During November, the Friday Film Club at Camden Public Library is honoring Native American Heritage Month with film selections that focus on the preservation of Native American life ways.

The club is scheduled to meet on Zoom at 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 19, to discuss the films “Gather” (2020) and “Te Ata” (2016). The films should be watched prior to the discussion.

For information about how to view the films and to request a Zoom link to participate in the discussion, email jpierce@librarycamden.org.

“Gather” Renan Ozturk/Illumine photo

“Gather” (74 minutes, NR) is an intimate portrait of the growing movement amongst Native Americans to reclaim their spiritual, political, and cultural identities through food sovereignty, while battling the trauma of centuries of genocide.

The film follows Nephi Craig, a chef from the White Mountain Apache Nation (Arizona), opening an indigenous café as a nutritional recovery clinic; Elsie Dubray, a young scientist from the Cheyenne River Sioux Nation (South Dakota), conducting landmark studies on bison; and the Ancestral Guard, a group of environmental activists from the Yurok Nation (Northern California), trying to save the Klamath river.

The film is a New York Times Critic’s Choice.

“Te Ata” Jacquelyn Sparks/Paladin/Chickasaw Nation Productions image

“Te Ata” (105 minutes) is based on the inspiring, true story of Mary Thompson Fisher, a woman who traversed cultural barriers to become one of the greatest First American performers of all time.

Born in Indian Territory, and raised on the songs and stories of her Chickasaw culture, Te Ata’s journey to find her true calling led her through isolation, discovery, love, and a stage career that culminated in performances for a United States president, European royalty, and audiences across the world. Yet, of all the stories she shared, none are more inspiring than her own.

New members are always welcome to join in the discussions. For more information, visit librarycamden.org.