Class Description
In this introductory session, students will learn the fundamentals of documentary filmmaking while developing a deeper understanding of the sensitive history of Indian boarding schools. Guided by Nakota elder Donovan Archambault and other Tribal elders and boarding school survivors, the class will begin by building a foundation of respect and cultural awareness. Students will develop technical skills in camera operation, lighting, and sound recording while learning to conduct interviews with empathy and sensitivity. This session includes three intensive production weeks, during which students will conduct in-depth interviews with community members and visit significant historical sites on Fort Belknap.
Equipment
- DSLR or mirrorless cameras
- Audio recording equipment (lavalier microphones, boom mics, field recorders)
- Lighting equipment (LED panels, reflectors)
- Tripods and stabilization equipment
- iPads for mobile filming and editing
- Memory cards
- Headphones
- Portable external hard drives
Learning Objectives: in this class, the students will learn and demonstrate:
Technical Documentary Skills
- Fundamentals of documentary filmmaking and its role in preserving cultural narratives
- Technical skills in camera operation, lighting, and sound recording
- Interview techniques focused on empathy and cultural sensitivity
- Production planning and pre-production workflows
- Basic file management and data organization
Cultural Understanding & Documentation
- EU1: Recognize and articulate the distinct cultural heritage of the Aaniiih and Nakoda peoples while understanding their place among Montana’s diverse tribal nations
- EU2: Develop interview approaches that honor the diversity of individual boarding school experiences, acknowledging there is no “generic” American Indian experience
- EU3: Document how traditional beliefs and cultural practices persisted through the boarding school era and continue to influence contemporary tribal life
- EU4: Understand and communicate the significance of federally allocated lands as permanent tribal homelands, particularly in relation to Fort Belknap’s history
- EU5: Analyze and present how federal boarding school policies impacted tribal communities, connecting historical policies to contemporary realities
- EU6: Create documentary content that honors Indigenous perspectives and voices, challenging mainstream historical narratives about boarding schools
- EU7: Navigate tribal sovereignty protocols in the documentation process, respecting tribal authority over cultural and historical narratives
Professional Practice
- Best practices for documenting personal stories and oral histories with cultural sensitivity
- Understanding proper protocols for permissions and access when filming on tribal lands
- Development of ethical guidelines for documentary work in Indigenous communities
- Learning to build trust and maintain relationships with interview subjects and community members
Historical Research & Context
- Understanding of Indian boarding school history and its lasting impact on:
- Family structures
- Language preservation
- Cultural practices
- Intergenerational trauma
- Contemporary tribal education
- Recognition of the role of documentation in historical healing and cultural preservation
Software
- CapCut for basic video editing exercises
- Zoom for virtual classes
- Adobe Premiere Pro (introduction)
Deliverables: Students and Class Projects
- Collection of recorded interviews with community members
- B-roll footage of significant locations and events
- Short trailer (2-3 minutes) showcasing initial footage
- Production documentation (shot lists, interview questions, releases)
- Reflective journal entries on learning experience
