Before I continue, a huge thank you to Kaniehtiio for giving me the opportunity to see the film. I was absolutely heartbroken that I would have to wait until SEEDS located distribution here in the U.S. I was also a little mad that my mom made a mad dash back to Oklahoma when she went into labor with me because I’d like to believe if she hadn’t, I’d be sitting in a theatre somewhere in Saskatoon, watching SEEDS in the theatre the way it should and deserves to be seen.

In SEEDS, Ziggy (Kaniehtiio Horn) is a budding social media influencer and food delivery worker in Toronto who’s recently secured a brand deal with Nature’s Oath, a seed company with a “purpose.” When her cousin calls and convinces her to house-sit for her Aunty, who is getting her snag on in New Zealand, she heads back reluctantly with her feline furbaby, Potato. Here, she reconnects with familiar faces and the comforting but frustrating rhythm of rez life, where wi-fi and cell service are hard to come by.

Ziggy’s homecoming turns dark when her cousin tells her she is working with the enemy as an ambassador for Nature’s Oath and that they are not as well-meaning as they portray themselves. Ziggy is not willing to believe it at first, but after doing some internet sleuthing and a violent break-in that results in one badass Potato kicking ass and claiming an ear before being taken out, she realizes Nature Oath’s intent to steal her family’s legacy, one of a kind seeds that have been passed down through generations of her family.

Once she realizes the truth, she vows to avenge Potato and protect the seeds with the help of her on-again, off-again “emotionally unavailable asshole,” Bandit. From this point on, let’s just say that John Wick could learn a thing or two from Ziggy, who proves that you should never underestimate the ability or lengths to which Native women will go to protect who and what they love, what matters most to their families and communities.

Despite a few hiccups, SEEDS masterfully weaves Indigenous horror and humor within a revenge-thriller framework. From beginning to end, it is funny, suspenseful, heartbreaking, and horrifying in all the best ways because the realism is still firmly rooted in fantasy and not tied directly to any real atrocity that haunts Indigenous communities today. It’s refreshing to see a Native movie that doesn’t dwell on atrocity but the indigenuity, humor, and toughness of Native people in how we survive and protect what matters most to us.

Horn’s performance as Ziggy is captivating and proof that she is not just a star but a LEADING star. She convincingly embodies and conveys Ziggy’s complexity as a relatable, resilient, imperfect, and terrifying Native woman when wronged. From her social media montage to her comical interactions with Potato and Bandit, Horn builds an onscreen presence that is effortlessly engaging and wickedly fun.

The supporting cast only adds to SEEDS‘ charm, particularly Dallas Goldtooth as her cousin, Wiz, because we all have a cousin or Uncle Wiz. The real-life friendship between Kaniehtiio and Dallas shines through in the interactions between Ziggy and Wiz, which brings a “certifiably organtic” authenticity to their bantering and teasing. Meegwun Fairbrother, who plays Bandit, was also perfect casting. I’m still laughing at how he portrayed the emotional whiplash between him and Ziggy as they worked out their issues. It was also good to see Graham Greene making a cameo as Ziggy’s ancestral spirit guide, warning her of the danger she was facing and even bringing his brand of humor to the show.

Despite the cast’s perfection and overall watching experience, there are a few hiccups in balancing the tone, with abrupt shifts between humor and violence, which I see more as a problem for Non-Natives who aren’t familiar with Native humor or storytelling. While I thoroughly enjoyed Ziggy’s revenge, I can see how her quips might interrupt the intensity for Non-Natives, unfamiliar with the way that Natives are just naturally funny and sarcastic in the most inappropriate times, like when we’re “de-barking” cat-killing bastards. Additionally, some plot decisions, like an out-of-sequence social media post at the beginning of the movie that was never re-visited, could have been better because it teased consequences for Nature’s Oath and didn’t deliver. While Ziggy’s final revenge and closing scenes were epic, they fell short of a satisfying ending because there was no resolution to Nature Oath’s overall agenda or relationship with Ziggy.

That being said, SEEDS shines as a refreshing horror comedy that boldly tackles the shady relationships between social media influencers, corporate exploitation, colonial oppression, and capitalism. Although unbalanced at times, SEEDS marks a promising directorial debut for Horn, anchored by her captivating performance and a unique blend of humor, horror, and revenge that leaves you anticipating what she has up her sleeves for the future.

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1. Slash/Back

If you loved 2011’s Attack the Block, you’re going to love Slash/Back. It offers the same gritty reality of marginalized youth whose experiences make them the unlikely heroes and saviors of their communities. 

“When Maika and her ragtag friends discover an alien invasion in their tiny arctic hamlet, it’s up to them to save the day. Utilizing their makeshift weapons and horror movie knowledge, the aliens realize you don’t mess with girls from Pang.”

2. Crossers

Crossers is interesting because a lot of Native communities have found themselves in the position of deciding whether or not to watch episodes of popular ghost hunting shows that are exploring locations and topics that are considered taboo. I’m looking at you, Ghost Adventures! It’s this reality that makes Crossers such a horrific good time. 

“You’re Native American. A story from your tribe is featured on a reality ghost chasing show amid controversy. You know you shouldn’t support it, but you decide to tune in anyways.”

3. The Smudging

The Smudging is one of my favorite Native horror flicks because it is set in an actual Native Community Center that is purported to be haunted and the crew did catch an unexplained entity while shooting the film. It adds to the creepy realism of this horror mockumentary that left some audiences unsure of whether it was an actual documentary or fictional film. 

“A paranormal research group is called in to investigate the aggressive supernatural activity of a Native American cultural center.”

4.Blood Quantum

Essays could and have been written about the late Jeff Barnaby’s Blood Quantum because it is such a layered film. It is not the typical zombie flick that strictly questions how survivors stay alive while keeping their humanity in tact, but questions the complexity of Indigenous identities and Blood Quantum in a world where only Indigenous people are immune. 

“The dead are coming back to life outside the isolated Mi’kmaq reserve of Red Crow, except for its Indigenous inhabitants who are strangely immune to the zombie plague.”

5. Violet

Violet is an unsettling exploration of how medical racism, sexism, and lateral violence was leveraged against Native women to discredit them and disappear them when necessary. It is a terrifying look at how the scars of yesterday’s injustices and violence bleed into our present and future. 

“In 1984 a female patient known only as “subject 23″ escaped a mental institution. Three days later, her lifeless body was discovered under the home of her former doctor. Her death was never solved and forgotten. Thirty years later a mysterious box containing a secret recording or her last hours at the hospital resurfaces. Not the truth and perhaps something more sinister might be unleashed.”

6. Prey

Prey. I don’t even know where to begin with describing how incredibly important this film is, not just because it revitalized the Predator franchise, but in terms of the Native representation. It is an incredible showing of what can be done when Native people are allowed to represent themselves and their cultures. It’s been two years and it is still one of the movies that I find myself watching again and again. 

“Naru, a skilled warrior of the Comanche Nation, fights to protect her tribe against one of the first highly-evolved Predators to land on Earth.”

7. These Walls

These Walls is really difficult to watch because it is a reminder that the real-life horrors that exist within our histories are more terrifying the horrors we can imagine, especially when they still have a powerful impact on our present day realities. 

“Mary is catapulted into a horrific struggle to right old wrongs when she discovers the bones of the missing and murdered babies of an Indian residential school.”

8. Cornhusk

Nothing creeps me out more or has me on the verge of fearful tears than haunted dolls and creepy nuns. Cornhusk just happens to combine the two and will have you sleeping with the light on for nights to follow. 

“A Native American family moves back to the reservation and recovers a doll buried on church grounds. Soon after strange demonic things start happening as the family discovers that the doll is from the Residential School era exposing all the horrors that the voiceless Native children have experienced. “

9. Trap Door in the Sun

Trap Door in the Sun is very cerebral and doesn’t relent in its quest to make you acknowledge the violent nature of colonization and the impact that it continues to have on Native communities. There is a very poignant scene that conveys the literal erasure of Native peoples and destruction of Native lands for the benefit of settler colonialism and capitalism. 

“A Horror film about Colonization.”

10. Mirror Man

“Officer Jordan, a Native police officer, who is doubting her traditional faith, is called to a possible burglary but is met by a supernatural entity, Mirror Man, that leads her to a buried secret.”

A haunting, heart-wrenching movie from Ginew Benton that gives a glimpse into the horrors of the residential boarding school era and how recent discoveries of mass graves still impact and haunt Indigenous communities in the present. 

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“Never Whistle at Night will be released September 19,2023. Pre-Order your copy at www.neverwhistleatnight.com

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Beginnings and Inspiration:

Stewart Billie, Narbona’s drummer and father of Lestat and Unity, reminisced about where their musical journey began. “Being a single father of two boys, my sons went were I went. They listened to what I listened to and it only seemed natural for them to pick up the guitar and bass. I taught them all I could and they went full speed from there”. 

“For me, it started when I was 14. I would listen to music that was “otherworldly”. Music that really spoke through words, riffs and licks”, said Unity. ” Then, living on the reservation gave me an perpective of how things are and I knew that I could try to perceive the beauty we all see and do in our everyday lives through Heavy Metal Music.”

Lestat StandingBear expressed how the band’s beginning was ignited by their close-knit relationship and how their familiarity gave them the ability to understand how their musical influences and talents would come together to create their music.

“Seeing these two guys that I’ve been around my whole life want to start a band, was inspiring because we know each other enough to know what type of music we would want to play with one anothe, how it would sound, and how would could all collaborate one thing, and one thing only.”

Influence of Their Navajo Heritage on Music:

Culture plays a significant role in Narbona’s music. Stewart Billie explained the band’s name was inspired by a revered Navajo leader who tragically lost his life to the U.S. Cavalry and New Mexican Militia in 1849. The name Narbona serves as a tribute to their history and ancestors.

“Narbona was great headsman who lived in The Chuska Mountains and was murdered by The U.S Calvary And New Mexican Militia in 1849. He was also father-in-law to the Famous War Chief “Manuelito”, explained Stewart. “We named our band NARBONA, because we are proud of our history and our ancestors.”

Lestat StandingBear elaborated on the band’s purpose, emphasizing their desire to break away from the typical themes associated with heavy metal and instead use their music as a platform to empower their community.

“Usually, the music we play is always associated with Devil Stuff, gore, and brutality. But we didn’t want to be a part of that. We wanted to be a voice for who we are as a people. What are our morals? What do we stand for? What we go through mentally, knowing we’re a part of the Navajo Nation?” said Lestat.

Their lyrics delve into the struggles faced by Natives, offering a voice of resilience and unity. Unity Billie added that their music reflects the strength and perseverance exhibited by their ancestors on the reservation.

It would be how we carry ourselves in our everyday lives, on the reservation. Our ancestors, who inhabited these lands, managed to adapt through perseverance.” he said. “It took blood, sweat, and tears to create beauty or sustainability for life. It’s what influenced me to write thoughts, feelings, and what we do through music.”

Challenges and Rewards:

Challenges have been a part of Narbona’s journey, but they remain focused on professionalism and connecting with their audience. Stewart Billie acknowledged the logistical hurdles of traveling long distances for shows, while Unity Billie mentioned the resourcefulness required to overcome equipment limitations.

“Well, for one, the rez isn’t all luxury. We work hard and plan with one another to see how we can make it to these shows that are far from home”, said Lestat. “Sometimes, having no cases for your instrument is kind of a hassle, so making your own DIY case for the instruments and being resourceful with what we have equipment wise.”

However, they all agreed that the support of their fans and the opportunity to perform live make it worthwhile. The rewards of their musical endeavor are deeply fulfilling. Stewart Billie expressed immense pride in seeing the small project he initiated with his sons transform into something tangible.

“The rewards are seeing a small project that me and my sons created turn into something real. Traveling with them and playing live is such an amazing feeling.”

Unity Billie concurred and added that gratification is also derived from being able to listen to their own compositions and take pride in the music they create.

On the Future and Rise of Native Metal:

Looking ahead, Narbona has a busy schedule, with several music festivals lined up both on and off the reservation. They are particularly excited about their upcoming performance in Los Angeles on July 28th. The band aspires to record a five-song EP and eventually release a full album. They have their eyes set on leaving a positive impact on their community and continuing to refine their craft.

Narbona recognizes the burgeoning Native metal scene and appreciates the opportunity to be part of it.

“We come from a place where heavy metal is appreciated. We see local bands playing with national acts 2-3 times a month”, says Stewart. “Gallup has a booming music scene I see a lot of native people taking the helm in making things happen, especially in the southwest.”

Witnessing and being a part of the rise of Native metal is exhilarating for Narbona.

“I think the world is ready to hear us native people on a national level because we have something to offer,”

Narbona’s journey is driven by their passion for music, their pride in their heritage, and their commitment to conveying the struggles and resilience of Native individuals through heavy metal. With their upcoming performances, recording plans, and dedication to their community, the band is poised to leave a lasting impact on the music scene while proudly representing their Navajo roots.

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When rumors began circulating on social media that a new Predator movie was in the works and that it would “follow a Comanche woman who goes against gender norms and traditions to become a warrior,” my spidey senses started tingling. In 2019, when the DISinsider published an article announcing that Dan Trachtenberg would be directing the rumored Predator movie for Disney/Fox, Natives were concerned because Disney does not have a good track record regarding Native representation.

From Peter Pan to Pocahontas, the liberties taken with how Native people, especially Native women, are portrayed are problematic and the subject of much discussion and criticism within NDN Country. In 2014, when Rooney Mara was cast as Tigerlily in Joe Wright’s Pan, I created the hashtag #NotYourTigerlily. It was an effective way to shed light on the racist depictions of Native people in Peter Pan, but also a way for Native women to discuss the impact that we experience from the hypersexualization and erasure of our humanity and existence within pop culture.

Since then, we have seen a lot of progress with the success of shows like Rutherford Falls and Reservation Dogs that provide an authentic representation of contemporary Native people and communities. They allow our humanity to break through centuries of reductive and racist Hollywood tropes to be seen as we are. Fallible, messy, funny, and complex human beings. I was confident that Prey was going to be a step backward in terms of Native representation, but I was wrong.

I was so very wrong.

Prey is a groundbreaking achievement for Dan Trachtenberg, Jhane Myers, the late Juanita Pahdopony, the Comanche Language Department, and the entire Comanche Nation. It is more than just another Predator movie; it is a rare tribute to the indigenuity, strength, and sheer stubbornness that has allowed Native people to survive the forces that threaten our survival.

It is also the first film to be released in both Comanche and English, and I highly recommend ONLY watching the Comanche version of Prey. It is an incredible opportunity to watch a movie entirely in Comanche, but there’s also a lot of humor and essential nuances that get lost in the English version. Expand your horizons and watch the Comanche version. Fun fact: Dan Trachtenberg initially pitched for the movie to be filmed only in Comanche. So, you’d be watching the movie how it was intended to be seen.

Now let’s get into it.

Set in the 1700s, “Prey” is the story of Naru, who sets out to prove herself as a hunter. While initial descriptions stated that she was a “Comanche woman who goes against gender norms and traditions to become a warrior,” thankfully, that is not what drove her story. I was worried when a conversation between Naru and her mother early in the movie went as follows:
“Why do you want to hunt?”
“Because you all think I can’t!”

I rolled my eyes and expected the cringe of White Patriarchal values and Feminist ideals of “Girl Power” to whitewash and erase the inherent strength and power of Indigenous women pre-colonization. Native women were not oppressed in our communities or seen as less capable because of their gender. There were and still are traditional roles held by men and women, but it was not unusual for women to be skilled hunters or even warriors. They were not denied the opportunity to use their skill sets to benefit the entire tribe simply because of their gender.

Thankfully, the movie quickly moves past that angle as Naru becomes more aware of an unknown threat to her people. She tries to warn her brother, who refuses to listen as he assumes she is still more concerned with proving herself at the expense of her well-being and safety.

Naru heads out on her own to find proof of the threat. However, she is soon confronted with the terrifying reality that she is up against one of the fiercest hunters in the universe, a Feral Predator armed with high-tech weaponry far beyond the imagination of the time. But the Predator is not the only threat. As the stakes grow higher and the final showdown comes to a head, you know that the Predator has found a worthy adversary in Naru and why the Comanche people were known as the Lord of the Plains.

The story is solid and beautifully done. FINALLY, a Predator movie that feels like it belongs to the Predator franchise. It’s been over 30 years, and I still remember the thrill of watching Predator and the joy of seeing a Native character just existing within that world. So, I may be biased because I’m Native. But in my opinion, PREY surpasses the original. It breathes new life and possibility to a franchise that has never been able to live up to its hype and fanfare.

This film has so many layers, and it is unapologetically Native-centric. There are so many tiny details and Easter eggs that you’d only recognize if you are Native. It is one of those rare films you can watch repeatedly and find something new to obsess over every single time.

I am so excited for NDN Country to watch PREY and for Hollywood to take note of what can be achieved when you intentionally involve Native talent in every step of the creative process.

It’s always a good day to be Indigenous, but when Prey premieres on August 5, it’s going to be a perfect damn day to be Comanche.

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