Top 10 Native American Documentaries You Can Binge Watch

Native American documentaries have been a powerful tool for educating the public about the history and culture of indigenous peoples in the United States. These films offer a unique perspective on the experiences of Native Americans, from their struggles for survival and self-determination to the impact of colonialism and discrimination on their communities.

The history of Native American documentaries dates back to the early 20th century, when filmmakers began to document the lives and cultures of indigenous peoples. Early films such as “In the Land of the Head Hunters” (1914) and “Nanook of the North” (1922) were some of the first documentaries to feature Native American subjects. These films, however, were often created by non-Native filmmakers and often portrayed Native Americans in a stereotypical or romanticized manner.

In the 1970s and 1980s, a new generation of Native American filmmakers emerged, who sought to challenge these stereotypes and tell their own stories. These filmmakers, such as Chris Eyre and Sterlin Harjo, produced documentaries that explored the real lives and experiences of Native Americans, including the impact of colonialism and discrimination on their communities.

In recent years, Native American documentaries have continued to gain popularity, with films such as “Reel Injun” (2009), “The Seventh Fire” (2015), and “Dawnland” (2018) receiving critical acclaim. These films offer a wide range of perspectives on the experiences of Native Americans, from their struggles for survival and self-determination to the impact of colonialism and discrimination on their communities.

One of the most important contributions of these documentaries is the ability to introduce the audience to the real lives of the Native Americans, their culture, and struggle in this modern world. They provide a deeper understanding of the complex and diverse history of the native people and their cultures.

If you’re interested in learning more about the history and culture of Native Americans, be sure to check out some of these documentaries. They offer an important and powerful perspective on the experiences of indigenous peoples in the United States and are a valuable resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of this important part of American history.

Top 10 Native American Documentaries To Watch Immediately

1. “Reel Injun” (2009) – This documentary explores the representation of Native Americans in Hollywood films, from the silent era to modern blockbusters.
2. “The Seventh Fire” (2015) – This film follows the lives of two Anishinaabe gang members on the White Earth Indian Reservation in Minnesota as they struggle to break the cycle of poverty and violence.
3. “The Cherokee Word for Water” (2013) – This film tells the true story of Wilma Mankiller, the first female chief of the Cherokee Nation, and her efforts to bring running water to her community.
4. “Dawnland” (2018) – This documentary explores the history of the Maine Indian Child Welfare Act, which aimed to keep Native American children within their communities and culture.
5. “More Than a Word” (2017) – This film examines the use of Native American mascots in sports and the impact it has on the native communities.
6. “American Native” (2013) – This film follows the life of a young Native American man who struggles to reconcile his identity with the expectations of the modern world.
7. “Black Indians: An American Story” (2001) – This documentary explores the history of mixed-race Native Americans, known as “Black Indians,” and their experiences of discrimination and marginalization.
8. “We Shall Remain” (2009) – This film is a five-part documentary series that tells the story of pivotal moments in American history from the perspective of Native Americans.
9. “The Apache Wars” (2018) – This documentary explores the history of the Apache people and their conflicts with the U.S. government in the 19th century.
10. “The Indian in the Cupboard” (1995) – This film is a classic children’s film that tells the story of a young boy who discovers a magical cupboard that brings his plastic Native American toy to life.

These documentaries offer a wide range of perspectives on the experiences of Native Americans, from their struggles for survival and self-determination to the impact of colonialism and discrimination on their communities. They provide a deeper understanding of the complex and diverse history of the native people and their cultures.