Filmmakers Brenda Fisher (Yakama by Descent) and Blake Pickens (Chickasaw) have teamed up to create Reservation Redemption, a film that delves into the over-incarceration of Native Americans, specifically in Washington State. This project not only tells a powerful story but also emphasizes the role of culture and spiritual healing in addressing systemic challenges faced by Native people.
The documentary follows the journey of Chief Marchand Rice (Colville), a man sentenced to life in prison as a teenager for murder. What makes his story remarkable is the transformation he underwent during his time in prison. After a pivotal conversation with Francis Cullooyah, a Kalispel spiritual leader, Chief began a process of rediscovering his cultural roots, which ultimately set him on a path toward redemption. His story is one of resilience and deep commitment to Native culture and spiritual healing, a journey that has now inspired many others behind bars.
Fisher and Pickens aim to shine a light on the devastating impact of cultural loss and how it has contributed to generational trauma in Native families. Through this film, they explore how reconnecting with one's roots can bring about profound personal change, even in the face of overwhelming challenges like life in prison. This is a deeply personal project for both filmmakers, especially for Fisher, who grew up with Chief on the Yakama Reservation and witnessed his transformation firsthand.
The documentary combines interviews with activists and experts, historical perspectives, and an in-depth look at the prison system and its effects on Native families. It seeks to educate audiences on the power of culture and spiritual healing in addressing some of the long-standing issues faced by Native communities. Pickens, who is known for his work on Sundance Film Festival favorites The Land and Wild Indian, said that prison reform is an issue that hits close to home for him, as many of his own family members have been impacted by the justice system.
Reservation Redemption has received support from Vision Maker Media and the International Documentary Association, and once completed, it will be distributed on public television. This is an important film that will not only raise awareness but also inspire change by showing the transformative power of reconnecting with Native culture.
I’m thrilled to share this project with you, as it aligns with our mission here at PowWows.com to celebrate and uplift Native voices. I believe this film will spark meaningful conversations about cultural preservation, spiritual healing, and the urgent need for prison reform in Native communities.
I’ll continue to keep you updated as more details about the documentary become available.
I encourage everyone to follow this project closely and consider how stories like Chief’s can help us better understand the challenges and triumphs faced by our Native brothers and sisters. Let’s continue supporting efforts that bring our culture to the forefront and help heal our communities.
