Native American Films Screened at TCC West Campus

“Mankiller” and “Te Ata” are two of the six films in this year’s lineup for the Red Fork Native American Film Festival and Pow wow. The film festival presents a variety of independent films that showcase the work of Native American actors, directors and producers as well as films that focus on the experiences of indigenous peoples.

The Red Fork Native American Film Festival and Pow wow is 2 p.m. – 10 p.m., Saturday, April 7 at the TCC West Campus Stephen J. Jatras Student Union, 7505 W. 41st Street South. Organized by the Tulsa Community College Native American Student Alliance, the event is free and open to the public.

TCC serves a number of Native American students and was ranked as third in the country in the number of Native American students earning an associate degree among community colleges. TCC offers a Liberal Arts degree with a Native American Studies emphasis.

“Mankiller,” from veteran filmmaker Valerie Red-Horse, tells the journey of Wilma Mankiller, who persevered through devastating personal setbacks to become one of the greatest activist leaders in American history. “Old School House” explores a building on the Northeastern State University campus known as The Old Bacone House which serves as NSU's Center for Tribal Studies. The film screenings also include “Red Hand,” “Metal Roads,” “Out of State,” and “Te Ata.

In addition to the film screenings, the festival will include Native American arts and crafts vendors and a Pow wow featuring Native American dancers. Gourd Dancing begins at 2 p.m. with the Grand Entry starting at 7 p.m.