The Skoden Indigenous Film Festival returns for its seventh year!

Since its foundation in 2019, the Skoden Indigenous Flim Festival (SIFF) has had a mission to celebrate the work of Indigenous filmmakers and talent from across Turtle Island. The Festival will carry on that mission this year, returning for its 7th annual screening on the evening of Friday, April 11, 2025.

Held within the heart of xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh), and kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Kwantlen, q̓íc̓əy̓ (Katzie), Qayqayt, Semiahmoo and Tsawwassen Nations territories, and founded on the principles of truth and reconciliation, Skoden was created by two SFU Students (now alumni) Carr Sappier (Wolastoqew) and Grace Mathisen. According to Sappier, “Skoden represents a sense of happiness, inclusion and a space where all filmmakers can feel like they are part of something that holds them up in respect.”

As the festival evolved, it also became a course in the School for the Contemporary Arts allowing SFU students to learn hands-on how to program, curate, and promote a film festival. The course was co-instructed by Sappier and filmmaker/arts administrator Kathleen Mullen. The course isn’t running this year, but Sappier and Mullen have returned to curate the festival alongside former Skoden student and curator Akira Iahtail.

Iahtail had this to say about her return to the festival: "I began my journey in film curation back in 2021 with the Skoden Indigenous Film Festival. This year I am honoured to curate a program alongside my mentors, Carr Sappier and Kathleen Mullen, to create a space for Indigenous filmmakers to share their stories on their terms. Our selections celebrate the past, present, and future of Indigenous cinema, highlighting the power of kinship within our communities. I am excited for the audience to witness and create new connections to these stories."

Among the films selected to screen this year are My Friend the Green Horse[TPD1] , an animated short directed by Alanis Obomsawin about the the immensity of the gift of life and the power of kindness, and NiiMisSak: Sisters In Film [TPD2] a documentary from Jules Arita Koostachin that explores the vital role Indigenous women play in the film industry, and the challenges they face.

This year, the festival is also being presented in conjunction with SFU's First Nations, Métis & Inuit Student Association's 3rd Annual “Honouring Indigenous Students” Powwow[TPD3] , happening the following day on April 12, at SFU Burnaby. The powwow is held to celebrate the end of the school year and honour Indigenous students, past and present.

Raven Stierle, Co-Chair of the FNMISA powwow committee explains what this event means to her: “It’s put together entirely by students, because between classes and assignments, it’s our community that keeps us connected and grounded. This is our way of reciprocating that love and support - holding space for Indigenous joy, lifting each other up, and inviting our relatives and allies to join us in a day of celebration, ceremony, and community. My sister and I organized the first powwow in 2023. Now this is my final term at SFU, and it means so much to witness the ways this gathering continues to bring people together."

Grab your tickets and join us for an evening in celebration of Indigenous film and filmmakers!

Learn more about the Skoden Indigenous Film Festival and this year’s films.

Learn more about the FNMISA 3^rd Annual “Honouring Indigenous Students” Powwow.