PHOTO BY CLARE JENSEN

About 200 people gathered at the Pioneer Park Pavilion in Puyallup Nov. 5 to watch the unveiling of several films created by tribal youth through Longhouse Media’s Native Lens project. Several tribal youth starred in, wrote, filmed and produced nine short public service announcements and a longer piece featuring the 2008 canoe journey to Cowichan.

Puyallup on the big screen

By Clare Jensen

Puyallup youth made their motion picture debut in a big way. Nine youth-created and produced short films were presented Nov. 5 at the Pioneer Park Pavilion as the first Puyallup Native Lens Film Festival.

Youth have been working with Longhouse Media’s Native Lens Coordinator Christen Marquez over the last six months writing, shooting and editing eight short public service announcements highlighting issues that are relevant to American Indian youth today.

Themes touched on youth social issues such as addiction and drug and alcohol use, spreading rumors at school, leadership, as well as culturally significant topics such as healthy eating for diabetics, and the importance of keeping Native heritage alive.

Interviews with students at Chief Leschi School and youth at GREAT Camp made the short films candid and compelling, and fun for the audience to see so many familiar faces on the big screen.

“This really is work that has been written by, produced by… the youth. I think [that] is a powerful thing,” said Danelle Reed-Inderbitzen, director of Kwawachee Counseling Center (KCC).

The crown jewel of the night was the longer feature “Paddling to the Future: Puyallup Youth Canoe Journey 2008.” This 22-minute film followed the Puyallup Tribal Canoe Family throughout their journey to Cowichan last summer. It showcased the intense preparation, dedication and cultural significance of the 13-year tradition, and the impact it has had in the lives of many Puyallup youth.

A shorter version of the journey to Cowichan will be featured at the Seattle Art Museum’s Traveling Coast Salish Exhibit.

One of the public service announcements, “Culture Shock,” was also shown before the acclaimed Native Lens full-length film “March Point” at the Local Sightings film festival last month in Seattle.

About 200 people attended the film festival Nov. 5, and enjoyed the youth’s creative expression and storytelling as well as a gourmet dinner and dessert.

“Tonight you will hear their voices,” said Cultural Coordinator Connie McCloud before the films were shown. “You will see their power… in our community.”

KCC Helping Hands coordinators and repre-sentatives from Long-house Media’s Native Lens project hope to continue the youth video-making program on the Puyallup Reservation.

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