Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

There are student projects that make news and there are student projects that make history. On Thursday, August 29, 2013, several short films were presented at the St. Regis Mohawk School. Filmed under the direction and tutelage of Katsitsionni Fox and sponsored in part by Salmon River Central School, Title VII, Johnson O’Malley and the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Broadband Project, these films range from an entertaining spin on the iconic “Thriller” by Michael Jackson, to what will surely become historical vignettes of the late Jake Swamp, John Mohawk and Audrey Shenandoah. These films used previously recorded footage from the Teaching American History Through Haudenosaunee Eyes project from 2004 to 2006, and used with permission from the Akwesasne Museum. Students enhanced the footage by editing and adding to the visual effect of the films. Also featured were two music videos; Bear Fox’s music videos of “Diamond” and “Rich Girl”. Both videos featured local Akwesasne actors Kenny Perkins, Ryan Thomas, Kohe David, Reann Oakes, Ryanna Swamp and Mason Jackson among others. 

Mikayla Francis and Katsitsionni Fox’s daughter Kaienkwinetha Ransom, two former students of SRCS›s Native Film Class, were hired to assist with filming, editing, and overall logistical and technical aspects of the two week Summer Film project.

If you have the opportunity to view these films you can see for yourself as the movies grow before your own eyes, sometimes in the rough but always full of life and love and giving us a snapshot of a strong future. The way film students recognized and captured the importance of our past to move solidly into the future is inspiring to people of all ages.