I AM GITXSAN follows Phoenix Apperloo, a recent high school graduate reconnecting with his Indigenous heritage in Hazelton, British Columbia, Canada. Inspired by encounters with residential school survivors, he writes a heartfelt letter to Prime Minister Trudeau about the injustices faced by his people.

The documentary highlights the impact of colonialism on the Gitxsan community, featuring insights from experts like Dr Gabor Maté and showcasing their resilience through protests and legal actions. It culminates with a moving message of hope and determination, emphasizing the power of the Gitxsan people's enduring spirit, the beauties of their culture, and their commitment to future generations.

Dir: Hossein Martin Fazeli

Two short films will precede the screening.

Wakanyeja Kin Wana Ku Pi (The Children Are Coming Home). Directed by Andy Wakeman. One of the Lakota Nation's most sacred places is Mato Paha, now part of Bear Butte State Park. The people’s access to Bear Butte was severed in the late 19th century, when the U.S. government seized the Black Hills and broke up the Great Sioux Reservation. In 2024, the nonprofit Cheyenne River Youth Project took a major step toward restoring that access when it purchased a nearly 40-acre tract of land adjacent to Bear Butte, which it calls Wakanyeja Kin Wana Ku Pi (The Children Are Coming Home).

Voices of the Grand River. Directed by Andrew Doyle. Ron Yob, chairman of the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians, seeks to gain federal recognition for his tribe from the federal government. Through Yob’s fight, he walks viewers through the historical evidence of the tribe's presence in Grand Rapids to understand why the tribes deserve their federal rights.

Total runtime of all three films: 89 minutes

This is a FREE SCREENING sponsored by the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe and the Ziibiwing Center