“I” Is Not For Indian is a proposed one-hour documentary exploring the controversy of how Native American curriculum is “taught” in our public schools. This is a film about the theft of our voice, of our uniquely Native American experience; of our histories, cultures, and issues as can only be expressed accurately from our perspective.
We will also examine how the extermination, assimilation, and appropriation of Native peoples and cultures are at the root of such common myths as the First Thanksgiving which are still taught as facts in our schools, and the damaging results for both non-Native and Native children.
Personal testimonials from Native children and parents; interviews with Native and non-Native educators, teachers, community leaders and advocates; historical re-enactments, and a variety of print, audio, and archival still and film material will bring these issues to light in a dramatic and informative manner.
Although there will be considerable focus on California Indians, this is a story that effects Native and non-Native children across the country. In addition, we will include profiles of tribally-run schools and Indian education alternatives in Minnesota, South Dakota and elsewhere reinforcing the national potential for PBS airing.
This documentary is currently in the fundraising phase.
The producers, James Fortier (Métis-Ojibway) and Dr. Joely Proudfit (Pechanga, Luiseño) are targeting several foundations for grants as well as the Diverse Voices Project, a new initiative from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting whose mandate is to provide funding for projects serving under- represented segments of the viewing public. In addition to the D.V.P., we will be seeking funding from Native American Telecommunications, the California Council for the Humanities and others.
We are also seeking tribal underwriting. Some tribes are now in a better position than ever to support efforts presenting our issues and perspectives to a wider television audience. Recently, tribal leaders, state legislators and California Indian scholars were successful in their passage of the California Senate Bill 41 California's Native American Curriculum Statute.
Additionally, Mr. Fortier is the writer and associate producer of a groundbreaking six-hour educational documentary series about the history and culture of the Ojibway people. This successful PBS series would not have been possible without significant tribal funding from several Ojibway bands in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
In addition, the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Mission Indians and the Muscogee Creek Tribe of Oklahoma were underwriters of the documentary “Alcatraz Is Not An Island,” which will air nationally on PBS in November of 2002.
If your tribe or business is interested in further discussion of this proposal please contact Executive Producer Dr. Joely Proudfit. In the meantime, our immediate need is a letter of support from your tribe or business expressing your interest as a potential underwriter.
Underwriters will be prominently credited at the beginning and end of the program (including logo), they will also be mentioned in all publicity and promotional material, and will be prominently featured on the companion web site and linked. Finally, the program will be made available for a screening in your community prior to the PBS airing.
