Many of these movies have mature content so we highly recommend reading the IMDb Parent’s Guides before viewing, especially with younger children.

The Snow Walker
Set in the 50s, in the Northwest Territory, “The Snow Walker” contrasts the idea of living in and with nature to relying on technology. It is a great and emotional story. Warning: some mature content and themes.

The Edge of America
Story about a native girls' basketball team with a new, black coach. Kind of rough but realistic.

The Education of Little Tree
Based on the book of the same title, this movie offers a look into the historic Boarding School system that was put in place on reservations across the nation. This movie is set in Cherokee.

Smoke Signals
A movie made by Native Americans about Native Americans. “Smoke Signals” will give you insight into how the history of Native America affects the modern Native’s struggles. Set on the Coeur D'Alene Indian Reservation in Idaho, there are many regional and cultural similarities to the Yakama Nation. Not suitable for younger children.

The Last of the Mohicans (1992)
There are many similarities between the traditional Cherokee culture and the Mohicans. This film was made near Cherokee and many of the cast members were Cherokee.

Into the West
(Six hours, Produced by Stephen Spielberg) Excellent for families--some violence, but made to be used in schools. Drama/documentary; historically accurate.

The Grizzlies
Based on a true story, “The Grizzlies” is a story of a youth lacrosse team that was set up in an effort to prevent youth suicide in the community of Kugluktuk, Nunavut. Suicide is a prevalent cause of death among Native people across all of North America. Though the movie contains mature themes, it is a realistic look into the lives of students around Native communities today.

Wind River
Not recommended for families. Mature content warning. This movie is not an easy one to watch. “Wind River” is an emotional and realistic depiction of a current social issue in our nation. If you are looking to learn more about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women in our country, this is a relevant resource. Native women are 2.5x more likely to be victims of sexual assault than any other ethnic group in our country. Furthermore, Native women face murder rates at 10x the national average.

500 Nations
500 Nations is an eight-part documentary that explores the history of the indigenous peoples of North and Central America, from pre-Columbian Times through the period of European contact and colonization, to the end of the 19th century and the subjugation of the Plains Indians of North America. 500 Nations utilizes historical texts, eyewitness accounts, pictorial sources and computer graphic reconstructions to explore the magnificent civilizations which flourished prior to contact with Western civilization, and to tell the dramatic and tragic story of the Native American nations' desperate attempts to retain their way of life against overwhelming odds.