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With Indigenous Peoples’ Day coming up on Monday, we’re taking the opportunity to celebrate the Native voices and storytellers who have made their mark on entertainment. From groundbreaking TV shows and unforgettable movies to powerful books and eye-opening documentaries, check out these incredible stories worth discovering.
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Native Stories That Deserve the Spotlight
From inventive comedies to moving dramas, Indigenous filmmakers and performers are reshaping the entertainment landscape, one unforgettable story at a time.
Reservation Dogs
Streaming on Hulu
Four Indigenous teenagers in rural Oklahoma dream of escaping their hometown for California, but life has other plans. Created by Sterlin Harjo and Taika Waititi, this groundbreaking comedy blends irreverent humor, heartfelt drama, and surreal encounters rooted in Native spirituality and traditions.
Fancy Dance
Streaming on Apple TV
When her sister disappears, Jax (Lily Gladstone) takes her niece Roki (Isabel Deroy-Olson) on a road trip to the Grand Nation Powwow in Oklahoma City, desperate to keep what’s left of their family together. Directed by Seneca-Cayuga filmmaker Erica Tremblay, this drama is a moving story of love and survival.
Hotel Spotlight
Together with Inside Hotels
Download 📺: Shenandoah | Pack 📚: Tribute
Check In: The George Washington, a Wyndham Grand Hotel | Winchester, VA
Where bygone charm meets modern luxury, The George Washington stands as a beautifully restored Georgian Revival landmark in downtown Winchester. Elegant guest rooms feature rich furnishings, marble bathrooms, and plush bedding for an inviting stay. Enjoy cocktails and casual fare at George's Food & Spirits, rejuvenate in the indoor Roman-style pool or full-service spa, and explore the boutiques and historic streets just outside. See more.
Must-Read Books by Indigenous Authors
Some stories entertain, while others change how we see the world. These two acclaimed books from Indigenous authors manage to do both, each in its own unique way.
There There
by Tommy Orange
Twelve Native Americans from different walks of life travel to the Big Oakland Powwow, unaware of how their stories will collide. Tommy Orange's Pulitzer Prize finalist weaves their stories into a gripping, heartbreaking portrait of contemporary Indigenous life that will stay with you long after the final page.
Never Whistle at Night
Edited by Shane Hawk and Theodore C. Van Alst Jr.
Some say whistling at night can summon evil spirits. Consider yourself warned! This spine-tingling anthology brings together 26 Indigenous authors for a collection of chilling tales filled with supernatural encounters, dark secrets, and unexpected twists. It's a haunting celebration of Indigenous storytelling that's perfect for spooky season.
Hotel Spotlight
Together with Inside Hotels
Download 📺: Silicon Valley | Pack 📚: The Innovators
Check In: Park James Hotel | Menlo Park, CA
Set in the heart of downtown Menlo Park, Park James Hotel is a 60-room boutique retreat that blends Silicon Valley energy with warm leathers, natural textures, and equestrian-inspired design. Rooms feature Juliet balconies and elevated in-room comforts, while Oak + Violet Restaurant anchors the lively courtyard with farm-to-table cuisine, craft cocktails, and live music. Park James Hotel feels less like a hotel and more like a social hub. See more.
Beyond the History Books
Some of the most fascinating stories are the ones history hasn't told enough. These two documentaries spotlight Indigenous communities, their cultural contributions, and the importance of preserving their heritage.
Bring Them Home
Available to rent on Prime Video
After wild buffalo (iinnii) nearly vanished from their ancestral lands, members of the Blackfoot Confederacy embarked on a decades-long mission to bring them home. Narrated by Lily Gladstone, this inspiring documentary follows their efforts to restore the herds, re-enliven cultural traditions, and bring much-needed healing to their community.
Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked the World
Streaming free on Pluto TV
From rock 'n' roll to blues and jazz, Indigenous musicians helped shape the sound of American music. Featuring legends like Jimi Hendrix, Link Wray, and Robbie Robertson, this eye-opening documentary uncovers the often-overlooked Native trailblazers behind some of music's most influential sounds.
Hotel Spotlight
Together with Inside Hotels
Download 📺: Annapolis | Pack 📚: Chesapeake
Check In: Historic Inns of Annapolis | Annapolis, MD
Rooted in centuries of American history, Historic Inns of Annapolis is a distinguished collection of three meticulously restored 18th-century properties—each with its own story to tell. From antique-inspired décor and preserved architectural details to thoughtfully updated comforts, the rooms offer an authentic sense of place without sacrificing modern ease. Enjoy historic walking tours, sailing excursions on the Chesapeake Bay, immersive cultural experiences, and more. See more.