Watch Metal Road

Metal Road is a 2017 documentary film that follows the lives of four Native American bikers as they travel 3,000 miles on the back of their motorcycles to honor their ancestors and participate in the annual Navajo Nation Fair in Arizona. The film begins with a glimpse of the diverse landscape of the American West, as the protagonists set out on their journey from various parts of the country. Kenneth Barney and Jerry Curley from New Mexico, Marshall Ben from Utah, and Burt Carter from Oregon, are all members of the Iron Indian Riders Motorcycle Club, a Native American biker association that celebrates the culture and traditions of their tribe through community service and group rides.

As the riders cross states and reservations, they share their personal stories of struggle and triumph. We witness their daily routines, from packing up their gear and checking their motorcycles for safety, to preparing meals and setting up camp. Along the way, we also meet other members of the Native American community, who gather to support the riders and share their traditions.

One of the most poignant scenes in the film depicts the riders participating in a healing ceremony for a fellow Native American who struggles with addiction. The ceremony involves smudging, or burning sage, to cleanse the participant of negative energy, and the riders offer prayers and support to help their friend overcome his struggles.

Throughout the film, we also learn about the history of the Navajo Nation, the largest Native American reservation in the United States, which spans over 27,000 square miles in Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. The Navajo people have a long and complex relationship with the United States government, including the forced relocation of thousands of Navajo people to internment camps during World War II, known as the Long Walk.

As the riders approach the Navajo Nation Fair, they are met with a large crowd of spectators who cheer them on as they ride into the arena. The riders participate in traditional Navajo games and dances, including the blanket toss and the Navajo shoe game. They also pay tribute to the Navajo Code Talkers, a group of Navajo soldiers who used their language to transmit secret military codes during World War II.

The film ends with a celebration of the riders' achievements, both in completing their journey and in honor their tribe's traditions. The riders reflect on the importance of their journey in bringing together their community and paying tribute to their ancestors, and the viewer is left with a deep sense of admiration and respect for these resilient and determined individuals.

Overall, Metal Road is a powerful and moving documentary that captures the spirit of the Native American biker community and the unique challenges they face in preserving their culture and traditions. The film is a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit, and a reminder of the importance of connection and community in times of struggle.