Talkback
Participation in the Native Lens filmmaking program improved the boys' outlook on life and helped them to better understand their culture. How do you think at-risk youth can benefit from non-traditional education?
Share your response and your reactions to MARCH POINT.
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This documentary affected me in ways that are still reverberating through my soul. I am not Native American and embarrassingly so, I know little about the pillage that the indigenous peoples of this country have endured. My history books did not include these chapters.
However, these boys/young men, the OBVIOUS injustices regarding what are haphazardly referred to as "treaties" (known to those involved as "laws"), and the familial relationships that unfolded so beautifully within the story, grabbed me intensely.
I have to ask: Where is the justice in this? These young men have behind them legal documents that were signed by OUR government granting them owners of this land. Has no one outside of this story failed to see that? I am embarassed as an American to watch the Shell executives claim that they purchased the land legally and remain on these hallowed grounds as outright thieves. Buying something that is already stolen does not make you the proper owner...but somehow I am lost as this is taught in elementary school as the "golden rule".
Money talks, that is the American lesson here. We stole from these people.
The new government of change gave me hope...slowly fading however when I saw the dates when this was oridinally filmed. When is the government going to start repairing the damages, while possibly not inflicted by their own forefathers, were definitely done by "Americas" forefathers. As such it is all of our responsibilities to help repay and reclaim their proper place as owners of this small piece of land after all these years.
I honor these young men and want to know what can be done to inform people outside of the "PBS" audience about this one - of many - injustices...that is just common sense?
I think that is what got me the most, it is just so simple it is ridiculous.
It is not ours,
it was stolen,
give it back.
Is it really that complicated?
I think not.
Your film was wonderful, you young men have a future. We would like to buy a copy of your film to show at our college in American Indian Studies.
Hell yeah! What a wonderful example of Phoenix from the ashes. Raise yourself boys, educate yourself, learn your culture and own it. Our government is made of big money including the oil refineries that lobby to have what ever they can get. Native Americans aren't the only ones that get stepped on. Chamorros (Guam) and Hawaiians just to name a others.
My family came to America as early at the 1650 (documented on ship's logs) and sometimes I am so ashamed of being "American" when I see how indigineous people are overlooked.
This is a great community movie. We just showed the DVD to a large gathering of families from our school district, Native and non Native, and had a good discussion afterwards. It was good to see our boys connect to something so important!
What an ambitious undertaking for the five filmmakers of this movie. I work with incarcerated youth connected in some way to the foster system and can only imagine the dedication needed by the two women working with Nick, Cody and Travis. Also, these young men demonstrated such an important commitment of their time and a certain trust that is needed to complete a major collaboration such as March Point. I hope this film gets distributed far and wide to other mental health professionals, teachers, libraries and conferences because this important tool can help young and old see that there are many approaches to finding health and reconciliation with the past.
I just want to thank these young men for the making of this important documentary as well as their sponser for her assistance and encouragement. I have watched the March Point film twice and continue to be impressed by the candid nature of these young men in their willingness to, shall we say, 'blow thw whistle' on exactly what is going on within so many Native American Lands! I sincerely hope these young men continue their persuit of making independent films; they have what it takes to make BRILLIANT film makers! Thank you!
Great film! Can't wait for my grandson to see it.
Good to see you guys are doing so well;=)
We loved loved loved this show!
That was a great film. I'm impressed with the level of depth in the different layers of the film. There is the story of the tribe and its changes over the years, the adherence to tradition facing the degradation of their lands. The story of the legal fight with the government and big business. And of coarse the stories of the 3 film makers. They are an inspiration and I think this film is in a general way good for society. The more people see it the better off we all are.
I caught the last ten minutes of the program and was moved. I look forward to seeing the program in its entirety at a later date. Near the end of the film there was music that had cello and vocals--it was beautiful and inspirational. I would like to know who wrote and performed this music and why the boys chose it to be part of the soundtrack. Thank you.
We loved this movie. I showed it to my students at our Alternative High School on the Seneca Iroquois Reservation in western new york. They LOVED it. Very inspirational. thank you
Your program caught my eye because I'am a young Metis woman and I think it is wonderful that these 3 young boys are trying to make a difference in their community. With the help of thier producers, I'am so pleased to hear that this program is keeping our youngsters out of trouble. I'am so proud of them because they are at such a young age right now that they can get a head start at their future. These boys just have to throw themselves into thier interests now and when they graduate so they can get onto council and help thier people. The only thing that raised my eyebrow is the fact that when they walked around their community, there was nothing but trash on their lawn and on the roads. I though we cared about mother nature and the beauty of out land. It was just disturbing to see. But it doesn't change the fact that I'am proud of what these young boys accomlpished. Keep up the good work and I hope to see your faces on front page of a popular magazine one day.
What a great doc. Thank you so much!!!
I hope that their will be more funding(assuming that's how this one was done) to help youth make a difference in this world!!!
Congratulations guys for taking all the risks that you did to share your story.
We are here in California and had the opportunity to watch March Point at the film festival in town. Tonight we turned on the television and guess what March Point was on. Not only was it even more beautiful on tv we happily watched it for a second time today and felt just as moved.
Kia Ora (Hello in the Maori Language)
Thank You so much for this very real documentary March Point, I am so proud of the 3 boys taking on such a responsibility of bringing our attention to the very important environmental and tribal issues that this country needs to seriously address. I believe that they are a generation ready to awaken those still sleeping and the time is NOW and with their continued committment to further educate themselves with the knowledge they too will educate the rest of America and the world. Thanks for your voice and for listening to the spirit of the Ancestors, an indigenous path is not an easy path but a path of honour and pride for oneself, his family and his tribal affliations.
"He aha te mea nui o te ao?
He tangata, he tangata, he tangata"
What is the most important thing in this world?
It is people, it is people, it is people
Arohanui
Racheal Morgan-Ward
this was a fun experience for me, i just wanted to thank everyone across the country who tuned in to watch this wonderful film march point, i had so much fun making this film, if i could go back in time and do it all over again i would,i want to thank everyone who was in the film for helping out and giving your support, i also want to thank everyone for getting the word out about this issue our people are dealing with. i just want to give a special thanks to annie and tracie, corey, billey frank jr, john trudell, chet cayou sr. and cody and travis and everyone else who made it happen
Great film, and inspiring work by all involved. As someone who works in Washington, DC, I always wish we had more young adults coming to the Hill, especially from communities that don't get heard enough here.
Talking to elected officials can make almost anyone feel "out of the box," but I encourage Travis, Cody and Nick - and anyone else with something to say - to keep at it. Get advice from people in organizations which do that work (many are happy to help), and it will get easier as you go. You end up with disappointing results sometimes, but it's a slow and steady climb that takes patience and determination, something these young men seem to understand. Let the people who make decisions affecting your lives know that you're holding them accountable.
Best of luck to you all!
Very inspiring. These young men have great potential. Great work guys. We're counting on you and your generation to keep changing the world.
Your film inspired me. Great job.
Thank you for challenging us to see in different ways and presenting the unexpected. I thought the impromptu moment of the homeless man speaking to the boys was poetic and wonderful. It is not often that we see films such as this on television that combine a new point of view with a fresh take.
As a note, I am an upper middle class Caucasian man raised to think in a narrow scope of vision. The lives of these boys are foreign to me yet I understood their need to be heard and valued. I look forward to purchasing the DVD to show to my other family members, I know that they will get as much out of March Point as I have!
Recently saw a showing of "March's Point" at the Oakland Museum. The room was full of kids, mostly high school aged. What struck me was how much the film spoke to them. They would not have cared too much about an oil refinery in the Pacific Northwest and the environmental damage it was causing if the story wasn't connected to three teens they could identify with.
I am a high school Civics and History teacher in Oakland and see this film as an excellent way of introducing the concept of environmental racism in my class. I also think it has value in teaching about U.S. government. I recently finished a week long lesson covering the impact of big money lobbies on policy makers. I think for the students to have seen an example of the way lobbying is supposed to work could be very beneficial to this lesson. The idea that our elected representatives are people we are supposed to have access to is foreign to most students as it was to the boys in the film. Hopefully, showing this film will demonstrate that we have a civic responsibility to keep our elected representatives informed about the issues impacting our lives.
Notes to the makers of March Point:
My wife and I saw “March Point” on Independent Lens the other night and loved every minute of it. We got tears in our eyes at certain points, but maybe that doesn’t mean much to a pro filmmaker, so I just wanted to mention a few other things.
The thing was whole--had a magnifiicent wholeness to it. (I had full faith that you’d give us the report on the clams and not leave that hanging. A good way to do it, the way you did--of course they were going to be contaminated, and by just putting it out there in text you didn’t have to beat it into the ground, etc.)
The kids were amazing. The more extroverted kid (forget names) was certainly a great glue for the film, but the others held a power that anchored us, I think. And the interviews with the elders were fantastic--so natural and convincing, possessing of their own moral authority. (Those days of plenty must have been really something to witness. Locals here still talk of taking salmon out of our creek with a pitchfork, and I’ve seen pictures...)
So much more. The interview with Mr. Oilman rep. was fantastic. I don’t know how you (all) got him to repeat his “buffer zone” comment, but it was so telling--the whole scam and implicit racism set out in their buffer zone.
And the cinematography. Some of the scenes were absolute paintings. I keep thinking of that one where the fish (salmon, I guess?) are laid out on those open-air tables--absolutely gorgeous, and a still of that shot would be fantastic in itself.
More more. The sense one comes away with of the difficulty of kids’ lives on the res., the absolute heroics involved in transcending that difficulty, in moving toward another life, whether it be as a leader in the community or a scientist there or even just leaving.
Anyway, just wanted to let you know that these members of your audience loved the film, and were deepened by it.
when I saw independent lens on Nov. 18th I was amazed at the fact that three guys around my age produced a film so remarkable. For kids my age to produce a film-that may just one day make a difference-with their time after being exposed to consequences is just amazing to me. Just imagine if alot of kids was inspired to do a video about the struggles and mishapps of their cultural backround the world could actually be different. Don't think so? Well try it. take the courage like these three guys did and make a video and see how much people will actually care and try to make a difference and help out. I thank you guys for giving me the courage to face me cultural status and do something to make a difference.
I was so touched by you guys when I watched the film on TV. As an international grad student, I wish I could show this film to kids in my country when I get a chance. Keep up the good work, and hope to see you guys more often through other projects as well. Please remember that all three of you can be an incredible motivation to thousands of other kids all over the world. Thanks to you and PBS for the valuable one hour! =) P.S- Congrats on becoming a proud dad, Nick!
I was deeply touched by your story and happened to turn on the program while in the middle of writing a paper for one of my classes that I am enrolled in for my Natural Resources program at Oregon State University. I am going to include your story in my section regarding Environmental Justice- this relates to the inequities relating to environmental degradation and pollution amoung minority groups. In my textbook, they use Hispanics and African American groups as examples and I found your story to be more relevant to the Northwest. I cried throughout the story because I am saddened first, by the injustices that Native Americans have endured, and second by this new, hidden threat to your people through your food sources. I am ashamed as an American and as a consumer that you all have to put up with such injustices. Shame on the policymakers for letting this pollution continue to happen on and near your reservation. Besides this story, I have always been saddened by the misuse of power by immigrants to your land and the way you have had your life and heritage forever changed by economic greed. I want to thank you boys for conveying such a heartfelt story that should be headline news. Your people shouldn't have to suffer, or any people for that matter in the scope of environmental injustices. If I become some sort of big-wig some day, I promise to make an effort to change the way things are. As for now, I will take the time to write representatives in the state of Washington. Thank you again and I wish the best for you all in the future.
Very truely yours,
Danielle
I live in Massachusetts and was very interested in the film about March Point. Using film as a community organizing tool is an excellent way to effect change. I wish the three film artists continued success in filming more topics about the reservation. All Americans need to know about Native Americans. Continued success in all your endeavors - I look forward to seeing your next film. Perhaps someone will help you write a grant to pursue this excellent subject matter. Thank you.
Congratulations Cody,Travis and Nick on the excellent job you have done for yourselves, native Americans and the American public at large. Not only have you overcome great obstacles in growing up, but you have put the age-old Native Amerian problem on front street to demand a redress of this horrendous environmental problem that is destroying the Native American way of life.
After four hundred years, it is time to put a stop to the assaults on the Native American people. I am African American and am so happy that America has finally elected a president who reminds us that we are one and respects all peoples' human rights. I believe Barack Obama will be a good ally for the Native American cause and will do everything in his power as president to help you right the wrongs and win your battle.
Please get your college educations so you can become the agents of change like Barack Obama. Your film showed me that America will not be complete until we elect a Native American president. Thank you for the hard work you have done to hold America accountable and live up to its' responsibilities for Native Americans, the original Americans.
I am going to use your film to motivate at-risk kids and their parents to get their college educations. Thanks again.
These guys have done more for public service than I will ever accomplish and they deserve every bit of praise for their efforts, "but"!
The almighty "but" was the killer of their success in Washington DC.
The old saying "when is Rome do as the Roman do" which was not observed was their biggest out of the 'box' mistake.
I know they are not rich and without sponsorship but they were aware of where they were going, who they were going to meet and in what environment they would be meeting, so to them I say get out of those over sized gangster ghetto clothes.
A suit or tie is not a requirement but a somewhat better appearance must be expected in a formal setting.
Also an un-true statement was made about refineries not liking Natives; the fact is that refineries and all environmental abusers love people without representation.
Don't give up your fight.
I am so very proud of these young men. I was touched and encouraged by their determination in overcoming their addictions, and fighting for their tribes rights. I pray that they have nothing but success in their lives, and that they are able to convince the government to do what is right.
I am so touched and proud of all of you. Each of you are heroes to me. You are true spirited, courageous,and loyal to your ancestry. This is your land and we all need to make it the way it was and should be. Our earth cries to be cleansed and protected. Somewhere the limits have been forgotten. We need to wake up and make things right to our land and our humanity. Yes we need fuel but without destroying our motherland nor our people. Please continue to prosper and never stop believing in you. You are genuine, you are me, and I too was silent yet you have awaken my past unsolved causes. Thank you for awakening my senses. Twenty-four years ago I stopped pursuing my purpose to make a change with unjust issues affecting our communities and citizens. Thank you for showing me the paths I too will walk them and do the best to voice our concerns.
Incredible movie .Movies of this nature should be shown in every High School. Rob
Congratulations guys. i was very impressed by your doc and hope you continue to pursue this story and therefore making people aware of the situation. Be more tenacious about interviewing those that can make the changes and getting them to talk "on the record". As a much older but fellow videographer in Arizona ( Aberdeen, Washington native) i was impressed and envious of your work. Billy Frank should be able to help you with the contacts. Corner the Demopcrats, they say they stand up for you. There is not a politician that is a better person than any you. Keep up the fine work, keep your noses clean and you will be successful. ct
I found the movie inspiring on more than one level. I teach high school students about government. I would like to see how my students react to the film. I think that some of my students my feel a connection with the 3 teenage film makers. Is March Point available for purchase?
Editors note:
Home and educational DVD copies of MARCH POINT are available from:
Tracy Rector
Longhouse Media/Native Lens
117 E. Louisa St. #131
Seattle, WA 98102
206.387.2468
nativelens@mac.com
www.marchpointmovie.com
I loved this! These young men are so talented and so generous in sharing their lives so openly with the viewers. Thank you, guys, for telling this story of the pollution of your tribal waters and land. I hope you continue to make films -- there are so many more stories to be told. Thank you for including the elders -- they are the true history books. Excellent work and congratulations on your sobriety.
Ann Dallman
High School English Teacher/Retired
Hannahville Indian School/Nah Tah Wahsh PSA (Potawatomi)
Wilson, MI
The opportunity to see March Point on Tuesday night was humbling and inspiring. The images that I saw continue to stay with me and occupy my thoughts long after the film ended. Thank you for having the courage to show such a different program showing a perspective not normally acknowledged!
I got home from work the other night and stopped flipping channels at March Point. There was something about the honesty of the young men or the genuineness of the filmmaking that caught my attention. I am in the music business and don't make much of a film critic... but definitely noticed that there was something transferring to me as the viewer. Maybe it was the pace of the film, maybe it was the honesty of the people, or maybe it was some other intangible thing altogether. The music was great. You've made a film fan out of me... someone who never really had a desire for this sort of thing. So... thank you.
I am so proud of longhouse films and everyone who made this film. it's tremedous. we wer fortunate that this film was showon our psb affilate WVIZ in Cleveland ohio. it's getting a lot of metion on reznetnews.org and in Indian Country today. I wish Everyone at Longhouse films the very best. congradulations on a wonderful film. and here's hoping that the reelected Governor of Washingtion State Christine Gregoire will see this film and answer the young men's questions about March point.
This documentary was a veritable how-to for media programs currently springing up around the country, lately particularly in High Schools.
It should be distributed by some organization, much the way AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH has been distributed to class rooms throughout the country, as a primer on how to focus young people on media projects that build thoughtful citizens as well as better-equipped students.
As a primer, it demonstrates the power of visual media studies as a tool for educational, social and personal growth, and the how the toolbox of communication skills that can be brought to bear on documentary film-making (in particular, reflection -- "seeing" oneself and being "seen" by others) fosters growth in all those areas.
Someone should develop a study guide to go along with MARCH POINT.
Like a poem about poetry, it was a demonstration of the thing itself -- it was subtle, it avoided overstatement and demagoguery and kind of grandiosity that sometimes becomes a pitfall for young adults.
Independent Lens and Native Lens should be extremely proud of what was accomplished.
Editors note:
You can find supporting materials and a discussion guide for MARCH POINT at:
http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/marchpoint/getinvolved.html
This project is a brilliant example of what progressive education is all about. Congratulations to filmakers and everyone behind the scenes on sharing their journey with us.
I very proud of these young native brother. I will definately recomend to other native youth that come across, especially my kids.
I almost never watch TV because I don't have time. Strange that when I turned the tube on last night - preset to ch. 9! - there it was in all it's gripping splendor. I laughed and cried and fell in love with the work and the young men behind this amazing effort. As an old oil refinery worker I can tell you that there is no way that industry will be made safer for the environment or those whose lives are a part of that environment without determination like that shown by the young filmmakers. These men deserve a standing applause for all the work that they have done to get the truth out and to tell the story of their people's connections to the land and water. My grandfather was Cherokee so that makes me a Native with a "bright face" and an inner fire for our Mother Earth. You are the glorious sons of your people. Great work!
I was very impressed to watch these three young Swinomish members grow in the making of this film. I am married to a Swinomish Tribal member who is a fisherman and crabber. In the time we have been together, I have seen the loss of fish and crab both. It is really ashame that the Governer couldn't even set aside time to meet with these young men. I can only hope and pray that the rights are returned to the tribe. Their very life depends on it.
I am very impressed of the 3 gentlemen, they have gone through alot of sad situations. Being involved with a major network, plus have 2 grandsons who are Native Americans , my question is why the Governor didn't meet with the three boys? and also when they arrived to Washington D.C. one of the boys stated that they were not allowed to see the Lincoln Memorial? I hope that the state or EPA would do a better job in cleaning the river.
This was a beautiful film. It somehow managed to be about growing up, native american issues, environmental issues, the process of making a film, and the transformative power of art - seamlessly. Really well done. I hope Chris Gregoire saw this and will be lending her support, better late than never.
Saw this movie last night on KCTS and was very moved. Very well put together and touching. Kudos!
TRUELY AN AMAZING DOCUMENTARY CAPTIVATING YOUTH IN THEIR ESSENCE OF MATURITY, RESPONSIBILITY AND MORALITY. GIVEN THEIR CIRCUMSTANCES, THEY SET OUT TO FILM AND DOCUMENT ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES WITHIN THEIR COMMUNITY. LOOKING FORWARD TO RESTITUTION AS A BARGAIN TO COMPLETE THE PROJECT, THE YOUNG BOYS ENGAGE THEMSELVES IN AN ENDEMIC INVOLVING OIL POLLUTION FROM AN OIL REFINERY. LITTLE DO THEY KNOW, THEY BRING LIGHT TO AN ISSUE OF THE PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE FOR THEIR PEOPLE. GREAT DOCUMENTARY!
I just watched this program and i just wanted to say how much I liked it. I think its really cool that people my own age can do something like make movie. I didn't know about a lot about the natives that live up there in the Pacific Northwest and I feel like I came away knowing a lot more. Thanks!
Hey Cody Travis and Nick couldnt be more proud of you guys no matter what you do in life you willa lways have this moment this film for the rest of your life love you guys cody your like my cousin Super proud of you peace out
this was an absolutely beautiful film. It really catches your attention on many levels. The environmental crisis is just the surface. The real story lies in the story of these young men from the reservation...their changes, their pride, their strength.
This is such an inspiration. I have family that fish in Alaska and family that live in Anacortes, so I felt a strong connection to your piece. I think it is a tragedy that the refinery is located on such a fragile piece of land that could offer so much great food to local people. I want you to know you inspired me to write to our representatives about returning March Point to your tribe. Good luck! I hope to see more from you.
My twin sister Dionne and I watched March Point and we were really interested in it because we are of Cherokee descent but we do not live on the reservation! We're both 18 years old and we both were amazed by how these three young adults who gave in inside look on what native life is like. But not only that but the fact that their way of life was being threaten. While I am sympathetic, I only have a vague understanding of the problems facing our people today!I was in 9th garde when I found out that I had native ancestry and for that very first time I meant my native side of my mom's family and they taught my sisters and I the history of our people! I wish more documentaries like these were being aired. I wished the best of luck to the guys and your futures are bright!
Danielle from Miami Gardens, Miami, Florida
Great show, those young men did great work. Show hits close to home for my wife, who is part Native and for me because I drive one of those Shell gas trucks. I never gave it much thought on where its (the gas) comes from, but we get to see the damage it caused.
I really enjoyed watching this film, I came upon it last night while channel surfing, and it caught my attention because I myself am of First Nation descent and have stuggled with addictions of all sorts, I now have a rewarding career and stories like this really inspire me to keep making the right choices to better my life. I would recommend a venture such as this to all First Nations. What a great idea to come into a community to give troubled youth a productive way to spend their time. I hope to see more from them, keep up the great work!
I really enjoyed the film, I think that is important for our Native Youth to take in interest in the environment, especially if its to protect the land and the people. We also just finish working on my first documentry film for the environmental protection of Haskell Baker Wetlands at Haskell Indian Nations University. Keep up the good work. Yakoke
This was an excellent program! I was so proud of the 3 young men for tring to find answers to the questions that are facing the tribe. My hope for them is that they will continue to fight for the rights of the tribe to have clean seafood and get there land back! I think that the educational experence should be used in more school. Some students learn more by doing rather than just reading about it.
Congratulations to these talented,brave, bright young people who have endured hardship, pain and injustice and have chosen a higher path. They are an inspiration for others to challenge themselves and improve their lives by expressing themselves in a constructive and productive way. Continue to be a source of pride to your people and your families and never lose that spark of humor and humanity that helped make this film so excellent.
I just loved this broadcast. I think everyone in America should watch it! What this country did to the Indians and continues to do is a tragedy! I am married to a Cherokee indian and will now write letters regarding Native American issues to people in Washington. Maybe we can make a difference if we speak out! It speaks volumes that the Govenor of their state will not speak to them. They know they are in the wrong and have no answers. Congratulations to the boys in the film it was really great!!!!!!
This was one of the most engaging shows I have ever seen on PBS. Thank you for showing it. I will watch other show because of this show. Thank you.
March Point is one of the best documentary films I've ever seen. The young men who lived it and filmed it are a credit to the Swinomish Tribe and to the United States at large. With such insightful, genuine and socially conscious youth, like these young men are, our countries future will be in good hands.
I saw the film on KCTS9 on 08/18/08. I wanted to say thank you to Travis, Nick and Cody. Congratulate them on new additions to the family and their efforts in school. I enjoyed the movie and their charisma and their true perspectives/opinions. You are right they do have refineries by the reservations. I wish you guys luck in all you do.
Thanks for making the video
Peace
Olga
I just watched the "March Point" broadcast tonight and was absolutely moved. Im a 23 yr old female from Vancouver WA and I am not a native myself but my bestfriends are and I just want the boys to know how much they ARE getting the word out to others and to be proud of it. They are so brave to speak out. I really hope that right now they are STAYING OUT OF TROUBLE! I wish them all the best and I promise I will get their word out to as many people as I know so hopefully someday something will change.
coming from a native who grew up up in the 70's, (that's 1900's,haha), and mad @ the govt.ever since, i gotta hand it to you guys, good work, just do your people an endless favour and continue your education, cause there's so much in life worth understanding, and not only are you setting qood example for others your age, but for younger ones also, it encourages others to to better themselves by taking care of our surroundings...as it supposed to be, ONE.
What a wonderful film! Guys, thank you for making it. I hope that you continue working on these issues as they effect your tribal rights and the environment of your land. You will inspire many more of us in your lifetime.
This is the second time (the PBS showing) that I've seen this film and it is even more amazing than the first time I saw it at the Folklife Festival this past summer. I am certainly very proud of these young men being Swinomish myself and I only hope the best for them. My hands go out to you for all that you stand for and what this film has conveyed to the world. You have truly represented the heart and the voice of the Swinomish people and I thank you for it! Hy'yok siam,
Richard
Awesum program. Enjoyed this very much. It was great to have a small peek into their lives and see how close they are with each other. It was also great to see them involved in something larger than themselves...and hope they continue this quest to better their world. Glad to see Murray and the other representatives meet with teh boys, but where was Christine Gregoire? She too busy? (Eyebrows raised). WEll, I was also wondering about the mention of the neighboring plants and the dumping of their refuse on the reservation lands. Was this done by agreement with the tribe? Inquiring minds want to know...
From the filmmaker:
Thanks for writing and inquiring about the issues! Governor Gregoire has not responded to our attempts at contacting her in general. We have heard from her Indian Affairs Director though. The experience makes us realize that sometimes there are systems in place that make it difficult for ordinary citizens to be heard. We will keep trying though! In regard to the dumping on the reservation there was illegal disposals happening but the EPA and the Tribe did work together on a massive clean up of the reservation based land areas polluted by the waste in the 90's.
Awesome!!!
I'm 50 yrs old, and am so jealous of these 3 young guys. It seems that they have already accomplished great things in their community, and I feel that each of them have much to be take pride in.
This film deals with multifaceted changes that occur in people, and the communities they are part of, as ordinary kids make seemingly small and personal decisions. They learn and show us what they have been able to do.
This is for the young men... You are so fortunate to have such deep roots in your tribe. I have none. Even though, I have accomplished much. Be proud of who you are. Pride can be destuctive is you use it wrong, listen to those who have a real interest in you. Many mistakes are mine and people who care don't want you to deal with the same. Your interest will fuel your passion. Passion is great, you find it in basketball when you drive up the court. Use the interest to control the passion. It can be turned on and off, just like going to the gym. I have experianced more defeats than victories, but it is worth it. Just think of the taste of the victory over the refinery for you and most of all your tribe. Just like the gym, work hard when it is needed and relax after, you will always find rewards...
Thumbs up to the three boys who made this fabulous film. I am an indigenous elder and grandmother, and this film has inspired me to get this film and show it to the indigenous youth up in Northern British Columbia, Canada. AS many of us are also in the midst of oil refineries and pipelines being proposed through our sacred lands and waters, without our consent. AS if we have no voice. THis film has also inspired me to do my own filming, and to show it to you all. Congratulations Boys, Travis, Nick and Cody. Do more filming and educate the world. I did not know of this website until now. THank you very much for letting us know whats happening in your part of the country. Now I will have to show you whats happening in our part of the country. Keep in touch. Love you, and if I could hug you all, I would. Keep up the good work. Don't stop.
thanks for the film guys. it was nice to hear what you had to say. those rich bastards got no love. don't matter whether you are red, brown, green or pink, we are one. not sure if you know that, but you are not alone, my brothers. please keep your voice strong. thanks again.
Your film is awesome- I am watching it now- all 3 of you will go as far as your dreams- keep filming. I live in Burlington, to see the Reservation from another view is wonderful.
I really liked the music you used in the film but you only list the artists. Could you give me a list of the song titles, I would like to add them to my collection.
thanks!
From the filmmaker:
The music used in March Point is a combination of local Swinomish music from a group called Eagleheart and the main composition was done by a group called Force Theory. The latter can be found on line and they have an extensive website with their music listed.
I believe that to help at risk youth, native or not, you have to step out of your box and meet them where they are to help guide them out. It is comparable to being a small child getting into something they shouldn't get into, but they always look to their parents for a reaction, to reassure that they aren't supposed to be doing whatever behavior it is they are doing. Our youth have alot more things available to them today as a source of something constructive to do rather than get into trouble but if they dont have a friend their to guide them, they will still wander off to find things out for themselves. I believe non traditional education can greatly help our youth because it meets them where they are and helps guide them to something better. These three boys had no idea that they would grow and learn from this project in the beginning. They even thought it would be boring but because someone believed in them and kept them on track and met them halfway, they believed in themselves and made a huge impact for not only themselves, but their community and hopefully nationwide. We just have to believe in our kids and not give up.
Three young men getting the opportunity to discover who they are and what an impact they can have on the world around them by taking an active part.
A chance of a lifetime, I am looking in as an outsider seeing their world and the environment they find themselves in which is not of their making. May be just may be one of them will be instrumental in making a difference for the community in the fututre. A very prevocative topic and a call for optimism. I'm waiting for the sequal.
Iris Seefeldt
I just watched the brief program covering the Swinomish and March Point. Excellent! Honestly, I don't really enjoy many of these types of educational and environmental programs, but these three men did a great job in trying to get the issues that are effecting them out to the public. Personally, I felt the senator didn't ahev enough to say. Maybe thsi was different when you met her, but it should have been covered more. Your issues are important to you, your tribe, culture, heritage, life, health, and future. But also, they WILL effect everyone else in the surrouding areas. Keep pressing your concerns and someone will hear your words. Just think, I from Ohio, live in Colorado now, and am in Texas currently, and I have seen this program. I am one. There will be many. Continue to persevere. Good luck.
I am from Washington state born and raised but I moved to Kentucky in the eighth grade. I have always loved the Northwest Indian culture and was raised with their stories and had many friends from reservations. This great film expressed many of the problems that I also saw happening with the Native peoples of Washington and all around the United States. I was inspired and moved when I watched this film and also very impressed with its quality. It is amazing that these kids had the heart and now how to do this. Native Americans voices are very seldom heard in the nation and it is a sad thing. Hopefully this film will move on to inspire change in the United States because it has replenished my own passion for helping those who's voices are seldom heard. I have wanted to make my own film about the Native Nations of the United States and the struggles they go through, this film has inspired me to finally go for it.
I was SO IMPRESSED BY THIS FILM AND THE THREE BOYS. Not only because it was interesting and informative, but because it seemed to do so much for them and their outlook and futures. Bravo! We live near a gorgeous river that looks so pristine but you can't eat the fish from it due to PBS. So I took a special interest in this project. Please pass this on to the three boys and tell them we are rooting for them and hope to see more of their films. Never give up on your project. You will succeed. Regards, Irish
I just viewed the March Point version of Independant Lens and really enjoyed it. It was amazing to watch those 3 young men grow and transform before the camera. I wish them all sucsess and hope we hear more frm them all!
Just caught the march point on pbs
Great work guys. I just wish more people would be interested in respecting and listening to what our first cultures already knows about how to live in this world.
I'm just glad It caught my attention as I flicked through 100 channels
Rob W/ Chilliwack BC CANADA
