LIFE ON THE RESERVE - documentary
an inside look at what it's really like - 2011 - 24 min.

A new documentary that highlights the significant challenges that people living on reserves have to deal with, as well as the hope they have for their community, as told by the residents themselves. Graham Shonfield, the 19-year old documentary filmmaker, had volunteered for development work in Africa, but nothing prepared him for the impoverished conditions that he experienced first hand in Northern Ontario at Gull Bay First Nation reserve. Although Gull Bay is only one reserve in this great country, it has similarities to them all. (149.00)

THE MEDICINE WHEEL - documentary
a secret look into Native spirituality! - 2005 - 24 min.

An emotional story of First Nations spirituality told in the first person by a Cree woman. 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 brother-
hood and sisterhood through the "teachings" within the Medicine Wheel. A must
see for all audiences. Broadcast: CTV Television - AWARD - CANPRO Silver Medal, Best Documentary - N.A.J.A. - ($99.00)

WHOSE LAND IS THIS? - documentary
history of land ownership - 2005 - 43 min.

Who owns our land? This exciting, fast paced one hour documentary about First Nations' historical and contemporary relationship to the Provincial and Canadian governments in settling the land question in Canada. As historical reenacted segments document the "truth" of settlement and treaties in Canada, modern candid moments with the Provincial and Federal governments and many prominent First Nations highlight emotional and political perspectives on the land question in Canada. An upbeat and emotionally moving and informative documentary for all audiences. Broadcast: Global TV. - AWARD - American Indian Film Festival. ($149.00)

MAKING TREATIES - documentary
history of treaty making - 2005 - 43 min.

On the making of our modern Indian treaties. The program presents an emotional and personal approach to the outcomes of the modern treaty process in Canada. Profiles on First Nations blend with input from resource developers and governments as the program weaves our tale of land ownership and forecasts our economic future. By presenting a balanced perspective (native and non-native alike) on land claims and by educating a concerned public we may begin to build the very needed bridges and the honest dialogue that must exist for all societies to coexist in unison in Canadian society and to reach a just and needed agreement on our land and, ultimately, our future. The program is a must-see for all audiences. Broadcast: Global Television. ($149.00)

NATIVE WOMEN: POLITICS - documentary
history of aboriginal women - 2003 - 25 min.

On the changing roles of native women in their communities. An emotionally moving and upbeat program that gives voice to some of our finest Aboriginal women. Historical segments in the program contrast the traditional equality of power, male to female within native communities, versus the regression in the roles and power of First Nations women in Canada under European dominance. We hear the voices of strong women "leaders" on how they view the rebuilding of balanced self-government within their community in the future. The Indian Act and Bill C31 are examined to highlight their effect on First Nations women. Broadcast: Global Television - AWARD - Best Documentary, Native American Journalists Assoc. ($99.00)

FIRST NATIONS ROLE MODELS - documentary
profiling four success stories - 2001 - 24 min.

Profiling four inspirational native leaders. A publisher, an educator, a Metis political leader and a fisher woman / filmmaker are profiled in this unique examination of prominent First Nations people. As we travel from community to community we discover a variety of First Nations "communication" of philosophy and ideals and we discover Role Models for First Nations everywhere. A great and inspirational program for young and old. Broadcast: CTV Television - AWARD - Certificate of Honor, American Indian Film Festival. ($99.00)

LIVING IN TWO WORLDS - documentary
native people seeing themselves - 2004 - 24 min.

KNOWLEDGE NETWORK - A Richard Hersley Production - This is perhaps one of the best documentaries available on how native people see themselves - their past, present and their future. Young native people explore the meaning of being a native in a modern world while traditional elders highlight the past and the meaning of being managers of the land. This very moving and likeable film is a must see for all who want to catch a candid glimpse of native people as they really see themselves and as they struggle to maintain their identity as they live in two worlds - the old and the new. 24 minutes ($99.00)

BEAT OF THE DRUM - documentary
inside native music, past and present - 2004 - 24 min.

Profiling four upbeat native musicians - 25 min.) A Richard Hersley Production - 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. Broadcast: CTV Television - AWARD - Official Entry, Native American Journalists Assoc. ($99.00)

RECLAIMING OUR CHILDREN - documentary
getting our children back! - 2006 - 24 min.

Written and Created by the Aboriginal Peoples Family Accord - 24 min. - About 45% of the children in care are First Nations - why is this and what are we doing about it? A tremendous amount of positive energy has been generated around this issue as we are really talking about the future generations and the importance of working together to make sure children have better lives. The program explores the truth about First Nations children in care and suggests new ways of seeing the difficulties that we face. An inspirational and moving program for all audiences - from 12 and up. ($99.00)

THE RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS - documentary
native stories on the schools - 2006 - 25 min.

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! ($99.00)

IN SEARCH OF HAMAT'SA - documentary
a tale of headhunting! - 2004 - 33 min.

The Hamat'sa (or "Cannibal Dance") is the most important-and highly represented ceremony of the Kwakwaka'wakw (Kwakiutl) people of British Columbia. This exciting and dramatic film dives into the history of the dance and presents some of the ways in which diverse attitudes toward this history create current dramatic and colorful performances of the Hamat'sa. The film also explores the relationship between First Nations history and the people that have told it. - (195.00)

HIV - IF THERE'S A WILL - documentary
solutions on natives and HIV - 2004 - 24 min.

Written and created by Nak'azdli Health Center- Many First Nation Communities will come face to face with HIV in the very near future. In Northern BC, 74% of newly infected people are First Nations. Many of them will not return home because of the stigma attached to HIV/AIDS.

Why are our people so at risk? The message needs to be heard by all; young, old and everyone in between. We can't ignore the numbers. A finely produced program and a must see for educators, students and community members. ($99.00)

UnBowed - drama
persistence and truth - 2003 - 90 min.

Produced by Filmanthropic, this provocative, Award winning feature film dramatizes the historic attempt to force assimilation of American Indians and African Americans at Southern Negro Colleges in the late 1800s. The little-known period provides a dramatic backdrop for a compelling interracial love story. At its heart, "UnBowed" is a story about courage — the courage to love, even when it's forbidden; the courage to endure when the social, economic or cultural environment changes; and the courage to be different and forge a singular path in a society that demands conformity. AWARDS - Best Film, Best Screenplay, Best Actor (179.00)

DANCING ON THE MOON - drama
finding ourselves! - 2010 - 58 min.

The funny, sad and sometimes scary story of Dean, Joey and Mark, three Native American friends who are more like brothers. They're on the road to a powwow, but each is on his own personal journey. Unable to overcome grief since the death of his mother, Dean won't participate in the traditional dances he once loved. Tired of being the screw-up with a big heart, Joey learns that he must rely on his own strengths. And always the hothead, Mark learns to overcome his prejudices and face his own identity. When tragedy strikes, Dean is forced to confront his fears and follow his heart home -- to the powwow world. (149.00)

SLEEPDANCER - drama
the mysteries of of death - 2005 - 90 min.

DRAMA - INDEPENDENT - (90 min.) Written by Rodrick Pocowatchat - 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. ($149.00)

SELECT AWARDS - OFFICIAL SELECTION: 2007 Kansas City Filmmakers Jubilee, 2006 First Nations Film & VIdeo Festival, Chicago, 2006 Sami Intl. Film Festival, Norway, 2006 Comanche Nation Film Festival, OK, 2006 Native Voice Film Festival.

American Cowboys - drama
persistence and truth - 1998 - 47 or 26 min.

American Cowboys is a story about Jackson Sundown, a Nez Perce Indian, who was the first Native American to win the World Saddle Bronc Championship at the 1916 Pendleton Round-Up. George Fletcher was the first African American to compete in the 1911 controversial Saddle Bronc finals for the World Title at the Pendleton Round-Up. Sundown and Fletcher were two legendary cowboys who broke the color barriers in the rodeo arena at the turn of the 20th Century. SELECT AWARDS - Great Plains Film Festival, New York International Independent Festival, American Indian Film Festivasl 47 or 26 minutes (149.00)

DECEPTION OF FREEDOM - documentary
are we being treated fairly? - 2011 - 24 min.

Told through the eyes and words of native people, this moving and yet brutal story explains some hard truths about our justice system today. A man is in prison, convicted and sentenced to crimes that some say he did not commit. Is he guilty? Did he actually commit a crime or are we being deceived? Deception of Freedom is a must-see for native and non-native alike, concerned with the truth in justice and government today. (149.00)

SACRED BUFFALO PEOPLE - documentary
our lives depend on the buffalo - 2002 - 36 min.

Engaging, heartbreaking, inspiring - this extraordinary documentary teaches us about our dependance on nature and nature's dependance upon us. A dramatic search into the relationship of the buffalo to the native people of America. This emotional and very moving film explores the powerful bond between Indian people of the Northern Plains and the buffalo. Once revered as a spiritual and cultural icon, today the buffalo serves as a living symbol of native survival. ($149.00)

THE MEDICINE PEOPLE - documentary
First Nations ceremonies - 2000 - 38 min.

Exploring and understand First Nations ceremonies! Dive deep into Indian Spirituality ... This exciting and fast-paced film features exclusive and private commentary by powerful medicine people and never-before-filmed spiritual places and ceremonies. From the preparation of the Sweat lodge to the the actual location of the Sundance Ceremony the program offers rare insights into native sacred belief and thought and how they relate to the spiritual world. ($149.00)

VENADO (deer) - documentary
Mexican aboriginal customs - 2009 - 79 min.

The Wirraritarie people must deliver offerings to the gods travelling through over three thousand kilometers. The jicareros (responsible for this tradition) work for seven months every year mainly all over central Mexico to honour their customs. Venado (deer) is a portrait of the jicareros from the Great Deer Ceremonial Center from Cohamiata, filmed at their request with the purpose of preserving the tradition ($149.00)

VANISHING LINK - documentary
retracing her roots! - 2007 - 60 min.

A personal journey to her native roots - 60 min. - Written by Donna Rowell - Drama - A very 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 "return". Woven together with riveting stories from Elders brought to life through stirring traditional art, dances, songs, and crafts. Vanishing Link explores native spirituality through the oral traditions of tribal elders while following a unique spiritual quest. The program is a must-see for all audiences. ($149.00)

THE STORYTELLERS - documentary
real stories of native people - 2004 - 39 min.

NATIVE PEOPLE saw the history of their land differently than the White man. The early European settlers brought many new things to this land - like horses and guns. They also brought mumps, measles and small pox which destroyed entire Indian Nations. The Indians in return taught the settlers the principles of democracy as well as how to survive on the land and preserve the natural environment. Join us as we tell some of the real stories as they happened to the Native peoples. A wonderful journey thru time and patience and a must see for anyone interested in First Nations. ($149.00)

THE PIPEMAKERS - documentary
the sacred pipe! - 2004 - 38 min.

The award-winning true story of the few remaining native people who create the sacred stone Peace Pipes. Digging thru 12 feet of solid rock with hand tools they mine the sacred red pipestone. With clean hearts they fashion the stone into shapes of bears, eagles and other effigies. They come from many different tribes and nations but are recognized by none. They are the vanishing breed called the "Pipemakers".

Shot on location in Pipestone, Minnesota, this beautiful and memorable documentary is the story of a craft that is 1200 years old! ($149.00)

KINIJA IAKAHA - drama
a secret look into village life - 2008 - 40 min.

FROM BRAZIL! Written by Vincent Carelli - A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A TRADITIONAL INDIAN VILLAGE in the Amazon, Brazil! As good as it gets! This one is great! Find yourself in a a normal day in the village as the traditional native people prepare food, hunt, fish and build shelter from the rain. The color and the antics of the happy people as they just go through their lives is inspiring. The program is rich with village culture and activities - from simple farming to school to traditional dance. The program is a must-see for all audiences to experience real life in a traditional Amazon Indian village. ($149.00)

INDIANER - documentary
honouring native people in Europe- 2006 - 22 min.

A film by Howie Summers. Indianer means "native person" in German. In Germany there is a group of people that hold Indian Pow Wows, that sing traditional Indian songs and that dance as traditional North American people. This is the greatest honour these people could show native people - that they believe in us so much that they are willing to copy our culture and try to "be" us. This group of people in Germany is growing larger every year. Find out just how our native culture is accepted and honoured in Europe. ($99.00)

ECHOES OF THE SISTERS
cancer and emotional inspiration!- 2003 - 27 min.

Breast cancer exists and is growing at an alarming rate in North America and breast cancer in First Nations communities is no different. First Nations women are not getting examined regularly by doctors because they either do not trust the process or it is not available to them. There is new hope though, that through education, all women will replace feelings of confusion with knowledge of modern breast cancer awareness and procedures. This video acts as a emotional resource in this important fight against breast cancer and may help to save lives for all our sisters for generations to come and is suitable for audiences 13 and up. AWARD - Best Public Service Documentary, American Indian Film Festival. (available from the First Nations Breast Cancer Society)

WE MAKE FILMS TOO! - First Nations Films is first a production company - contact us to discuss bringing your film ideas to life.richard@firstnationsfilms.com

COMING SOON!
SO FAR FROM HOME - (in production)
Two First Nations homeless youth search for the meaning of their home.

THE CIRCLES OF LIFE - The Medicine Wheel 2 – (in production)
Exciting personal insight into the ancient stone circles in Canada and beyond!

TOTEM POLES - (in production)
An exciting, visually beautiful film on the depth and meaning of the totem poles of the west coast - then and now.

BOUNDARIES – (in production)
Analyzing the Indian "business" in Canada