Native American Novels and Films to Enjoy at Home (Instead of Traveling for Thanksgiving)
With the COVID19 pandemic still rearing its ugly face, and 2020 throwing one-too-many life punches our way, we do not fault you one bit if you make the smart choice not to travel for Thanksgiving this year.
Since you’re staying home, we suggest making the excellent choice to buy some of these books or rent some of these films. Each of them is created or written by members of the First Nations people, and centers around Native American social and cultural topics.
We must all do our part to increase representation and inclusion for First Nations creators and authors. Consider also giving a donation of reparations and/or aid toward organizations that support First Nations people and those living on Reservation lands.
Give back to those who need it most, and consider supporting indigenous creators today and going forward.
“Coyote Rage” by Owl Goingback
This Magical Realism/Dark Fantasy/Horror hybrid novel follows a Trickster and Shapeshifter hell bent on destroying humans on the Great Council, and thus thwarting human’s hold on the New World. Luther Waite is at the end of his days, living life out in a retirement home when he learns of Coyote’s evil plan to eliminate humans. Luther must repair relationships with his estranged daughter if the humans are to stand a chance at survival. A beautiful blend of mystery, suspense, and Native American folklore, this Bram Stoker winning novel is a sure spine tingler. Available in Kindle and Paperback formats.
“The Only Good Indians” by Stephen Graham Jones
When four friends embark on an hunting trip on sacred tribal elders land, things take an unexpected turn. After the men slaughter a herd of elk, they are faced with a series of devastating events from the fallout including death, murder, and the inescapable ghosts of trauma. This horror novel delves deep into the human condition such as unending sorrow, grief, and revenge all packaged up with a nice neat bow of a supernatural slasher thriller. Jones blends gore, blood, guts, and violence one may expect in traditional horror, but all through the lens of Native American tradition. This poetic novel also covers social issues within First Nations lived experiences such as socioeconomic conditions, interracial relationships, substance abuse, and the diversion of tradition versus modern contemporary living. Available in Kindle, Hardcover, and Paperback.
“The Marrow Thieves” by Cherie Dimaline
Do not let the fact that this is sometimes categorized in YA Fiction deter you from exploring its story. This gorgeous piece of speculative fiction/science fiction is a haunting cautionary tale about the way society treats Native Americans/First Nations people. This is a dystopian world putting itself back together after environmental devastation from global warming. In this new society, the general populace has a bleak new outlook and lost the ability to dream. That is until they discover that indigenous people hold the key to being able to dream again. Follow the heart wrenching tale of Frenchie and his community of Native Americans as they struggle to survive and escape to safer ground. Centering around the creepy and utterly terrifying idea of being harvested for their bone marrow as a cure by evil government agents, it’s got plenty of chills. A terrifying, heartbreaking, bittersweet novel with plenty of coverage on a slew of social issues for modern day life. Available in Kindle and Paperback.
Other recommended reading includes:
“Blood Quantum” (Streaming on Shudder)
Centering on the indigenous tribes of Canada, this flick by Jeff Barnaby (Rhymes for Young Ghouls) is set once again in the fictional setting of “Red Crow,” a Mi'kmaq Native reservation. When a rabid plague befalls the surrounding community and raises the dead, local First Nations people must defend and blockade the reservation to protect its residents from the encroaching undead population. This film explores the socioeconomic dynamics of reservation life, persecution of Native people, themes of colonization, and more social issues. The tone of the film is dark, foreboding, and heartbreaking. Trigger Warning: Viewers be forewarned this is definitely a splatter film verging on Tarantino style blood, guts, and violence. It also includes substance abuse, and a dog dies within the first 10 minutes.
“Mohawk” (Streaming on Shudder)
This one was previously reviewed on the blog this week, so be sure to check that out for a more in depth review. This is a slow-burn historical fiction thriller that ramps up later. Set during the War of 1812, the story chronicles the trials and tribulations of the First Nations people as they navigate tensions of colonialism and settlers and defending their land/tribes. Plenty of racially charged violence and language, violence, and death. This film starts off slow, but we encourage you to stick it out because it ramps up with some great revenge scenes and a touch of the supernatural. Trigger Warning: Racism, Extreme Violence
“Through Black Spruce” (Streaming on Tubi)
Fans of quiet thrillers and dark, sad films may like this one. Adapted from a novel of the same name, this book-to-film translation falls a little flat in its lack of narration and delivery. Still, it’s worth the watch for its main acting talent and the inclusion of First Nations people as vastly underrepresented voices and faces in cinema. It’s not that great of a movie, but we’re putting it on this list because of its significance in narrative topics and cast. Interested in reading the book first? Click here to learn more. Trigger Warning: Drug/Alcohol abuse, Gun Violence
“Dead Can’t Dance” (Streaming on Amazon Prime)
This is a campy, cornball, incredibly low budget indie flick centering around a pair of Native American brothers dropping off one of their sons at college. Their wholesome road trip has gone awry, however, upon discovering there is a plague of undead sweeping across the region. Full of truly ridiculous scenarios, self-referential humor, and incredibly absurd dialogue. It’s charming, goofy, and very lighthearted. It also delights in poking fun at tropes and prejudices of non-Native folks in its goofball side character inclusion. The zombies are utterly absurd, and there’s also some truly hilarious dance moments. Yes, you heard that right. The effects and film quality are subpar, but in the best possible way. It’s quite clear this is intended for laughs, but it’s genuinely enjoyable and will make you chuckle. Who doesn’t need a little levity these days?
Short Films by Indigenous Creators
To Watch Right Now
In the Beginning Was Water and Sky
This heartbreaking short film follows two parallel storylines of two Native American children: one in the 1700s and one in the 1960s, both trying to find their way back to a home they may never be able to reach. Mostly wordless for the duration, but no less impactful in its imagery. Warning: Violence and Abuse.
Watch this short film here:
The Candy Meister
On a lighter note there is this short film called “The Candy Meister. It’s a low-budget horror/thriller about 4 friends who enter a competition to win $5,000 if they can stay overnight in a super spooky and abandoned First Nations Residential School. Touches upon the haunting past of mistreatment of Native Americans by the puritanical colonists from Europe and the UK.
Watch this short film here: