‘Remaining Native’ Review: A Native American Takes Inspiration From Ancestors While Training for a Long-Distance Scholarship in Absorbing Doc

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Over the past few years, numerous dramas and documentaries have shed light on the heart-wrenching abuse suffered by Native American children in church and government-run boarding schools, such as “1923” produced by Taylor Sheridan and the Oscar-nominated “Sugarcane”. These compelling portrayals of past atrocities in the 19th and 20th centuries, along with modern accounts on Missing or Murdered Indigenous Women, are not just informative but essential. However, the abundance of resources available on this topic may lead viewers to overlook exceptional documentaries like “Remaining Native”, which would be a missed opportunity and a misjudgment.

As a movie enthusiast, I’d rephrase it like this: “I, as a film buff, found myself deeply captivated by Director Paige Bethmann’s masterfully crafted and immersive film. This cinematic gem deftly weaves together the past and present, centering around Kutoven ‘Ku’ Stevens, a resilient 17-year-old Native American from the Yerington Paiute reservation in Northwest Nevada. Despite being located in a place seldom visited by college scouts and being the sole cross-country runner at a high school devoid of a track coach, Ku is determined to secure a University of Oregon scholarship.

Yu’s parents enthusiastically back his ambitious aspiration, particularly since they often witness him outrunning all other competitors at track meets to such an extent that he seems to be dashing into a separate postal zone. What’s more, he’s fortunate enough to catch the eye of Lupe Cabada, a running coach who appreciates Yu’s exceptional talents, and steers him towards competitions where his impressive performances can attract the attention of influential figures in the sport.

Beyond just his ambitions for the University of Oklahoma, Yu’s passion is fueled by tales about his great-grandfather, Frank Quinn. As he traverses the rural Nevada terrain, these stories propel him forward, as Frank, at the tender age of eight, escaped from a harsh Indian Boarding School. This wasn’t just any escape; it was a 50-mile journey, a testament to his determination after two prior unsuccessful attempts.

Yu muses that perhaps they grew weary of pursuing him,” but unfortunately, many other students didn’t share this fortune. As the narrative unfolds in ‘Remaining Native,’ and the initial reports about undiscovered graves at former Indian Boarding Schools start appearing in news outlets, the extent of the atrocities becomes clearer and the estimated death toll continues to rise.

One Native American interviewee expresses distress by asking: “Why does a school have a graveyard?” The answer, given forcefully throughout the film by survivors and their relatives, is that the schools left deep emotional and physical wounds that have not healed.

In the story “Remaining Native,” two contrasting perspectives are skillfully interwoven, each enhancing the other’s impact. Yu openly expresses his desire to depart from rural Nevada and break free from the land, seeking new experiences and self-reliance. Despite his understanding, his father laments the exodus of young Native Americans from reservations, which he refers to as “brain drain.” It’s captivating to root for Yu as he strives, much like the 1969 slogan for “Downhill Racer,” to determine how quickly he must move forward from his current situation.

Concurrently, Yu, a captivating young man who balances his ambition with kindness, refuses to completely detach from his past. The first storyline concludes poignantly and dramatically in “Remaining Native.” Prior to this climax, we delve into another interwoven plot: Yu’s significant endeavor to create an event called Remembrance Run – a two-day, 50-mile cross-country race mirroring the escape route of Frank Quinn from decades past. This event is designed not only for the living to remember but also to pay tribute to those who have passed.

One person remarked, ‘We can’t alter what has already happened,’ but another replied, ‘However, we can certainly strive to make amends for the future.’

Sometimes, Bethmann suggests, remaining Native is the best revenge.

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2025-03-28 07:16