Authenticity is the first thing I think about when Damien Eagle Bear’s name comes up. The second is that he’s Kainai, part of the Blackfoot Confederacy, and deeply connected to his community and culture. He’s one of those filmmakers who genuinely cares about the communities and stories he’s working with, and that comes through in every project he makes.
One of the things I admire most about Damien is the wealth of stories and ideas he carries. That wealth is reflected in an impressive body of work across documentary, narrative, and experimental filmmaking. Whether he’s exploring humour, resilience, identity, or community, his films always feel grounded in lived experience.
If you ever have the privilege of having a conversation with Damien, you’ll quickly understand that he is constantly creating, learning, and pushing the envelope. He’s generous with his time and knowledge, always willing to share when the right question is asked. From my perspective (a Nisga’a man), I see him as an Elder in training, and I look forward to the day I hand him tobacco and ask him an important cultural question.
Cinema is stronger because people like Damien are out there making films.
-Written by Dustin McGladrey – Writer, Director, Editor
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Which ’hood are you in?
At this very moment, in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, my homelands. But I’m a bit everywhere these days.
What do you do?
Generally, I point a camera at things or people and ask them questions, or I’m sitting at a desk responding to emails or writing. I’ve also spent a good amount of time this last year travelling for my film #skoden.
What are you currently working on?
I have a few things in process; one is a secret and will be announced soonish, and explains why I’m in the foothills right now. But I’m also working on a documentary about my late grandfather. It’s a personal film that’s been stewing for a few years, and I expect it’ll take a few more to complete. I also have another documentary in development about an Indigenous memer that I met while I was in development for #skoden, and it looks at her journey to becoming a notable memer.
Where can we find your work?
My first feature documentary #skoden is available through TELUS Optik TV and TELUS TV+.
It tells the story behind a notorious image that circulated in the early days of social media. It’s of an Indigenous man with raised fist, ready to strike. Initially, the photo was shared to mock and reinforce stereotypes of Indigenous peoples, but one word added to the image would change it forever. skoden – an Indigenous shortening of “let’s go then” – ignited an instant Indigenous pop culture icon that spread like wildfire. But underneath the viral fame was a kind and generous Blackfoot man from Kainai, Pernell Bad Arm. This documentary seeks to reclaim Pernell’s humanity, offering a deeper, more complex portrait of the man behind the meme. This is his story.
You can also follow the film @skoden.film or my work @eaglebearfilms on both Facebook and Instagram.
