A journey of redemption: ‘Reservation Redemption’ documentary explores Native American incarceration
A new perspective on prison reform
Native American filmmaker Blake Pickens (Chickasaw) has teamed up with first-time director Brenda Fisher (Yakama) to bring a powerful new documentary to life. Titled Reservation Redemption, this film delves into the lives of Native Americans, the most incarcerated race in Washington State, through a deeply personal and transformative lens.
The story behind ‘Reservation Redemption’
Fisher and Pickens, who previously produced Wild Indian, are co-directing and co-producing this project. Brenda Fisher’s son, Brice Fisher (Siletz), joins them as an associate producer. The documentary centers on the life of Chief Marchand Rice (Colville), a man who was sentenced to life in prison without parole as a teenager for murder. The film follows his journey from this dark beginning to becoming a respected leader within Washington State prisons.
Chief’s transformation began when he met Francis Cullooyah, a Kalispel spiritual leader, who posed a life-changing question: “Who do you want to be when you grow up?” This pivotal moment set Chief on a path of cultural and spiritual healing, inspiring countless others along the way.
A personal connection to the cause
Blake Pickens shared his personal connection to the project, stating, “Growing up, a lot of my family was doing life on the installment plan, so prison reform is an issue that really hits home for me. When Brenda told me the story of Reservation Redemption, I knew how powerful it could be, and I had to be a part of it.”
A comprehensive exploration
The documentary will weave together research data, interviews with activists, historical recounts, and in-depth discussions with experts. This multifaceted approach aims to shed light on the prison systems, native culture, and the families affected by systemic oppression.
Brenda Fisher, who also hosts the Reservation Redemption podcast, has a personal history with Chief. She recalls, “I grew up with ‘Chief’ on the Yakama Reservation and witnessed a lost boy’s self-destruction culminate into a life sentence. Years later, he had become a man who discovered his culture and had taken responsibility for his past and created a future.”
The impact of cultural loss
Fisher hopes the documentary will expose the devastating effects of cultural loss on Native families. She explains, “We hope to expose how the loss of culture has devastated Native families and contributed to the generational trauma and harmful repercussions of not knowing one’s roots, including the consequences of the way the world views us.”
Support and recognition
Reservation Redemption is a fiscally sponsored project of the International Documentary Association, a nonprofit organization that supports documentary filmmakers. The film also received an initial research grant from Vision Maker Media, which supports projects representing the cultures, experiences, and perspectives of Native Americans and Alaska Natives.
Brenda Fisher is represented by attorney Joshua R. Lastine at Lastine Entertainment Law, while Blake Pickens is represented by Brittany Meckelborg at Sheree Guitar Entertainment.
A call to action
Reservation Redemption is more than just a documentary; it is a call to action. It challenges viewers to reconsider their perceptions of Native Americans and the prison system. By highlighting Chief’s journey and the broader issues at play, the film aims to inspire change and foster a deeper understanding of the cultural and spiritual healing that can lead to true redemption.
For those interested in exploring more about the film, you can watch the trailer and find additional information on the Reservation Redemption page.
Final thoughts
As cinema and TV series enthusiasts, we often seek stories that resonate on a deeper level, stories that challenge our perspectives and inspire us to think differently. Reservation Redemption promises to be one such story. It is a testament to the power of transformation, the importance of cultural identity, and the enduring human spirit. This documentary is not just a film; it is a journey of redemption that we all can learn from and be inspired by.