Reservation Redemption Documentary

One juror away from the death penalty at 17, a lost Colville tribal member, known as “Chief”, discovers his culture and identity to make a change that inspires a following of the most incarcerated race in Washington state toward the “Red Road”. The “Red Road” signifies a deep commitment to living life emersed in the culture — with an intrinsic respect for others and oneself, and turning one’s back on addiction to drugs, alcohol, and crime.  His goal is to make a difference in the recidivism number of Native Americans.

The Idea: Themes and Concept

While in prison, Chief met a wise tribal spiritual leader, Francis Cullooyah (Kalispel Tribe), who asked him point-blank: “Who do you want to be when you grow up?” Chief replied, “What do you mean? I am in here for life.” At that moment, Chief realized taking responsibility for his crime wasn’t enough. He immersed himself in learning about Native American culture and began to heal.  Through this healing he started a journey to be in service of others.

Part personal tale of redemption as narrated through the director’s extensive, intimate phone conversations with Chief while in prison, and part research project, the documentary will educate viewers on how the loss of Native American culture has devastated Native families and contributed to generational trauma as it delves into the harmful repercussions of not knowing one’s roots. Utilizing data, interviews with activists and experts,  and in-depth sit-downs with numerous people connected to Chief, the documentary will explore the prison systems, native culture, and the families affected while weaving Chief’s personal story of redemption from the “Iron House Life” (prison) to the “Red Road.” The documentary will show how Chief has become an activist for Native spiritual rights while behind bars, documenting on film his contributions — from forming Sweat Lodges and organizing in-prison Pow Wows and curio programs (beading and art) to coordinating cultural events and outreach programs for at-risk youth — all as a means to give back and rectify his wrongs.

We are also including how the loss of culture occurred. Catholic boarding schools implemented in the late 1800s were approved by the United States government to forcibly remove Indian children from their homes and place them in the custody of the Catholic Church. These boarding schools, along with historical laws, regulations, and institutional practices that systematically disadvantage certain groups while privileging others are responsible for the loss of Indigenous culture, missing and murdered children, and countless atrocities inflicted on Native children - atrocities still occurring today. The film will interview criminal justice activists and experts to enlighten viewers on the pervasive realities of systemic oppression amongst marginalized groups, and how we can challenge these systematic disadvantages by advocating for policy change and fostering cultural shifts toward equity and justice through open discussion, rehabilitation, and education.

We are in the production phase of the project.  We are in need of donations to continue the editing of the project.  Any amount would be extremely helpful!

Your donation is tax-deductible! Reservation Redemption is a fiscally sponsored project of the International Documentary Association (IDA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions in support of Reservation Redemption are payable to IDA and are tax-deductible, less the value of any goods or services received, as allowed by law. The value of goods and services offered is noted under each donation level. If you would like to deduct the entire donation, decline the reward at checkout.