By Monique
Before Native American Heritage Month ends, make a point to watch ABC Owned Television Stations’ production, Our America: Reclaiming Turtle Island, featuring Black Eyed Peas’ member Taboo, model/activist Quannah Rose Chasinghorse, and others.
The hour-long documentary special gives viewers a look at Native sovereignty, described as “the inherent authority of American tribes to govern themselves and honor and preserve their cultures and traditions.”
Here’s more about the special:
The program is told through the lens and imagery of National Geographic Explorer and photographer Kiliii Yüyan – the special is produced by Nzinga Blake, Race and Culture executive producer at ABC Owned Television Stations, and edited by Tracy Quezada. Featured in the documentary are Taboo, a cultural activist and Marvel comic creator, writer, and global music icon known for 1/3 of the pop group Black Eyed Peas; Quannah Rose Chasinghorse, a model and activist known for appearing on the 2020 Teen Vogue list of Top 21 under 21 and more; Jody Potts-Joseph, traditional tattoo practitioner and subject of the National Geographic series “Life Below Zero: First Alaskans”; historian and Native American artist G. Peter Jemison, whose art is featured in the documentary; and traditional corn grower Angela Ferguson.
“I’m honored to be a part of this endeavor,” said Taboo. “Of all of the things I’ve been able to do throughout my career, having the opportunity to use my voice and platform to heighten the conversation around Native American culture and sovereignty has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. I hope audiences will find it as inspirational and important as I do.”
The documentary aired Nov. 19-20 across eight ABC stions, including ABC7/WABC-TV New York, ABC7/KABC-TV Los Angeles, ABC7/WLS-TV Chicago, 6ABC/WPVI-TV Philadelphia, ABC7/KGO-TV San Francisco, ABC13/KTRK-TV Houston, ABC11/WTVD-TV Raleigh-Durham and ABC30/KFSN-TV Fresno. It can currently be seen on ABC’s 24/7 streaming platforms, 32 connected TV apps across streaming platforms Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV, Roku and available on Hulu November 25, Native American Heritage Day.
Chad Matthews, President of ABC Owned Television Stations, said that he hopes the special will continue to teach audiences about Native American culture.
“We hope that with this special event, we will continue the elevation of the Native American culture, and both educate and inspire current and future generations to come, including those audiences unfamiliar with the history and culture of Native indigenous communities,” he said.
Check out the trailer below:
Julian 