Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1278299
ductions that include us as part of the story. Welcome us. It is vital to work toward changing the narrative on screen in portrayals. A powerful example of amplifying Native voices occurred at the Academy Awards in 1973. Sacheen Littlefeather deliv- ered a speech on behalf of Marlon Brando's Best Actor win and declined the award. This was done to draw attention to the mistreatment of Native people in film, television, and the abhorrent events that took place at Wounded Knee. We live in two worlds. For marginalized communities it can take armor to move through everyday life when so much is antagonistic that others can't see. Words are pow- erful, aggressions are embedded in them. You can choose your words to support and make a difference. For example, being labeled "too sensitive" is a tactic used by those who may not grasp the harm they do. I bring attention to these words to bring a fresh perspective to them and to invite a different narrative. Consider taking the time to listen to our experience, be willing to get uncomfortable. This new nar- rative welcomes people who are unseen and forgotten. It lends itself to the idea that a person is not "less than" simply because they may be from a different community. Change happens when we unite around a cause. Summer 2020 The Costume Designer 41 E ach one of us brings forth a unique perspective and set of sensitivities. As a member of the Native American community, I have faced challenges in our industry that have been difficult to navigate. For example, while on projects unrelated to stories of my own community, it can become common to suddenly be informed that the produc- tion has chosen to participate in the mockery of Native peo- ple. This mockery takes place in the form of what is known as "redface" to the Native community. It becomes the "go to" for an easy target, a laugh at our expense. The cumula- tive damage this does is immeasurable. Capturing those images on screen perpetuates stereotypes. In addition, our only choice on these types of projects are to be complicit or be fired. It would be wonderful to have a better option. There is a history of systematically silencing and erasing Native people. We have lived through genocide and forced assimilation. Atrocities continue to be directed toward our community to this day. We continue to live in a world where we are treated as characters of history, characters of the past. We are not recognized as existing human beings. You won't see many of these stories highlighted in the media. We are barely mentioned, if mentioned at all in relation to the current pandemic, and in so many other situ- ations. We are lumped into a category of "other" in relation to the population as a whole. Film and television perpetuate inaccurate and damaging portrayals of Native people. What can be done to combat this inequality? Please hire Native crew in your stories with Native subject matter, not as token representatives, but as respected contributors in the process. Take the time to understand that our voices are necessary in every department on film or television pro- Amplifying Native Voices by Kristi Marie Hoffman Sault Sainte Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians Words are powerful, aggressions are embedded in them. You can choose your words to support and make a difference.