Bird Runningwater, producer and advocate for Indigenous storytellers, discusses decolonization, ancestral memory, and reintroducing Indigenous culture to film and TV. They delve into the Sundance Institute's impact on empowering Indigenous artists in film and reflect on Marlon Brando's efforts to challenge Hollywood norms. The conversation also explores gender diversity in Indigenous cultures and the importance of self-reflection in tackling global issues.
Efforts are being made to correct the misrepresentation of Native American people in cinema and create modern, authentic portrayals.
Embracing indigenous beliefs and perspectives can provide solutions to global crises such as climate change and foster harmony with the world.
Colonization disrupted traditional indigenous food systems, leading to health issues, and reclaiming indigenous diets is crucial for improved physical and mental well-being.
Deep dives
Efforts to Correct Misrepresentation and Create Modern Representations
The speaker discusses the importance of correcting over a hundred years of misrepresentation of Native American people in cinema and creating modern representations. This effort aims to challenge the historical misrepresentation and portray Native American people as flourishing, modern individuals.
The Role of Indigenous Wisdom in Addressing Modern Challenges
The speaker highlights the relevance of indigenous wisdom in addressing current global crises such as climate change, political issues, and spirituality. They suggest that embracing indigenous beliefs and perspectives can provide solutions to these crises and foster harmony with the world.
The Impact of Colonization on Indigenous Food Systems and Health
The speaker discusses the detrimental effects of colonization on indigenous food systems. They explain how the imposed Western diet disrupted traditional food sources, leading to various health issues within indigenous communities today. The speaker emphasizes the importance of reclaiming indigenous diets and promoting food sovereignty for improved physical and mental health.
The Journey of Native American Representation in Film and Television
The podcast explores the journey of Native American representation in film and television. The speaker discusses their 20-year involvement in supporting Native American and Indigenous filmmakers through programs like the Sundance Institute. They highlight how these initiatives aim to amplify Native American voices, challenge misrepresentation, and provide authentic storytelling platforms.
Exploring Gender and Cultural Heritage
The speaker delves into the traditional views of femininity, gender identity, and sexual orientation within indigenous cultures. They highlight how colonization and Western influence have impacted these views, often leading to erasure and misinterpretation. The speaker highlights the modern movement, such as the Two-Spirit Movement, aimed at reclaiming indigenous perspectives on gender and sexuality.
Tara sits down with producer and advocate for representation of Indigenous storytellers in film and television, Bird Runningwater, to discuss decolonization, ancestral memory and a return to ancient wisdom. They also discuss the erasure of Native peoples and the reintroduction of Indigenous culture to American television and film.