CCRH

2000 Native American Film and Discussion Series

This exciting series was held on Tuesday evenings in September and October at the historic Kiggins Theater in downtown Vancouver. Over 600 people attended these free programs, which included the screening of the film, and post-film discussion with the producers or commentators. A sampling of audience comments is below.

Films in the Series:

On and Off the Res with Charlie Hill
American Cowboys
Seasons of the Salish and The People Today: Closing the Circle
And Woman Wove it in a Basket
River People: Behind the Case of David Sohappy

This series was funded by a grant from the City of Vancouver Cultural Commission and CCRH's James B. Castles Endowment.

September 26: On and Off the Res with Charlie Hill
Sandra and Yasu Osawa

Charlie Hill

This new documentary by the 1996 Taos Native American Filmmaker of the Year is a story told by Charlie Hill about his dream to become a stand-up comedian and the continual obstacles he faced in fighting stereotypes. The program aims to dispel the image of the "stoic" Indian by providing a personal profile of an individual artist, and also helps in understanding the wider implications and origins of Indian humor.

"Like Bob Hope Charlie loves to entertain the
troops" drawing by Michael Horse

October 3: American Cowboys, Cedric and Tania Wildbill

George Fletcher

This compelling documentary recounts the story of 2 great cowboys - Jackson Sundown, a Nez Perce Indian man, and George Fletcher, an African American man, who competed for the world saddle bronc championship at the Pendleton Round-Up in the early 1900's. In this story of hope and courage, the producers chronicle how Fletcher and Sundown rose above the color barriers of their time to become heroes and legends in the rodeo arenas of the west.

Jackson Sundown

October 10: Seasons of the Salish and The People Today: Closing the Circle
Jacqueline Peterson and Lawrence Johnson

Seasons of the Salish documents the traditional annual round of the Native peoples of the Northern Rockies and Inland plateau, weaving scenes of contemporary practices with elders' memories of the old ways. The People Today explores the impact of Christian missionaries on the Native peoples of the Plateau and examines the ongoing tensions and dialogue between Christianity and traditional religious practices.

The producers (l & r) with Sacred Encounters advisors Frances Vandersberg and John Peter Paul of the Flathead Indian Reservation.

October 17: And Woman Wove it in a Basket, Bushra Azzouz and Marlene Farnum.

This evocative portrayal of basketweaver Nettie Jackson and her family explores Klickitat river culture within an investigation of documentary practice and cultural preservation. Nettie Jackson, co-author of The Heritage of Klickitat Basketry and a recipient of the Washington state governor's award, will comment on the film after the screening.

October 24: River People: Behind the Case of David Sohappy
Michal Conford and Michelle Zaccheo.

This documentary examines the case of David Sohappy, an Indian man who was sentenced to a 5-year prison term for selling salmon out of season. The film uses the Sohappy case to explore the historic conflict over the resources of the Columbia River and the political controversy involving fishing rights and the right to religious freedom. Roberta Ulrich, author of Empty Nets: Indians, Dams and the Columbia River, served as a commentator for this film.

Film Series Comments

Comments are followed by the film at which it was written.

...I am full blooded Native American. It was great to see a series based on the people I know best. Thanks. [On and Off the Res With Charlie Hill]

This is a wonderful partnership with the Kiggins Historical Theater. Thanks for helping the community utilize this building! [On and Off the Res With Charlie Hill]

Thank you for bringing these men's lives to the screen. They deserve to be remembered for their accomplishments, but more importantly, to teach the rest of us about living within our mutual circles that we live in - to respect each other and learn about our history. [American Cowboys]

This was a great example of what can be done by people who care - both the production and the presentation. Thank you. [American Cowboys]

Thanks for something real. [And Woman Wove it in a Basket]

Thank you for undertaking this film project and for making it available at no cost to the public. Please continue to bring contemporary history projects into the community. The availability of the artists and subjects greatly adds to the experience. [And Woman Wove it in a Basket]

I think you should show these films on the reservations and in Portland...young Native children need to see these films. [River People: Behind the Case of David Sohappy]

This was another wonderful evening. Enjoyed fishing discussion with Roberta. Sorry its over. Looking forward to next year. Would be good if show in other areas. [River People: Behind the Case of David Sohappy]

I truly enjoyed your films. It makes me want to learn more. [Seasons of the Salish and The People Today]

Very well done. I have been educated. [Seasons of the Salish and The People Today]

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