Reflection
"Reclamation" and "The Cave" exemplify the notion of indigenous futurism that gives
new insights based on the intersection of indigenous cultures, environmentalism, and speculative
fiction.
In "Reclamation," Theo J. Cuthand show us a powerful depiction of a planet long
recovered from dystopia where Indigenous communities are left to construct the future after the
world was destroyed by climate change and colonization. The movie successfully combines
documentary-style storytelling methods with futuristic speculation, conveying the image of a
future planet where Indigenous community members lead ecological remediation work by
themselves1. The motion picture addresses the notion of the indigenous spirit of adversity and
defiance to achieve reconnection with nature, which is equally admirable and a figment of the
earlier battles and colonization of the land. The appearance of 2-Spirit characters as main
characters brings extra layers to the narrative, pointing out the interconnectedness of Indigenous
identities and their roles in imagining an alternative future. Today, in our world where
conversations about gender identity and LGBTQ+ topics are becoming more and more common,
the portrayal of two-spirit people in this movie stands as a strong example of accepting and
celebrating diverse identities in Indigenous cultures2.
However, "The Cave" by Helen Haig-Brown is a more mythical five-step ritual that
profoundly illustrates Indigenous cosmology and spirituality. The film director makes a
remarkable usage of the captivating images of the world and the chilling music that allows the
1 Cuthand, “Reclama on.”
2 Cuthand, Theo Jean. “Reclamation
ti
viewer to ground himself into the universe in which the barriers between the physical and
spiritual realms are removed3. Considering that we are experiencing the repercussions of inter-
human division and conflict, "The Cave" emerges as a symbolic representation of the need for
spiritual unity as well as of the utmost duty to the world of nature.
Moreover, a film that employed oral tradition as a storytelling medium exemplifies the
strength of Native communities that had come close to being wiped out completely. the unique
oral Traditions of Indigenous cultures that are still in use and are widely applied in modern
storytelling. When Indigenous languages and cultures are struggling to be maintained, "The
Cave" highlights the need to retain and recover the complex Indigenous knowledge systems4.
The films, though distinct, capture central themes of Indigenous Futurisms, which work
to disrupt the dominant narrative of the future while maintaining the dignity of Indigenous
cultures, epistemologies, and worldviews. They remind us to advocate for Indigenous people
when discussing environmental justice, decolonization and our sustainable planet. The two films
"Reclamation" and "The Cave" are clear case examples of Indigenous storytelling on the cinema
plate, which bears a strong reminder of the Indigenous presence and revival.
3 Helen Haig-Brown, ?“?E?Anx - the Cave.”
4 Helen Haig-Brown, ?“E?Anx - the Cave
References
Cuthand, Theo Jean. “Reclamation,” March 19, 2024. https://vimeo.com/279943832.
Helen Haig-Brown, ?“E?Anx - the Cave,” May 9, 2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=GoLvf8a4mQ4.
