Watch Gather

Gather is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary film that explores the traditional practices and cultural beliefs of Native American communities in different regions of the United States. The film, which was directed by Sanjay Rawal, was released in 2020 and features interviews with prominent members of several tribes, as well as stunning footage of cultural ceremonies and daily life in these communities. Kris Bergen, Chucky Carpenter, and Twila Cassadore all play prominent roles in the film.

The central theme of Gather is the role of food in Native American culture, and the way that traditional practices surrounding food and agriculture have been disrupted and displaced by modern industrialization. As the film explains, for Indigenous communities around the world, food is much more than nourishment. It's a deeply spiritual and cultural practice that connects people to their land, their ancestors, and their identity. The film argues that the loss of these practices has had a devastating impact on Native American communities, and examines the efforts of individuals and organizations to revive and preserve them.

The film focuses on three main stories, each of which highlights a different aspect of the challenges faced by Native American farmers and food producers. The first story follows Twila Cassadore, a San Carlos Apache activist and founder of the Safford, Arizona-based food advocacy group, the Global Seed Savers. Cassadore's efforts to preserve and propagate native Apache crops and seeds emphasize the importance of cultural heritage, and the way that food connects people to their ancestors and the land.

The second story focuses on the Yurok Tribe in Northern California, and their efforts to restore the Klamath River ecosystem and revitalize their traditional salmon fishing practices. The film highlights the way in which the construction of dams and water diversion projects have devastated native fish populations, and how this has impacted the Yurok's traditionally sustainable fishing practices. The Yurok Tribe's efforts to restore the river are an inspiring example of how Indigenous communities are reclaiming their relationships with the natural world.

The third and final story features an overview of the ongoing efforts of Native American communities to reclaim food sovereignty and improve access to healthy and culturally appropriate food. The film shows the way in which Indigenous people are resisting the domination of industrial agriculture and corporate food systems, and are rebuilding traditional food systems that nourish both people and the land.

Throughout the film, Gather emphasizes the need for a new approach to the food system, one that prioritizes community-based, sustainable, and culturally appropriate food production. The film argues that the legacy of colonialism and industrialization has created a food system that is harmful to the health of people and the planet, and that Indigenous food systems can offer alternatives that are both healthier and more sustainable.

Gather is a powerful and inspiring film that is sure to leave viewers with a deep appreciation for the resilience and strength of Native American communities. It offers a window into a world that is seldom seen by outsiders, and highlights the importance of traditional practices and cultural heritage in the face of ongoing marginalization and erasure. Ultimately, the film is a call to action, urging viewers to support Indigenous-led efforts to reclaim food sovereignty and create a more just and sustainable future for all.

Gather is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 14 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9.