Celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Movie Night & Panel Discussion at Columbia University
- Alexandria Cruz
- Oct 19, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
A Community Film Screening of "Even the Rain" (También la lluvia)
This Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the Borikua Taino Foundation partnered with Columbia University’s Native American Council & Student Association (NAC) for a 2nd special movie night and panel discussion at Columbia University. The event brought together students, community members, and advocates to celebrate Indigenous voices and explore the complexities of colonialism, cultural preservation, and Indigenous sovereignty.
The evening featured a screening of Even the Rain (También la lluvia), a gripping 2010 Spanish film directed by Icíar Bollaín and starring Gael García Bernal and Luis Tosar. The film weaves two narratives: a modern protest against water privatization in Bolivia and a retelling of Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the Americas. The film poignantly examines colonialism's enduring impact, with a focus on Indigenous resistance and survival. It also highlights the story of Taíno leader Cacique Hatuey, who famously led one of the first revolts against Spanish colonization.
After the film, a powerful panel discussion featured Borikua Taino Foundation members Brooke Rodriguez and me (Alexandria Cruz), alongside Alegna Malave, founder and president of Murciélago Beach Defenders. The panel explored the struggles faced in Borikén and their parallels with the characters in the film, sparking an engaging dialogue on shared histories of resistance and the continued fight for Indigenous sovereignty. Special care was taken to highlight the work of frontline defenders in Boriken today, mirroring the struggles of residents fighting against the privatization of their natural resources and sacred sites. It is the shared vision of Borikua-managed land care that brought our two organizations together, and we are proud to have her and her team as members of our community.
This event was made possible thanks to funding from the Urban Indian Health Institute (UIHI). A special thank you to the students at Columbia University for welcoming us and helping create a space for meaningful dialogue and learning. We are also grateful to folks who purchased sponsorship tickets to support our work, and we had a wonderful time getting to know you at the wrap dinner.
The Columbia University Native American Council & Student Association is a student-led organization committed to fostering a sense of community and representation for Native American, Alaska Native, and Indigenous students. They host events, discussions, and cultural programs that promote understanding, advocacy, and education on Indigenous issues, both on campus and beyond.
The Urban Indian Health Institute (UIHI) is a national Tribal Epidemiology Center focused on improving the health of urban Native communities. Through data collection, research, and advocacy, UIHI addresses health disparities and promotes the well-being of Native people in urban settings. They support initiatives that amplify Indigenous voices and foster cultural preservation.
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