#skoden

Directed by Damien Eagle Bear | 2025 | Canada | Documentary | 76 minutes | English

In partnership with Shkaabe Makwa
Co-Presented by Shkaabe Makwa & imagineNATIVE

Post-screening discussion with Damien Eagle Bear, moderated by Lindsay Monture

Open Reception at 5 PM | 32 LISGAR STREET, 2ND FLOOR
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH Lingering Echoes, Curated by Nicole Marchesseau and Fatma Hendawy

Box office opens at 6 PM | 1025 QUEEN STREET WEST, 2ND FLOOR

#skoden tells the story of Pernell Bad Arm, the Blackfoot man behind the infamous “Skoden” meme. What started out as a social media post to bond Indigenous people across Turtle Island over rez slang and relatable uncle material opened our eyes to something much more: a man whose life on the streets became a mockery to some and a figure of Indigenous empowerment to others but was most beloved by those who knew him personally. Damien Eagle Bear’s heartfelt and compassionate documentary humanizes the man behind the image, sharing stories from Pernell’s family and friends about his life and struggles, and serves as an anecdote to a bigger issue — the harsh reality of street life for many Indigenous people living in urban centres across so-called Canada.

Content Keywords: Internet culture, houselessness, addiction, systemic racism
Accessibility: ASL, Open Captions, Active listener, Live Captioning
Co-presenter: Shkaabe Makwa, imagineNATIVE
Previous screenings: Hot Docs, DOXA, imagineNATIVE

Director bio: Niitsitapi, amateur physicist, frybread-eating machine, Damien Eagle Bear is a multifaceted filmmaker from the Kainai First Nation of the Blackfoot Confederacy. His career began with the short experimental documentary Napi, which asks the question of what will happen when the Blackfoot trickster gets behind the camera. Damien has gone on to produce, direct and write short films, web series and documentaries that have played at film festivals across both Canada and the United States.  Damien continues to expand his horizons with work that explores the themes of belonging and Indigenous resiliency.

WITH SHORT FILM — The Fourth World Problems Collective

Directed by Kira Doxator | 2024 | Canada | Fiction | 7 minutes | English

On a cold Toronto night, a tight-knit collective of friends embark on an unusual mission—tapping maple trees in their neighborhood. A simple act becomes a reflection on belonging and tradition.

Director Bio: Kira Doxtator is an Anishinaabe, Oneida, and Dakota filmmaker exploring Indigiqueer identities, land relationships, and Indigenous futurisms through impactful storytelling and industry advocacy.