The Cinematheque

“[A] heartfelt and compassionate documentary.”

imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival 2025

Filmed on location in Lethbridge, Alberta, and the Blood Reserve on traditional Blackfoot Territory, Damien Eagle Bear shares the story of fellow Kainai First Nation member Pernell Bad Arm, the face of an infamous meme. His image was stolen and circulated in racist circles to mock and reinforce stereotypes of Indigenous people, but it was reclaimed by Indigenous people across Turtle Island by adding the now-iconic slang word ​“skoden,” meaning ​“let’s go, then.” Following the Blackfoot worldview of compassion and care, #skoden uncovers the true story of the photo of Bad Arm and reclaims his humanity and narrative by sharing stories from his friends and family about his life, offering an insider perspective on a national struggle for dignity and respect.

Emerging Canadian Filmmaker Award
Hot Docs 2025