The Coalition of Natives and Allies (CNA) is hosting a screening & webinar discussion of “Fighting Indians” on Sunday, May 1st at 2pm at The Gem. This event is FREE and open to everyone!

If you prefer to watch the film and discussion from home, here is the link to do so.

CNA is a cross-cultural collaboration of Native Americans and allies who value cultural diversity and respect for all peoples. Through education and advocacy, CNA aspires to teach the truth about Native American histories, modern day Native issues and bring awareness to the trauma caused by negative and archaic stereotypes used for sports mascots. By highlighting the bias and prejudice these stereotypes cause, CNA strives to end the harmful use of Native American misrepresentation in schools. The Gem is honored to be a venue where this event can be shared with the community.

On May 16th, 2019, The State of Maine made history by passing LD 944 An Act to Ban Native American Mascots in All Public Schools, the first legislation of its kind in the country. For the tribal nations in Maine, the landmark legislation marked an end to a decades long struggle to educate the public on the harms of Native American mascotry.

Fighting Indians chronicles the last and most contentious holdout in that struggle, the homogeneously white Skowhegan High School, known for decades as “The Home of the Indians”. This is the story of a small New England community forced to reckon with its identity, its sordid history, and future relationship with its Indigenous neighbors. It is a story of a small town divided against the backdrop of a nation divided where the “mascot debate” exposes centuries old abuses while asking if reconciliation is possible.

An online discussion with Film Directors, Mark G. Cooley and Derek Ellis, and Pennsylvania State Representative, Chris Rabb, will follow the film. We welcome you to The Gem to watch this film and discussion together from 2 to 4pm.