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The 2nd Native Spirit Festival is a season of films and workshops promoting the cultures of indigenous people of the three Americas. This years’ festival will focus on the environment and issues surrounding climate change.

6.15pm MARCH POINT When Cody Nick and Travis, three teens from the Swinomish tribe, picked up a camera they planned on making a gangster rap video, instead they found themselves investigating the impact of two oil refineries on their tribal community, this film documents their journey as they come to recognise themselves, their environment and the threat their people face.

Tracy Rector, Annie Silverstein, Cody Cayou, Travis Tom, and Nick Clark. USA. 54min

7.30pm NUESTRA HISTORIA ESTA EN LA TIERRA. (OUR STORY IS IN THE LAND) Actors provide oral testimony’s on behalf of representatives for various indigenous groups, anthropologists, elected officials, technicians, religious leaders and military personnel, discussing the benefits and drawbacks of homogenizing indigenous groups to preserve their rights over land and self-determination, where the individual identities of groups such as the Pemon, Yabara, and Mapoyo often conflict and contradict one another. The film also explores the multiple interests and forms of domination from outsiders that compete for the use and appropriation of the resources of the southern territories Venezuela.

By Eliezer Arias, Venezuela. 85min

9pm WHITE BUFFALO The White Buffalo has long been a powerful symbol of hope for the indigenous cultures of North America, in 2005 a white buffalo calf was born, fulfilling a prophecy, inspiring Native people and warning of the crisis now facing all of mankind. The White Buffalo Calf heralds a resounding message for peace, as officials add their voices to denounce the crimes that people have committed
against others and the Mother Earth.

By Noah Erenburg, Canada. 22min

LIVING FROM THE LAND AND SEA This beautiful film takes a glimpse at the wonders and bounties of nature, hidden from all but those that know, and are connected to the land, which has nourished the Alaskan Native Peoples for generations.

By Jonathan Stanton. Alaska. 14min

GOOD RIDDANCE TO CHIEF ILLINIWEK This short satire plays upon the historically institutionalised and derogatory portrayal of the “White Man’s Indian“. Definably worth watching.

By Torry Mendoza. USA 1.5min

DONE DIRT CHEAP This delightful short takes a look at the gold mining industry in Australia.

By Debbie Carmody. Australia. 6min.

10.00 THE TRIBUNAL In 1993 a tribunal was held in Hawaii, presided over by representatives of indigenous peoples throughout the world, to judge the acts of repression, subjugation of the Kanaka Maoli people and the unlawful annexation of Hawaii by the United Stated Government. This film documents the tribunal and examines some of the issues and arguments raised by the indigenous inhabitants of the Hawaiian islands.

By Joan Lander, Hawaii. 84min