a deeper understanding of the histories and contemporary lives of historically marginalized communities. While these designated months offer valuable opportunities for education and awareness, the exclusive focus on celebrating these communities within a limited timeframe can inadvertently perpetuate marginalization. Therefore, we view this streaming guide as just the initial step in our collective journey of discovering the rich history and diverse stories of Native American peoples. We intend to inspire continuous learning and engagement, encouraging everyone to explore and appreciate these narratives beyond the confines of a specific month.
For the entertainment industry to be an authentic force for climate action, it must support and champion filmmakers from marginalized communities on the frontlines of climate change.
Lexi Fleck is in her 2nd year at UCLA, majoring in Sustainable Urban Design and minoring in Film.