#seaconke Wampanoag

[moniquill]

Here is a brief summary of what is happening in Wikipedia right now:

In the last few years (3-4 years) the WikiProject Indigenous peoples of North America, which was originally created to improve the quality and coverage of native issues and native articles on wikipedia, has been hijacked by a small number of users with an extremist agenda. They have been working diligently over the last few years to change the definition of both what it means to be an Indigenous American and even what it means to be state and federally recognized.

The four or five key players (Mainly Editor Yuchitown, Bohemian Baltimore, ARoseWolf, (now retired editor CorbieVreccan, Netherzone and Oncamera) who are part of the “Native American Articles Improvement Project” started implementing these changes slowly, but they started pursuing their goals aggressively after November 2023, when state-recognized tribes retained their voting rights in NCAI. Essentially, after the movement to delegitimize state-recognized tribes failed officially, the key players doubled down on altering and controlling the flow of information about Native Americans through Wikipedia.

The talk page of Lily Gladstone’s article has a relevant discussion here. Initially, the leaders of the WikiProject removed any reference to her being a “Native American Actress” and instead had her as “Self-identifying as Blackfoot” and “Self-identifying as Nez Perce” because her blood quantum was too low to be enrolled in either tribe.

You can see some of the discussion here:

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Lily_Gladstone

Eventually they relented and changed her category to being “Of Nez Perce Descent” but you can see in the discussion that they are referring to an article that these editors (Yuchitown, Bohemian Baltimore, and CorbieVreccan) themselves appeared to have mostly written and revised:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Native_American_identity_in_the_United_States

This statement is very much at odds with even the government’s description, as seen below;

The DOJ Office of Tribal Justice Office on their webpage “Frequently Asked Questions About Native American”, question “Who is an American Indian or Alaskan Native” states:

“As a general principle, an Indian is a person who is of some degree Indian blood and is recognized as an Indian by a Tribe and/or the United States. No single federal or tribal criterion establishes a person's identity as an Indian. Government agencies use differing criteria to determine eligibility for programs and services. Tribes also have varying eligibility criteria for membership.”

In addition, “List” pages have been created on Wikipedia for federally and state recognized tribes. The Wikipedia “List” page for state-recognized tribes is inaccurate in its interpretation of state recognition and not supported by expert reliable sources--(1) Cohen’s Handbook of Federal Indian Law 2012 edition, (2) NCSL.org current stand on state recognition (not the archived list from 2017 which NCSL no longer supports), (3) Koenig & Stein’s paper “Federalism and the State Recognition of Native American Tribes: a survey of state-recognized tribes and state recognition processes across the United States” (both 2008 & updated 2013 in book “ Recognition, sovereignty struggles, and indigenous rights in the United States: A sourcebook”)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State-recognized_tribes_in_the_United_States

State-recognized tribes who have received recognition through less formal but acceptable means have been moved from the Wikipedia list page on state-recognized tribes to the Wikipedia list page of unrecognized or self-identifying organizations.

The Wiki page "List of organizations that self-identify as Native American tribes", in particular, is being used to purposely defame legitimate Native American individuals who are members of the tribes/Native communities that are on this list. 

By the parameters set up on Wikipedia, only the colonizer’s governments can acknowledge who is Native American through either federal recognition or state recognition. If an individual is not a member of a federally or state-recognized tribe, then it is determined that they cannot be Native American and are, instead, considered “self-identifying” or only “a descendant of ...” (example Lily Gladstone). As a result, Native individuals are currently being tagged as “self-identifying” and their names are put on “list” pages that strongly imply they are “pretend” Indians.

These editors have indicated that they would like “self-identification” to be the default setting for any people who they deem do not fit within the parameters that they themselves created within Wikipedia.

Moreof, these editors are admin and senior editors within the Wikiproject Indigenous Peoples of North America, and are being called in specifically to weigh on Native Identity, and any project involving any Indigenous Group.

Any attempt to correct misinformation, add information, or change any of these articles is often met with being blocked, reported for various offenses, or reported for having a Conflict of Interest, whether or not that is actually applicable. They have use this strategically in many different pages for many different individuals and groups within the scope of their Wikiprojects.

While changing things in Wikipedia does not change the truth, it is a way to control how most people take in information, and thus they hope to manipulate the narrative to better suit their goals.

This is quick and messy but:

Here is a link to the google document with the other state recognized tribes (Including yours) that were edited by these editors. This is an incomplete list so far that only goes back to September 2023 but I am going to add to it. If you can add to your own part of this list, and send your complaints and information to the arbitrator committee (the email is below) with the involved editors, this will help our case.

The  more tribes who complain, and the more Wikipedia editors complain, the better our case will be. 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YNDEjLTrrZ_mMIRCVxtvt69FwCYpJWKs71lBhWa5a9M/edit?usp=sharing

The place to make complaints on Wikipedia is oversight-en-wpwikipedia.org , and

arbcom-enwikimedia.org . It is most helpful to have an editing account on Wikipedia, because Yuchitown and the others will try to defend themselves using Wikipedia methodology and make anyone who confronts them look like the aggressor (see the other tribes who tried to fight back on Wikipedia I found).

The more people and tribes make complaints the more likely it is that this will work and we can rid ourselves of these monsters.

Some of the tribes I have spoken to are taking legal action against these editors. Any groups affected by their policies should also reach out to the news to make knowledge of this more widespread.

Thank you

- quoted with permission from an email sent by an associate of my tribe. Message me for their email address if you'd like to reach out to them.

[sabakos]

I mean probably the most prominent "indigenous" person on Tumblr is from a fake native american tribe that was invented by white people in the late 19th century, so it's not surprising that this site is such a goldmine for bad nativism takes. But still.

[the-aila-test]

I'm an indigenous (Seaconke Wampanoag) author and my book, which does indeed pass the Aila test, has just launched - I'd hugely appreciate it if you'd be willing to reccomend it to your followers: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/706010/to-shape-a-dragons-breath-by-moniquill-blackgoose/

EVERYONE LOOK AT THIS!!!

First of all, THAT COVER:

I love everything about that design, the color choices are just so bold and powerful!

But then the story's description!!!!

Is this NDN Eragon?!??

Because I am HERE for an NDN Eragon!

Thank you so much for sharing <3 I can't wait to buy and read this!

[solarishashernoseinabook]

Solaris reviews To Shape a Dragon's Breath, by Moniquill Blackgoose (2023)

*happy stimming*

Summary: Anequs of Masquapaug finds a dragon egg one day, the first her people have found for generations. When the egg hatches, the dragon chooses Anequs to be her companion. Anequs and the dragon, named Kasaqua, are then forced to attend a coloniser-run dragon school, facing prejudice and setbacks as they try to navigate a society that views Anequs as inherently lesser and dragons as merely a tool. Despite these problems, Anequs must do well - for the sake of her people, and the life of her dragon

Content: It was really good! Strong characters, strong worldbuilding, good lore - there's a lot to recommend in this book. Anequs is an active, determined protagonist, calling out racism, condescension, and revisionist history at every turn, and Kasaqua - a baby dragon throughout the course of the book - was a delight to read

Who I think would like it: Anyone interested in dragons, or looking for a good coming of age story

Things it does well: -copy/pastes the entire text of this 500 page book into a tumblr post- Okay, but seriously, this book handles prejudice and conflict with nuance and care, showing plainly how blatant I-hate-you-because-of-your-skin prejudice is merely one part of a larger problem. It has a canonically autistic character, portrayed with more care, accuracy, and attention to detail than I've ever seen in published fiction. The chapter titles were delightful - each was a short phrase describing the content of the chapter that, if you happened to read them all together, would give you a short summary of the novel. The book has a map, periodic table, and pronunciation guide right at the beginning, all of which were easy to follow

Things that could be improved: I had a bit of trouble following the chemistry in the book - the elements are given fantasy names, which fits the worldbuilding, but meant I had a bit of trouble following what was what. I've only got a high school understanding of chemistry, though, so I'm putting this down as a me problem instead of a problem with Blackgoose's writing

My review: This book was a breath of fresh air, especially compared to the last dragon book I reviewed. This was a book with emotional highs and lows, hard-earned happy endings, and a world that seems to leap off the page with how real it is. Definitely give it a try if dragon stories are your thing. Written by Seaconke Wampanoag author Moniquill Blackgoose, To Shape a Dragon's Breath is a masterfully-written dragonrider fantasy

Does this book have…: ✅= yes ❓= not sure ⭕= possibly/mixed ❌= no Romance? ✅ Anequs develops crushes, and her classmate Marta spends a lot of time discussing the importance of marriage to Anglish society and the need to make a good match Sex? ⭕ References are made to sex - mainly from a particular, rather bigoted character - but they're confined to a handful of scenes Racism? ✅ As mentioned above, Anequs must deal with a lot of racism from the colonisers, and it runs the gamut from outright, vile racism (openly calling her people savage or barely human) to ignorant condescension (charitably saying that Anequs's people are not terrible, they can be civilised if only they work at it!) Sexism? ✅ Anglish society is also highly sexist, another thing Anequs struggles to deal with. None of it is worse than you'd get in any other historical fantasy, though LGBTQIA-phobia? ✅ Anglish society is also homophobic, though it's more referenced rather than any characters actually facing violence for it Ableism? ✅ Sander, our autistic character, faces some ableism from his mother (forcing him to speak instead of letting him write, demanding he stop stimming, etc.), though this is countered by Anequs and Sander's sister fully supporting him Swearing? ❓ ⭕ I don't remember any, so if there was it was pretty minor Drug/Alcohol references? ✅ Characters drink and get mildly intoxicated a few times - mainly when celebrating holidays References to or actual violence or suicide? ✅ Yep. There's many references to war, genocide, brawling, executions, and so on. References to or actual animal death or cruelty? ✅ As per Anglish law, dragons who bind themselves to people considered "unsuitable" are put down. The fear of this happening to Kasaqua is one reason Anequs is so motivated to prove herself to the Anglish and succeed at school

Recommended: Yes

[neechees]

There's another dragon fantasy book that I think had heavy reference to residential schools and the author is said to be of the seaconke wampanoag tribe and I wondered if that one has floated into your orbit.

I have!! I plan on reading it!! It's called "to shape a dragon's breath" by Moniquill Blackgoose

[poiriermonique]

Hi friends! The Seaconke Wampanoag tribe is on a mission to be recognized by the state of Rhode Island. I’m asking all of my friends and famly living in Rhode Island - both indigenous and not - to take a moment out of your day to send an email to your local representatives and especially to house speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi (rep-shekarchi@rilegislature.gov) and Governor Dan McKee ( https://governor.ri.gov/contact )

Please let them know that you, as a Rhode Island resident (taxpayer, homeowner, etc) that you stand in support of Bills 7470 and 7471.

Claire Richards, who is against it, will ask the Governor not to pass these bills. She has been against Native Americans for years, continuously pitting native against native. This bill can still pass with 2/3 votes if Shekarchi and the Governor do the right thing. Please take a moment to help us out by sending an email.

To find more information on these bills please click here 

https://legiscan.com/RI/bill/H7470/2022

https://legiscan.com/RI/text/H7471/2022

Here’s a list of RI representatives:

House District

City/Town Represented

Name

Party Affiliation

Suggested Post Office Address

E-mail Address

1

Providence

Representative Edith H. Ajello

Democrat

29 Benefit Street, Providence, RI 02904

rep-ajello@rilegislature.gov

2

Providence

Representative Christopher R. Blazejewski

Democrat

State House, Room 323 Providence, RI 02903

rep-blazejewski@rilegislature.gov

3

Providence

Representative Nathan W. Biah

Democrat

120 Metcalf Street, Providence RI 02904 

rep-biah@rilegislature.gov

4

Providence

Representative Rebecca M. Kislak 

Democrat

P.O. Box 41551, Providence 02940

rep-kislak@rilegislature.gov

5

Providence

Representative Marcia Ranglin-Vassell

Democrat

32 Waite Street Providence, RI 02908 

rep-ranglin-vassell@rilegislature.gov

6

North Providence, Providence

Representative Raymond A. Hull

Democrat

616 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Providence, RI 02908

rep-hull@rilegislature.gov

7

Providence

Representative David Morales

Democrat

16 Academy Avenue, Providence RI 02908

rep-morales@rilegislature.gov

8

Providence

Representative John J. Lombardi

Democrat

48 Grove Street, Providence, RI 02909

rep-lombardi@rilegislature.gov

9

Providence

Representative Anastasia P. Williams

Democrat

32 Hammond Street, Providence, RI 02909

rep-williams@rilegislature.gov

10

Providence

Representative Scott A. Slater

Democrat

74 Sawyer Street, Providence, RI 02907

rep-slater@rilegislature.gov

11

Providence

Representative Grace Diaz

Democrat

45 Adelaide Avenue, Providence, RI 02907

rep-diaz@rilegislature.gov

12

Providence

Representative Jose F. Batista

Democrat

205 Massachusetts Avenue, Providence RI 02905

rep-batista@rilegislature.gov

13

Johnston, Providence

Representative Ramon A. Perez 

Democrat

42 Ophelia Street, Providence RI 02909   

rep-perez@rilegislature.gov

14

Cranston, Provicence

Representative Charlene M. Lima

Democrat

455 Laurel Hill Avenue, Cranston, RI  02920

rep-lima@rilegislature.gov

15

Cranston

Representative Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung

Republican

PO Box8542, Cranston RI 02920

rep-fenton-fung@rilegislature.gov

16

Cranston

Representative Brandon C. Potter

Democrat

62 Grove Avenue, Cranston RI 02910 

rep-potter@rilegislature.gov

17

Cranston

Representative Jacquelyn M. Baginski

Democrat

119 Brettonwoods Drive, Cranston RI 02920 

rep-baginski@rilegislature.gov

18

Cranston

Representative Arthur Handy

Democrat

26 Welfare Avenue, Cranston, RI 02910

rep-handy@rilegislature.gov

19

Cranston, Warwick

Representative Joseph M. McNamara

Democrat

23 Howie Avenue, Warwick, RI 02888

rep-mcnamara@rilegislature.gov

20

Warwick

Representative David A. Bennett

Democrat

27 Shippee Avenue, Warwick, RI 02886

rep-bennett@rilegislature.gov

21

Warwick

Representative Camille F.J Vella-Wilkinson

Democrat

786 Church Ave. Warwick, RI  02889

rep-vella-wilkinson@rilegislature.gov

22

Warwick

Representative Joseph J. Solomon, Jr.

Democrat

54 Hess Avenue Warwick, RI 02889

rep-solomon@rilegislature.gov

23

Warwick

Representative K. Joseph Shekarchi

Democrat

State House, Room 323 Providence, RI 02903

rep-shekarchi@rilegislature.gov

24

Warwick

Representative Evan P. Shanley

Democrat

190 Viceroy Road Warwick, RI 02886

rep-shanley@rilegislature.gov

25

Coventry, West Warwick

Representative Thomas E. Noret 

Democrat

225 Fairview Avenue, Coventry, RI 02816

rep-noret@rilegislature.gov

26

West Warwick, Coventry, Warwick

Representative Patricia L. Morgan

Republican

411 Wakefield Street, West Warwick RI 02893

rep-morgan@rilegislature.gov

27

Coventry, Warwick, West Warwick

Representative Patricia A. Serpa

Democrat

194 Kimberly Lane, West Warwick, RI 02893

rep-serpa@rilegislature.gov

28

Coventry

Representative George A Nardone 

Republican

50 Fieldstone Drive, Coventry, RI 02816

rep-nardone@rilegislature.gov

29

Coventry, West Greenwich

Representative Sherry Roberts

Republican

22 Seminole Trail, West Greenwich, RI 02817

rep-roberts@rilegislature.gov

30

East Greenwich, West Greenwich

Representative Justine A. Caldwell 

Democrat

8 Aurora Road, East Greenwich, RI 02818

rep-caldwell@rilegislature.gov

31

Exeter, North Kingstown

Representative Julie A. Casimiro

Democrat

329 Wickham Road North Kingstown, RI 02852

rep-casimiro@rilegislature.gov

32

North Kingstown

Representative Robert E. Craven, Sr.

Democrat

25 Highland Road, Saunderstown, RI 02874

rep-craven@rilegislature.gov

33

Narragansett, South Kingstown

Representative Carol Hagan McEntee

Democrat

70B Broad Rock Road, South Kingstown, RI 02879

rep-mcentee@rilegislature.gov

34

Narragansett, South Kingstown

Representative Teresa Ann Tanzi

Democrat

PO Box 5134, Wakefield RI 02880

rep-tanzi@rilegislature.gov

35

South Kingstown

Representative Kathleen A. Fogarty

Democrat

50 Woodmark Way, Wakefield, RI 02879

rep-fogarty@rilegislature.gov

36

Charlestown, New Shoreham, South Kingstown, Westerly

Representative Blake A. Filippi

Republican

P.O. Box 298, New Shoreham, RI 02807

rep-filippi@rilegislature.gov

37

Westerly

Representative Samuel A. Azzinaro

Democrat

20 Piezzo Drive, Westerly, RI 02891

rep-azzinaro@rilegislature.gov

38

Hopkinton, Westerly

Representative Brian Patrick Kennedy

Democrat

P.O. Box 1001, Ashaway, RI 02804-0018

rep-kennedy@rilegislature.gov

39

Charlestown, Exeter, Richmond

Representative Justin Price

Republican

214 Shannock Village Road, Richmond, RI 02875

rep-price@rilegislature.gov

40

Coventry, Foster, Glocester

Representative Michael W. Chippendale

Republican

124 A Johnson Road, Foster, RI 02825

rep-chippendale@rilegislature.gov

41

Cranston, Scituate

Representative Robert J. Quattrocchi

Republican

228 Old Plainfield Pike Scituate, RI 02825 

rep-quattrocchi@rilegislature.gov

42

Cranston, Johnston

Representative Edward T. Cardillo, Jr.

Democrat

6 DiFazio Drive, Johnston RI 02919    

rep-cardillo@rilegislature.gov

43

Johnston

Representative Deborah A. Fellela

Democrat

3 Diaz Street, Johnston, RI 02919

rep-fellela@rilegislature.gov

44

Johnston, Lincoln, Smithfield

Representative Gregory J. Costantino

Democrat

21 Greenwood Lane, Lincoln, RI 02865

rep-costantino@rilegislature.gov

45

Cumberland, Lincoln

Representative Mia A. Ackerman

Democrat

6 Shelter Lane, Cumberland, RI 02864

rep-ackerman@rilegislature.gov

46

Lincoln, Pawtucket

Representative Mary Ann Shallcross Smith

Democrat

6 Twin River Road, Lincoln RI 02865

rep-shallcross-smith@rilegislature.gov

47

Burrillville, Glocester

Representative David J. Place 

Republican

167 Jefferson Boulevard, Harrisville, RI 02830

rep-place@rilegislature.gov

48

Burrillville, North Smithfield

Representative Brian C. Newberry

Republican

53 Follett Street, North Smithfield, RI 02896

rep-newberry@rilegislature.gov

49

Woonsocket

Representative Steven J. Lima

Democrat

151 Singleton Street, Woonsocket RI 02895

rep-slima@rilegislature.gov

50

Woonsocket

Representative Stephen M. Casey

Democrat

625 Park Aveneue 2F, Woonsocket, RI 02985

[dandywondrous]

It’s Native American Heritage Month

Photo by Tailyr Irvine

(11/24/2023) In addition to learning and celebrating the history of indigenous peoples, we must support indigenous peoples and communities that are alive today and have been alive for centuries.

I currently live on the lands of the Wyandot, Mississauga, Potawatomi, and Anishinabek people. These people lived here for thousands of years before white settlers colonized the land in the 1800s. I will always support indigenous liberation and sovereignty.

To my non-native US and Canadian followers -- if you’re new to the Land Back Movement, you can start by learning whose land you’re on here. Land acknowledgment is the first step, and from there you can reach out to your neighboring First Nation to start building relationships and learn how you can support them. There are still SO many non-native folks in the U.S. who don’t know the history of American colonialism and acts of state-sanctioned genocide committed against Native Americans -- acts that are still ongoing to this day. I know this is kinda poli sci 101 and this has been said already, but we need to continue educating ourselves and each other. Education is one of our greatest tools in the fight against colonialism and imperialism. Knowing that, I'm sharing some current issues that are threatening indigenous people and communities. These are not exclusively indigenous issues either -- they are issues that concern humanity as a whole.

It is also important we build our communities around things that are positive such as art, literature, and culture. So to bolster these things, I'm also sharing some indigenous content creators, authors, and shops. Thank you to @help-ivebeen-turned-into-aparrot for the recommendations and expanding this list!

Remember history, celebrate Native American heritage, and stay informed! Links below the cut.

Current Major Issues (as of November 2023)

Navajo Nation Water Rights Overview (NARF) Resources and how to help (from 2020, still valuable)

Alaskan Ambler Road Overview (Winter Wildlands Alliance) Paving Tundra, a short documentary Take action

Nevada Lithium Mine Overview (First Nations) People of Red Mountain/how to help

Missing And Murdered Indigenous Women Info and overview (Native Hope) Mission

Native American History and Culture

The books and articles with links are freely available. To read the others, you might be able to find them at a nearby library using WorldCat.

Introduction to Native American History by Native Hope

Stories, Dreams, and Ceremonies: Anishinaabe ways of learning by Leanne Simpson

Origin and Traditional History of the Wyandotts by Peter D. Clarke

Handbook of North American Indians, Volume 11: Great Basin by William C. Sturtevant and Warren L. D'Azevedo

Shoshonean Peoples and the Overland Trails by Dale L. Morgan

Diné History of Navajoland by Klara Kelley and Harris Francis

Native American-Owned Shops

Thunder Voice Hat Co. - handmade hats, hat accessories, and other apparel. Kotah Bear - blankets, robes, and jewelry. Owned by two people of Navajo Nation, selling art and jewelry made by Navajo and Pueblo artists. Manitobah - moccasins, mukluks, and other winterwear. A global brand founded by Sean McCormick, a Métis entrepreneur. Also has the Indigenous Market, which sells handmade products by indigenous artists from Canada and the US. Little Inuk Beadwork - jewelry and accessories. Made by Lillian Putulik, Inuk artist. Mobilize - streetwear and fashion. Founded by Dusty LeGrande, Nehiyaw artist and activist. Based in Edmonton, CA.

Authors

Moniquill Blackgoose - science fiction and fantasy. Seaconke Wampanoag author. To Shape A Dragon's Breath Angeline Boulley - young adult thriller fiction. Chippewa author. Firekeeper's Daughter Cherie Dimaline - Métis author, mostly YA fiction. The Marrow Thieves, Hunting by Stars, Funeral Songs for Dying Girls Darcie Little Badger - science fiction and fantasy. Lipan Apache author. Elatsoe, A Snake Falls to Earth Stephen Graham Jones - horror fiction. Blackfoot Native American author. The Only Good Indians, Mongrels, After the People Lights Have Gone Off Delphine Red Shirt - autobiographies, culture, oral tradition. Oglala Lakota author. Turtle Lung Woman's Granddaughter, Bead on an Anthill: A Lakota Childhood, George Sword's Warrior Narratives Dani Trujillo - romance. Chicana/Pueblo author. Lizards Hold the Sun

Content Creators

Che Jim - humor, skits, social and political issues. Diné/Nishnaabe/Chicano content creator. Lillian Putulik - art and jewelry. Nunavik Inuk artist. Bossii Masu Nagaruk - current events and social and political issues. Iñupiaq content creator. David Little Elk - educating about and celebrating Oglala Lakota tribal wisdom. Oglala content creator. Edgar Martin del Campo - educating about cultures, languages, and religions of indigenous peoples of North and South America. Casey (aka Hot Glue Burns on insta) - cosplay and cosplay design/creation.

[theanticool]

Kali “KO Mequinonoag” Reis vs Paty Ramirez

It’s been super gratifying to see American women boxers who have basically been without promotional help in recent years, pick up big opportunities and run with them recently. Seniesa Estrada, Jamie Mitchell, Alycia Baumgardner, and Amanda Serrano have all picked up some big profile wins as of late and seem to be building great futures for themselves.

That’s why seeing 13 year veteran Kali Reis (18-7-1) finally get some love has been great. Coming out of the Seaconke Wampanoag and Cherokee tribes, Reis has spent much of her recent years campaigning for the safety of Indigenous women. She recently made her film debut (Catch the Fair One) in a story centered around this topic.

Reis, after finally becoming a world champion recently by winning the WBA super lightweight title, will get the opportunity to unify all the belts in Matchroom’s 140lb tournament. She’s set to face off with Jessica Camara (8-2) this Friday (Nov. 19) with the winner set to face Chantelle Cameron for all four major titles in 2022.

[letterboxd]

Best of Tribeca 2021.

Delightful confections, Covid films worth watching and characters doing their best under every kind of circumstance: our Festiville team present their ten picks from this year’s virtual and—hallelujah!—in-person Tribeca Festival.

When this pandemic is finally, finally over, we will be so grateful to bunk with pals in foreign towns and pack into crowded cinemas for festival premieres again. But we also reserve the right to miss the weirdly comforting communal online-ness of virtual fest-going.

For context, it is often a stretch for media outlets to send more than a couple of representatives to in-person festivals and, once there, it can be a lonely and hectic exercise. This past year has carried a different vibe: home-alone viewings that have still felt somehow together, with between-screening chats firing up online about what we’ve seen, and what our members are buzzing over.

We may have missed the deeply New York vibe of queuing outside the SVA on a crisp, spring evening for a gala premiere, but with its summery, socially distanced outdoor screenings and an online library of unexpected treasures, Tribeca 2021 felt pretty great.

So with the help of Letterboxd reviewers, we present our ten best discoveries (in no particular order). As is always the way with a festival, we also noticed fascinating thematic parallels between particular films, so we’ve curated some potential double-features for your watchlists.

The Novice Written and directed by Lauren Hadaway—Awarded Best US Narrative Feature Film, Best Cinematography in a US Narrative Feature Film (Todd Martin) and Best Actress in a US Narrative Feature Film (Isabelle Furman)

Lauren Hadaway’s stunning directorial debut The Novice stars Isabelle Fuhrman as Alex Dall, an amateur rower who pushes herself above and beyond her physical limits in order to top her class. The comparisons to Damien Chazelle’s Whiplash are inevitable, and no coincidence, as Hadaway was that film’s sound editor. The Novice is similarly an intense sensory experience with next-level cinematography, editing and sound.

Just as Chazelle was inspired by his college hobby for his breakout feature, Hadaway’s own rowing days at the Southern Methodist University in Texas inspired Alex’s story. The Novice is by no means a retread, but a valuable sister film that adds more to the conversation. Furhman’s devastating performance digs deep into the damaging forces that her obsession drives her towards, at the very least earning her the festival’s Best Actress trophy, if not the acceptance of her fictional peers.

Alex’s journey can also operate as a modern critique of the American spirit. At a time when Boomer work ethics are rejected with a workers’ revolution on the horizon and a maturing generation that prioritizes mental health, American exceptionalism—voluntarily giving 110 percent and no room to breathe—offers an ultimately destructive path to victory. The Novice is not only the best out of Tribeca—according to this year’s jury, who gave it the Best US Narrative Feature Film prize—but the best of the year so far and will be difficult to out-match. “I never wanted it to end,” writes Claira, “and yet, I couldn’t help but let out a deep exhale of relief when it did.” —Jack Moulton

Catch the Fair One Written and directed by Josef Kubota Wladyka, from a story by Kali Reis and Wladyka—Awarded a Special Jury Mention for Kali Reis’ “magnetic performance” and the Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature category

Boxing champ Kali Reis, who is descended from Cherokee, Nipmuc and Seaconke Wampanoag tribes and Cape Verde, collaborated with Polish-Japanese writer and director Josef Kubota Wladyka to craft this fictional thriller based on real-life stories from America’s sex-trafficking underground. “It’s an understatement to say this film is important,” writes Anna. “Absolutely horrifying subject matter handled with striking emotional depth.”

This plot is specific to Reis’s activist concerns—she is a long-time supporter of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls movement—but as a work of art, Catch the Fair One also stands on its own thanks to the creative team’s focus on tone, color, mood and movement. As Kayleigh, Reis is all fists ready and rage contained—until she lets rip, when it matters—and much like Violation, a taut revenge horror from earlier this year, Catch the Fair One keeps its eye on the consequences of violence for the women who enact it.

While there are a few grumbles about its runtime (too short for some, not long enough for others), this is a tight package with satisfying, look-away violence and no easy outcome. “The last fifteen minutes were absolutely breathtaking,” Shashwat writes, “and quite masterful as they packaged the whole thing in a suitably feminist, and most importantly, refined manner.” —Gemma Gracewood

Poser Directed by Noah Dixon and Ori Segev, written by Noah Dixon

Some classic Specious Clique Adoption tropes get a welcome, textured update in this stylistically confident debut centered around a subtly unsettling lead performance from Sylvie Mix that bodes well for her future prospects. In Poser, she plays Lennon, a quiet, young, wannabe music podcaster hanging around the Columbus, Ohio indie band/art scene who latches onto the cool and confident Bobbi Kitten (playing herself, sorta), lead singer of (actual) electronic witch-rock act Damn the Witch Siren.

Dixon and Segev should be applauded solely for their casually authentic portrait of “the scene” (various bands appear as themselves)—many filmmakers have embarrassed themselves attempting something similar. But Poser is also more than that, starting off like a coming-of-age story before slowly morphing into a low-key social thriller.

Kong observes: “because so many of us in the Millennial/Zoomer crowd have anxieties related to [coolness and authenticity] and whether or not we possess them, Lennon is uncomfortably relatable. Perhaps that is what makes Poser so haunting.” Andrew, meanwhile, writes that Poser manages to transcend its “basic set-up” thanks not only to its unique setting, but also to “committing to that setting entirely and weaving it in to every other aspect of the film.” —Dominic Corry

Dating and New York Written and directed by Jonah Feingold

After years of faithless discourse about the genre “dying out”, Dating and New York is a sweet summer reminder that rom-coms will always be of the moment. Debut writer-director Jonah Feingold draws from classics like When Harry Met Sally and Cinderella, but makes those references hyper-contemporary, wrapped up in the lives of young people who struggle to believe in Hollywood love stories.

Milo and Wendy, played with wit and snark by Jaboukie Young-White and Francesca Reale, meet on a dating app. Sparks fly, and they kiss each other engulfed in absurdly warm lighting and centered between mountains of too-full trash bags. The stylistic choices grow more exaggerated as the pair ghost each other, then reconnect and find their way into a friends-with-benefits situation.

Theatricality in the cinematography, mise en scène and editing help calcify Feingold’s ethos: not just that love is real, but also that love is ridiculous and that consequently, films about love should be ridiculous. The optimism and light satire of it all, as Tarco puts it, “make the triviality of dating culture feel like an actual high-stakes game, and with the year we all had, sometimes, it really feels that way.” It’s a film for anyone who spends their nights romanticizing missed connections or friendships that could turn into more. And if that’s not you, there’s still fun to be had here: follow Michelle’s suggestion and “take a shot every time you see a turtleneck.” —Selome Hailu

During Tribeca, we picked Jonah Feingold’s brain about everything rom-com in this Festiville Q&A.

as of yet Directed by Chanel James and Taylor Garron—Awarded the 2021 Nora Ephron Award

Only watch as of yet, writes Lyd, if you’re prepared for the “knot in the pit of [your] stomach that formed from recalling peak Covid times… as of yet is occasionally painful and hilariously so because I swear to god I have had every single conversation featured in this movie”. The film, co-directed by Chanel James and Taylor Garron (who also writes and stars), is a Zoom-bound recollection of the way the past year and a half felt while separated from those you love (and those you have the potential to love).

It takes a pandemic for Naomi (Garron), a Black 20-something in Brooklyn, to realize that her white roommate and best friend Sara (Eva Victor) is a touch racist, a touch hypocritical and definitely irresponsible enough to party hard at the start of a pandemic. Garron’s screenplay is soaked through with naturalism. As Naomi navigates the beginning of a friendship breakup while also trying to embrace a new Tinder romance, we get a full spectrum of confident flirtation, awkward boundary-setting and everything in between. As Nina indicates, it’s one of the rare “pandemic-era films that feels pure to the time and not a story re-accommodation to the times”. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: in the right hands, these Covid films are worth making! —Selome Hailu

Because we haven’t Zoomed enough, we jumped online with James and Garron for a chat about their collaborative process, and James’ Letterboxd lockdown goals.

Ascension Directed by Jessica Kingdon—Awarded the 2021 Albert Maysles Award for Best New Documentary Director and Best Documentary Feature

Jessica Kingdon’s enthralling, impeccably constructed documentary drifts through a mosaic of modern China that’s curiously, not all that removed from the American Dream. Encompassing a wide social strata of the Chinese working class—from areola-painting sex-doll manufacturers to high-end butlers—Ascension’s assembly of astonishing, dazzlingly captured sights discovers an industrious society clamoring for the betterment of life and economic growth through hard-toiling pursuits. As Daniel writes, “If Bong Joon-Ho’s Parasite and Godfrey Reggio’s Koyaanisqatsi had a baby, this would be it.”

It’s all told sans talking heads: Kingdon’s unobtrusive, inquisitive eye regards its subjects without judgment, while the occasional hint of smartly placed irony pulls the doc back from becoming a bleak procession into mind-boggling capitalist madness. “No commentary needed with such beautifully framed shots, perfectly chosen snippets of conversation and impressive access to factories, schools and corporate functions,” writes Careless Spine. Adding further hypnotic dimension is Dan Deacon’s score, a sonic wall of urgent, droney, string-laden electronics that, like the China of Ascension, feels otherworldly yet so hauntingly familiar. —Aaron Yap

All These Sons Directed by Joshua Altman and Bing Liu—Awarded Best Documentary Cinematography

As gun violence remains a devastating crisis in the United States, the response from the criminal justice system continues to be focused on reaction as opposed to prevention, with more police boots on the ground and incarcerations, particularly of young Black men. Documentary filmmakers Joshua Altman and Bing Liu (of Minding the Gap fame) center their latest piece of empathetic filmmaking on the efforts of two community-led Chicago programs aiming to cut the violence off at its source.

By working with the folks in their communities on the south and west sides of the city, the IMAN Green Re-entry and MAAFA Redemption Project look to not only demonstrate the promise of a different future for these men than the one that’s been laid out before them, but to also break down the trauma and inner turmoil they carry from a life spent in a community that has been given up on due to systemic racism from the powers that be.

In All These Sons, the filmmakers focus on three young men in particular— Charles, Shamont and Zay—taking a vérité approach to show us the impact of these programs on their day-to-day lives. The result is a film “packed with both emotion and a genuinely urgent message,” writes Paul, one which takes the weight of gun-violence statistics and shows us that each one of those numbers is a human being with the capacity for change, even if those structures want to abandon them. As Micah puts it, All These Sons “doesn’t instil dignity; it shows that it’s already present in each life.” —Mitchell Beaupre

We chatted with Altman and Liu about forgiveness, trust and getting out of town.

Werewolves Within Directed by Josh Ruben, written by Mishna Wolff

Batten down the hatches and prepare for a night full of shrieks of terror and hilarity with this genre-bender adapted from the Ubisoft video game of the same name. How did writer Mishna Wolff and director Josh Ruben break the dreaded “video-game movie curse” with Werewolves Within? Step one was the flexibility granted from taking on an IP that doesn’t have legions of fanboys insisting on adherence to the source material.

Taking the basic premise of a group of townsfolk tasked with uncovering which of them is a ravenous werewolf, Wolff (last name coincidental, we’re sure) has created an experience melding the ice-cold isolation horror of The Thing with the quirky small-town eccentricities of Twin Peaks. Ruben’s knack for drawing from his love of cinema and the kinds of movies he wants to see on screen leads to each viewer having their own experience with this one. Todd draws similarities to Edgar Wright and The Wolf of Snow Hollow, while Mega_MovieZ is one of many to notch a Clue comparison in their review.

The hook comes in the way that, akin to Wright’s work, Werewolves Within pays reverence to genre history while also subverting some of its more antiquated tropes involving toxic masculinity and manic pixie dream girls. It’s all done with a knowing splash of humor, aided by a stacked cast of comedic character actors giving everyone the chance to choose their own favorite of the ensemble. Arianne writes that Michaela Watkins is the MVP while Jordan picked Milana Vayntrub as the standout. The good news is that everyone can be right with a roster this loaded with talent! —Mitchell Beaupre

Brighton 4th Director Levan Koguashvili—Awarded Best International Narrative Feature Film and Best Actor in an International Narrative Feature Film (Levan Tedaishvili)

An “immigrant drama [that] succeeds on its authenticity”, according to Shane, Brighton 4th explores aspects of masculinity and fatherhood not often enough covered in cinema. This engrossing film traverses genres from tragedy to comedy in deadpan fashion, as an ageing Georgian wrestler travels to New York (Russian enclave Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, to be exact) to help out (save?) his gambling-addicted son.

Levan Tedaishvili is a wrestling legend back in his home country, and he steals the movie in his acting debut at age 74. A couple of madcap subplots both distract (kidnapped Kazakh!) and entertain (horny grandma?). A deeply original film where the stubbornness and stupidity of the masculine ego is traversed in story, song and tradition. “The build up is slow,” writes Jim, “but the last few scenes knocked me on my ass, so I guess they did something right!” Sometimes honor outweighs lucre in a romp that is a joy from start to finish. —Leo Koziol

The Legend of the Underground Directed by Nneka Onuorah and Giselle Bailey

Having to identify as gender non-conformists to avoid arrest sounds like something out of The Handmaid’s Tale, but this is reality, not fiction, in current-day Nigeria. Identifying as anything else—or gathering in large groups for a dance party—and you end up facing criminal charges under this nation’s harsh laws. But after WF_JamesBrown spoke out on social media when a non-conformists gathering resulted in arrests, they became a ‘they done not caught me’ social-media sensation in a rare reversal of hate prejudice.

Humor is one means of survival in Lagos, as is being meme-savvy, fashion-forward and doing all you can to live the best possible life under the shadow of constant oppression and fear of arrest. Some non-conformists have escaped to the US, and can visit home, but there is no easy route out (detention camps when seeking asylum is common). Spanning countries in its focus on several non-conformists, The Legend of the Underground is an engaging, heartfelt window into another world, and will find a wider audience on HBO thanks to a producer credit for John Legend. An important and seminal work—and it’s gorgeous. —Leo Koziol

Our Tribeca 2021 double features

Catch the Fair One and My Heart Can’t Beat Unless You Tell It To: films that seethe in a backwater America in which the most vulnerable members of society exist solely for the satisfaction of others barely a few rungs up the rickety ladder.

The Perfect David, a crazy, obsessive foil to The Novice.

Poser and Love Spreads: because music and girl bands.

Queen of Glory and India Sweets and Spices: both deal with first-generation American daughters rebelling against and learning to honor their mothers’ values.

as of yet and Dating and New York: millennial, Covid-set comedies that make big use of social media, texting and dating apps. Plus, Eva Victor supremacy. (Throw in 7 Days for a triple feature.)

The Legend of the Underground and Being Bebe: perfect twins.

False Positive and Ultrasound: how many pregnancy-related psychological thrillers does one festival need?

Roaring 20s and Italian Studies: because we miss roaming around cities.

Follow our Festiville HQ for regular film-festival coverage by the Letterboxd team.

[moniquill]

I’m writing to update everyone on the status of House Bill H7477 and Senate Bill S2238

H7477 was heard on the house floor on 2/29/24 and is currently being held for further study.

https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2024/03/01/no-opposition-to-bill-to-recognize-seaconke-wampanoag-tribe-except-from-mckee/

https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2024/03/11/too-many-governors-and-not-enough-understanding-why-the-seaconke-wampanoags-deserve-recognition/

We're asking our supporters to directly contact Gov. Dan McKee at https://governor.ri.gov/contact (the correct choice in the ‘Issue’ dropbox is the very bottom choice, COMMENTS)

Below is the letter that I’ve sent, to use as a template, though of course your own words would be best.

My name is Monique Poirier - I’m the Secretary of the Seaconke Wampanoag tribe and the author of the book To Shape a Dragon's Breath - nominated for both the Andre Norton Nebula Award for Middle Grade and Young Adult Fiction (https://nebulas.sfwa.org/news/) and the Lodestar Award for Best YA Book (https://www.thehugoawards.org/hugo-history/2024-hugo-awards/). I’m writing today in hopes of bringing your attention to RI House Bill H7477 and Senate Bill S2238, which regard state recognition of the Seaconke Wampanoag Tribe.

Historically, the Seaconke Wampanoag resided in Massachusetts and Rhode Island - Cumberland, Lincoln, Pawtucket, and East Providence. When the state lines were drawn, dividing Massachusetts and Rhode Island, the tribe was divided. Half of the tribe resides in Rhode Island, and half in Massachusetts. Recognizing the tribe in Rhode Island would eliminate this division, and allow all members of our tribe to be recognized in the state that they live in. I myself co-own a home, pay taxes, and vote in Pawtucket.

We are only asking for recognition; we are not asking for money or land, and we have no interest in establishing a gaming facility - only for the state to acknowledge that we are still here.

Recognizing the Seaconke Wampanoag Tribe in the state of Rhode Island would give us access to federal funding, which would benefit Rhode Island as well - it would bring money into the state.

These bills would recognize the Seaconke Wampanoag Tribe as a Native American Indian Tribe for the limited purpose of establishing eligibility for federal education, job training, healthcare, and housing benefits - and the federal protection of the sale of Native Artwork by the members of our tribe. Our goal is to more effectively pursue support for tribal healthcare and education initiatives, to protect our cultural sites, and to practice our culture and arts. We sincerely hope to gain your support in our efforts.

If you’d like to run a story on any platform concerning the efforts of the Seaconke Wampanoag Tribe, please contact:

Chief Darrel Waldron - 401-781-1098, dwaldron@rhodeislandindiancouncil.org

First Councilman John Harris - 401-699-1913, jharris021452@gmail.com

To learn more about our tribe and its history, please visit https://www.seaconkewampanoag.org/

Many thanks for your consideration,

Monique Poirier

[moniquill]

For RI and Southern New England followers: Calling friends and family!

The Seaconke Wampanoag tribe will be gathering at the RI statehouse on Tuesday 6/13/23 and Thursday 6/15/23 staring at 2:30pm each day - the planned demonstration is about 2 hours each day. This rally is to bring attention to the Seaconke Wampanoag's fight for state recognition by RI.

If you have southern New England followers, please reblog this!

[moniquill]

“It’s been haunting me for 30 years, and it's been a race against time to complete it. There's been a lot of pressure because none of our (original twined) mantles survived. This had to be done for our people and Wampanoag community.” - Julia Marden

Julia Marden, an internationally recognized Aquinnah Wampanoag artist and traditional textile and basketry maker, wears a traditionally 4x6 foot twined turkey feather mantle. The Mantle is the first of its kind in over 400 years and took Marden more than a year to create.

Learn more about Julia's achievement during this month's virtual Local History Guild discussion on November 14, 2023, at 6:00 p.m

Register for the virtual discussion: https://www.whalingmuseum.org/program/the-local-history-guild/

[moniquill]

Call to action! The Seaconke Wampanoag Tribe is lasking everyone to please contact House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi and Senate President Dominick J Ruggiero to ask for their support for House Bill H7477. We’re asking that you send a letter to rep-shekarchi@rilegislature.gov, sen-ruggerio@rilegislature.gov - YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE LOCAL FOR THIS PART!

If you live in RI, include the rep of the district that you live in (check here https://www.commoncause.org/find-your-representative/ to find who your rep is and here http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Email/RepEmailListDistrict.asp for their contact information)

Below is the letter that I’ve sent, to use as a template, though of course your own words would be best. 

My name is Monique Poirier - I’m the Secretary of the Seaconke Wampanoag tribe. I’m writing today in hopes of bringing your attention to RI House Bill H7477 (https://legiscan.com/RI/bill/H7477/2024), which regards recognition of the Seaconke Wampanoag Tribe.

Historically, the Seaconke Wampanoag resided in Massachusetts and Rhode Island - Cumberland, Lincoln, Pawtucket, and East Providence. When the state lines were drawn, dividing Massachusetts and Rhode Island, the tribe was divided. Due to patterns of migration, a majority of the tribe now resides in Rhode Island. Recognizing the tribe in Rhode Island would allow all members of our tribe to be recognized in the state that they live in. I myself co-own a home, pay taxes, and vote in Pawtucket. 

We are only asking for recognition; we are not asking for money or land, and we have no interest in establishing a gaming facility - only for the state to acknowledge that we are still here.

Recognizing the Seaconke Wampanoag Tribe in the state of Rhode Island would give us access to federal funding, which would benefit Rhode Island as well - it would bring money into the state.

This bill would recognize the Seaconke Wampanoag tribe as a Native American Indian Tribe for the limited purpose of establishing eligibility for federal education, job training, healthcare, and housing benefits - and the federal protection of the sale of Native Artwork by the members of our tribe. Our goal is to more effectively pursue support for tribal healthcare and education initiatives, to protect our cultural sites, and to practice our culture and arts. We sincerely hope to gain your support in our efforts.

If you’d like to run a small story on any platform concerning the efforts of the Seaconke Wampanoag tribe, please contact: 

Chief Darrel Waldron - 401-781-1098, dwaldron@rhodeislandindiancouncil.org

First Councilman John Falcon Harris - 401-699-1913, jharris021452@gmail.com

To learn more about our tribe and its history, please visit https://www.seaconkewampanoag.org/

Many thanks for your consideration,

Monique Poirier

[moniquill]

RI friends! The Seaconke Wampanoag Tribe's Bills- H7477 and S 2238 will be on the floor this Thursday, 2/29. We're asking for people willing to speak on behalf of the tribe, and anyone who's available to be present in support. 2:30 pm at the RI State House, 2/29!

No seriously don't just like this post - reblog it!