The word given to the Salish people to call themselves is Sqelixʷ, which translates to “flesh and land.” When people lose their sense of “Place,” they lose their awareness of self and others in relation to the land and the legacy of their cultural traditions. Modern-day Salish strive to help children experience a respected and nurtured place in the community through programs, activities, and the building of an intentional community.

Interview with Director Ivan MacDonald

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

I made it to celebrate the resiliency and community of indigenous people. The Snqʷeyłmistn program that we follow in the film is doing such important work to keep indigenous communities together. With the ever-present existential threat of overturning, the Indian child welfare act. I believe it’s time we start sharing stories that show the importance of the connection and kinship of our communities. The short also offered the opportunity to train, local and community filmmakers, and how to work with indigenous communities. The Montana media center graciously supported the production and supports training. The next generation of Montana-based filmmakers.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

I think you should watch this film to learn about different ways, in which indigenous communities are working together to keep indigenous youth, where they need to be. This short film shows the innovative and in many ways traditional aspects of raising youth.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

I think all of my themes are personal across all of my projects. Many of them grow out of the lived experience of growing up as an indigenous person and not only in my community but in many other communities. Well, our experiences as indigenous people are unique I think there’s this universality to the stories that highlight resiliency connection, and the importance of being good to one another and the Earth.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

The film actually inspired a feature-length doc on similar issues that I am developing with a great team. It highlights and goes deeper into some of the aspects of this short.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

The feedback has been amazing. The community has been so receptive, and I’m honored to highlight the work of my friends and the community. I have deep connections with.

Snqʷeyłmistn: the place where you do your best

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

I think it surprised me that so many people connected to the aspect of child welfare, and what it means in a larger conversation or context of protecting youth.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

I hope more people can learn about the program and the good it does in the community of the confederated, Salish and Kootenai tribes. The stories are so important as stated previously, we are facing threats to keeping indigenous youth in their communities, and stories like this can highlight the importance of community.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

Distributors would be great and since the film is progressing to a longer documentary, we would love to talk to those interested in supporting it

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

I would love to have a lot of grassroots community-based screenings that have similar programs and organizations working to protect indigenous youth.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

Why is it so important that indigenous stay in their communities to learn their culture, language and history?

Would you like to add anything else?

If you would like to learn how to support the Snqʷeyłmistn program please visit their website.

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

The same team that made the short is working on a feature-like documentary centered on the boarding school experience in the group, working to bring that to light.

Snqʷeyłmistn: the place where you do your best poster

Interview: February 2023

We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela

Snqʷeyłmistn: the place where you do your best

Length: 7:12

Director: Ivan MacDonald

Producer: Lynnwood fields

Writer: Ivan MacDonald

About the writer, director and producer:

IVAN MACDONALD is an Emmy award-winning filmmaker who is an enrolled member of the Blackfeet Tribe. His most recent project Murder In Big Horn premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival and will air nationally on Showtime. He is currently an inaugural fellow of the Illuminative and Netflix Producers Fellowship and is alumnus of the Firelight Media Lab with his sister Ivy. His directorial debut When They Were Here is currently in production and has been supported by ITVS, Chicken and Egg Pictures and Vision Maker Media.

Instagram: @willowbranch54

Made in association with: Media Training Center