Blood Memory

Documentary | Drew Nicholas

Battles over blood quantum and ‘best interests’ resurface the untold history of America’s Indian Adoption Era – a time when nearly one-third of children were removed from tribal communities nationwide. As political scrutiny over Indian child welfare intensifies, an adoption survivor helps others find their way home through song and ceremony.

57 minutes

Distributor: America ReFramed

Release: November 17, 2020

Expiration: November 23, 2023

Rights: Unlimited releases over three (3) years beginning 11/17/2020;

SCH/1YR (for K‐12); and non‐commercial cable rights.

Drew Nicholas

Producer/Director
DREW NICHOLAS co-founded the film collective In Medias Res, for which he performs many tasks from concept to completion, including co-producing the 2012 micro-budget feature I’m A Stranger Here Myself . His films have been recognized by New Filmmakers: New York, New Hope Film Festival, Robert Morris Docufest, Red Nation Film Festival, and the Sprout Fund’s Innovative Community Film & Video Grant.

Megan Whitmer

Producer
MEGAN WHITMER specializes in strategic writing, media, and events management for community enterprises. She is currently producing the 2019 documentary feature Blood Memory. Megan’s work in non-profit development has included donor/member relations and outreach for four museums, national conference management, a fundraising gala, and a short promotional film.

Elizabeth Day

Producer
ELIZABETH DAY (Leech Lake Ojibwe) was born on the Leech Lake Reservation and raised in the Twin Cities. She blends her Native American heritage with her urban upbringing to create films that employ traditional Ojibwe-style storytelling while using contemporary filmmaking techniques. Her work often explores the tension between traditional teachings and the life of a modern, urban Indian. Elizabeth was an Associate Producer on the PBS Documentary "Black Gold Boom," and her short directorial work has been recognized by the Tribeca All Access Connects program, Minnesota State Artist Board, the National Museum of the American Indian, and the Bush Artist Fellowship.

Walt Pourier

Vice Chair

Walt is Oglala Lakota and created the logo for Urban Rez. He is Creative Director, owner of Nakota Designs Advertising Designs and Graphics. Executive Director of the Stronghold Society nonprofit dedicated to instilling hope and supporting youth movements through Live Life Call To Action Campaigns.

JORDANA BASS

Project Coordinator​

(Hataža Mani Winga)​

"Cinema Aficionado"

Role: Jordana is excited to engage with different Native/Indigenous communities. Her passion for working with youth will help develop the Native Youth Media Project. She will also assist with the Creative Shorts Fellowship (CSF) to help organize deliverables for filmmakers.