2025 Treaty Day Film Festival: Shorts Program

CHILDREN OF THE SETTING SUN PRODUCTIONS presents the 7th annual Treaty Day Film Festival (TDFF) SHORTS PROGRAM: Opening and Blessing (10 mins) “2024 Salmon People Gathering” (4 mins) Children of the Setting Sun’s 5th annual Salmon People Gathering was an event centered on the cultural, spiritual, and ecological importance of salmon to Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest. This gathering celebrated the profound relationship between salmon and the Indigenous communities that have relied on them for sustenance, cultural identity, and spiritual practices since time immemorial. Directed and produced by CSSP “Basket Lady” (7 mins) In the Pacific Northwest, the Coast Salish people tell stories of the Basket Lady, a dark figure lurking in the forest undergrowth. She watches silently, with pitch in hand to blind her prey, and a large cedar basket to swiftly carry away disobedient children. Will and Dakota, two young girls on the reservation laugh off warnings of the Pitch Witch as just another scary story meant to keep kids in line. However, as their rebellion continues, they soon realize the chilling reality for those who don’t listen to their Elders. Director: Dominique McFarlane “Weaving the Path” (12 mins) For centuries, weaving has formed an integral part of the Coast Salish communities' culture. Around 82 years passed while the tradition of weaving lay dormant. Debra Sparrow, Chief Janice George and Angela George, among other Coast Salish weavers have since revived these lost traditions. This film explores the life of Debra Sparrow together with the cultural and spiritual meaning that weaving has had in her life and the Coast Salish communities. Director: Cristobal Ruiz "We Ride for Her" (30 mins) Follows the dual narratives of two Indigenous women: Lorna and Heather. Lorna is part of an Indigenous motorcycle group and sisterhood called The Medicine Wheel Riders. The sisters organize a ride every year called The Medicine Wheel Ride that brings the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) to Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, the largest motorcycle rally in the United States. Heather is a travel nurse and devoted mother to her son Khalid. Khalid is in his final year of college and is dedicated to becoming an activist for Indigenous rights. Both Heather and Khalid are searching for their sister and aunt Susan, who went missing a little over a year ago. Directors: Prairie Rose Seminole, Katrina Lillian Sorrentino “Story Pole” (35 mins) Follows the remarkable story of Jason LaClair, a Native American artist from the Pacific Northwest, as he restores a story pole started by an elder from his community. The film is a reflection on his life as he recovers from drug addiction, and finds healing in his art and community. His journey leads him into the public school district, where he teaches young people about his people’s history, art and healing. Director: CSSP Followed by Q&A (30 mins)PT2H8M2025-01-252025 Treaty Day Film Festival: Shorts Program"2025 Treaty Day Film Festival: Shorts Program"

Showtimes

January 25, 10:00 am