We are the Warriors 2023
Distributed by Documentary Educational Resources, 108 Water Street, 5A, Watertown, MA 02472; 617-926-0491
Produced by David Camlin, Joanna Weaver, and Megan Grumbling
Directed by David Camlin and Megan Grumbling
Streaming, 72 mins
High School - General Adult
Native Americans; Race Relations; Social Problems
Date Entered: 08/21/2024
Reviewed by Russell A. Hall, Reference and Instruction Librarian, Penn State ErieWe are the Warriors examines the roots and resolution of a high school mascot dispute in Wells, Maine. Wells High School used a stereotypical Native American warrior image as their logo and mascot since the 1940s. Controversy emerged after a football game at Wells. The mother of one of the opposing players, a Native American, was concerned with the behaviors of the fans at this game and felt that this stemmed from cultural misappropriation based on the mascot. The face paint, drums, and use of eagle feathers by the fans were all disrespectful because these are culturally important to the Indigenous peoples of Maine. The school district formed a Mascot Advisory Committee and engaged with the various tribes of Maine to determine if they should change their logo, and in doing so, alter the self-identity of the school and town.
We are the Warriors expertly relates the historical relationships between European settlers and the Native American tribes who lived in what is now Maine and how this related to the situation in Wells. Masterfully executed interviews as well as footage from the school and town show the viewer how implicit racism can blind people to their own prejudices. Far from honoring the Native Americans of Maine, the school mascot was a continual reminder of the “otherness” of the Indigenous peoples, even on their ancestral land. The film also demonstrates that people and communities can make positive changes but that it takes substantial effort to do so.
We are the Warriors is highly recommended. Many types of courses would benefit by adding this film to the curriculum. Some examples include classes looking at: contemporary Native American issues, the history of Native Americans in New England, the impact of stereotypes, implicit bias, racism, and group identity.
Awards:Tourmaline Prize Best Feature, Maine International Film Festival 2023; Best Feature New England, Massachusetts Independent Film Festival 2024; Jury Prize Best Documentary, Bates Film Festival 2024
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